📖 About Brussels

Brussels, the capital of Belgium and the de facto capital of the European Union, is a truly global city where international diplomacy meets rich cultural heritage. With a metropolitan population of 2.14 million, Brussels serves simultaneously as the administrative, commercial, and financial heart of Belgium, while functioning as one of the world's most important centers for international governance. The city's unique bilingual character—officially using both French (Bruxelles) and Dutch (Brussel)—reflects Belgium's linguistic diversity and adds to its cosmopolitan appeal.

The city's story began in 979 CE when Duke Charles of Lower Lorraine built a fortification on Saint-Géry Island in what was then marshland along the river Senne. The name "Brussels" derives from the Old Dutch "Bruocsella," meaning "settlement in the marshes." From these humble beginnings, Brussels grew into a rich center of art and culture during the medieval period, particularly flourishing under Burgundian rule. Throughout its history, the city has been ruled by Spanish, Austrian, French, and Dutch powers before Belgium gained independence in 1830, with Brussels designated as the new nation's capital.

Today, Brussels stands as the headquarters of the European Union and NATO, hosting hundreds of international institutions, associations, and multinational corporations. Known as the "Capital of Europe," the city has the highest GDP per capita of any EU region at approximately $80,000, contributing one-fifth of Belgium's total GDP. Brussels has been a distinguished center for the arts, from its late medieval flowering to the Art Nouveau movement led by Victor Horta and Henry van de Velde, to the Surrealist paintings of René Magritte and Paul Delvaux. In 2000, Brussels was named European Capital of Culture, cementing its status as one of Europe's most culturally vibrant cities.

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💼 Economy & Culture

Brussels boasts one of the strongest economies in Europe, with the highest GDP per capita of any NUTS 1 region in the EU at approximately $80,000 in 2016. The city contributes one-fifth of Belgium's total GDP and provides over 550,000 jobs, accounting for 17.7% of Belgium's employment. Brussels' economy is overwhelmingly service-oriented, with more than 80% of jobs in this sector. As the headquarters of the European Union and NATO, the city hosts hundreds of international organizations, multinational corporations, and diplomatic missions, making it one of the world's premier centers for international business and governance.

While manufacturing now represents only 5% of employment (around 38,000 jobs), Brussels remains active in specialized industries including electronics, chemicals, telecommunications, aircraft construction, and the food industry. The city's role as the EU capital attracts thousands of lobbyists, consultants, and European civil servants, creating a unique ecosystem of international professionals. This cosmopolitan character is reflected in Brussels' population, with people from over 180 nationalities calling the city home, making it one of the world's most internationally diverse cities.

Culturally, Brussels has long been a center of artistic innovation and excellence. The city experienced two outstanding cultural periods: the late medieval flowering under the Burgundians and the late 19th to early 20th century when Art Nouveau flourished and Surrealism was born. Brussels was the birthplace of the Art Nouveau movement, with architects like Victor Horta and Henry van de Velde creating architectural masterpieces that still define the city's character. The Surrealist movement found a home here with painters René Magritte and Paul Delvaux. Belgium's comic strip culture, producing iconic characters like Tintin, The Smurfs, and Lucky Luke, has its heart in Brussels. The city was named European Capital of Culture in 2000, recognizing its extraordinary contribution to European arts and culture.

📜 History

Brussels' history began in 979 CE when Duke Charles of Lower Lorraine constructed a fortification on Saint-Géry Island in the marshlands along the river Senne—the city's name derives from the Old Dutch "Bruocsella," meaning "settlement in the marshes." From this modest beginning, Brussels grew steadily through the Middle Ages, becoming particularly prosperous under Burgundian rule when it developed into a major center of commerce, art, and culture. The city became the seat of central administrative bodies for the ducal possessions in the Low Countries, establishing its role as a political and cultural capital.

Throughout the following centuries, Brussels passed through the hands of various European powers—Spanish, Austrian, French, and Dutch—each leaving their mark on the city's architecture, culture, and character. The turning point came in 1830 when Belgium won its independence through revolution, and Brussels was designated as the capital of the new kingdom. This status brought rapid development and modernization, transforming Brussels into a major European capital. The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw Brussels flourish culturally and economically, becoming a center for the Art Nouveau movement and industrial innovation. Following World War II, Brussels emerged as a major center for international politics, chosen as the headquarters for what would become the European Union and for NATO. This transformation into the "Capital of Europe" has defined Brussels' contemporary identity as one of the world's most important cities for international diplomacy, governance, and multinational cooperation.