Country Profile: Belgium

Belgium, located in Western Europe, is known for its rich historical tapestry and cultural diversity, characterized by its division between the Dutch-speaking Flemish in the north and the French-speaking Walloons in the south. With a population of nearly 12 million people, Belgium boasts a high urbanization rate, with approximately 98% of its inhabitants living in urban areas. The country has a highly developed economy, primarily driven by the services sector, which constitutes over 72% of its GDP, alongside significant contributions from industry and agriculture. Belgium operates as a federal parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy, with Brussels serving as both the capital and the administrative center of the European Union.

Geography

Belgium is strategically located in Western Europe, bordered by France, Germany, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands, and has a coastline along the North Sea. The country features flat coastal plains in the northwest, rolling hills in the central region, and the rugged Ardennes mountains in the southeast. Its moderate climate is marked by mild winters, cool summers, and frequent rainfall.

Area: 30,528 sq km; comparable to the size of Maryland.
Highest Point: 694 m (Botrange).
Lowest Point: 0 m (North Sea).
Land Boundaries: 1,297 km with neighboring countries.
Population Density: One of the highest globally, with 97% living in urban areas.

People and Society

Belgium's population is estimated at 11,960,170 for 2025, comprised mainly of Belgians (75.2%), alongside various ethnic minorities. The country recognizes three official languages: Dutch, French, and a small percentage of German. The population is characterized by a diverse religious landscape, with a significant proportion identifying as Roman Catholic.

Urban Population: 98.2% (2023).
Life Expectancy: 82.3 years (2024).
Median Age: 42.4 years (2025).
Birth Rate: 9.09 births/1,000 population (2025).
Total Fertility Rate: 1.46 children/woman (2025).
Health Expenditure: 11% of GDP (2021).

Economy

Belgium's economy is classified as high-income, with a GDP of approximately $749.229 billion in 2024 (PPP). The economy has experienced slow growth due to domestic consumption and export challenges, with a high public debt level. The services sector is dominant, followed by industry and agriculture.

GDP Growth Rate: 1% (2024 est.).
Unemployment Rate: 5.5% (2024).
Real GDP per Capita: $63,100 (2024).
Public Debt: 92.5% of GDP (2022).
Exports: Approximately $525.458 billion (2024).
Labor Force: 5.416 million (2024 est.).

Government

Belgium is a federal parliamentary democracy, with the King serving as the chief of state and a Prime Minister leading the government. The country consists of three regions, each having its administrative nuances, as established by constitutional revisions in 1993.

Capital: Brussels.
Legislature: Bicameral Federal Parliament.
Voting Age: 18 years; universal and compulsory.
Military Expenditures: 2% of GDP (2025 est.).
Suffrage: Mandatory for all citizens.

Military and Security

Belgium maintains a well-structured military force under the Belgian Armed Forces, which includes land, naval, and air components. The military also engages in international peacekeeping missions, notably as a founding member of NATO.

Active Personnel: Approximately 23,000 (2025).
Military Expenditures: 2% of GDP (2025).
Deployments: Around 1,000 personnel on international missions (2025).
Number of Nuclear Reactors: 4 (2025).
Service Age: Voluntary from 18 years.

Energy

Belgium has made significant strides in energy, achieving 100% electrification for its population. The country relies on a mix of energy sources, prominently including nuclear and renewables.

Installed Electricity Capacity: 28.248 million kW (2023).
Energy Consumption per Capita: 190.416 million Btu (2023).
Nuclear Energy: Accounts for 41.2% of total electricity production (2023).
Natural Gas Consumption: 14.382 billion cubic meters (2023).
Electricity Imports: 18.626 billion kWh (2023).

Environment

Belgium faces environmental challenges, including urbanization, pollution, and the impacts of industrial and agricultural practices. The country has engaged in multiple international agreements to address these issues.

Forests: Cover 22% of the land area (2023).
Municipal Solid Waste: 31.7% recycled (2022).
Total Water Withdrawal: 740.19 million cubic meters for municipal use (2022).
Carbon Dioxide Emissions: 112.083 million metric tonnes (2023).
Urban Population: 98.2% of total (2023).

Transportation

Belgium has a well-developed transportation infrastructure, including an extensive rail system, numerous airports, and a busy merchant marine fleet.

Total Railways: 3,602 km (2020).
Airports: 48 (2025).
Merchant Marine: 198 vessels (2023).
Ports: 7 major ports (2024).
Heliports: 112 (2025).

Communications

Belgium has a highly connected communication environment, with a high percentage of the population having access to the internet and mobile services.

Internet Users: 95% of the population (2023).
Fixed-line Telephones: 2.49 million subscriptions (2024).
Mobile Cellular Telephones: 12.2 million subscriptions (2024).
Broadband Subs: 5.12 million subscriptions (2023).
Television Access: Over 90% of households connected to cable.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	11,960,170 (2025 est.)	Total estimated population
Area	30,528 sq km	Total land area
GDP	$749.229 billion (2024 est.)	Real GDP (PPP)
Energy Consumption	74.537 billion kWh (2023 est.)	Total electricity consumption
Birth Rate	9.09 births/1,000 population	Birth rate estimate
Unemployment Rate	5.5% (2024 est.)	% of labor force seeking employment
Life Expectancy	82.3 years (2024 est.)	Average life expectancy at birth
Urbanization Rate	98.2% (2023)	Urban population percentage
Military Expenditures	2% of GDP (2025 est.)	Military expenditures as a percentage of GDP
Total Fertility Rate	1.46 children born/woman (2025 est.)	Total fertility rate estimate