All this talk of Flanders, Wallonia, Flemish. I think I’m beginning to get it. The closest Belgium has to what we think of as states or provinces is these three regions. Flanders (Flemish-Dutch speaking), Wallonia (French speaking) and Brussels (bilingual Dutch and French).
Belgium also has three official language “communities”. French which is primarily in Wallonia, Flemish (Belgian variety of Dutch) which is mainly in Flanders and German. Where is the German language community? In a small strip of territory in eastern Wallonia. Eupen is the major (but tiny) city in the territory. This bit of land was part of Germany until the Treaty of Versailles awarded the land to Belgium. One day you’re German, the next day you wake up and you’re a Belgian citizen. Although it isn’t an official region, the territory has its own parliament and operates with a fair amount of autonomy.
I love the geography lesson. 😊 And I think it’s cute how Belgium looks like a bear standing on it’s back legs.
You’re right! It does look like a bear. Never noticed that.