Facts of the Day

Most of us know that Belgium is known for its extraordinary chocolate and beer and that everyone should have mussels in Brussels, but did you know that Belgium was the scene of Napoleon's final defeat (at Waterloo)? Or that brussel sprouts have been grown in the Brussels area for over 400 years (although they are not all currently grown there)? Here are a few fun facts to impress your friends:

• Brussels is known as the Capitol of Europe because it where the headquarters of both the European Union and NATO are located.
• Ironically, some of the over 400 kinds of beer made in Belgium are produced by Trappist monks.
• Belgium's most successful exports include sugar beets, tobacco, beef, and Jean-Claude Van Damme.
• A recent UN poll voted Belgium the fifth best country to live on in the entire planet.
• As only one of three countries classified by the European Community as a "manure surplus" region, Belgium produces more than its land can absorb.
• Henry Morton Stanley was commissioned by King Leopold II to obtain what became known as the Congo Free State (eventually Democratic Republic of Congo).
• In one year, Belgium will produce 172,000 tons of chocolate.

Facts courtesy of: www.worldinfozone.com and www.news.bbc.co.uk