Europe

Belgium

Location

Western Europe, bordering the North Sea, between France and the Netherlands.

Vehicle security, personal security, general travel, navigation, building/office security, climate injuries, personal hygiene, sanitation/sterilisation, clothing & equipment, emergency first aid, cultures/customs, communications.

Local water is safe to drink.

Flat coastal plains in north-west, central rolling hills, rugged mountains of Ardennes Forest in south-east.

Temperate; mild winters, cool summers; rainy, humid, cloudy.

Flooding is a threat along rivers and in areas of reclaimed coastal land, protected from the sea by concrete dikes.

Polio, rabies.
Hospital: Clinique Univeritaire St Luc, Avenue Hippocrate 10 Brussels 1200. Tel: 2-5553111

The environment is exposed to intense pressures from human activities: urbanisation, dense transportation network, industry, extensive animal breeding and crop cultivation; air and water pollution also have repercussions for neighbouring countries; uncertainties regarding federal and regional responsibilities (now resolved) have slowed progress in tackling environmental challenges.

Roads are generally good and well lit at night. Traffic is fast and accident rates are high due to speed. Speeding fines are high (e.g. up to €2,750). If you can not pay on the spot your vehicle may be impounded. Trams and buses have priority.

For more in-depth general information please download our Preparation and Training document.