There are masterpieces in galleries and museums like the Royal Museums of Fine Arts or the Centre Belge de la Bande Dessinée, which houses creations from Belgium’s most lauded comic strip and cartoon artists. It animates Binche city and its surroundings during a few weeks before Mardi Gras. Belgium's cultural agenda is filled with events. It's quite usual for shops to close at lunch, especially small shops in small towns. Expat.com utilises cookies so as to provide you with the best experience possible. the essential services certain subjects such as history or geography are taught in a second language. Every major city has at least one general public hospital. Oops! With over 370 people per km², the whole country has a very high population density. Private schools without state funding obviously have much higher tuition fees.
The paintings of the Flemish masters are on display in museums and cathedrals across the country; Belgium’s contribution to Art Nouveau is clearly evident in the Brussels cityscape, and folk culture is kept alive in a variety of indoor and outdoor museums. War monuments at Waterloo, Ypres, and Bastogne, among others, attract visitors and history buffs to Belgium from around the world. For daily recreation, most of the major cities have accessible parks. If you like sweet things, you'll love the Liege waffle. There is a big offering of international schools. The country is known for moules frites (mussels served with french fries) as well as waffles, a popular snack item. Rain, humidity, and clouds are featured rather prominently in the daily weather forecast. Let us help you! In addition, there are a few national ones. The education system is decentralized, making the enrollment process diverse and competitive.
In the 2016 Environmental Performance Index, the country was ranked 41st, which puts it between Cyprus and Costa Rica and far behind other European countries. For this reason many Belgians perceive themselves above all as Europeans and feel very close to the European culture. Night-life is at the heart of Belgium's lifestyle. Terms and conditions If you do not speak the local language very well, try contacting the local embassy or consulate of your country for a list of doctors who speak your native tongue. Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. There are no extreme weather conditions: Belgium enjoys a temperate climate with mild winters and cool summers. Some doctors divide their time between a hospital and their private practice. According to legend, the relic at the centre of the ceremony was brought back to Brugge by Thierry, the crusading count of Flanders, in the 12th century. There is generally no shortage of accommodation for rent in Belgium and properties become available all year round.