Country Profile: Belgium

Belgium is a small yet strategically significant country located in Western Europe, bordered by France, Germany, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands, with a coastline along the North Sea. The country has a population of approximately 11.98 million people and features a diverse cultural landscape, notably with its three official languages: Dutch, French, and German. Belgium's economy is classified as high-income and operates within the framework of the European Union and the eurozone, though it faces challenges such as slow growth and high public debt. The government is a federal parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy, with Brussels serving as the capital and an important administrative center for both the EU and NATO.

Geography

Belgium is situated in Western Europe, characterized by flat coastal plains in the northwest and the rugged Ardennes Mountains in the southeast. Its climate is temperate, with mild winters and cool summers, contributing to its vibrant urban life. Despite its small size, Belgium possesses significant natural resources and is known for its high population density, with about 97% of its citizens living in urban areas.

Total Area: 30,528 sq km
Population Density: One of the highest in the world
Highest Point: 694 m at Botrange
Coastline Length: 66.5 km

People and Society

Belgium has a diverse population of around 11.98 million people, with a notable concentration in urban areas. The society is characterized by significant cultural and linguistic divides, with Dutch and French being the predominant languages. The country exhibits a technologically advanced healthcare system and high life expectancy, reflecting its robust social structure.

Urban Population: 98.2% of total population (2023)
Life Expectancy: 82.3 years (2024)
Total Fertility Rate: 1.76 children/woman (2024)
Median Age: 42 years (2024)

Economy

Belgium's economy is a high-income, core EU economy characterized by a service-oriented structure comprising over 72% of its GDP. Economic growth has been sluggish, hindered by weakened domestic consumption and high public deficits. The country maintains a trade surplus with exports significantly outpacing imports.

GDP (PPP): $749.229 billion (2024)
GDP per Capita: $63,100 (2024)
Unemployment Rate: 5.5% (2024)
Exports: $525.458 billion (2024)

Government

Belgium operates as a federal parliamentary democracy, which is further divided into regions and linguistic communities. The King serves as the head of state, while the Prime Minister leads the government. The country's political landscape is shaped by a diversity of parties representing various linguistic and regional interests.

Capital: Brussels
Government Type: Federal parliamentary democracy
National Holiday: 21 July (celebrating independence)
Suffrage: Universal at 18 years

Military and Security

The Belgian Armed Forces comprise several components including the Land, Marine, and Air elements. Belgium's military strategy is aligned with NATO commitments, focusing on international peacekeeping and support for collective defense initiatives.

Active Duty Forces: Approximately 23,000 (2024)
Military Expenditures: 1.3% of GDP (2024)
NATO Member: Since 1949
Deployments: About 1,000 personnel on foreign missions (2024)

Energy

Belgium has a fully electrified population with access to diverse energy sources, including nuclear, which accounts for a significant portion of its electricity production. The country focuses on renewable sources while maintaining a balance with fossil fuels.

Electricity Access: 100% (2022)
Installed Capacity: 28.248 million kW (2023)
Nuclear Energy Contribution: 41.2% of electricity production (2023)
Total Energy Consumption per Capita: 190.416 million Btu (2023)

Environment

The environmental challenges Belgium faces include urbanization and pollution from industrial and agricultural activities. The government participates in various international environmental agreements to address these issues and promotes sustainable practices.

Urban Population: 98.2% of total (2023)
Municipal Solid Waste Recycled: 34.3% (2015)
Total Renewable Water Resources: 18.3 billion m³ (2020)
Air Pollution Agreements: Party to multiple international protocols

Transportation

Belgium has a well-developed transportation network comprising railways, roads, and air travel, with Brussels serving as a major hub. The country's geographic position enhances its role as a transport crossroads in Europe.

Railways: Total of 3,602 km (2020)
Airports: 48 projected by 2025
Ports: 7 total with key ports including Antwerpen and Zeebrugge

Communications

Belgium boasts a high level of connectivity, with near-universal access to telecommunication services and the internet. The media landscape is diverse, catering to its linguistic communities.

Internet Users: 95% of the population (2023)
Mobile Cellular Subscriptions: 12.1 million (2023)
Fixed Line Subscriptions: 2.667 million (2023)
Broadband Subscriptions: 5.12 million (2023)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	11,977,634 (2024 est.)	Total estimated population
Area	30,528 sq km	Total area of Belgium
GDP (PPP)	$749.229 billion	GDP based on purchasing power parity (2024 est.)
Energy Consumption per Capita	190.416 million Btu	Total energy consumption per capita (2023 est.)
Birth Rate	10.8 births/1,000	Birth rate per 1,000 population (2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate	5.5%	Unemployment rate (2024 est.)
Life Expectancy	82.3 years	Life expectancy at birth (2024 est.)
Total Fertility Rate	1.76 children/woman	Total fertility rate (2024 est.)
Internet Users	95%	Percentage of internet users (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures	1.3% of GDP	Military expenditures as a percentage of GDP (2024 est.)