Living in Belgium

Belgium lies in Western Europe between the North Sea, France, Luxembourg, Germany and the Netherlands and has around 11.4 million inhabitants. The country stretches from the flat coast and densely populated plains of Flanders to the hilly Ardennes in the south. The climate is temperate and changeable; at the coast, the sea has a moderating effect, while the Ardennes have cooler winters and more precipitation. Many people live in cities or suburbs and commute by car, train, tram or bicycle. In Brussels, international jobs and several languages shape everyday life, while Flanders and Wallonia have distinct linguistic and regional cultures. Leisure activities take place in cafés, clubs, at markets, in sports or in nature.