Figure 1.--Here we see a group of Belgian Scouts in 1963. We are not sure which assiciation this was or if they are Scouts from Flanders or Walonia.

Belgium is divided between Dutch (Flemish) speaking Flanders and French speaking Walonia. Their association since modern Belgium was created after the Napoleonic Wars has been an unseasy. For much of Belgian history the French speaking Waloons dominated, much to the displeasure of the Flemish. The younth organzations in Belgium have often followed the linguistic divide. Some of the Belgian Scout associations reflect this linguistic divide and are either Fleshish or French speaking. There are areas in Belgium where the different language groups dominate as well as areas where the population is more mixed. We do not if boys in the mixed areas join groups which speak their primary language or if their is mixing based on other factors.Most Belgians can speak both lanuages, but their competency in their non-mother toubge varies. We are not sure if their is an association which mixes the two language groups and if so how the language difference is handled. Hopefully our Belgian readers will tell us more.

Cultural/Linguistic Divide

Belgium is divided between Dutch (Flemish) speaking Flanders and French speaking Walonia. Their association since modern Belgium was created after the Napoleonic Wars has been an unseasy. For much of Belgian history the French speaking Waloons dominated, much to the displeasure of the Flemish.

Youth Organizations

The younth organzations in Belgium have often followed the linguistic divide. Some of the Belgian Scout associations reflect this linguistic divide and are either Fleshish or French speaking.

Walonia

Walonia is the French-speaking area of Belgium. To my knowledge there has not been the same nationalistic fervor in Walonia as there has been in Flanders. I'm not sure why this was, perhaps because the Waloons dominated Belgium for many years.

Flanders

Some basic infornation is available on the youth organizations in Flanders. There are not only Flemish Scouts, but also a Flemish nationalist youuth movement outside of the Scouting movement.

Mixed areas

There are areas in Belgium where the different language groups dominate as well as areas where the population is more mixed. We do not if boys in the mixed areas join groups which speak their primary language or if their is mixing based on other factors.Most Belgians can speak both lanuages, but their competency in their non-mother toubge varies. We are not sure if their is an association which mixes the two language groups and if so how the language difference is handled.