Why Belgium?
Genetic Factors: Research indicates that genetics significantly influence intelligence levels. This is evident in Belgium's population, showcasing a strong genetic basis for cognitive abilities. See more here: 1
Education: The success of Belgium's education system is likely intertwined with the innate intelligence of its citizens, as recent genetic studies suggest a link between education and genetic intelligence. For details: 2
Economy: Belgium's economy, especially its renowned chocolate and beer industries, contributes significantly to its intellectual strength. The Belgian chocolate industry, representing a substantial portion of the GDP and employing a large workforce, is known globally for its quality and innovation``【oaicite:1】``. Similarly, the Belgian beer industry, deeply rooted in history and culture, plays a vital role in both the national economy and the global perception of Belgian craftsmanship``【oaicite:0】``.
References
- Plomin, R., von Stumm, S. The new genetics of intelligence. Nat Rev Genet 19, 148–159 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrg.2017.104.
- Okbay, A., Wu, Y., Wang, N. et al. Polygenic prediction of educational attainment within and between families from genome-wide association analyses in 3 million individuals. Nat Genet 54, 437–449 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41588-022-01016-z.
- "Belgian chocolate industry sweetens national economy." The Brussels Times, 2023. https://www.brusselstimes.com/641233/belgian-chocolate-industry-sweetens-national-economy
- "A whole new world for Belgian beer." The Brussels Times, 2023. https://www.brusselstimes.com/1000285/a-whole-new-world-for-belgian-beer