Diversity in Belgium and Sri Lanka

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Questions and Answers

What is the ethnic complexity of Belgium?

  • The Flemish region speaks primarily French.
  • There is a significant language divide between Dutch, French, and German speaking communities. (correct)
  • Majority of Belgians speak German.
  • The Wallonia region primarily speaks Dutch.

Which community in Belgium felt resentment?

  • German-speaking
  • French-speaking
  • Dutch-speaking (correct)
  • None of the above

What is the population of Sri Lanka?

  • About one crore
  • About two crore (correct)
  • About four crore
  • About three crore

What is the main reason for the tension in Brussels?

<p>The Dutch-speaking community is a majority in Brussels, but a minority in the country. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why does the content compare Belgium and Sri Lanka?

<p>To show how the situation of the minority community could lead to a situation where the majority can impose its will. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of the conflict in Brussels is highlighted in the excerpt?

<p>The Dutch-speaking community being a minority in Brussels but a majority in the country. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding the ethnic composition of Sri Lanka?

<p>The Tamil community is a small minority compared to the Sinhala community. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main point the author tries to convey about the communities in both Belgium and Sri Lanka?

<p>There is a risk of further divisions and conflict in both countries due to tensions between communities. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Belgium

A small European country bordered by France, Netherlands, Germany, and Luxembourg with a complex ethnic composition.

Flemish Region

Region in Belgium where 59% of the population speaks Dutch.

Wallonia Region

Region in Belgium where 40% of the population speaks French.

Brussels

Capital city of Belgium where 80% of people speak French and 20% Dutch.

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Ethnic Tensions

Conflicts between Dutch-speaking and French-speaking communities in Belgium during the 1950s and 1960s.

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Sri Lankan Tamils

Tamils native to Sri Lanka, comprising 13% of the population.

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Sinhala Community

Majority ethnic group in Sri Lanka, making up 74% of the population, mostly Buddhists.

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Partition Risk

Potential splitting of Belgium or Sri Lanka due to ethnic conflicts and claims over territories.

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Study Notes

Belgium

  • Belgium is a small European country, smaller than Haryana, bordering France, Netherlands, Germany, and Luxembourg.
  • Population is slightly over 1 crore, about half of Haryana's population.
  • Ethnically diverse: 59% Flemish (Dutch-speaking), 40% Wallonian (French-speaking), 1% German-speaking.
  • Brussels, the capital, has a majority French-speaking population (80%) despite having a Dutch-speaking majority overall.
  • Historical tensions between Dutch- and French-speaking communities, particularly in the 1950s and 1960s, stemmed from economic and educational disparities.
  • Potential for conflict and division due to differing political power structures (Dutch-speaking majority but a French-speaking capital).

Sri Lanka

  • Sri Lanka, a few kilometers off the southern coast of Tamil Nadu, has a population of about 2 crore, similar to Haryana's.
  • Diverse population: 74% Sinhala-speaking, 18% Tamil-speaking (including 13% Sri Lankan Tamils and remaining from Indian Tamil/labor migration).
  • Geographical concentration: Sri Lankan Tamils mostly in the north and east of the country
  • Religious diversity: Mostly Sinhala are Buddhist, Tamils mostly Hindu or Muslim, with a small Christian population.
  • Sri Lanka's high Sinhala majority contrasts with Belgium's divided linguistic community, presenting different political challenges and potential for conflict.

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