Country Profile: Belgium
Belgium, a small yet pivotal country in Western Europe, is characterized by its strategic location, vibrant cities, and rich cultural diversity. With a population of approximately 11.98 million, it is renowned for its high urbanization rate, with nearly all residents living in urban areas. The country boasts a high-income, advanced economy that is closely integrated into the European Union and Eurozone. Governed as a federal parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy, Belgium is marked by regional tensions between its Dutch-speaking Flemish and French-speaking Walloons, resulting in a complex political landscape.
Geography
Belgium is situated in Western Europe, bordered by the North Sea to the northwest and neighboring France, the Netherlands, Germany, and Luxembourg. The country's total area is approximately 30,528 sq km, making it comparably small, akin to the size of Maryland. Terrain features include flat coastal plains in the northwest and the rugged Ardennes mountains in the southeast. Belgium also has a temperate climate, characterized by mild winters and cool summers.
- Highest Point: 694 m at Botrange
- Lowest Point: Sea level at the North Sea
- Coastline: 66.5 km
- Natural Resources: Includes construction materials and arable land
- Population Density: One of the highest in the world, with 97% living in urban areas
People and Society
Belgium's population is estimated at 11,977,634 in 2024, with a gender distribution of 5,909,057 males and 6,068,577 females. The society is ethnically diverse, with 75.2% being Belgian, and a variety of languages spoken, including Dutch (60%) and French (40%). The country has a life expectancy of 82.3 years and is known for its robust healthcare system, spending 11% of GDP on health.
- Urban Population: 98.2% as of 2023
- Median Age: 42 years
- Total Fertility Rate: 1.76 children per woman in 2024
- Infant Mortality Rate: 3.1 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2024
- Obesity Rate: 22.1% of adults as of 2016
Economy
Belgium features a high-income economy with a projected GDP of $749.229 billion in 2024, primarily driven by the services sector (72.1%). The economy faces challenges, including high public debt at 92.5% of GDP and slow growth of 1% expected in 2024. The country's main exports include refined petroleum, natural gas, and pharmaceuticals, with a significant portion of its GDP coming from trade.
- Unemployment Rate: 5.5% in 2024
- GDP per Capita: $63,100 expected for 2024
- Public Debt: 92.5% of GDP in 2022
- Exports: Approximately $525.458 billion in 2024
- Imports: Estimated at $531.029 billion in 2024
Government
Belgium is a federal parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy, with the capital city of Brussels serving as the political heart of the country. The government consists of multiple levels, including federal, regional, and community governments. The legislative body is bicameral, comprising the House of Representatives and the Senate, with the most recent elections held in 2024.
- Monarch: King Philippe since July 21, 2013
- Head of Government: Prime Minister Bart De Wever since February 3, 2025
- Legal System: Based on civil law derived from the French Civil Code
- Voting Age: Universal suffrage at 18 years
Military and Security
The Belgian Armed Forces consist of land, naval, air, and cyber components, with around 23,000 active-duty personnel as of 2025. Belgium has a strong commitment to NATO, hosting its headquarters in Brussels and actively participating in international missions. Military expenditure is projected at 2% of GDP in 2025.
- Military Expenditures: 1.3% of GDP in 2024
- Deployed Personnel: Approximately 1,000 on foreign missions in 2024
- Defense Responsibilities: Include national defense and humanitarian missions
Energy
Belgium's energy sector relies significantly on nuclear power, accounting for 41.2% of electricity production as of 2023. The country has achieved 100% electrification, with energy consumption increasing annually.
- Installed Electricity Capacity: 28.248 million kW in 2023
- Total Energy Consumption per Capita: 190.416 million Btu in 2023
- Natural Gas Consumption: 14.382 billion cubic meters in 2023
Environment
Belgium faces environmental challenges due to urbanization, industrial risks, and pollution. It is a party to numerous international environmental agreements, reflecting its commitment to addressing climate change and sustainability.
- Carbon Dioxide Emissions: 112.083 million metric tonnes in 2023
- Recycled Waste: 31.7% of municipal solid waste in 2022
Transportation
Belgium has an extensive transportation network enabling efficient movement. The country features 48 airports and a well-connected railway system of 3,602 km, with significant portions electrified for sustainability.
- Civil Aircraft Registration Prefix: OO
- Merchant Marine Vessels: Total of 198 ships (2023)
- Ports: 7 key ports including Antwerp and Brussels
Communications
The communications infrastructure in Belgium is highly developed, with nearly all households connected to the internet. The mobile penetration rate surpasses 100%, reflecting high accessibility rates among the population.
- Internet Users: 95% of the population in 2023
- Mobile Cellular Subscriptions: 12.1 million in 2023
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 11,977,634 | Estimated for 2024 |
| Area | 30,528 sq km | About the size of Maryland |
| GDP | $749.229 billion | Estimated for 2024 |
| Unemployment Rate | 5.5% | Estimated for 2024 |
| Life Expectancy | 82.3 years | Estimated for 2024 |
| Energy Consumption per Capita | 190.416 million Btu/person | Estimated for 2023 |
| Inflation Rate | 3.1% | Estimated for 2024 |
| Carbon Dioxide Emissions | 112.083 million metric tonnes | Estimated for 2023 |
| Public Debt | 92.5% of GDP | As of 2022 |
| Literacy Rate | 99% | General estimate |
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