A democratic kingdom ruled by Albert, since 1909 (capital Brussels). Its
length is 165 miles and width 120; the population about 650 to the
square mile, composed of Flemish and Walloons--the former of French and
the latter of German extraction.
Belgium is low and flat in the north; hilly and timbered in the south.
The country is well watered and networked with canals. Rich in minerals,
it is a prominent manufacturing country. Linens, laces, cottons and
woolens, carpets, machines and cutlery are exported, with coal, iron and
farm products. The imports are coffee, sugar, petroleum, hides and raw
materials. Agriculture is carried to great perfection, but the country
is not self-supporting.
Brussels is a great manufacturing center, and Antwerp the principal
seaport.