Belgium Genealogy

EuropeBelgiumGuide to Belgium ancestry, family history, and genealogy birth records, marriage records, death records, census records, family history, and military records.

Country Information
Since the middle ages, Belgium has been dominated by powerful nations such as Spain, France, and the Netherlands. Although its social, political, and religious identity has evolved over these many years it began earnestly striving to gain its independence from the Netherlands in 1830. The London Convention of April 19 1839, also known as the Article XXIV of the Convention, marks the recognition of the Belgian independence.

Belgium was occupied by Germany during World Wars I and II.

The country prospered in the past half century as a modern, technologically advanced European state and member of NATO and the EU. Tensions between the Dutch-speaking Flemings of the north and the French-speaking Walloons of the south have led in recent years to constitutional amendments granting these regions formal recognition and autonomy.

Jurisdictions
Note: As a result of the 1993 constitutional revision that furthered devolution into a federal state, there are now three levels of government (federal, regional, and linguistic community) with a complex division of responsibilities.

More Belgium Research Tools
Research tools can include resources that assist in locating correct records to search and determining the correct locality to search in. Below are links and Wiki articles to research tools in Belgium.
 * WWI casualties (1914-1918)Websites
 * Belgium, Antwerp Police Immigration (FamilySearch Historical Records)
 * Birth,Death,Marriage,Divorce and Other Certificate procedures

FamilySearch Resources
Below are FamilySearch resources that can assist you in resourcing your family.
 * Facebook Communities - Facebook groups discussing genealogy research
 * Learning Center - Online genealogy courses
 * Historical Records
 * Family History Center locator map

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