Belgium is situated in northwestern Europe, bordered to the north by the Netherlands, to the east by Germany and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and to the south and the west by France. Belgium is a constitutional monarchy and practices parliamentary democracy. There are three main forms of government in Belgium: the federal government, regional governments and community councils. Belgium is one of the founding members of the European Union. The official languages are Dutch, French and German.

Belgium's strongly globalized economy and well-developed transportation infrastructure makes it a major trade gateway to the rest of Europe. The economy is characterized by a highly productive work force, high GNP and high exports per capita. More than two-thirds of Belgium's GDP is derived from foreign sales which is one of the highest percentages among industrialised nations. Besides, Belgium has simplified start-up procedures for setting up new business that it only takes you 3 days to complete the administrative formalities.