The surprisingly underrated nation of Belgium is located in Western Europe, with borders to France in the south, Luxembourg to the south east, Germany to the easy and the Netherlands to the north, as well as more than 60km of coastline along the North Sea. While many people do visit Belgium and it is central to the machinations of Europe as a whole, the country still doesn't see as much tourism as its nearby neighbours, often finding itself used as nothing more than a stopover point or somewhere for short breaks. Those that miss out on the country are missing out on a rich, varied history, some wonderful architecture and some areas of outstanding natural beauty - not to mention a fair few beers and some fine chocolates to help people enjoy their time in the country.

Historically, Belgium has always been something of a battlefield for other nation's wars, and the country has seen many conflicts raged on its soil through the centuries - a lot of which had nothing to do with Belgium itself. After a period of Spanish rule, interrupted by the 80 Year's War, and the defeat of Napoleon, Belgium joined with Luxembourg and the Netherlands to form the United Kingdom of the Netherlands. This union didn't last too long, however, and by 1830 Belgium won independence from its Dutch holdings, pushing forward with a policy of neutrality and prosperity for its people. This prosperity came at a humanitarian cost, however, as it was coming from the exploitation and brutal treatment of workers in the newly-ceded Belgian Congo, where the region was plundered for rubber and ivory. The two World Wars were not good to Belgium and its people - World War I saw the country invaded in 1914, with a great deal of fighting on the Western Front taking place within the Belgian borders. The country was a founding member of the League of Nations in between the wars, but this didn't stop the Germans invading again come 1940, and it wasn't until the winter of 1944/45 that Belgium was liberated once more by Allied troops. After the Second World War Belgium helped to found NATO and the EEC (now the EU), and - as a result of this - experienced an economic boom that is still having positive effects to this day. Brussels has become the centre of politics for Europe and is a hugely modern city, but the rest of the country hasn't been left behind - Belgium is a forward-thinking nation that enjoys many liberal freedoms that many people wouldn't think of, as well as a strong economy and a forceful position in international politics.

Belgium enjoys, as mentioned, something of an underrated position when it comes to vacationing -the country is often ignored for one reason or another. This factor isn't something that should hold a potential off plan investor back, however, as the country is one of incredible natural and manmade beauty, full of friendly people and fine cuisine - the fact that it is overlooked as somewhere to visit or to live just means prices for holiday homes and the like are lower than in other Western European countries. It isn't likely that a bargain along the lines of emerging Eastern European markets will be found, but there are certainly some great opportunities for those willing to look hard enough.

The standards of healthcare in Belgium are very good. Reciprocal agreements are in place with EU countries and Switzerland, and free (or reduced-cost) treatment is available on production of a European Health Insurance Card. Though this is the case, health insurance is still recommended for visitors from any country.

Mobile phone coverage is excellent across the country, though coverage in more rural regions cannot be guaranteed. Landlines are widely available and lines are of a good standard. Internet cafes are widespread.