Brussels-Capital Region

Brussels is the capital of Belgium and the Brussels-Capital Region, a bilingual area of 19 municipalities in central Belgium. It grew from a small settlement on the river Senne into a major European city-region. The region is an enclave within Flanders, less than four kilometres from Wallonia. Brussels hosts the administrative and legislative branches of the European Union and the secretariat of the Benelux. NATO’s headquarters and the Euronext Brussels stock exchange are also located here. Brussels has the highest GDP per capita in Belgium but the lowest household income. Its metropolitan area covers over two and a half million people, making it the largest in the country. The city is a global hub for rail, road and air traffic, with the busiest airport and railway stations in Belgium. The Brussels Metro is the only rapid transit system in the country. Historically Dutch-speaking, Brussels became predominantly French-speaking from the late 19th century. Brussels is known for its historic Grand-Place, the comic-strip art scattered across the city and landmarks like Manneken Pis and the Atomium. The region’s cuisine includes waffles, chocolate and French fries, alongside numerous beers. Cultural institutions such as La Monnaie and the Museums of Art and History reflect its long artistic tradition. The city’s bilingual governance and growing multilingualism shape its daily life.