Canada and the World Backgrounder, December 1st, 2003
Capital: Brussels
Head of State: King Albert II (since August 1993). Inherited title that is mostly ceremonial
Head of Government: Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt (since July 2003) The leader of the party with the most seats in the Chamber of Deputies is appointed by the monarch
Parliament: Two houses--the Chamber of Deputies (150 seats) and the Senate (71 seats). Deputies are elected by proportional representation to serve four-year terms; among Senators, 40 members are directly elected by popular vote, 31 are indirectly elected.
POLITICS
Language is a complicating factor in Belgium. th...
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