Brussels: Quick Facts

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The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

Nov. 12, 2026

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Photos and Videos

People browse colorful flowers and potted plants for sale in the Grand Place, Brussels, with ornate historic buildings in the background.

Map highlighting Belgium in northwestern Europe, shaded in orange, with surrounding countries labeled, including France, Germany, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and the United Kingdom across the North Sea. The capital city, Brussels, is marked with a star symbol.

Flag of the European Union

Jerzy Buzek, Miloš Zeman, Javier Solana, and Viktor Orbán at a ceremony marking the accession of the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland to NATO

Thematic map of Belgium showing ethnic and linguistic regions, with the northern part shaded for Flemings (Dutch-speaking), the southern part for Walloons (French-speaking), a small eastern area for German speakers, and Brussels marked as a bilingual area. Major cities, provincial boundaries, and protected minority areas are also indicated.

Vintage map of Brussels and its surrounding area from around 1900, showing the city center in bold text and neighboring towns such as Schaerbeek, Ixelles, and Laeken, with roads and railways radiating outward. The map uses red and black lines to mark routes and boundaries, and labels major districts and landmarks in and around Brussels.

Brussels: Grand' Place

Horta, Victor, Baron: Hôtel Tassel

Brussels: Atomium

A line of German Uhlan cavalry troops rides through the triumphal arch at Parc du Cinquantenaire in Brussels, Belgium, as civilians watch, during World War I.

Tour Belgium's capital to observe its bustling commerce center, the EU's headquarters, and the Groote Markt

Visit the European Commission's canteen and watch chef Cosar monitor the variety of menus

How did the Dutch Republic come to be?

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