Travel Guide Belgium - Country Information

Coordinates: 50 50 N, 4 00 E
Population: 10,379,067 (July 2006 est.)
Religions: Roman Catholic 75%, Protestant or other 25%
Languages: Dutch (official) 60%, French (official) 40%, German (official) less than 1%, legally bilingual (Dutch and French)
Climate: temperate; mild winters, cool summers; rainy, humid, cloudy
Elevation: lowest point: North Sea 0 m / highest point: Signal de Botrange 694 m
Hazards: flooding is a threat along rivers and in areas of reclaimed coastal land, protected from the sea by concrete dikes
Background Belgium: Belgium became independent from the Netherlands in 1830; it was occupied by Germany during World Wars I and II. The country prospered in the past half century as a modern, technologically advanced European state and member of NATO and the EU. Tensions between the Dutch-speaking Flemings of the north and the French-speaking Walloons of the south have led in recent years to constitutional amendments granting these regions formal recognition and autonomy.

Summary of recommendations:In general, no special immunizations or medications are necessary for travel to Belgium