Skip to main content
EF Go Ahead Tours logo

A look at multicultural Belgium

Celebrated for its culinary prowess and known for its rich history, the small country of Belgium also boasts a multicultural society. Read on for a closer look at the different cultures found within this nation.

Celebrated for its culinary prowess and known for its rich history, the small country of Belgium also boasts a multicultural society. Belgium has three official languages (Dutch, French, and German), which is not a big surprise considering its shared borders with several other Western European countries. Read on for a closer look at the different cultures found within this nation.

Bruges, Belgium

To understand the country’s diverse population before a trip to Belgium, it’s helpful to have a sense of its makeup from both a cultural and geographic perspective. In addition to a federal state, Belgium is divided into three distinct communities tied to the official language spoken by each local populations. These Flemish, French and German-speaking Communities hold power in areas related to culture, including education, the arts, health policy, research and social programs. Separate from these communities are regions, which can be thought of as territories similar to American states. Each has historically held economic power and has a local Parliament and Government.

Map of Belgium's regions

Flanders: The Flemish Region

Situated in northern Belgium, this region is home to the Dutch-speaking Flemish Community. Belgians living in this part of the country have roots in Germanic culture and speak a language that is part of the same family as English. With several important cities along the coastline, it’s historically been a center of trade and today has an excellent infrastructure. Flanders was also the location of much fighting during World War I—the In Flanders Fields Museum in Ypres tells the story of the battles fought at the site.

Languages spoken: Dialects of Dutch

Dish to try: Waterzooi, a typical stew made with fish or chicken, vegetables, potatoes, cream and bread.

Cities to know: Lively Ghent; medieval Bruges and the fashion capital of Antwerp

Wallonia: The Walloon Region

Both the French and German-speaking Communities are found in southern Belgium, known as Wallonia. A majority of the people living here speak French, and you’ll find slight differences between the way it’s spoken in France versus in this part of Belgium. German is only used in a small area within the province of Liège. Like the rest of the country, this francophone region is celebrated for its gastronomy_—_flavorful brews, meats, cheeses, waffles and potatoes in particular. The landscape in the southeast is dominated by the forested Ardennes, which extends into Luxembourg and saw many important battles during World War II.

Languages spoken: Dialects of French and German

Dish to try: Frites (fries), traditionally served in a paper cone with mayonnaise or other dipping sauces.

Cities to know: Historic Bastogne, the Walloon capital of Namur and Dinant, a charming town on the River Meuse.

The Brussels-Capital Region

The country’s capital city is comprised of a mixture of both French and Dutch-speaking cultures. While differences between the language communities sometimes result in political tension, it’s here that all societies work together and live side by side. Centrally located both in the heart of Belgium and Western Europe, this bilingual city is the unofficial headquarters of the European Union and is home to both buzzing culinary and arts scenes.

Languages spoken: French and Dutch, plus many people here speak English as well.

Must-do: Sample Belgian beers read our guide.

Can’t-miss spot: The Grand-Place, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Brussels that showcases a beautiful combination of architectural styles.

Which part of Belgium would you like to explore? Let us know on Facebook!

About the author

Courtney Keller

A lover of travel since studying in France, Courtney strives to inspire others to get out and see the world. When she’s not writing, she’s trying new restaurants, reading, doing yoga, baking, walking her rescue pup, or planning her next trip.

Related tours

Skip to end of carousel
The Jet Set & Go Sale

Save up to $400

Save up to $300—plus an extra $100 when you add our airfare package.† Book by 5/21 to lock in your lowest price.

Skip to start of carousel

More travel inspiration

Skip to end of carousel
Destinations

The Ultimate Europe Travel Guide: everything to know before planning your trip

World Travel

EF’s Responsible Supplier Guidelines

Destinations

Things to do in Lima, Peru, to experience its rich history and culture

Destinations

Your guide to the Mesa Verde cliff dwellings: ancient civilizations hidden in Colorado’s canyons

Travel tips

Exploring Himeji Castle: Japan’s graceful White Heron

Destinations

10 fun facts about Seoul’s Gyeongbokgung Palace and how to visit on tour

Travel tips

Things to do in Buenos Aires: The museums, galleries & street art you need to see on your next trip

Travel tips

The 12 best things to do in Buenos Aires for first-time travelers and returning visitors

Destinations

When is the best time to visit Japan? Here’s your season-by-season guide

Destinations

Exploring Arenal Volcano: Costa Rica’s sleeping giant

Travel tips

A food lover’s guide to Lima: What and where to eat on your next trip to Peru

Travel buzz

Is Colombia safe to visit? How a nation overcame conflict to welcome the world

Destinations

When is the best time to visit Costa Rica? Here’s your season-by-season guide

Travel tips

24 Hawaiian phrases and words to know before you go

Destinations

9 must-see attractions in Cartagena, Colombia

Travel tips

Lake Balaton, Tokaj, and Eger: These 3 Hungary wine regions are the hidden gems of Eastern Europe

Travel tips

Your one-stop packing list for vacation

Travel tips

How to spend 10 days in Turkey as a solo traveler

Travel buzz

Feeling the loneliness epidemic? You’re not alone! Here’s how guided group travel leads to new connections

Travel buzz

The best places to visit in 2024 and 2025 to see the northern lights

Skip to start of carousel