Background 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.
SOURCES: All CIA World Factbooks 18 December 2003 to 18 December 2008; New Zealand Birds; Wikipedia: National coloursALTERNATIVE NAMES:
Belgium, Kingdom of Belgium, Royaume de Belgique/Koninkrijk Belgie, Belgique/Belgie
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