Socio-economic characteristics of the Benelux countries. What is Benelux

Benelux is a community of three European countries. If you want to travel to the heart of Europe, Benelux is your choice. Benelux is the abbreviation of the customs and economic union Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg, which is also acquiring the character of a military-political alliance.

The beginning of the formation of the Benelux was laid by a currency agreement (October 21, 1943) and a customs convention (September 5, 1944; entered into force in January 1948) of the three named states.

On February 3, 1958, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg concluded an agreement in The Hague establishing an economic union, which entered into force on November 1, 1960, after it was ratified by the parliaments of the three countries.

The agreement provides for the creation of a single market for its participants, the free movement of persons, goods, capital and services between the three countries, the coordination of their economic, financial and social policies, the performance of the participating countries as a single whole in the field of foreign economic relations; The contract is concluded for 50 years and can be extended for every subsequent 10 years.

The Benelux states hold consultations on the most important international and military issues (production of new designs military equipment, education personnel armed forces, participation in joint maneuvers, etc.).

BELGIUM

Official name. Kingdom of Belgium.
Geographical position . The territory of the Kingdom is small even by European standards. Its area is only 30.5 thousand square meters. km. The country borders on France, Luxembourg, Germany, and the Netherlands. Most Belgium is flat.
Climate and weather. The climate is temperate maritime. average temperature January from -1 to 3 degrees C, July - 14 - 19 degrees C.
Capital. Brussels. Brussels hosts the headquarters of the NATO military-political bloc and the council European Union(EU).
Time. Time is 2 hours behind Moscow time. When it's noon in Moscow, it's 10 am in Belgium.
Currency. Euro.
Flight duration Moscow - Brussels~ 3 hours 30 minutes
Politic system. The form of government is a constitutional monarchy.
Population. 10.2 million people. The main population of the country are Walloons and Flemings. About 900 thousand foreigners also live permanently.
official languages. French, Dutch (Flemish) and German.
Religion. The majority of believers in the country are Catholics (70%), 200 thousand people profess Islam, about 70 thousand Belgians are Protestants.
Holidays and weekends. January 1, May 1 and 25, July 21, August 15, November 1 and 11, December 25, religious holidays.
Until now, colorful holidays are held that reproduce pictures of medieval life and some of the rituals of those times: the carnival before Lent (Binche, near Mons); carnival of the Holy Blood - in May (Bruges); children's carnival of St. Nicholas Day - December 6th.
Telephone communications, area codes
Country code: +32
City codes: Brussels +32 (2), Antwerp +32 (3), Bruges +32 (50).
Electricity. Mains voltage 220 V, current frequency 50 Hz.
Helpful Hints . Making purchases in Belgian stores marked with the Tax Free sign and receiving a special receipt, you can get back ~ 13% of the cost of the goods upon departure (when buying at least 125 euros).
Institutional work
Shops are open from 9:00 to 18:00, 19:00 or 20:00 (large - until 22:00) from Monday to Saturday;
Mail - from 9:00 to 17:00 from Monday to Thursday, from 9:00 to 19:00 on Friday and from 9:00 to 12:00 on Saturday;
Banks are open from 9:00 to 15:00 from Monday to Friday.

NETHERLANDS

Official name. Kingdom of the Netherlands (translated into Russian as the Low Countries).
Geographical position. The country is located in the northwest of Europe, bordering Belgium and Germany. Administratively, it is divided into 12 provinces. Together with Belgium and Luxembourg, it is part of the Benelux community. In the north and west, Holland is washed by the North Sea. The area of ​​the country is 41.5 thousand square meters. km. The possession of the Netherlands also includes the Dutch Antilles and the island of Aruba in the Caribbean Sea. The Rhine River flows in the center of the country.
Climate and weather. The climate is temperate maritime, humid, cool summers and fairly mild winters.
Capital. Amsterdam (government is located in The Hague).
Time. Time is 2 hours behind Moscow time. When it's noon in Moscow, it's 10 am in Holland.
Flight duration Moscow-Amsterdam: ~ 3 hours 20 minutes
Currency. Euro.
Politic system. The form of government is a constitutional monarchy. The head of state is the queen.
Population. 15.2 million people. Dutch - 81%, Flemings - 12%, Frisians - 3%, Germans - 1.5%. In addition, about 100 thousand Surinamese, 60 thousand Turks, 40 thousand Moroccans, 7 thousand Portuguese and others live in the country.
Official language. Dutch (Dutch). English, German, French are widely spoken.
Religion. The main religion is Christianity (Protestantism and Catholicism). Catholics - 40%, Protestants - 40%, atheists - 20%.
Telephone communications
Country code +31; codes of some cities: Amsterdam (20), Rotterdam (10), The Hague (70), Eindhoven (40), Breda (76), Utrecht (30). IN emergency cases(ambulance, police, fire brigade) - tel. 112.
Electricity. Mains voltage 220 V, current frequency 50 Hz.
Safety. The sale of soft drugs is legal in the country. They are sold in numerous "Coffte shops" located in the center of Amsterdam. For safety reasons, you should not make contact with street vendors.
Helpful Hints
Making purchases in Benelux stores marked with the Tax Free sign and receiving a special receipt, you can get back ~ 15% upon departure (when buying at least 140 euros).
Institutional work
State institutions work from 8:30 to 17:00 (break 12:30-13.30) on weekdays;
Shops are open from 8:30 (9:00) to 17:30 (18:00). Once a week (usually on Monday) they are closed until 12:00, and on Thursdays they are usually open until 21:00;
Grocery stores on Saturday are open until 16:00;
Banks are open from 8:00 to 16:00 (break 12:00-13:30) on weekdays;
Mail - 8:30 (9:00) - 17:00 (18:00) on weekdays, several central offices work on Saturdays from 8:30 (9:00) to 12:00;
Museums are open every day except Monday.

Countries Benelux located in Western Europe, they border on France and Germany. Washed by the waters of the North Sea. Sightseeing educational tour in the Benelux gives you the opportunity to see and get to know three states at once. The pleasant-sounding word "Benelux" is actually a combination of the first letters of the names of the three countries included in this union of European states: Be lgiya, Neither the Netherlands and Suite emburga. These three countries have long destroyed the borders and live as one friendly family. At first glance, the Benelux countries seem very similar to each other, but this is an erroneous perception of reality. Taking a good look at them, getting acquainted with their culture, history, people, you begin to understand the subtle individuality of each of them.

HOLLAND. Hearing the sound of this word, we experience ambiguous feelings. For some, Holland is associated with mills and bicycles, someone remembers great cheeses, someone about Rembrandt and Van Dyck, another will immediately see a sea of ​​tulips, and his neighbor will see a sea of ​​grass that can be smoked freely in Holland. Let's not forget the Red Light District! With all this variety of sensations, Holland for all of us is, first of all, the country where Amsterdam is located with its water element as a way of life, six hundred canals, twelve hundred bridges, embankments with moored boats, boats, rafts and longboats. Channels are the most fast track by city and the place of residence of some part of the population of the city. Amsterdam is always filled with the air of freedom and celebration. Street musicians, circus performers, flower markets, cozy bars, numerous artists - all this is Amsterdam. Freedom in all respects flourishes in the Netherlands, it is easy to meet people, fall in love easily, make friends easily, breathe easily, live easily. People here are not accustomed to paying much attention to problems. Liberated relations - the motto of the country. Royal The Hague, city of boulevards, palaces and sea dunes, romantic Utrecht, " Dutch Venice", ancient Delft, the port city of Rotterdam and many, many other ancient towns and towns are spread among well-groomed green hills and tulip thickets - all this is also Holland.

BELGIUM. A completely different country, this Belgium. It is both easy and very difficult to get carried away at the same time. Antwerp, Bruges, Ghent, Brussels with their great variety of treasures cause admiration and immense love. Once a country of coarse Brueghel peasants, depicted on the artist's canvases, Belgium now attracts with its delightful towns with magnificent town halls, old squares, houses with bizarre gables. The Flemings and the Walloons are distinguished by their buoyant cheerfulness, cheerfulness and sense of humor, a comfortable lifestyle, while the Belgians in an incomprehensible way combine rude fanaticism, amazing temper and stubbornness, manifested in constant violent disputes, causing unpleasant amazement and surprise.

LUXEMBOURG or "Grand Duchy" immediately suggests the Middle Ages, while modern Luxembourg is the usual German-speaking part of the Ardennes, which in 1839 separated from the old Netherlands. Getting to know Luxembourg is like getting to know a tiny and beautifully groomed country. Tourism flourishes here, because it is a full-fledged and profitable sector of the economy. The capital of the country with the same name Luxembourg is the embodiment of the spirit of the nation and the international monetary and financial center. Here is the international Council of Europe. Ahead of you are romantic walks in the center of Luxembourg, Royal Boulevard, a pleasant time in cozy cafes with hospitable hosts. Park area separates the center of the capital from the western suburbs. Almost the entire city is surrounded by deep and steep canyons of the Petrusse and Alzetta rivers, which makes it even more charming.

Capital Cities: Amsterdam - the Netherlands, Brussels - Belgium, Luxembourg - Duchy of Luxembourg.

Language: official languages Benelux - Dutch and French, Belgium - Dutch, French, German, Holland - Dutch, Luxembourg - Dutch and French.

Currency: Euro (EUR).

Climate: temperate sea, wet and cool summers, mild winters, warm clothes never hurt, because humidity always creates a feeling of coolness and slight discomfort.

Religion: Catholicism - official, Protestants also live in Holland.

Political structure: The Kingdom of Belgium is a constitutional monarchy, the head of state is the king, exercises legislative power in conjunction with a bicameral parliament; The Kingdom of the Netherlands (Holland) is a constitutional monarchy headed by the king (queen), the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is a constitutional monarchy, the head of state is the Grand Duke.

Visa: Schengen visa, the following documents are required for registration: a passport signed by the owner, the validity of which must be more than 3 and a half months after the trip, an embassy questionnaire with the client's personal signature (in clause 48), a questionnaire with the client's personal signature, 2 color photos (3.5 x 4.5 cm - for the Netherlands, 5 x 5 cm - for Belgium), including children entered in the parents' passport and traveling with them (80% of the photo should occupy the face), a copy of the Russian passport sheets with stamps, a personal certificate of the purchase of currency for each tourist at the rate of 50 Euro per day, a certificate from the place of work on company letterhead with the obligatory indication of: position held, salary, date of employment in this institution (enterprise), confirmation of leave for the period of the proposed tour, for students - a certificate from the place of study, a certificate from the sponsor's work and a statement of sponsorship, a notarized exit permit for children under 18 traveling with one of the parents her or herself. The visa is issued with a personal presence at the embassy. The deadline for submitting documents is at least 10 days before the start of the trip.

Customs: Netherlands - the only country in a world where the consumption of soft drugs is allowed, but their import into the country is prohibited. Violation of the rules carries a prison sentence of up to 12 years. In the duty-free zone, you can buy no more than one block of cigarettes, two liters of wine, one liter of alcohol. Perfume - no more than 50 ml.

Time: 2 hours behind Moscow.

Telephone communications: It is convenient to use pay phones with calling cards. which are sold at newsstands and bookstores, to call Russia dial 007, area code, number.

Transport: in Amsterdam they walk or ride bicycles, as the streets in the city center are too narrow, no parking spaces, a similar problem in Brussels. It is suggested to use the tram, bus or metro. Popular in Amsterdam river boats. It is worth renting a car in Brussels only if you know the city well.

The shops: Benelux - a paradise for shoppers: small shops, " flea markets"with the opportunity to bargain. Tapestries, chocolate, diamond jewelry are brought from Belgium as souvenirs. They are quite affordable in small shops. On weekdays, shops are open from 9 am to 6 pm, on Saturday - until 5 pm.

Note to the tourist

Amsterdam is a city of constant celebrations, processions, festivals and carnivals. In September - the festival of flowers, in November - International Festival cannabis, in June - Gay Festival. Brussels customs are more strict, so you should immediately change into a serious way. Brussels has the status of a region, its own government and parliament, it is also the headquarters of the Council of Ministers of the European Community, NATO, the Western European Union and many other international organizations.

Main Attractions

In an hour of travel by waterbus in Amsterdam, you can see a lot of sights: gothic building Central Station, Royal Palace on Damm Square, Westerkerk Church, where Rembrandt is buried. Rembrandt's masterpieces are waiting for you in the Rijksmuseum (National Museum), Van Gogh in the Van Gogh Museum. The Zaanse Schans and Volendam are worth a visit. You should also pay attention to the Diamond Factory in Amsterdam. After the tour, you can buy faceted diamonds here with discounts and without taxes. In Belgium, Brussels strikes with beauty, the city of Rubens, Antwerp, medieval Bruges, historical Ghent. In Luxembourg they admire the palace of the Grand Duke, Cathedral, in the crypt of which is the tomb of the rulers of Luxembourg, parks and canyons.

Benelux is not a single government, not a separate city and not a resort region. This is an economic, political and customs alliance, 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 states included in the Benelux - Be (Belgium), Ni (Netherlands), Lux (Luxembourg).

The history of the formation of the Benelux Union

The contract for the economic union of 3 neighboring Benelux states came into force on November 1, 1960. Although the contract itself was signed back in 1958, in February in The Hague. With the start of the contract, signed in 2008 and entered into force in 2010, this agreement became invalid. The new contract was needed 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 alliance, which meant more extensive cooperation between Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.

About the Benelux countries

Belgium is a government located in Western Europe, with an area of ​​30.5 thousand square meters. m and a population of more than 10 million people. The head of this country is the sovereign, who exercises legislative power in conjunction with a bicameral parliament. The constitutional system of Belgium is a monarchy, the capital is Brussels.

The Netherlands - a government consisting of a part in Western Europe and the islands of St. Eustatius, Bonaire, Saba (Caribbean). The Netherlands together with the islands of Curaçao, Aruba and Sint Maarten make up the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The affairs between the members of the realm are regulated by the Charter of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Luxembourg is a stately duchy in Western Europe, part of the EU since 1957. This government borders Belgium, Germany and France. Its total area is approximately 2586 sq. m. The title comes from the Upper German lucilinburch and means "small town".

Landmarks of Luxembourg

Benelux Alliance – what is special about each member country? In Luxembourg, the tourist program usually includes the following attractions: the Baron's Palace, central part town, a trip in wagons along the plain of Petrusia 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, because the sights of the Benelux in Luxembourg are little known. There are several places that are popular with Luxembourgers: Little Switzerland (mountainous area northwest of the city of Echternach), golf clubs, thermal springs in Mondorf, the Pidal Sauna Club, the Utopolis Cinema with 10 screens in the Kirschberg district, the wine road along the river (vineyards, wineries, cellars, wine tasting and small restaurants).

Landmarks of Belgium: Brussels

A huge number of attractions can be seen by visiting the Benelux alliance. Belgium is known for Brussels, the capital of this country. The first thing that tourists usually visit in Brussels is central square Grand Place. Not far from the square there is one more attraction - the eminent sculpture of a pissing boy. It is worth looking at the majestic building that towers over the whole 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, survived after the 1958 global exhibition. The Atomium consists of 9 spheres, which house a restaurant, science and art exhibitions. Belgium, as already mentioned, enters the Benelux alliance, what else can be seen in this country, not counting 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 It is cut up and down by narrow canals, along which carved facades of houses lined up in dense rows, making Bruges look like a gingerbread town. Local craftsmen embody these houses in chocolate, and tourists get them with pleasure as a souvenir, like the sights of the Benelux. But this wonderful town is known not only for facades and chocolate. Having visited it, it is worth visiting the famous watchtower Belfrode, located on market square Grote Markt. Every hour 50 bells ring the newest melody here. The area itself is calling card Bruges. At Christmas, a ceremonial market is held on the Grote Markt and the skating rink is filled in an inescapable manner.

Landmarks of the Netherlands

The Netherlands is one of the states that are members of the Benelux alliance. What is in this state and what it is famous for, many know. Indeed, in this place - in the capital of the Kingdom of Amsterdam - they move later in order to experience what is forbidden in all other towns in the Netherlands. But Amsterdam is known not only for free characters. This city is famous own history, canals, flowers, buildings with narrow facades, beer. There are over 1200 bridges in the capital of the Netherlands, many of which were built in the 18th century.

There are also museums in Amsterdam, the most unusual of which is the museum of marijuana, hashish and hemp. In this very interesting place, all the curious can find out the history of hashish from the very beginning of its consumption (about 8 thousand years ago) until the 20th century. It is also worth seeing the house of the Tripp brothers, gun dealers - Trippenhaus. This house was built for the brothers in 1662 by the architect Wingbon. A unique detail of the structure are its pipes, similar to the muzzles of cannons. Also located in Amsterdam is the house-museum of Rembrandt, one of the most famous painters of the country of the Benelux Union. What is in this house is not hard to realize. After all, it was here that the painter lived and worked, from 1639 to 1658. Here is actually a complete collection of drawings and engravings, as well as paintings by his teacher and students.

The Hague is administrative capital Netherlands. It is here that the royal residence, government and parliament are located. In this town, the population is more homogeneous and conservative in comparison with the free characters of Amsterdam. For educational purposes, you can also visit the oldest Dutch Museum of Natural Sciences, founded in 1820 by Bishop Bill.

Who benefits from the alliance?

At first glance, it seems that almost everything unites the Benelux countries together, the message about any of them will also affect other members of the union. But in fact, each country has its own history, features and attractions. With all this, the existence of the Benelux is fundamental to all three countries, because this alliance guarantees them stability and prosperity.

In North-west Western Europe there are three small countries The constitutional monarchies of Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. Together these countries are called the Benelux Economic Union.
Their desire to create such a commonwealth is explained by many factors. general history(for example, once all these countries were part of the Duchy of Burgundy), established in the Middle Ages, economic, especially trade, ties and the understanding that together they can claim much greater influence in Europe and the world.
Negotiations on an economic union began after the First World War, and the first document on the way to creating a real union was signed on July 25, 1921. It was an agreement on the creation of the Belgian-Luxembourg economic union. He abolished customs duties and many other obstacles to trade between these countries, established a single tariff for third countries and ensured the free circulation of services.

And in 1932, the Convention was signed, in which Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg provided for the possibility of eliminating customs duties in trade with each other. However, the political events in Europe at that time and the economic crisis did not allow the first attempt to create the Benelux to be realized. But the idea itself has not gone away. While still in exile in London during World War II, the governments of Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg signed a currency agreement in 1943 to regulate mutual payments in the post-war period and strengthen economic ties.
In 1944, the Customs Convention was signed, which entered into force in 1948 and exempted trade between countries from all duties, and also introduced a single and lowest in Western Europe customs tariff for trade with third countries. The bodies of the union of three countries were also created - the Administrative Customs Council Council of the Economic Union, the Council of Trade Agreements, since 1947 the General Secretariat began its work in Brussels. In 1949, the Treaty on the preliminary economic union appeared, which eliminated quantitative and other restrictions on trade and provided for the coordination of monetary policy.
In 1953, the Protocol on the acceleration of the process of coordinating economic and social policies and the Protocol on the implementation of a common trade policy in relation to imports and exports in trade with third countries were signed. In 1954, there was an Agreement on the free movement of capital between the three countries, in 1955, an Agreement on the gradual settlement of agricultural policy. The Benelux Inter-Parliamentary Advisory Council began its work in 1955. In 1956, the Protocol on the free movement of labor and a uniform policy in the field of social insurance allowed the governments of the three countries to coordinate personnel policies. In the same year, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg began to conclude trade agreements with third countries already jointly as the Benelux.
The Treaty on the Benelux Economic Union itself was signed in The Hague on February 3, 1958 and entered into force on November 1, 1960. Although by that time the European Economic Union - EEC (1957), which included all three countries, had already been created, the decision to save the Benelux was obvious, this union significantly strengthened the position of the Benelux countries and within the EEC.
The experience of the Benelux proved to be very important in the creation and development of the EEC. Moreover, the path to full integration was not easy and not fast - only from January 1, 1974, free movement of goods, capital and services was achieved In the Treaty establishing the Benelux Economic Union (1958), the high contracting parties - His Majesty King Baudouin I , Her Royal Highness Grand Duchess Charlotte of Luxembourg and Her Majesty Queen Juliana of the Netherlands have formulated the main objectives of the union. They announced a decision to "strengthen economic ties between their countries by ensuring the free movement of persons, goods, capital and services" and the desire to "pursue a coordinated policy in the economic, financial and social spheres" and a common foreign trade policy. All for the "growth of human and social welfare" of their peoples.
These goals were fully realized and continue to be a priority today. A powerful administrative infrastructure has been created to ensure the activities of the Benelux. The highest body of the Benelux is the Committee of Ministers, consisting of three foreign ministers, which meets several times a year. Decisions of the Committee must be taken unanimously and are binding on all. The Council of the Economic Union, consisting of representatives of the ministries and departments of the three countries, is subordinate to the Committee; it coordinates the activities of sectoral and special commissions. Line ministers meet, as necessary, in working groups.
The administrative and organizational functions of the Benelux are performed by the General Secretariat, headed by the College of Secretaries. According to the Treaty, the Secretary General must be a citizen of the Netherlands, his two deputies - from Belgium and Luxembourg. The Benelux Inter-Parliamentary Consultative Council has members of the parliaments of three countries, Belgium and the Netherlands have 21 seats each, Luxembourg has seven. The Council discusses and develops recommendations addressed to the governments of the three countries. And the Advisory Council on Economic and Social Affairs includes 27 representatives of economic and social organizations participating countries.
The tasks of the Trial Chamber include the development of a unified interpretation of jointly adopted legal norms, among its powers are judicial, advisory and judicial powers in cases of state officials. Also, to resolve disputes arising between members of the Benelux in connection with the implementation of an agreement or conventions, an Arbitration Board was created.
In 2010, the agreement signed in The Hague in 1958 ceased to be valid. But this does not mean that the Benelux will disappear. On the contrary, from now on, the Benelux Economic Union is simply called the Benelux Union, which should emphasize that the cooperation of countries within the union is not limited solely to the economy.
On June 17, 2008, a new agreement was signed in The Hague between the governments of Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg, which should modernize, strengthen and expand cooperation between the Benelux countries. It is precisely under this agreement that the Benelux will have to live on.
And although serious obstacles arose on the way to the integration of the Benelux countries - war, economic crises, internal problems, the desire to strengthen and expand cooperation has always been a priority. Of course, even today the Benelux countries have many problems - for example, in Belgium the possible division of the state into two countries - Flanders and Wallonia - is becoming more and more realistic. But even if this happens, the Benelux clearly has every chance to resist because its advantages are obvious.

general information

Currency unit: Euro.

Languages: Dutch, French, German, Luxembourgish.

Main seaports: Amsterdam, Rotterdam, IJmuiden, Antwerp, Ghent, Bruges.
The most important airports: international Airport Rotterdam, Elde International Airport (Groningen, Netherlands), Schiphol International Airport (Amsterdam), Eindhoven Airport (Netherlands), Antwerp International Airport, Brussels International Airport, Luxembourg Findel International Airport.
Major rivers:, Lek, Vaal.

Neighboring countries: France, Germany.

Numbers

Area: 74,640 km2.

Population: 27,911,071 (2010).
Population density: 373.9 people/km2.

Economically active population: 4,647,000 people (Belgium, 2006), 8,308,000 people (Netherlands, 2005), 205,000 people (Luxembourg 2006).

Employment by sector: Belgium: services - 73%, industry - 25%, agriculture - 2%; Netherlands: services - 73%, industry - 23%, agriculture - 4%; Luxembourg; services - 83.2%, industry - 14.3%, agriculture - 2.5%. Urbanization: Belgium - 97%, the Netherlands - 82%. Luxembourg - 82%.

Economy

GDP (nominal): Belgium - $470.4 billion (2009), the Netherlands - $794.8 billion (2009), Luxembourg - $57.61 billion (2008), according to the CIA Directory.

GDP per capita (PPP): Belgium - $38,300 (2008), Netherlands - $41,300 (2008), Luxembourg - $85,100 (2008), according to the CIA.
GDP by sectors of the economy: Belgium: services - 73.0%, industry - 25.7%, agriculture - 1.3%; Netherlands: services - 70.4%, industry - 26.3%, agriculture - 3.3%; Luxembourg: services - 83.1%, industry - 16.3%, agriculture - 0.5%.

Industry, most competitive areas: gas and coal mining, ferrous metallurgy, non-ferrous metallurgy, nuclear energy, mechanical engineering, electronics, petrochemistry, chemical industry, aircraft building, shipbuilding, automotive, textile industry, carpet production, furniture industry, faience industry, pulp and paper industry, food industry, leather industry industry, clothing manufacturing, diamond processing.

Agriculture: meat and dairy production, breeding livestock, poultry farming, growing vegetables and fruits, production of seedlings and seeds, greenhouse flowers, wine production (Luxembourg).
Service sector: tourism, trade, transport services, banking, financial services.

Economy features: high price labor force, the need to export many types of raw materials for industry.

Curious facts

The Benelux countries are an alliance of three Western European powers. The composition of this Western European "cocktail" is as follows:

The union has very large area- approximately 74,640 square kilometers. About twenty-seven million people live on its territory.

Detailed karat of Benelux showing provinces and adjacent states

Euro has been the official currency since 2002. Also, tourists traveling in these three countries can use credit cards.

The main tourist contingent visiting the "union of three" European powers is young people. In addition to students arriving in the Benelux countries, young couples often visit here.

With the onset of spring, Holland is very popular among tourists, in which at this time of the year the a large number of interesting exhibitions and festivals. In the second half of August, vacationers tend to visit Belgium. With the onset of autumn, a large number of trainings and various seminars are being held in the Kingdom. In winter, tourists are attracted great views"dwarf" Luxembourg.

The unique composition of the three powers offers tourists to visit many attractive, interesting places. So, in Belgium it is recommended to visit Blankenberge.

Panoramic view of Blankenberge

This magnificent seaside resort famous for its mild climate and excellent recreational opportunities. Here, all those interested in marine flora and fauna will be able to admire unusual animals collected in a giant aquarium. In total, there are more than seventy species of sea inhabitants. The fair sex should visit the wealthy mineral springs Spa town.

Scheveningen, a pretty Dutch resort, deserves special attention. The beach here is beautiful, clean and comfortable.

Located on the very seashore, the hotel is designed in the style of a medieval castle, which cannot but appeal to lovers of romance. Arriving in Luxembourg, one should not neglect the opportunity to visit small pretty villages, luxurious medieval castles and majestic cathedrals.

Panoramic view of a village in Luxembourg

It is also here that tourists have an amazing opportunity to taste delicious European wines.

The composition of the three Benelux states is able to offer extremely democratic conditions for obtaining a visa. But there are still some "pitfalls" in the form of bureaucratic delays when applying for a Belgian visa. The best option is a business visa. The validity of a visa for a bus tour is seven days, for an air tour - no more than five days.

In order to seamlessly enter the Western European Union, which includes three countries, you must have:

It looks like a visa to Holland, which allows you to visit all the Benelux countries

Often people crossing the border tourist visa Ask about the purpose of the trip. The respondent's answers are compared with the visa data. When leaving home, it is extremely important to ensure that the visa is “closed” with a seal at the appropriate point. This is necessary so that the next time the union, which includes three countries, "gives the go-ahead" for entry.

If a person planning to visit three countries of the union travels with a child of six years of age, then his passport must have a photograph of him. A fourteen-year-old teenager, according to existing legislation, has his own passport. To avoid negative consequences, it is important that the applicant's passport has his personal signature.

The existing rules regarding transportation to the Western European Union, which includes three states, across the border of the Russian Federation, are mandatory. So, it is important to remember that the transported amount should not exceed one and a half thousand US dollars. If a person is carrying a large amount, it is important to provide a declaration and a certificate on the acquisition of currency units. The last document is requested at the request of customs officers.

The composition of the three Western European states has fairly strict customs regulations. So, it is important to remember that:

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All three countries in the Western European Union have their own entry rules.

The main package of documents that must be collected before tourist trip, includes:

• foreign passport (it is recommended to present all available passports with visas, including old ones);
• completed application form of the applicant;

A sample of filling out the application form for obtaining a Schengen visa

If the three countries that are members of the union are planning to visit persons who do not have an official source of income, as well as pensioners and students, they undertake to provide employees of a diplomatic institution with a sponsor's letter or a document guaranteeing payment of their expenses by a third party. If the sponsor is a parent, spouse or adult child, the applicant must attach a document confirming family ties.

Canals in Amsterdam

If a foreign person residing in the territory of the Russian Federation plans to visit three countries included in the Benelux, then he must present a photocopy Russian visa(entry and exit) or a document confirming the presence of registration in Russia.

If a tourist has never visited these three countries, or has not had three visas in the last three years, then he is obliged to personally submit a package of documents to a diplomatic institution.

A person wishing to enter the Benelux, an alliance that includes three European powers, must remember that:

1. An identity document must always be carried with you.
2. It is advisable to deposit money and jewelry in a hotel or hotel.
3. You need to arrive at the airport two to three hours before departure (this is necessary against the backdrop of very long queues).

This is what the airport in Brussels looks like

If you are going to visit an alliance that includes three countries, you need to remember that in many hotels and hotels noise after eleven in the evening is strictly prohibited. The use of heating appliances is also taboo. It is also forbidden to smoke while in bed.

It is strongly not recommended to exchange currency on the black market. Also, you should not choose unfavorable places for walking, famous for their criminal "exploits". You should also not gamble, since it is very difficult to establish the fact of fraud in this case.

In some places it is forbidden to smoke a cigarette. In this regard, it is important to look around and pay attention to the appropriate signs. If a tourist is stopped by a police patrol, then, in order to avoid trouble, it is important to provide law enforcement officers with your passport.