Belgium, Brussels

Brussels, the capital of Belgium and of the European Union, is the second international city in the world, as measured by the number of headquarters of international organizations. Today the name Brussels stands for an agglomeration of 19 communes forming one of the three Regions of the federal Belgian state; the capital of the Kingdom of Belgium; the headquarters of the French and Flemish Communities. The regions enjoy powers and responsibilities in many areas, including the economy, employment, energy and scientific research.

History

Officially, Brussels was founded in the year 979. But legends and non-confirmed stories let us suppose that the origin of the city has to be situated at the end of the 6th century.

The name of the city is probably derived from Broekzelle, a Dutch word meaning "village of the marsh." The town developed from Gallic-Roman settlements in the marshes of the Senne Valley before the 7th century AD. By the 12th century, commerce and handicrafts were flourishing.

During the ages, Brussels becomes more and more important. In the 13th century a revolution takes place. The Guilds start fighting against the mighty and rich group of Citizens.

The city was made the capital of the Netherlands in 1530. In 1585 the city was captured by a Spanish army under the Italian general Alessandro Farnese and returned to Habsburg sovereignty.

In 1695 Brussels is attacked by the French king Louis XIV. The result is disastrous: more than 4000 houses and the Grand Place were completely destroyed. In the beginning of the 18th century the Austrian emperors take over Brussels. The citizens of Brussels revolt once more, but they have to surrender.

At the end of the 19th century, Brussels was one of the liveliest cities in Europe, known for its splendid cafés and graceful Art Nouveau architecture.

During World War I the Germans held Brussels from August 1914 to November 1918. In World War II the city was again held by the Germans, from May 1940 to September 1944. Still, the city made a comeback little more than a decade later, its reemergence on the international scene heralded by the World's Fair and the Universal Exposition of 1958. It became the European Economic Community's headquarters that same year, a precursor to its hosting of the EU's administrative and political arms.

Now, diversity is the capital's greatest strength; one-third of the city's million-strong population is non-Belgians, and you're as likely to hear Arabic or Swedish spoken on the streets as French or Flemish.

Geography & Demographics

The city is located on the Senne River, and boasts tree-shaded boulevards, splendid parks, imposing monuments, and beautiful buildings. Centrally situated in northern Europe, Brussels is internationally important as the headquarters of the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

Its location at the heart of the European rail network means that Brussels is just 1 hour 20 minutes from Paris and 1 hour 51 minutes from London by train.

Brussels has a population of approximately 1 million and covers 162 km 2 . As the heart of the European Union (EU), and with an estimated 25 per cent of its one million inhabitants coming from outside Belgium, Brussels is a truly international city.

Economy

As home to headquarters of all the main EU institutions, Brussels has become a key decision-making centre and a hotbed of economic activity. Some 13,000 lobbyists are active in the city, ranking it second only behind Washington DC in terms of sheer numbers of interest groups and NGOs.

Brussels has managed to retain a highly competitive real estate market and it is certainly no coincidence that so many multinational companies have already chosen to set up their respective European headquarters in the city.

Culture

Brussels' vibrant, cosmopolitan atmosphere and multicultural beat make it much more than simply the administrative hub of Europe. The city of Brussels is one of the most cosmopolitan in Europe and lies at the crossroads between the Germanic, Latin and Anglo-Saxon cultures.

The city offers a rich mosaic of historical influences, including Burgundian, Spanish, French, Austrian, and Dutch, as well as the creativity of its own citizens. Brussels is characterised by a rich mixture of architectural styles from Roman through Gothic to Art Nouveau.

Brussels is also a city of museums. There are over 75 museums in and around the city with subjects ranging from one of Belgians most famous artists, Magritte, to the history and technique of cartoons.

Sports

The inhabitants of Brussels love sports, and there are many traditional and modern recreational pursuits on offer. The sporting facilities here are usually of a very high standard, with several being world-class. Leisure activities are also very popular, with shopping being the favourite of many.

Belgians have a fascination with motor sports, and one incarnation of this can be seen in the popularity of go-karting, a miniaturised version of F1 racing.

In winter, many of Brussels’ squares are transformed into temporary ice skating rinks that are fabulous places to enjoy skating, both during the day and in the evening.

Transportation

Brussels has excellent facilities for transport both within the city and to the rest of the world. Extremely efficient Metro, tram and bus networks criss cross the city and four main train stations provide access to the suburbs.

Brussels Airport, operated by Brussels Airport Company, is situated 12km (8 miles) northeast of Brussels, offering flights to over 180 destinations worldwide. Zaventem airport (BRU) is 15 km (9 mi) northeast of the city center. The large international airport is easy to navigate, with signs in English as well as French and Dutch.

Brussels has 3 metro lines, many buses and several tram lines, most run by STIB-MIVB except the buses, they are also run by De lijnand Le Tec.