Very high standard of living in Flanders
It’s obvious at a glance that citizens of Flanders are highly educated and healthy. The Belgian statistical office (Statbel) states that the average life expectancy is 80.8 years. Meanwhile, the expected school attendance period is 19.7 years, according to the United Nations Development Program. Even more, the population’s penchant for enjoying ‘the good life’ adds greatly to the high standard of living in Flanders.
Family, friends, food and fun
People in Flanders have a deep love for the good things in life – family, friends, food and fun. No wonder city streets are lined with cafes, taverns, bistros and restaurants serving a whole world of food and drinks.
Michelin approves
As Belgium’s northern region, Flanders may be small in size, but we have some of the biggest restaurants. In the prestigious Michelin Guide, various local restaurants have been awarded a star, and new restaurants enter the guide on a regular basis.
In the 2022 edition, Hof van Cleve in Kruishoutem maintained its three stars along with its leading positions. Boury in Roeselare and ‘t Zilte in Antwerp are the two other Flanders-based restaurants with three stars. What’s more, several restaurants in the region have two stars, including:
- Bartholomeus in Knokke-Heist
- Cuchara in Lommel
- Castor in Beveren-Leie
- Colette-De Vijvers in Averbode
- De Jonkman in Bruges
- Hertog Jan at Botanic in Antwerp
- Hostellerie le Fox in De Panne
- La Durée in Izegem
- Nuance in Duffel
- Pastorale in Reet
- Ralf Berendsen in Neerharen
- Slagmolen in Opglabbeek
- The Jane in Antwerp
- Vrijmoed in Ghent
The total number of Belgian restaurants with one or more Michelin stars is an impressive 135, of which 67 are located in Flanders.
Critically acclaimed
Various restaurants in Flanders feature in international shortlists. Think of flagship culinary leaders such as Hof van Cleve in Kruishoutem and The Jane in Antwerp.
Opinionated About Dining, for instance, included several of Flanders’ restaurants in its top 149 European restaurants in 2021:
- The Jane (Antwerp) at #48
- ’t Zilte (Antwerp) at #145
- De Jonkman (Bruges) at #146
- Nuance (Duffel) at #101
A myriad of cultural events
Young and old alike enjoy all kinds of social and cultural events in rural and urban areas with friends, family and peers, including theater performances, musical concerts, movies, sports matches, festivals, and many more.
Happy citizens
Guess where some of the world’s happiest citizens live? Right here in Flanders, according to the 2022 World Happiness Report. Powered by the UN’s Sustainable Development Solutions Network, the report ranks Belgium – and Flanders as a region – number 19 in the world when it comes to mental wellbeing of its citizens.