BELGIUM

History

• Belgium declared its independence from the Netherlands.
   
• It was recognized in 1831 as a separate nation. For several years the Greeks had been fighting for their independence from the Ottoman Empire, and in 1832 the European powers recognized Greece as an independent sovereign state.
   
• The history of Belgium unfolds as a narrative of cultural diversity, geopolitical shifts, and resilient nation-building. Nestled in the heart of Western Europe, Belgium's roots trace back to Celtic and Roman settlements. Over the centuries, the region witnessed the ebb and flow of various powers, including the Burgundians, Spanish Habsburgs, and the Austrian Habsburgs. The 19th-century saw Belgium emerge as an independent and neutral state, separating from the Kingdom of the Netherlands in 1830 after the Belgian Revolution.
   
• The Treaty of London 1839 recognized Belgium's sovereignty and solidified its borders. Despite being a battleground during both World Wars, Belgium has risen as a beacon of European unity, hosting the headquarters of the European Union and NATO. Today, the country stands as a testament to the coexistence of French and Dutch-speaking communities, fostering a unique national identity that embraces its historical tapestry and modern accomplishments.