King Leopold I of Belgium was the first King of the Belgians, reigning from 1831 until his death in 1865. He was born on December 16, 1790, in Germany and became king after Belgium gained independence from the Netherlands. Leopold played a crucial role in establishing the Belgian monarchy and promoting national unity. During his reign, Leopold I focused on modernizing Belgium's economy and infrastructure. He supported industrial development and encouraged the growth of railways and trade. His leadership helped shape Belgium into a stable and prosperous nation in the heart of Europe, setting the foundation for future growth.