Belgium Overview Nations // North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)

OVERVIEW The kingdom of Belgium gained independence from the Netherlands in 1830. The country is split linguistically between those in the Dutch-speaking north (Flemings) and the French-speaking (Walloons) south. The regions are also split culturally, socially and economically. Tensions between the Flemings and Walloons have led to attempts to amend the constitution to grant more autonomy to the respective regions. (There is also a German-speaking minority in Wallonia.) The split...