Benelux - is not a single state, not a separate city and resort area.It is an economic, political and Customs Union, which includes the three countries in the neighborhood: Belgium, Netherlands (Holland) and Luxembourg.Name Union - an abbreviation of the first letters of the names of the countries of the Benelux - BE (Belgium), Ni (Netherlands), Lux (Luxembourg).
History of Benelux
Treaty on economic union of three neighboring Benelux countries entered into force on 1 November 1960.Although the contract was signed in 1958, in February in The Hague.Since the beginning of the contract, signed in 2008 and entered into force in 2010, the agreement has lost its force.The new treaty was necessary to strengthen and expand cooperation between the countries participating in the Benelux in the broader European context.At this time, the name was changed to the Benelux Economic Union, now it was just a union of Benelux, which meant greater cooperation between Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.
About
Benelux Belgium - a country located in Western Europe, an area of 30, 5 thousand sq. M.m and a population of over ten million people.Head of state is the king, exercises legislative power together with a bicameral parliament.The constitutional order of Belgium - the monarchy, the capital - Brussels.
Netherlands - state, consisting of parts of Western Europe and the islands of St. Eustatius, Bonaire, Saba (Caribbean).The Netherlands, along with the islands of Curacao, Aruba and Sint Maarten up the kingdom of the Netherlands.The relationship between the members of the Kingdom of the Netherlands regulates the Charter.
Luxembourg - Grand Duchy of Western Europe, a member of the EU since 1957.This state is bordered by Belgium, Germany and France.Its total area of about 2586 square meters.m. The name comes from the High German lucilinburch means "small town".
Attractions Luxembourg
Benelux - what is special about each participating country?In Luxembourg, a tourist program usually includes the following attractions: the Palace of the Duke, the central part of the city, a trip to the trailers and the valley Petrusse casemates.But to truly understand and appreciate this small country, there should be a time to live and mingle with the local population, as attractions Benelux in Luxembourg well known.There are a few places that are popular with the Luxembourgers: Little Switzerland (a mountainous area to the northwest of the town of Echternach), golf courses, hot springs in Mondorf, a sauna club Pidal, cinema Utopolis ten halls near Kirschberg, expensive wines,walking along the river (vineyards, wineries, cellars, wine tasting and small restaurants).
Attractions Belgium: Brussels
Many attractions can be found by visiting the Benelux.Belgium is known for Brussels, the capital of this state.The first thing that is usually visited by tourists in Brussels - is the central area of the Grand Place.Not far from the square there is another attraction - the famous statue of Manneken Pis.It is worth to look at the majestic building which dominates the whole city - the Palace of Justice, whose windows offer unforgettable view of the evening Brussels.Majestic Atomium may also be included in the sights of the Benelux.It is a huge structure in the form of a crystal lattice of iron magnified 165 billion times, survived after the world's fair in 1958.Atomium is composed of nine areas in which there is a restaurant, the scientific and art exhibitions.Belgium, as already mentioned, is a union of Benelux, what else can you see in this country, apart from the capital's sights.
The medieval city of Bruges
Bruges called the chocolate capital of Belgium and the Venice of the North.This medieval town is cut along and across the narrow channels lined with dense rows lined carved facades that make Bruges look like a gingerbread town.Local craftsmen these houses embody the chocolate, and tourists are happy to acquire them in the memory as the Benelux attractions.But this wonderful town famous not only for facades and chocolate.Visiting it is worth a visit and the well-known watchtower Belfrod located on the market square, the Grote Markt.Every hour and fifty bells are ringing new tune.The very same area is the hallmark of Bruges.On Christmas on the Grote Markt arrange a holiday bazaar and mandatory skating-rink.
Attractions Netherlands
Netherlands - one of the countries that are part of the Benelux.What is there in this country and what it is famous, known to many.After all, it deposits to the capital of the Kingdom of Amsterdam - and then going to try something that is forbidden in all other cities in the Netherlands.But not only loose morals known Amsterdam.This city is famous for its history, canals, tulips, houses with narrow facades, beer.In the capital of the Netherlands, more than 1,200 bridges, many of which were built in the 18th century.
Do in Amsterdam and museums, the most original of them is the Museum of marijuana, hashish and cannabis.In this highly entertaining place all the curious can learn the history of hashish from the beginning of its use (about 8000 years ago) and to the 20th century.Worth a look, and the house brothers Tripp, arms dealers - Trippenhaus.This house was built for the brothers in 1662 by architect Vingbonom.The original part of the structure is its pipes, vents similar to the guns.Also located in Amsterdam Rembrandt House Museum, one of the most famous painters of the Benelux countries.What is there in this house - not difficult to understand.It was here he lived and worked as an artist since 1639 and 1658.Here is a nearly complete collection of drawings and prints, as well as paintings by his teachers and students.
Hague is the administrative capital of the Netherlands.This is where the royal residence, the government and parliament.The city population is more homogeneous and conservative in comparison with the loose morals of Amsterdam.The educational purposes can still visit the oldest Dutch Museum of Natural Sciences, founded in 1820 by King Willem.
Who benefits the union?
At first glance, it seems that much in common Benelux countries, reported any of these touches and the rest of the participating union.But in fact, each state has its own history, features and attractions.At the same time the existence of the Benelux it is important to all three countries, as this alliance ensures them stability and prosperity.
