Belgium officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a federal state in Western Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts the EU's headquarters, and those of several other major international organisations such as NATO.
Belgium consists of the main cultural communities of the French-speakers of Brussels and Wallonia, as well as the Flemish, and play a significant role in Western European culture. Belgian culture also includes such ethnic minorities as the Jewish community, which has greatly influenced Flemish culture, in particular Antwerp for over 500 years.
When it comes to beer, Belgium is king. In Belgium, a glass of beer can easily be thought of as part of the meal, and beers across a dizzying spectrum of hues are popular here. Drinking beer and spirits first developed in Europe as practices which promoted good health. Belgian brewing practices are second to none, and brewers produce beers that carry strong fruit overtones, are strong in alcohol content, and are a terrific swill from the first aroma to the aftertaste.