century, the area of Belgium was a prosperous and cosmopolitan center of commerce and

culture.[clarification needed] Between the 16th and early 19th centuries, Belgium served as the battleground
between many European powers, earning the moniker the "Battlefield of Europe", [14] a reputation
strengthened by both world wars. The country emerged in 1830 following the Belgian Revolution,
when it seceded from the Netherlands.
Belgium participated in the Industrial Revolution[15][16] and, during the course of the 20th century,
possessed a number of colonies in Africa.[17] The second half of the 20th century was marked by
rising tensions between the Dutch-speaking and the French-speaking citizens fueled
by differences in language and culture and the unequal economic development of Flanders and
Wallonia. This continuing antagonism has led to several far-reaching reforms, resulting in a
transition from a unitary to a federal arrangement during the period from 1970 to 1993. Despite
the reforms, tensions between the groups have remained, if not increased; there is significant
separatism particularly among the Flemish; controversial language laws exist such as
the municipalities with language facilities;[18] and the formation of a coalition government took 18
months following the June 2010 federal election, a world record.[19] Unemployment in Wallonia is
more than double that of Flanders, which boomed after th