Facts about Belgium Independence Day

The name 'Belgium' dates back to the Romans. They called the province in the north of Gaul, 'Gallia Belgica' after its previous inhabitants, the Belgae, who were a mixture of Celtic and German tribes. Belgium Independence Day Facts

The word 'spa' for a health resort comes from the town of Spa in Belgium where the ancient Romans enjoyed the health-giving springs. Belgium Independence Day Facts

The saxophone was invented in the early 1840's by Adolphe Sax in Dinant. Belgium Independence Day Facts

After nobody could form a working majority, Belgium functioned without a government for 589 days between June 2010 and December 2011. Belgium Independence Day Facts

The world's biggest chocolate selling point is Brussels International Airport. Belgium Independence Day Facts

Belgium produces 220,000 tons of chocolate a year. That is about 22kg of chocolate per person. Belgium Independence Day Facts

Europe's first casino was La Redoute, which opened in 1762 in Belgium. Belgium Independence Day Facts

80% of all billiard balls come from Belgium. Belgium Independence Day Facts

Belgium has three official languages: Dutch, French and German. Belgium Independence Day Facts

In March 2003, Belgium was the first country to introduce electronic ID cards. Belgium Independence Day Facts

The comic strips The Smurfs and The Adventures of Tintin, both came from Belgium. Belgium Independence Day Facts

Belgium has over 1,000 different beers from 150 breweries. Belgium Independence Day Facts

Audrey Hepburn was Belgian. Belgium Independence Day Facts

Belgium has the highest divorce rate in Western Europe and the third highest in all of Europe. 58% of Belgian marriages end in divorce. Belgium Independence Day Facts

Belgium served beer in schools until the 1970s. Belgium Independence Day Facts

The longest tram line is in Belgium. This 42-mile-long tram operates from the French border to the Dutch border. Belgium Independence Day Facts