Brussels, known as Bruxelles in French and Brussel in Dutch, is the vibrant capital city of Belgium and serves as the de facto capital of the European Union. Located in the central part of Belgium within the Brussels-Capital Region, it has a population of about 1.2 million people in its metropolitan area. Brussels is a bilingual city, with both French and Dutch recognized as official languages, and it also boasts a highly international population due to the presence of numerous EU institutions, NATO headquarters, and multinational organizations. The city enjoys a temperate oceanic climate, characterized by mild summers, cool winters, and moderate rainfall throughout the year.
Brussels is renowned for its rich history, stunning architecture blending medieval, Art Nouveau, and modern styles, and its vibrant cultural scene including museums, theaters, and festivals. The city’s economy is diverse, with key sectors including government, services, finance, technology, and tourism. Transport infrastructure is highly developed, with an extensive network of metro, tram, and bus lines, plus Brussels Airport connecting it globally. The city is famous for its culinary delights such as waffles, chocolates, and beer, reflecting Belgium’s rich gastronomic heritage. As a political and cultural hub, Brussels offers a unique blend of European tradition and contemporary internationalism.