Introduction
Brussels is the capital of the Kingdom of Belgium, in Western Europe. It is also the country's main center of trade and finance. Brussels is located in the center of Belgium. It lies in the fertile valley of the small Senne River.
The greater urban area of Brussels is the largest in Belgium. It makes up the Brussels-Capital Region, one of the country's three largely self-governing units. Brussels is also an international economic and political center. It is the headquarters of two major European organizations—the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
Places of interest
Brussels is a city of broad avenues, handsome parks and squares, and prominent buildings. The Coudenberg Palace and various churches and cathedrals point to a rich architectural heritage. The historic Old Town forms the center of the modern city. At its heart is the Grand Place, a square that began as a medieval marketplace. The largest and one of the most beautiful of the square's buildings is the 15th-century Town Hall. On top of its tower stands a statue of the city's patron saint, Michael. Opposite the hall is the King's House, which is now a historical museum.
The more modern part of Brussels stretches east of the Grand Place. The notable government structures include the Royal Palace and the Palace of Justice. The Belgian Parliament meets in the Palace of the Nation.
An artistic and tourist center, Brussels offers a wide variety of cultural activities. The Museum of Ancient Arts displays one of the world's great collections of Flemish and Dutch art. The city's many other cultural centers include the Palace of Fine Arts, the Museum of Modern Art, and the Albert I Royal Library.
Economy
Brussels is located in the heart of Europe's most heavily populated and industrially productive area. It is the commercial and financial center of Belgium. The Brussels stock exchange is important internationally. The government is the single largest employer.
The city has long been famous for its lace and other luxury fabrics, carpets, curtains, furniture, art products, and books. Industry has grown considerably since World War II (1939–45). The leading industries include food processing and the manufacture of textiles, machinery, electrical products, and chemicals.
History
Brussels was settled in the 6th century. It developed around a well-defended castle on a small island in the Senne River. During the 12th, 13th, and 14th centuries, Brussels became one of the major towns controlled by the dukes of Brabant. In the 15th century the French dukes of Burgundy gained possession of the Brabant territory. They made Brussels one of the leading cities of the Low Countries. The Low Countries consisted of the present-day countries of Belgium, The Netherlands, and Luxembourg.
Belgium came under the control of the Spanish and Austrian empires for some 200 years. The country was taken over by France in 1795 and by The Netherlands in 1815. Brussels then shared the status of capital with The Hague. Brussels was the main site of a revolt in 1830 against the Dutch. As a result of the revolt Belgium became an independent kingdom, with Brussels as capital.
The city was occupied by the German army in 1914–18, during World War I, and in 1940–44, during World War II. In 1989 the greater Brussels area became a mostly self-governing region. Population (1999 estimate), Brussels-Capital Region, 954,460.
