Geography and Environment

Geography and Environment of Belgium

Terrain, climate, natural resources, hazards, and environmental conditions of Belgium.

Speed

Overview

crossroads of Western Europe; majority of West European capitals within 1,000 km of Brussels, the seat of both the European Union and NATO

Terrain: flat coastal plains in northwest, central rolling hills, rugged mountains of Ardennes Forest in southeast
Climate: Belgium’s climate is characterized by moderate temperatures, prevailing westerly winds, cloudy skies, regular rainfall, and a little snow. The weather is variable. Summer temperatures average 60°F (16°C). Rare annual extremes are l0°F (-12°C) and 90°F (33°C).
Weather Patterns: http://voap.weather.com/weather/oap/BEXX0005?template=TRVLH&par=1003114983&unit=0&key=5b85ae1d85877a1b34827fba743e2133
Highest Point: 694 — Signal de Botrange 694 m
Lowest Point: North Sea 0 m

Area (Comparative): about the size of Maryland
Border Countries: France 620 km, Germany 167 km, Luxembourg 148 km, Netherlands 450 km
Maritime Claims: territorial sea: 12 NM continental shelf: median line with neighbors exclusive economic zone: geographic coordinates define outer limit

Natural Resources: coal, natural gas, construction materials, silica sand, carbonates
Natural Hazards: flooding is a threat along rivers and in areas of reclaimed coastal land, protected from the sea by concrete dikes

Current Environmental Issues: the environment is exposed to intense pressures from human activities: urbanization, dense transportation network, industry, extensive animal breeding and crop cultivation; air and water pollution also have repercussions for neighboring countries; uncertainties regarding federal and regional responsibilities (now resolved) have slowed progress in tackling environmental challenges
International Agreements: party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants