Belgium is a small country located in Western Europe. It has a rich and complex history that dates back to the first century BC. The region was initially inhabited by the Celts, and later by the Germanic tribes of the Franks and the Burgundians. In the Middle Ages, Belgium was part of the Holy Roman Empire and was divided into the provinces of Flanders and Wallonia. In the 16th century, the Spanish and Austrian Habsburgs ruled the region, and in the 19th century, Belgium became an independent nation. After World War I, Belgium was occupied by Germany, but was liberated in 1944 by the Allied forces. Since then, Belgium has been a constitutional monarchy, and is a member of the European Union. It is a highly developed country with a strong economy, and is known for its chocolate, beer, and waffles.