Madnestan
15-01-2006, 23:23
http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/7102/belgia2ad.jpg (http://imageshack.us) Flag of The King
Belgium, the Triangular piece of lowlands in the corner of three great powers, Great Britain, France and Germany, all having interrests towards it and the fourth neighbour beeing the ever-unreliable Netherlands, has always been walked over when the mighty ones of Europe have went to war. It got its independence not very long ago, due the victorious war against the Dutchmen who controlled it back then, and holds that independence very dear. But, like all small countries neighboured by big ones, it has to live in constant fear of invasion. Soon we are to see whether this small country has what it takes to survive these dangerous times.
Belgium is a rich and prosperous country. It has a strong industrial basis, advanced railroad network and a rather large trading fleet. Huge colony of Belgian Congo provides needed raw materials for the industry, and the country is also an exporter of coal. In fact, Belgium is ranked 6th in the world trade, exceeding even Russia. So, economically speaking, this small country is in a good shape. However, its abilities to defend these riches aren't as great.
Belgium has a population of only 7,5 million people. (This does not include the black people in Kongo.) It is not much, but should still be enough to have a stronger Army than the country currently has. Belgiums standing army is no stronger than 40,000 men, and the trained reserves are barely more than 100,000. They are usually thought to be quite adequately armed and trained, but are, apparently, too small in quantity. In addition to this, colored colonial troops include some 35,000 men (Officers are naturally white), but their military value in European theatre is argueable, and they are quite tied in keeping Congo secured.
Nature provides very little protection for the country. In fact, there are no major defenses near the borders, except the man-made ones. Belgium has a quite notable number or strong on its east border, modern fortresses, Liege beeing the cornerstone of it.
Navy is rather small, including only few dozens of gun and torpedo boats, 12 destroyers, three light and three heavy cruisers. These are all built in the 20th century, and are so of quite modern design.
Airforces have only one squadron of 12 planes.
Belgium is a constitutional monarchy, but the king has a rather strong grasp of power. He can disband the government or parliament at any given time, and appoint ministers as he wishes. He is also the commander of all armed forces.
His name is Albert I.
Belgium is currently part of no alliance. It tries to remain neutral in case of any hostilities taking place in Europe, but remains aware of the possibility that this policy is proven impossible to carry out. King Albert has personal ties to Kaiser Vilhelm, but dislikes the militarisation that is taking place in there, allthough mentioned progress is taking place all around Europe.
In any case, Belgium is not to be walked over anymore. Atleast not without a decent fight.
Belgium, the Triangular piece of lowlands in the corner of three great powers, Great Britain, France and Germany, all having interrests towards it and the fourth neighbour beeing the ever-unreliable Netherlands, has always been walked over when the mighty ones of Europe have went to war. It got its independence not very long ago, due the victorious war against the Dutchmen who controlled it back then, and holds that independence very dear. But, like all small countries neighboured by big ones, it has to live in constant fear of invasion. Soon we are to see whether this small country has what it takes to survive these dangerous times.
Belgium is a rich and prosperous country. It has a strong industrial basis, advanced railroad network and a rather large trading fleet. Huge colony of Belgian Congo provides needed raw materials for the industry, and the country is also an exporter of coal. In fact, Belgium is ranked 6th in the world trade, exceeding even Russia. So, economically speaking, this small country is in a good shape. However, its abilities to defend these riches aren't as great.
Belgium has a population of only 7,5 million people. (This does not include the black people in Kongo.) It is not much, but should still be enough to have a stronger Army than the country currently has. Belgiums standing army is no stronger than 40,000 men, and the trained reserves are barely more than 100,000. They are usually thought to be quite adequately armed and trained, but are, apparently, too small in quantity. In addition to this, colored colonial troops include some 35,000 men (Officers are naturally white), but their military value in European theatre is argueable, and they are quite tied in keeping Congo secured.
Nature provides very little protection for the country. In fact, there are no major defenses near the borders, except the man-made ones. Belgium has a quite notable number or strong on its east border, modern fortresses, Liege beeing the cornerstone of it.
Navy is rather small, including only few dozens of gun and torpedo boats, 12 destroyers, three light and three heavy cruisers. These are all built in the 20th century, and are so of quite modern design.
Airforces have only one squadron of 12 planes.
Belgium is a constitutional monarchy, but the king has a rather strong grasp of power. He can disband the government or parliament at any given time, and appoint ministers as he wishes. He is also the commander of all armed forces.
His name is Albert I.
Belgium is currently part of no alliance. It tries to remain neutral in case of any hostilities taking place in Europe, but remains aware of the possibility that this policy is proven impossible to carry out. King Albert has personal ties to Kaiser Vilhelm, but dislikes the militarisation that is taking place in there, allthough mentioned progress is taking place all around Europe.
In any case, Belgium is not to be walked over anymore. Atleast not without a decent fight.