Belgium enjoys a relatively temperate and mild climate. The summer months are relatively cool, with the peak average monthly temperatures occurring during July-August (about 17-18°C). Winter months are quite cold, with snow coming in many areas of the country. From December-February, average temperatures are between 2-4°C.

There is quite a bit of precipitation all year round, so no matter when you travel you should always take warm, waterproof clothing. Rainfall is consistently high, and is between 60-100mm from July-February; and between March-June it hovers around 50mm per month.

Click here to view the current weather conditions is Belgium, then select the city/region you wish to view.

The international dialing code for Belgium is 32. To dial internationally from within the country, dial 00 followed by the relevant country code and phone number. If you need the assistance of an operator, then dial 1324.

Emergency numbers within the country are 112 (for fire, ambulance and police).

Mobile telephone coverage is very good, and you will find that roaming agreements exist with many international carriers. The use of public phones is also an effective way to communicate, and can be found throughout all cities, town and regional areas. Many of these phones now use telecards and accept credit card payments. Telecards can be purchased from post offices, railways stations and newsagents.

Like most of Western Europe, internet services are quick and widely available. Internet cafes are abundant.

The postal service is quite efficient and if you are sending mail to other Western European countries, it will take approximately 2-3 days. To other international destination, expect a little longer. Most post offices are open 9am-5pm (Mon-Fri).

The currency of Belgium is the Euro (EUR/ €). There are 100 cents to €1. Notes come in denominations of €500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are produced in denominations of €2, 1, as well as 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.

There are many ATM's throughout the country. All major credit cards, as well as travelers cheques are widely accepted (however these should preferably be in USD, Pounds Sterling or Euro).

To view the current Euro exchange rate, check out OANDA.com - The Currency Site.

Belgium runs off a 220 V, 50Hz system. Plugs are of the round 2 pin kind.

All travelers to Belgium require a passport with at least 3 months validity past intended departure date, possession of onward travel documents, and sufficient funds for their stay. Holders of EU identity cards only need to show their card, or their EU passport. Belgium is also an active participant of the 1995 Schengen Agreement.

British and other EU nationals do not require visas, and have no limitations on the length of their stay. Nationals of Australia, Canada, Hong Kong (SAR), Israel, Korea (Rep), Malaysia, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, Switzerland and USA do not require visas, as long as they are in the country no longer than 3 months in a 6 month time period.

It advisable to check all Belgium visa and passport information, as well as entry requirements, with your relevant consulate prior to travel, however travel to Belgium is a relatively smooth process for almost every traveller.

Belgium is situated in Western Europe, sharing land borders with France to the south (620 km), Netherlands to the north (450 km), Germany to the west (167 km), and Luxembourg in its south-west (148 km). Belgium's western coastline is shared with the North Sea.

To view a map of Belgium, take a look at WorldAtlas.com.

Belgium has a varied topography and terrain. It has spectacular gorges and rivers, huge forests, sandy beaches, and rolling countryside hills with timeless churches and castles. There are 3 main different geographic regions in Belgium.

The first is the Ardennes, located in the south-east, which is characterised by rocky and slightly harsh landscape, meaning very little agricultural output. Here you will find many caves and gorges housing much of the fauna of the country. There are also heavily forested hills amongst the plateaus of the Ardennes region.

The other 2 regions are both part of the Anglo-Belgian Basin.

There is the coastal plain, which are exemplified by the wide stretches of sand dunes and polders.

Finally, there is the central plateau. This region boasts lush valleys that are home to much of the country's agriculture. There is an abundance of water due to the network of waterways cries-crossing the landscape. This area also encompasses the sandy plain of the Campine (Kempen) in the north-west of Belgium.

No less a tyrant than Julius Caesar declared that the Belgians to be a stiff-necked people who resisted colonization. The Spanish, the French, the Austrians and the Dutch would one by one fall before the indomitable will of the Flemish people. By the 13th century, Ghent had become the second largest city in northern Europe, and the world's first stock exchange was created in Bruges.

The Burgundians ushered in a golden age in which the genius of Erasmus was nurtured by a newly founded university in Louvain, artist Paul Rubens produced paintings of unsurpassed technical skill, and vast fortunes poured through the port of Antwerp.

The principality of Liege, which covered the largest part of southern Belgium, was an independent state under the umbrella of the German Saint Empire. But Wallonia has been occupied by man since the Stone Age, thanks to its many natural caves.

Among its prodigal sons, Wallonia counts the musician César Franck, the physician Zénobe Gramme, and the writer Georges Simenon, creator of the immortal Maigret.

Other famous personalities of the country are the painters Brueghel and Van Dyck for the Flemish school, Magritte and Delvaux for the Surrealism trend, and the architect Victor Horta who invented the Art Nouveau style.

Historically, Belgium was used as the battlefield of Europe, since it was in the heart of the continent, between the former French, British and German empires. In 1830, the Belgians started their own revolution against Dutch occupation and became independent as a constitutional and hereditary monarchy.

Now its territory is divided into provinces and municipalities. There are three major communities and three regions: Wallonia, Flanders and Brussels. These new institutions have received enormous power from the federal government and have their own legislative and executive bodies.

Travel to Belgium is like stepping back in time, and a true cultural experience.

As with any destination, it is strongly advised that you take out adequate travel insurance before leaving home. You should ensure your tetanus vaccinations are up to date, as well as check with your doctor on any health or inoculation updates for Belgium.

Belgian's traditional culture is strongly influenced by folklore. This is apparent in the large number of special events, festivals, carnivals, celebrations, processions. These are usually colourful and spectacular, with their origins usually based on strong religious influence. Many of these are also specific to the different regions, and either the Dutch or French speaking influences.