List of cities in Belgium facts for kids

Belgium is a country in Europe known for its delicious waffles, chocolate, and beautiful cities! But what makes a place a 'city' in Belgium? It's not just about how big it is or how many people live there. In Belgium, a place gets its official "city status" through a special decision, either by a royal decree (a rule made by the King) or by a specific law. This means that some smaller towns might still be called cities, while some larger ones might not have the official title.

What Makes a City in Belgium?

In Belgium, a "city" isn't just any large town. It's a special title given to certain municipalities. This title is granted through an official process. Historically, cities received a "communal charter." This was like a special permission document. It gave them certain rights and freedoms. Today, new cities are recognized by a royal decree or a law. This makes the title official.

How Cities Are Organized

Belgium is divided into different areas. These areas help organize the country. The largest parts are called provinces. Inside each province, there are smaller areas called "arrondissements." Each city belongs to a specific arrondissement and province. For example, the city of Antwerp is in the Antwerp administrative Arrondissement. This arrondissement is part of the Antwerp Province. This system helps manage local government and services.

Famous Cities in Belgium

Belgium has many well-known cities. Each one has its own unique history and charm.

• Brussels is the capital of Belgium. It is also a very important city for Europe. Many international organizations are located there. It is the largest city in Belgium by population.
• Antwerp is a major port city. It is famous for its diamond trade and fashion. It is one of the biggest cities in Belgium.
• Ghent is a historic city. It has beautiful old buildings and canals. It was once one of the largest cities in Europe during the Middle Ages.
• Bruges is often called the "Venice of the North." It is known for its charming canals and medieval architecture. It's a popular place for tourists.
• Liège is a large city in the French-speaking part of Belgium. It is known for its industry and lively culture.
• Charleroi is another important city in the French-speaking region. It has a rich industrial past.
• Leuven is famous for its old university. It has a vibrant student life and historic buildings.
• Namur is the capital of the Walloon Region. It sits at the meeting point of two rivers.

When Did Cities Get Their Status?

Many Belgian cities received their official status a long time ago. Some were recognized as cities in the Middle Ages. For example, Bruges became a city in 1128. Antwerp got its status in 1221. Other cities received their titles more recently. This often happened after Belgium became an independent country in 1830. For instance, many cities were officially recognized in 1825. Some even later, like Genk in 1999. This shows how the list of cities can change over time.

See also

• City status in Belgium
• List of most populous municipalities in Belgium
• Municipalities of Belgium
• List of cities in Flanders
• List of cities in Wallonia