Belgium at a Glance

by Miles O'Neal, Jetlag, Ltd.

I don't live in Belgium. But I work for a company with headquarters there. I spent several days in Leuven, and one day in Liege, and pestered the Belgians relentlessly about their lifestyle, economy, and chocolate.

Belgium at a Glance

Capital:               Liege (according to those who live there)
Size:                  larger than the average poodle
World Cup Team:        Walloons
Lingua Francas:        Dutch, English, Flemish, French, German, etc.
Prime Minister:        Stella Artois
Major Industries:      food, politics
Exports:               beer, chocolate, brussels sprouts
Imports:               dollars, wildlife
National Emblem:       Lady Godiva

Belgium:

acts as a buffer zone between superpowers such as Luxembourg and Finland.
closes at 6PM sharp every day except for restaurants and pubs, which are open all night.
is known as the Land of Leftovers - from food (brussels sprouts) to money (the franc).
still has a monarchy, but unlike the UK, has enough sense to keep it out of the news.
is reckoned as a superpower among breweries.
clandestinely ships Real Food (tm) to the UK, thereby keeping that nation alive, single-handedly.
also ships brussels sprouts to the UK, just to keep them in their place.
is like a smaller France, only friendly.

Last updated: 08 November 1997

Miles O'Neal <meo@XYZZY.rru.com> [remove the "XYZZY." to make things work!] c/o RNN / 1705 Oak Forest Dr / Round Rock, TX / 78681-1514