Ron Bailey, a US Military Retiree residing in his former duty station in Belgium, visits relatives in Omaha at Christmas time.  He attended our previous meeting and Neil invited him to tell us about Belgium at today's meeting and tell us he did.  His wife Marie, who works in Germany which is only a few minutes from their home in Belgium and assisted in Ron's presentation.  Following are several points of interest from Ron's presentation:

 

1. Belgium is the second most dense country in the European community.

2.  There are three languages spoken in Belgium, included Dutch (Flemish), German and French., mostly with Dutch and German to the North and French in the South.

3.  85 percent of residents of Brussels speak dual languages, with 85 percent French.  Ron's wife Marie speaks 4 languages.

4.  Politically, Belgium is a Parlimentary form of government with a constitutional monarchy.

5.  Brussels has 5 politically separate police agencies.

6.  There is no national political party

7.  The health care system is very good, inexpensive for the patient with set fees for procedures, and no malpractice costs (lawyers hang your head)  Medical school is almost free, meds are inexpensive.

8.  Employment and retirement are age driven, and retirement proceeds are similar to our social security.

9.  Property taxes are low but there is a 21 percent value added tax.  Proceeds from stocks and bonds are tax free, but tax on interest

10. Religion is interesting, Belgium was formerly 98 percent Roman Catholic but now weekly attend figures for religious serves for Christians is less than Mosque attendance.  Most of Jewish population is centered in Antwerp

8. There is a Federal military, officer assignments are controlled by language grouping somewhat.