Here's a breakdown of the situation:
* Dutch is spoken by about 59% of the population, mainly in the north (Flanders).
* French is spoken by about 40% of the population, mainly in the south (Wallonia).
* German is spoken by about 1% of the population, mainly in the east of the country (the German-speaking Community).
So, why is French spoken in Belgium?
* Historical reasons: Belgium was part of the Duchy of Burgundy in the Middle Ages, which spoke French.
* Political reasons: When Belgium gained independence in 1830, it was ruled by a French-speaking elite.
* Geographical reasons: Belgium borders France, and the French language has historically spread across the border.
It's important to note that both Dutch and French are official languages in Belgium, and both languages are used in government, education, and public life.