Belgium
From CruisersWiki
Belgium Cruising Guide
An online cruising guide for sailing the coast of Belgium.
| Belgium | |
 Belgium. | |
 Flag of Belgium. | |
| Capital: | Brussels, which is also the capital of the European Union and the seat of NATO headquarters. |
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| Languages: | Official languages are Flemmish and French. German is also spoken as the lingua franca in part of the country. English is widely spoken. |
| Currency: | Euro |
| More notes about the country | |
Background
The Kingdom of Belgium is a country in northwest Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts its headquarters, as well as those of other major international organizations, including NATO. Belgium covers an area of 30,528 km² (11,787 square miles) and has a population of about 10.5 million.
Straddling the cultural boundary between Germanic and Latin Europe, Belgium is home for two main linguistic groups, the Flemings and the French-speakers, mostly Walloons, plus a tiny group of German speakers.
Geographically, Belgium's two largest regions are the Dutch-speaking region of Flanders in the north, with 59% of the population, and the French-speaking southern region of Wallonia, inhabited by 31%.
Belgium shares borders with France (620 km), Germany (167 km), Luxembourg (148 km) and the Netherlands (450 km). Its total area, including surface water area, is 33,990 square kilometres; land area alone is 30,528 km². The coastal plain consists mainly of sand dunes and polders.
Climate & Weather
The climate is maritime temperate, with significant precipitation in all seasons (Köppen climate classification: Cfb). The average temperature is lowest in January at 3 °C (37 °F), and highest in July at 18 °C (64 °F).
Sources of weather forecasting:
Charts
Submit details of the charts required for safe navigation of the area.
Any navigation notes here.
Local Radio Nets
Also see World Cruiser's Nets
Submit details of Cruiser's Nets and VHF operating/calling channels here.
Arrival/Departure procedures
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Immigration
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Customs
Details
Health
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Security
Details
Ports & Popular Stops
- Antwerp (Port of entry)
- Blankenberge (Port of entry)
- Brussels
- Nieuwpoort (Port of entry)
- Oostende (Port of entry)
- Zeebrugge (Port of entry)
Offshore Islands
Details?
Cruiser's Friends
Submit details/contacts of cruiser's "friends" that can be contacted in advance or on arrival - who can offer information and assistance to our cruising "family".
References & Publications
Books, Guides, etc.
Links to Forum Discussions
List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)
External Links
Personal experiences
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| | HOMEPAGE | Wiki Contents | North Sea | Belgium | |
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