Belgium is a small but multinational country. Its population speaks different languages, not always understanding each other. Therefore, a foreigner going to Belgium needs to stock up on knowledge of local language features.
Currently, the bulk of the Belgian population is divided into two large groups - a group of Flemish speakers who speak Dutch and a group of Walloons who speak French. Also in the east of Belgium there is a fairly large group of Germans, so the German language is also recognized as the state language in Belgium. English is quite widely spoken in Belgium, although it is not recognized as the official language of the country. A good number of gypsies also live in Belgium, so the gypsy language is quite common here.
Flemish group in Belgium
There is a Flemish community in Belgium. He has his own Parliament, where the Flemings have the opportunity to make decisions regarding their community. They also have their own television, radio broadcasting, education (with the exception of academic degrees), culture, and sports. The Flemish community includes the Flemish region and most of the capital of Belgium, Brussels. Flemings speak Dutch.
Walloon Group in Belgium
This is a francophone community in Belgium. It includes Wallonia and part of the capital of Belgium, Brussels. The total number of the Walloon group is about five million people.
The French community has its own Parliament, as well as the Government and the Minister-President. In general, the powers of French-speaking Belgians are somewhat broader than the powers of the Flemish community. The Walloons also have their own education, culture, television, broadcasting, sports, healthcare, and youth policy.
