Country Names:
Name of country: Kingdom of Belgium Capital: Brussels Chief of state: King PHILIPPE Head of government: Prime Minister Charles MICHEL |
Government details:
Date of independence: 4 October 1830 Type of government: federal parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy Executive details: The cabinet is elected by the monarch, the monarchy is hereditary and constitutional Judicial details: Highest court is the Constitutional Court or Grondwettelijk Hof with 12 judges (6 dutch speaking, 6 french speaking). Legislative details: Consists of the Senate (50 directly elected), and chamber of representatives (150 members directly elected). Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal and compulsory |
International interactions:
US Ambassador: Ambassador Dirk Jozef M. WOUTERS Location of embassy: 27 Boulevard du Regent [Regentlaan], B-1000 Brussels Location of US consulates: Brussels Representative in the UN: Andre Adam National symbols: lion; national colors: red, black, yellow |
International disputes and refugees:
Description of disputes: None currently Internationally displaced persons: N/A Stateless persons: 5,776 Human trafficking: N/A Drug trafficking and use: growing producer of synthetic drugs and cannabis; transit point for US-bound ecstasy; source of precursor chemicals for South American cocaine processors; transshipment point for cocaine, heroin, hashish, and marijuana entering Western Europe; despite a strengthening of legislation, the country remains vulnerable to money laundering related to narcotics, automobiles, alcohol, and tobacco; significant domestic consumption of ecstasy |
Flag Meaning: Designed to signify Belgium's recognition as an independent country. Black, gold and red are symbolic of the country's coat of arms; black representing the shield; gold representing the lion, and red representing the lion's claws and tongue.
National Anthem: "La Brabanconne" (The Song of Brabant)