It is the same with Belgians: Flemish-speakers tend to marry Dutch partners, Walloons marry French people.

ECONOMIST: International marriage

Walloons who turn up at local councils unable to speak Dutch must bring translators.

ECONOMIST: Rows over who should speak in which tongue have got worse

This in turn will make it harder for any Flemish party to co-operate comfortably with any Walloons.

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Unemployment in Wallonia is more than double that of Flanders, and twice as many Walloons as Dutch-speaking Flemings are employed by the state.

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The problem has its roots in the sensitive area around Brussels where the French-speaking Walloons and the Dutch-speaking Flemings live side by side.

ECONOMIST: Rows over who should speak in which tongue have got worse

The Flemish population has been seeking more control over tax policy while Walloons want greater protection and more money for the region around the capital, Brussels.

BBC: Belgian mediator resigns over government deadlock

The plan proposed by Mr Vande Lanotte would see a further decentralisation of power to Belgium's regions, split between the Dutch-speaking Flemish population and French-speaking Walloons.

BBC: Belgian mediator resigns over government deadlock

The Walloons make up about 40% of Belgium's 10.5m population, while the Flemings, who are based in the northern half of the country, represent the majority.

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Yet the two have a lot in common, especially if you compare the southern Dutch with Belgium's Flemings (the country's northern, Dutch-speakers, whose half of the country is richer than the French-speaking Walloons' southern bit).

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