Benelux is not a single state, not a separate city and not a resort region. This is an economic, political and customs union, which includes three neighboring countries: Belgium, the Netherlands (Holland) and Luxembourg. The name of the union is an abbreviation of the first letters of the names of the countries included in the Benelux - Be (Belgium), Ni (Netherlands), Lux (Luxembourg).
The history of the formation of the Benelux Union
Treaty on the economic union of the three neighboring Benelux countries entered into force on November 1, 1960. Although the treaty itself was signed back in 1958, in February in The Hague. With the beginning of the agreement signed in 2008 and entered into force in 2010, this agreement has lost its force. The new treaty was necessary to strengthen and expand the cooperation of the Benelux countries in a broader European context. At this time, the name of the Benelux Economic Union was also changed, now it was simply the Benelux Union, which meant greater cooperation between Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.
About the Benelux countries
Belgium is a state located in Western Europe with an area of 30.5 thousand square meters. m and a population of more than ten million people. The head of this state is the king, who exercises legislative power along with a bicameral parliament. The constitutional system of Belgium is a monarchy, the capital is Brussels.
The Netherlands is a state consisting of a part in Western Europe and the islands of St. Eustatius, Bonaire, Saba (Caribbean Sea). The Netherlands together with the islands of Curaçao, Aruba and Sint Maarten make up the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Relations between members of the kingdom are regulated by the Charter of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Luxembourg is a grand duchy in Western Europe, part of the EU since 1957. This state borders on Belgium, Germany and France. Its total area is approximately 2586 sq. m. The name comes from the High German lucilinburch and means "small town".
Sights of Luxembourg
Union Benelux - what is so special about each member country? In Luxembourg, the tourist program, as a rule, includes the following attractions: the Duke's Palace, the central part of the city, a trip in wagons along the Petrusia Valley and casemates. But in order to truly understand and feel this small country, you need to live in it for some time and communicate with the local population, since the sights of the Benelux in Luxembourg are little known. There are a few places that are popular with Luxembourgers: Little Switzerland(mountainous area northwest of Echternach), golf clubs, thermal springs in Mondorf, sauna club Pidal, cinema Utopolis with ten screens in the Kirschberg district, wine road along the river (vineyards, wineries, cellars, tasting wines and small restaurants).
Belgium Attractions: Brussels
Many attractions can be seen by visiting the Benelux Union. Belgium is known for Brussels, the capital of this state. The first thing tourists usually visit in Brussels is the central Grand Place. Not far from the square there is another attraction - the famous statue of a pissing boy. It is worth looking at the majestic building that towers over the entire city - the Palace of Justice, from the windows of which an unforgettable view of Brussels in the evening opens. The majestic Atomium can also be included in the attractions of the Benelux. This huge structure in the form of a crystal lattice of iron, enlarged 165 billion times, was preserved after the 1958 World's Fair. The Atomium consists of nine spheres that house a restaurant, scientific and art exhibitions. Belgium, as already mentioned, is part of the Benelux union, what else can you see in this country, except for the sights of the capital.
Medieval city of Bruges
Bruges is called the chocolate capital of Belgium and the Venice of the North. This medieval city is cut up and down by narrow canals, along which dense rowscarved facades of houses lined up, making Bruges look like a gingerbread city. Local craftsmen embody these houses in chocolate, and tourists are happy to buy them as a keepsake as Benelux sights. But this marvelous town is famous not only for facades and chocolate. Having visited it, it is worth visiting the famous Belfrod watchtower, located on the Grote Markt market square. Every hour fifty bells ring a new tune here. The square itself is the hallmark of Bruges. At Christmas, a festive market is held on the Grote Markt and the ice rink is filled without fail.
Sights of the Netherlands
The Netherlands is one of the countries that are members of the Benelux Union. What is in this state and what it is famous for, many know. After all, people go to this place - to the capital of the Kingdom of Amsterdam - to try something that is prohibited in all other cities of the Netherlands. But Amsterdam is known not only for free morals. This city is famous for its history, canals, tulips, buildings with narrow facades, beer. There are over 1,200 bridges in the capital of the Netherlands, many of which date back to the 18th century.
There are museums in Amsterdam, the most original of them is the museum of marijuana, hashish and hemp. In this very entertaining place, all the curious can learn the history of hashish from the very beginning of its use (about 8 thousand years ago) until the 20th century. It is worth seeing the house of the Tripp brothers, arms dealers - Trippenhaus. This house was built for the brothers in 1662 by the architect Wingbon. The original details of the building are itspipes that look like cannon muzzles. Also in Amsterdam is the house-museum of Rembrandt, one of the most famous painters of the Benelux country. What is in this house is not difficult to understand. After all, it was here that the artist lived and worked from 1639 to 1658. Here is an almost complete collection of drawings and prints, as well as paintings by his teacher and students.
The Hague is the administrative capital of the Netherlands. It is here that the royal residence, government and parliament are located. In this city, the population is more homogeneous and conservative in comparison with the free mores of Amsterdam. For educational purposes, you can also visit the oldest natural science museum in the Netherlands, founded in 1820 by King Bill.
Who benefits from the union?
At first glance it seems that a lot of things unite the Benelux countries, the message about any of them will affect the rest of the union members. But in fact, each state has its own history, features and attractions. At the same time, the existence of the Benelux is important for all three countries, since this union guarantees them stability and prosperity.
