Knelstrom Intelligence · World Factbook
Belgium
Königreich Belgien
CapitalBrussels
Population11,941,781
GDP$725.5bn
Area30,688 km²
RegionEurope & Central Asia
Data sources current · last checked September 20, 2026 2:10 am
Country facts
Overview
Background
Belgium became independent from the Netherlands in 1830; it was occupied by Germany during World Wars I and II. The country prospered as a modern, technologically advanced European state and member of NATO and the EU. In recent years, longstanding tensions between the Dutch-speaking Flemish of the north and the French-speaking Walloons of the south have led to constitutional amendments granting these regions formal recognition and autonomy. The capital city of Brussels is home to numerous international organizations, including the EU and NATO.
Geography
Location
Western Europe, bordering the North Sea, between France and the Netherlands
Map references
Europe
Area
total: 30,528 sq km
land: 30,278 sq km
water: 250 sq km
land: 30,278 sq km
water: 250 sq km
Area - comparative
about the size of Maryland
Land boundaries
total: 1,297 km
border countries: France 556 km; Germany 133 km; Luxembourg 130 km; Netherlands 478 km
border countries: France 556 km; Germany 133 km; Luxembourg 130 km; Netherlands 478 km
Coastline
66.5 km
Maritime claims
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: geographic coordinates define outer limit
continental shelf: median line with neighbors
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: geographic coordinates define outer limit
continental shelf: median line with neighbors
Climate
temperate; mild winters, cool summers; rainy, humid, cloudy
Terrain
flat coastal plains in northwest, central rolling hills, rugged mountains of Ardennes Forest in southeast
Elevation
highest point: Botrange 694 m
lowest point: North Sea 0 m
mean elevation: 181 m
lowest point: North Sea 0 m
mean elevation: 181 m
Natural resources
construction materials, silica sand, carbonates, arable land
Land use
agricultural land: 44.4% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 28.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 0.8% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 15.3% (2023 est.)
forest: 22% (2023 est.)
other: 33.6% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 28.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 0.8% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 15.3% (2023 est.)
forest: 22% (2023 est.)
other: 33.6% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
57 sq km (2013)
Reference: 2013Major watersheds (area sq km)
Atlantic Ocean drainage: Seine (78,919 sq km), Rhine-Maas (198,735 sq km)
Population distribution
most of the population is concentrated in the northern two thirds of the country; the southeast is more thinly populated; considered to have one of the highest population densities in the world, with approximately 97% living in urban areas
Natural hazards
flooding is a threat along rivers and in areas of reclaimed coastal land, protected from the sea by concrete dikes
Geography - note
crossroads of Western Europe; most West European capitals are within 1,000 km of Brussels, the seat of both the EU and NATO
Population & Society
Nationality
noun: Belgian(s)
adjective: Belgian
adjective: Belgian
Ethnic groups
Belgian 75.2%, Italian 4.1%, Moroccan 3.7%, French 2.4%, Turkish 2%, Dutch 2%, other 10.6% (2012 est.)
Reference: 2012Languages
Languages: Dutch (official) 60%, French (official) 40%, German (official) less than 1%
major-language sample(s): Het Wereld Feitenboek, een onmisbare bron van informatie. (Dutch)
The World Factbook, une source indispensable d'informations de base. (French)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
major-language sample(s): Het Wereld Feitenboek, een onmisbare bron van informatie. (Dutch)
The World Factbook, une source indispensable d'informations de base. (French)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Religions
Roman Catholic 57.1%, Protestant 2.3%, other Christian, 2.8%, Muslim 6.8%, other 1.7%, atheist 9.1%, nonbeliever/agnostic 20.2% (2018 est.)
Reference: 2018Age structure
0-14 years: 16.9% (male 1,038,578/female 990,215)
15-64 years: 62.8% (male 3,796,844/female 3,730,784)
65 years and over: 20.2% (2024 est.) (male 1,073,635/female 1,347,578)
Reference: 202415-64 years: 62.8% (male 3,796,844/female 3,730,784)
65 years and over: 20.2% (2024 est.) (male 1,073,635/female 1,347,578)
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio: 57.3 (2024 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 25.3 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 32.1 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 3.1 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024youth dependency ratio: 25.3 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 32.1 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 3.1 (2024 est.)
Median age
total: 42 years (2024 est.)
male: 40.8 years
female: 43.1 years
Reference: 2024male: 40.8 years
female: 43.1 years
Population growth rate
0.53% (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Birth rate
10.8 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Death rate
9.5 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Population distribution
most of the population is concentrated in the northern two thirds of the country; the southeast is more thinly populated; considered to have one of the highest population densities in the world, with approximately 97% living in urban areas
Major urban areas - population
2.122 million BRUSSELS (capital), 1.057 million Antwerp (2023)
Reference: 2023Sex ratio
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female
total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Reference: 20240-14 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female
total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth
29.2 years (2020 est.)
Reference: 2020Maternal mortality ratio
4 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Gross reproduction rate
0.86 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Drinking water source
improved: urban: urban: 100% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 100% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 100% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: rural: rural: 100% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 100% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 11% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 15.2% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 15.2% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
6.53 physicians/1,000 population (2023)
Reference: 2023Hospital bed density
5.5 beds/1,000 population (2021 est.)
Reference: 2021Sanitation facility access
improved: urban: urban: 100% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 100% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 100% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: rural: rural: 100% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 100% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
22.1% (2016)
Reference: 2016Alcohol consumption per capita
total: 9.15 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 4.35 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 3.41 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 1.09 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0.3 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019beer: 4.35 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 3.41 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 1.09 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0.3 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Tobacco use
total: 24.1% (2025 est.)
male: 26.4% (2025 est.)
female: 22% (2025 est.)
male: 26.4% (2025 est.)
female: 22% (2025 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
0.3% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Currently married women (ages 15-49)
43.2% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Child marriage
women married by age 15: 0% (2020)
women married by age 18: 0.1% (2020)
Reference: 2020women married by age 18: 0.1% (2020)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 19 years (2022 est.)
male: 18 years (2022 est.)
female: 20 years (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022male: 18 years (2022 est.)
female: 20 years (2022 est.)
Migration & Displacement
Immigrant/emigrant stock measures the number of international migrants resident in, or originating from, the country; it is not the same as annual immigration/emigration flows.
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 236,689 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 849 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024stateless persons: 849 (2024 est.)
Government & Politics
| Office | Holder | Affiliation | From | Status | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head of government | Bart De Wever | — | 2025-02-03 | Current | Reported |
| Head of state | Philippe of Belgium | — | 2013-07-21 | Current | Reported |
Country name
conventional long form: Kingdom of Belgium
conventional short form: Belgium
local long form: Royaume de Belgique (French)/Koninkrijk Belgie (Dutch)/Koenigreich Belgien (German)
local short form: Belgique/Belgie/Belgien
etymology: the name derives from the Belgae, an ancient Celtic tribal confederation that inhabited an area between the English Channel and the west bank of the Rhine in the first centuries B.C.
conventional short form: Belgium
local long form: Royaume de Belgique (French)/Koninkrijk Belgie (Dutch)/Koenigreich Belgien (German)
local short form: Belgique/Belgie/Belgien
etymology: the name derives from the Belgae, an ancient Celtic tribal confederation that inhabited an area between the English Channel and the west bank of the Rhine in the first centuries B.C.
Capital
name: Brussels
geographic coordinates: 50 84 N, 4 35 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October
etymology: the name is of Germanic origin, from broca (marsh) and sali (room or building)
geographic coordinates: 50 84 N, 4 35 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October
etymology: the name is of Germanic origin, from broca (marsh) and sali (room or building)
Administrative divisions
3 regions (French: régions, singular - région; Dutch: gewesten, singular - gewest); Brussels-Capital Region, also known as Brussels Hoofdstedelijk Gewest (Dutch), Région de Bruxelles-Capitale (French long form), Bruxelles-Capitale (French short form); Flemish Region (Flanders), also known as Vlaams Gewest (Dutch long form), Vlaanderen (Dutch short form), Région Flamande (French long form), Flandre (French short form); Walloon Region (Wallonia), also known as Région Wallonne (French long form), Wallonie (French short form), Waals Gewest (Dutch long form), Wallonie (Dutch short form)
note: note: as a result of the 1993 constitutional revision that furthered devolution into a federal state, there are now three levels of government (federal, regional, and linguistic community) with a complex division of responsibilities; the 2012 sixth state reform transferred additional competencies from the federal state to the regions and linguistic communities
Reference: 2012, 1993note: note: as a result of the 1993 constitutional revision that furthered devolution into a federal state, there are now three levels of government (federal, regional, and linguistic community) with a complex division of responsibilities; the 2012 sixth state reform transferred additional competencies from the federal state to the regions and linguistic communities
Legal system
civil law system based on the French Civil Code; judicial review of legislative acts
Constitution
history: drafted 25 November 1830, approved 7 February 1831, entered into force 26 July 1831, revised 14 July 1993 (creating a federal state)
amendment process: "revisions" proposed as declarations by the federal government in accord with the king or by Parliament followed by dissolution of Parliament and new elections; adoption requires two-thirds majority vote of a two-thirds quorum in both houses of the next elected Parliament
Reference: 1993amendment process: "revisions" proposed as declarations by the federal government in accord with the king or by Parliament followed by dissolution of Parliament and new elections; adoption requires two-thirds majority vote of a two-thirds quorum in both houses of the next elected Parliament
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Citizenship
citizenship by birth: no
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Belgium
dual citizenship recognized: yes
residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Belgium
dual citizenship recognized: yes
residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal and compulsory
Executive branch
chief of state: King PHILIPPE (since 21 July 2013)
head of government: Prime Minister Bart DE WEVER (since 3 February 2025)
cabinet: Council of Ministers formally appointed by the monarch
election/appointment process: the monarchy is hereditary and constitutional; following legislative elections, the monarch usually appoints the leader of the majority party or majority coalition as prime minister, which the legislature approves
Reference: 2025, 2013head of government: Prime Minister Bart DE WEVER (since 3 February 2025)
cabinet: Council of Ministers formally appointed by the monarch
election/appointment process: the monarchy is hereditary and constitutional; following legislative elections, the monarch usually appoints the leader of the majority party or majority coalition as prime minister, which the legislature approves
Legislative branch
legislature name: Federal Parliament (Parlement fédéral - Federaal Parlement - Föderales Parlament)
legislative structure: bicameral
note: note: the 1993 constitutional revision that further devolved Belgium into a federal state created three levels of government (federal, regional, and linguistic community) with a complex division of responsibilities; this results in six governments, each with its own legislative assembly
Reference: 1993legislative structure: bicameral
note: note: the 1993 constitutional revision that further devolved Belgium into a federal state created three levels of government (federal, regional, and linguistic community) with a complex division of responsibilities; this results in six governments, each with its own legislative assembly
Legislative branch - lower chamber
chamber name: House of Representatives (Chambre des Représentants)
number of seats: 150 (all directly elected)
electoral system: proportional representation
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 5 years
most recent election date: 6/9/2024
parties elected and seats per party: New Flemish Alliance (N-VA) (24); Vlaams Belang (Flemish Interest) (20); Movement for Reform (MR) (20); Socialist Party in Wallonia (PS) (16); Workers' Party of Belgium (PTB*PVDA) (15); LES ENGAGÉS (14); Vooruit (13); Christian Democratic and Flemish (CD&V) (11); Other (17)
percentage of women in chamber: 41.3%
expected date of next election: June 2029
Reference: 2029, 2024number of seats: 150 (all directly elected)
electoral system: proportional representation
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 5 years
most recent election date: 6/9/2024
parties elected and seats per party: New Flemish Alliance (N-VA) (24); Vlaams Belang (Flemish Interest) (20); Movement for Reform (MR) (20); Socialist Party in Wallonia (PS) (16); Workers' Party of Belgium (PTB*PVDA) (15); LES ENGAGÉS (14); Vooruit (13); Christian Democratic and Flemish (CD&V) (11); Other (17)
percentage of women in chamber: 41.3%
expected date of next election: June 2029
Legislative branch - upper chamber
chamber name: Senate (Sénat - Senaat - Senat)
number of seats: 60 (all indirectly elected)
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 5 years
most recent election date: 7/18/2024
percentage of women in chamber: 47.5%
expected date of next election: July 2029
Reference: 2029, 2024number of seats: 60 (all indirectly elected)
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 5 years
most recent election date: 7/18/2024
percentage of women in chamber: 47.5%
expected date of next election: July 2029
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Constitutional Court or Grondwettelijk Hof (in Dutch) and Cour Constitutionelle (in French) (consists of 12 judges - 6 Dutch-speaking and 6 French-speaking); Supreme Court of Justice or Hof van Cassatie (in Dutch) and Cour de Cassation (in French) (court organized into 3 chambers: civil and commercial; criminal; social, fiscal, and armed forces; each chamber includes a Dutch division and a French division, each with a chairperson and 5-6 judges)
judge selection and term of office: Constitutional Court judges appointed by the monarch from candidates submitted by Parliament; judges appointed for life with mandatory retirement at age 70; Supreme Court judges appointed by the monarch from candidates submitted by the High Council of Justice, a 44-member independent body of judicial and non-judicial members; judges appointed for life
subordinate courts: Courts of Appeal; regional courts; specialized courts for administrative, commercial, labor, immigration, and audit issues; magistrate's courts; justices of the peace
judge selection and term of office: Constitutional Court judges appointed by the monarch from candidates submitted by Parliament; judges appointed for life with mandatory retirement at age 70; Supreme Court judges appointed by the monarch from candidates submitted by the High Council of Justice, a 44-member independent body of judicial and non-judicial members; judges appointed for life
subordinate courts: Courts of Appeal; regional courts; specialized courts for administrative, commercial, labor, immigration, and audit issues; magistrate's courts; justices of the peace
Political parties
Flemish parties:
Christian Democratic and Flemish or CD&V
Vooruit or Forward (formerly Social Progressive Alternative or SP.A)
Groen or Green (formerly AGALEV, Flemish Greens)
New Flemish Alliance or N-VA
Open Flemish Liberals and Democrats or Open VLD
Vlaams Belang (Flemish Interest) or VB
Francophone parties:
Ecolo (Francophone Greens)
Francophone Federalist Democrats or Defi
Les Engages (formerly Humanist and Democratic Center or CDH)
Reform Movement or MR
Socialist Party or PS
Workers' Party or PVDA-PTB
Christian Democratic and Flemish or CD&V
Vooruit or Forward (formerly Social Progressive Alternative or SP.A)
Groen or Green (formerly AGALEV, Flemish Greens)
New Flemish Alliance or N-VA
Open Flemish Liberals and Democrats or Open VLD
Vlaams Belang (Flemish Interest) or VB
Francophone parties:
Ecolo (Francophone Greens)
Francophone Federalist Democrats or Defi
Les Engages (formerly Humanist and Democratic Center or CDH)
Reform Movement or MR
Socialist Party or PS
Workers' Party or PVDA-PTB
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Frédéric BERNARD (since 25 February 2025)
chancery: 1430 K Street NW, Washington DC 20005
telephone: [1] (202) 333-6900
FAX: [1] (202) 338-4960
email address and website: Washington@diplobel.fed.be
https://unitedstates.diplomatie.belgium.be/en
consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York
chancery: 1430 K Street NW, Washington DC 20005
telephone: [1] (202) 333-6900
FAX: [1] (202) 338-4960
email address and website: Washington@diplobel.fed.be
https://unitedstates.diplomatie.belgium.be/en
consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Bill WHITE (since 17 November 2025)
embassy: Regentlaan 27 Boulevard du Regent, B-1000 Brussels
mailing address: 7600 Brussels Place, Washington DC 20521-7600
telephone: [32] (2) 811-4000
FAX: [32] (2) 811-4500
email address and website: uscitizenBrussels@state.gov
https://be.usembassy.gov/
embassy: Regentlaan 27 Boulevard du Regent, B-1000 Brussels
mailing address: 7600 Brussels Place, Washington DC 20521-7600
telephone: [32] (2) 811-4000
FAX: [32] (2) 811-4500
email address and website: uscitizenBrussels@state.gov
https://be.usembassy.gov/
International organization participation
ADB (nonregional members), AfDB (nonregional members), Australia Group, Benelux, BIS, CD, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, ECB, EIB, EITI (implementing country), EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, FATF, G-9, G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD (partners), IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MONUSCO, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OIF, OPCW, OSCE, Pacific Alliance (observer), Paris Club, PCA, Schengen Convention, SELEC (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNOOSA, UNRWA, UNTSO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC
Independence
4 October 1830 (a provisional government declared independence from the Netherlands); 21 July 1831 (King LEOPOLD I ascended to the throne)
National holiday
Belgian National Day (ascension to the throne of King LEOPOLD I), 21 July (1831)
Flag
description: three equal vertical bands of black (left side), yellow, and red
history: the vertical design was based on the flag of France; the colors are from the arms of the duchy of Brabant (yellow lion with red claws and tongue on a black field)
history: the vertical design was based on the flag of France; the colors are from the arms of the duchy of Brabant (yellow lion with red claws and tongue on a black field)
National symbol(s)
golden rampant lion
National color(s)
red, black, yellow
National anthem(s)
title: "La Brabançonne" (The Song of Brabant)
lyrics/music: Louis-Alexandre DECHET [French] and Victor CEULEMANS [Dutch]/Francois VAN CAMPENHOUT
history: adopted 1830; according to legend Louis-Alexandre DECHET, an actor at the theater where the revolution against the Netherlands began, wrote the lyrics with a group of young people in a Brussels cafe
lyrics/music: Louis-Alexandre DECHET [French] and Victor CEULEMANS [Dutch]/Francois VAN CAMPENHOUT
history: adopted 1830; according to legend Louis-Alexandre DECHET, an actor at the theater where the revolution against the Netherlands began, wrote the lyrics with a group of young people in a Brussels cafe
National heritage
total World Heritage Sites: 16 (15 cultural, 1 natural)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Belfries of Belgium (c); Historic Brugge (c); The Grand Place, Brussels (c); Major Town Houses of Victor Horta (c); Notre-Dame Cathedral, Tournai (c); Spa, Liege (c); Primeval Beech Forests - Sonian Wood (n); Stoclet Palace (c)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Belfries of Belgium (c); Historic Brugge (c); The Grand Place, Brussels (c); Major Town Houses of Victor Horta (c); Notre-Dame Cathedral, Tournai (c); Spa, Liege (c); Primeval Beech Forests - Sonian Wood (n); Stoclet Palace (c)
Government & Official Links
| Institution | Official website | X / Twitter | Verification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Belgium official website | Official website | — | Reported · source Checked September 20, 2026 |
Institutional accounts only; personal accounts of political office-holders are excluded.
Legislature & Elections
Legislature
| Name | Chamber | Seats | Electoral system |
|---|---|---|---|
| Belgian Federal Parliament | — | — | — |
Economy
Economic overview
high-income, core EU and eurozone economy; slow growth with weakened domestic consumption and export demand; high public debt and structural deficits linked to social spending; aging workforce with weak productivity growth and participation rates
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024: $749.229 billion (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $741.672 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $732.865 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $741.672 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $732.865 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Real GDP per capita
Real GDP per capita 2024: $63,100 (2024 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023: $62,900 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $62,700 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP per capita 2023: $62,900 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $62,700 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 0.8% (2024 est.)
industry: 17.6% (2024 est.)
services: 72.1% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Reference: 2024industry: 17.6% (2024 est.)
services: 72.1% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
GDP - composition, by end use
household consumption: 50.4% (2023 est.)
government consumption: 23.8% (2023 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 24.4% (2023 est.)
investment in inventories: 1% (2023 est.)
exports of goods and services: 84.2% (2023 est.)
imports of goods and services: -84.8% (2023 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Reference: 2023government consumption: 23.8% (2023 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 24.4% (2023 est.)
investment in inventories: 1% (2023 est.)
exports of goods and services: 84.2% (2023 est.)
imports of goods and services: -84.8% (2023 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Agricultural products
sugar beets, milk, potatoes, wheat, pork, lettuce, maize, chicken, barley, pears (2023)
note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Reference: 2023note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Industries
engineering and metal products, motor vehicle assembly, transportation equipment, scientific instruments, processed food and beverages, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, base metals, textiles, glass, petroleum
Industrial production growth rate
-0.6% (2024 est.)
note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Reference: 2024note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Labor force
5.416 million (2024 est.)
note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Reference: 2024note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
total: 16.8% (2024 est.)
male: 18.6% (2024 est.)
female: 14.7% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Reference: 2024male: 18.6% (2024 est.)
female: 14.7% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Population below poverty line
12.3% (2022 est.)
note: note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Reference: 2022note: note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income 2022: 26.4 (2022 est.)
note: note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Reference: 2022note: note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Average household expenditures
on food: 12.2% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
on alcohol and tobacco: 4% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023on alcohol and tobacco: 4% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share
lowest 10%: 3.8% (2022 est.)
highest 10%: 22.2% (2022 est.)
note: note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Reference: 2022highest 10%: 22.2% (2022 est.)
note: note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Remittances
Remittances 2024: 2.3% of GDP (2024 est.)
Remittances 2023: 2.3% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 2.3% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Remittances 2023: 2.3% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 2.3% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Budget
revenues: $220.657 billion (2022 est.)
expenditures: $235.767 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Reference: 2022expenditures: $235.767 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Public debt
Public debt 2022: 92.5% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: note: central government debt as a % of GDP
Reference: 2022note: note: central government debt as a % of GDP
Taxes and other revenues
22.7% (of GDP) (2022 est.)
note: note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Reference: 2022note: note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Current account balance
Current account balance 2024: -$5.679 billion (2024 est.)
Current account balance 2023: -$4.503 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$7.031 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Current account balance 2023: -$4.503 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$7.031 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2024: $525.458 billion (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $542.508 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $565.233 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Exports 2023: $542.508 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $565.233 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
France 20%, Netherlands 15%, Germany 14%, Italy 6%, USA 5% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
refined petroleum, natural gas, vaccines, cars, packaged medicine (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2024: $531.029 billion (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $546.426 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $573.192 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Imports 2023: $546.426 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $573.192 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
Netherlands 20%, Germany 13%, France 11%, USA 7%, Ireland 4% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
cars, natural gas, vaccines, packaged medicine, crude petroleum (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2024: $41.449 billion (2024 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $40.813 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $41.274 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $40.813 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $41.274 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Exchange rates
Currency: euros (EUR) per US dollar -
Exchange rates 2024: 0.924 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023: 0.925 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 0.95 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 0.845 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 0.876 (2020 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Exchange rates 2024: 0.924 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023: 0.925 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 0.95 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 0.845 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 0.876 (2020 est.)
Trade
Current account balance
Current account balance 2024: -$5.679 billion (2024 est.)
Current account balance 2023: -$4.503 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$7.031 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Current account balance 2023: -$4.503 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$7.031 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2024: $525.458 billion (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $542.508 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $565.233 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Exports 2023: $542.508 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $565.233 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
France 20%, Netherlands 15%, Germany 14%, Italy 6%, USA 5% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
refined petroleum, natural gas, vaccines, cars, packaged medicine (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2024: $531.029 billion (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $546.426 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $573.192 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Imports 2023: $546.426 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $573.192 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
Netherlands 20%, Germany 13%, France 11%, USA 7%, Ireland 4% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
cars, natural gas, vaccines, packaged medicine, crude petroleum (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Energy & Resources
Electricity
installed generating capacity: 28.248 million kW (2023 est.)
consumption: 74.537 billion kWh (2023 est.)
exports: 18.279 billion kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 18.626 billion kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 3.147 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023consumption: 74.537 billion kWh (2023 est.)
exports: 18.279 billion kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 18.626 billion kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 3.147 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
fossil fuels: 24.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
nuclear: 40.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar: 9.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind: 20% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: -0.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) note: Belgium has negative net hydroelectric power generation based on losses from use of pumped storage hydropower
biomass and waste: 6.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023nuclear: 40.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar: 9.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind: 20% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: -0.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) note: Belgium has negative net hydroelectric power generation based on losses from use of pumped storage hydropower
biomass and waste: 6.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Nuclear energy
Number of operational nuclear reactors: 4 (2025)
Net capacity of operational nuclear reactors: 3.46GW (2025 est.)
Percent of total electricity production: 41.2% (2023 est.)
Number of nuclear reactors permanently shut down: 3 (2025)
Reference: 2025, 2023Net capacity of operational nuclear reactors: 3.46GW (2025 est.)
Percent of total electricity production: 41.2% (2023 est.)
Number of nuclear reactors permanently shut down: 3 (2025)
Coal
production: 1.269 million metric tons (2023 est.)
consumption: 4.372 million metric tons (2023 est.)
exports: 184,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 4.046 million metric tons (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 4.1 billion metric tons (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023consumption: 4.372 million metric tons (2023 est.)
exports: 184,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 4.046 million metric tons (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 4.1 billion metric tons (2023 est.)
Petroleum
total petroleum production: 11,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
refined petroleum consumption: 596,000 bbl/day (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2023refined petroleum consumption: 596,000 bbl/day (2024 est.)
Natural gas
production: 12.938 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
consumption: 14.382 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
exports: 8.461 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
imports: 23.007 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023consumption: 14.382 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
exports: 8.461 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
imports: 23.007 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
Total energy consumption per capita 2023: 190.416 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Infrastructure
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 2.667 million (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 23 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 23 (2023 est.)
Health
Maternal mortality ratio
4 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 11% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 15.2% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 15.2% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
6.53 physicians/1,000 population (2023)
Reference: 2023Hospital bed density
5.5 beds/1,000 population (2021 est.)
Reference: 2021Obesity - adult prevalence rate
22.1% (2016)
Reference: 2016Tobacco use
total: 24.1% (2025 est.)
male: 26.4% (2025 est.)
female: 22% (2025 est.)
male: 26.4% (2025 est.)
female: 22% (2025 est.)
Education
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 19 years (2022 est.)
male: 18 years (2022 est.)
female: 20 years (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022male: 18 years (2022 est.)
female: 20 years (2022 est.)
Rights, Freedoms & Society
Press & Media Freedom
V-Dem expert-coded/modelled source measures. Knelstrom does not create a press-freedom ranking or composite score.
LGBTQ+ Rights & Law
Concrete legal-status fields only; Knelstrom does not generate an LGBTQ rights score or country ranking.
Source: Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory (CC BY-SA 4.0). Community-edited legal-status summary; retrieved by Knelstrom and not legal advice.
Crime & Justice
Legal system
civil law system based on the French Civil Code; judicial review of legislative acts
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Constitutional Court or Grondwettelijk Hof (in Dutch) and Cour Constitutionelle (in French) (consists of 12 judges - 6 Dutch-speaking and 6 French-speaking); Supreme Court of Justice or Hof van Cassatie (in Dutch) and Cour de Cassation (in French) (court organized into 3 chambers: civil and commercial; criminal; social, fiscal, and armed forces; each chamber includes a Dutch division and a French division, each with a chairperson and 5-6 judges)
judge selection and term of office: Constitutional Court judges appointed by the monarch from candidates submitted by Parliament; judges appointed for life with mandatory retirement at age 70; Supreme Court judges appointed by the monarch from candidates submitted by the High Council of Justice, a 44-member independent body of judicial and non-judicial members; judges appointed for life
subordinate courts: Courts of Appeal; regional courts; specialized courts for administrative, commercial, labor, immigration, and audit issues; magistrate's courts; justices of the peace
judge selection and term of office: Constitutional Court judges appointed by the monarch from candidates submitted by Parliament; judges appointed for life with mandatory retirement at age 70; Supreme Court judges appointed by the monarch from candidates submitted by the High Council of Justice, a 44-member independent body of judicial and non-judicial members; judges appointed for life
subordinate courts: Courts of Appeal; regional courts; specialized courts for administrative, commercial, labor, immigration, and audit issues; magistrate's courts; justices of the peace
Military & Security
Military and security forces
Belgian Armed Forces (Defensie or La Défense): Land Component, Marine (Naval) Component, Air Component, Medical Component, Cyber Command (2025)
note: note: the Belgian Federal Police is the national police force and responsible for internal security and nationwide law and order, including migration and border enforcement
note: note: the Belgian Federal Police is the national police force and responsible for internal security and nationwide law and order, including migration and border enforcement
Military expenditures
Military Expenditures 2025: 2% of GDP (2025 est.)
Military Expenditures 2024: 1.3% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 1.2% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 1.2% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 1.1% of GDP (2021 est.)
Reference: 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022Military Expenditures 2024: 1.3% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 1.2% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 1.2% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 1.1% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military and security service personnel strengths
approximately 23,000 active-duty military personnel (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the armed forces have a mix of weapons systems from European countries, Israel, and the US; Belgium has an export-focused defense industry that focuses on components and subcontracting (2024)
Reference: 2024Military service age and obligation
18 years of age for voluntary military service for men and women; conscription abolished in 1995 (2024)
note: note 1: in 2024, women comprised about 11% of the military's full-time personnel
note 2: foreign nationals 18-34 years of age who speak Dutch or French and are citizens of EU countries, Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland may apply to join the military
Reference: 2024, 1995note: note 1: in 2024, women comprised about 11% of the military's full-time personnel
note 2: foreign nationals 18-34 years of age who speak Dutch or French and are citizens of EU countries, Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland may apply to join the military
Military deployments
has about 1,000 personnel deployed on foreign missions, including more than 300 ground forces deployed in Eastern Europe, as well as air and naval assets, supporting NATO missions for the defense of NATO's eastern flank (2024)
Reference: 2024Military - note
the Belgian military's responsibilities include territorial defense, humanitarian/disaster relief, assistance to the police if required, international peacekeeping missions, and support to its NATO and EU security commitments, which Belgium considers vital components of its national security policy; outside of the country, the military operates almost always within an international organization or a coalition; Belgium was one of the original 12 countries to sign the North Atlantic Treaty (also known as the Washington Treaty) establishing NATO in 1949; it hosts the NATO headquarters in Brussels; Belgium also cooperates bilaterally with neighboring countries, such as Luxembourg and the Netherlands, in conducting joint patrols of their respective air spaces and in a composite combined special operations command with Denmark and the Netherlands (2025)
Reference: 2025, 1949International Relations
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Frédéric BERNARD (since 25 February 2025)
chancery: 1430 K Street NW, Washington DC 20005
telephone: [1] (202) 333-6900
FAX: [1] (202) 338-4960
email address and website: Washington@diplobel.fed.be
https://unitedstates.diplomatie.belgium.be/en
consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York
chancery: 1430 K Street NW, Washington DC 20005
telephone: [1] (202) 333-6900
FAX: [1] (202) 338-4960
email address and website: Washington@diplobel.fed.be
https://unitedstates.diplomatie.belgium.be/en
consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Bill WHITE (since 17 November 2025)
embassy: Regentlaan 27 Boulevard du Regent, B-1000 Brussels
mailing address: 7600 Brussels Place, Washington DC 20521-7600
telephone: [32] (2) 811-4000
FAX: [32] (2) 811-4500
email address and website: uscitizenBrussels@state.gov
https://be.usembassy.gov/
embassy: Regentlaan 27 Boulevard du Regent, B-1000 Brussels
mailing address: 7600 Brussels Place, Washington DC 20521-7600
telephone: [32] (2) 811-4000
FAX: [32] (2) 811-4500
email address and website: uscitizenBrussels@state.gov
https://be.usembassy.gov/
International organization participation
ADB (nonregional members), AfDB (nonregional members), Australia Group, Benelux, BIS, CD, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, ECB, EIB, EITI (implementing country), EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, FATF, G-9, G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD (partners), IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MONUSCO, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OIF, OPCW, OSCE, Pacific Alliance (observer), Paris Club, PCA, Schengen Convention, SELEC (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNOOSA, UNRWA, UNTSO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC
Treaties & Organisations
| Organisation | Status | Joined |
|---|---|---|
| Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) | member | 1973-06-25 |
| European Union (EU) | member | 1957-03-25 |
| NATO (NATO) | member | 1949-04-04 |
| OECD (OECD) | member | — |
| United Nations (UN) | member | 1945-12-27 |
| World Trade Organization (WTO) | member | — |
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
International organization participation
ADB (nonregional members), AfDB (nonregional members), Australia Group, Benelux, BIS, CD, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, ECB, EIB, EITI (implementing country), EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, FATF, G-9, G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD (partners), IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MONUSCO, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OIF, OPCW, OSCE, Pacific Alliance (observer), Paris Club, PCA, Schengen Convention, SELEC (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNOOSA, UNRWA, UNTSO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC
Conflict & Security
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 236,689 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 849 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024stateless persons: 849 (2024 est.)
Illicit drugs
USG identification: major precursor-chemical producer (2025)
Terrorist group(s)
Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps/Qods Force; Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS)
note: note: details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide
note: note: details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide
Transportation & Logistics
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
OO
Airports
48 (2025)
Heliports
112 (2025)
Railways
total: 3,602 km (2020) 3,160 km electrified
Reference: 2020Merchant marine
total: 198 (2023)
by type: bulk carrier 17, container ship 2, general cargo 16, oil tanker 21, other 142
Reference: 2023by type: bulk carrier 17, container ship 2, general cargo 16, oil tanker 21, other 142
Ports
total ports: 7 (2024)
large: 1
medium: 2
small: 2
very small: 2
ports with oil terminals: 5
key ports: Antwerpen, Bruxelles, Ghent, Oostende, Zeebrugge
Reference: 2024large: 1
medium: 2
small: 2
very small: 2
ports with oil terminals: 5
key ports: Antwerpen, Bruxelles, Ghent, Oostende, Zeebrugge
Environment
Environmental issues
urbanization; possible risks from industry and intensive farming; air and water pollution
International environmental agreements
party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Heavy Metals, Air Pollution-Multi-effect Protocol, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protection, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Reference: 2006signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Climate
temperate; mild winters, cool summers; rainy, humid, cloudy
Land use
agricultural land: 44.4% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 28.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 0.8% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 15.3% (2023 est.)
forest: 22% (2023 est.)
other: 33.6% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 28.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 0.8% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 15.3% (2023 est.)
forest: 22% (2023 est.)
other: 33.6% (2023 est.)
Urbanization
urban population: 98.2% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: 0.38% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2020rate of urbanization: 0.38% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
total emissions: 112.083 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from coal and metallurgical coke: 8.166 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 76.635 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from consumed natural gas: 27.282 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023from coal and metallurgical coke: 8.166 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 76.635 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from consumed natural gas: 27.282 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
12.3 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019Waste and recycling
municipal solid waste generated annually: 4.766 million tons (2024 est.)
percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 31.7% (2022 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2022percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 31.7% (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal
municipal: 740.19 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
industrial: 4.14 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
agricultural: 41.97 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022industrial: 4.14 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
agricultural: 41.97 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Total renewable water resources
18.3 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022Geoparks
total global geoparks and regional networks: 2 (2024)
global geoparks and regional networks: Famenne-Ardenne; Schelde Delta (includes Netherlands) (2024)
Reference: 2024global geoparks and regional networks: Famenne-Ardenne; Schelde Delta (includes Netherlands) (2024)
Communications & Media
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 2.667 million (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 23 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 23 (2023 est.)
Broadcast media
a segmented market with the three major linguistic communities (Flemish-, French-, and German-speaking) each responsible for their own broadcast media; multiple TV channels exist for each community; over 90% of households are connected to cable and can access TV broadcasts from neighboring countries; each community has a public radio network coexisting with private broadcasters
Internet country code
.be
Historical Trends
Population
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Population data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 11,331,422 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | 11,375,158 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | 11,427,054 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | 11,488,980 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | 11,538,604 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | 11,586,195 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | 11,680,210 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | 11,779,946 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 11,858,610 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | 11,941,781 | world_bank_wdi |
GDP (current US$)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View GDP (current US$) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | $474,271,566,740 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | $500,908,767,352 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | $542,638,913,428 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | $536,726,344,405 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | $529,694,473,502 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | $598,522,422,242 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | $591,474,463,579 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | $650,779,364,364 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | $670,983,130,619 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | $725,466,462,860 | world_bank_wdi |
International migrant stock (immigrants)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International migrant stock (immigrants) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2,046,975 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 2,349,032 | world_bank_wdi |
International emigrant stock
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International emigrant stock data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 312,709 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 1995 | 305,533 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2000 | 313,188 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2005 | 374,297 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2010 | 405,732 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2015 | 438,560 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2020 | 482,561 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2024 | 521,884 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
Net migration
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Net migration data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 28,090 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | 37,981 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | 50,604 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | 58,469 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | 43,777 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | 24,017 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | 118,615 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | 41,679 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 36,243 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | 31,989 | world_bank_wdi |
Sources & Methodology
Current statistical observations include their reference period and provenance. Reference fields from approved source datasets are attributed below. Missing information is left unknown rather than inferred.
| Indicator | Value | Period | Source | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 11,941,781 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| UN Population Division population estimate | 11,774,643 | 2026 | UN Population Division Data Portal | Estimated |
| Wikidata population (fallback) | 11,825,551 | 2025 | Wikidata | Reported |
| International migrant stock (immigrants) | 2,349,032 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International migrant stock | 20.0% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International emigrant stock | 521,884 | 2024 | UN DESA International Migrant Stock 2024 | Estimated |
| Net migration | 31,989 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Refugees hosted | 186,393 | 2025 | UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics | Verified |
| Asylum seekers hosted | 58,725 | 2025 | UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics | Verified |
| Refugees from this country | 113 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Asylum seekers from this country | 69 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Freedom of expression & alternative information index | 0.969 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Government censorship effort — media | 3.489 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Harassment of journalists | 2.007 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Print/broadcast media critical of government | 2.674 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Range of perspectives in major media | 2.213 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media bias | 2.339 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media self-censorship | 3.040 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Same-sex sexual activity | Yes Legal nationwide since 1795; equal age of consent since 1985; + UN decl. sign. | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Recognition of same-sex relationships | Yes Legal cohabitation since 2000 | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex marriage | Yes Legal since 2003 | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex adoption | Yes Legal since 2006 | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Open military service | Yes Includes transgender people | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law | Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Gender identity / expression law | Yes Since 2018, sex changes do not require sterilisation and surgery | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| GDP (current US$) | $725,466,462,860 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP per capita (current US$) | $60,750 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP growth | 1.0% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Inflation, consumer prices | 2.5% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Unemployment | 5.9% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Income level | High income | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Life expectancy at birth | 82.3 years | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fertility rate | 1.4 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Urban population | 87.7% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Individuals using the Internet | 95.8% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Exports of goods and services | 75.5% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Imports of goods and services | 77.5% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Trade | 152.9% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secondary school enrolment, gross | 143.0% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Government education expenditure | 6.3% | 2022 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Access to electricity | 100.0% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Electric power consumption | 7,099 kWh/person | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Renewable energy consumption | 11.7% | 2021 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Current health expenditure | 10.8% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Infant mortality rate | 3.1 per 1,000 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Forest area | 22.6% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Mobile cellular subscriptions | 103.9 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fixed broadband subscriptions | 44.2 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secure Internet servers | 36,732 per million | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude | 50.8371° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Longitude | 4.3676° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude (Wikidata) | 50.6411° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Longitude (Wikidata) | 4.6681° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Time zone | UTC+01:00, UTC+02:00 | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Form of government | federation | current | Wikidata | Reported |
Data attribution
Credits below are generated from sources actually used by this country profile. Source-specific terms take precedence.
- CIA World Factbook, final 2025 country profile (structured via factbook.json). Accessed September 20, 2026. U.S. Government public-domain data; retained as a reference source where a newer approved field is not available. Source · Terms/licence
- Source: Eurostat (dataset/datacode: demo_pjan) Accessed September 19, 2026. Knelstrom presentation/formatting may differ from the source. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, International Migrant Stock 2024; data access/processing via Our World in Data. Accessed September 20, 2026. Underlying UN dataset used under CC BY 3.0 IGO. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, World Population Prospects (WPP indicator 49) Accessed September 19, 2026. Used under CC BY 3.0 IGO; current-year WPP population values are presented as estimates/projections where applicable. Source · Terms/licence
- UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics Database. Accessed September 19, 2026. Used under CC BY 4.0 except where a dataset identifies a different source or licence. Source · Terms/licence
- Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem), Country-Year Dataset v16 (variables: v2mebias, v2mecenefm, v2mecrit, v2meharjrn, v2merange, v2meslfcen, v2x_freexp_altinf) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0; V-Dem measures are expert-coded/modelled and no V-Dem endorsement is implied. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikidata structured data (CC0). Accessed September 20, 2026. Attribution is provided by Knelstrom for provenance although CC0 does not require it. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikipedia, “LGBTQ rights by country or territory” (source revision/data fields: Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Gender identity / expression law, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Open military service, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Recognition of same-sex relationships, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex adoption, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex marriage, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex sexual activity, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Knelstrom changes formatting and presents the imported material as a community-edited legal-status summary, not legal advice or a Knelstrom rights score. Source · Terms/licence
- World Bank, World Development Indicators (series: AG.LND.FRST.ZS, country_metadata, EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS, EG.FEC.RNEW.ZS, EG.USE.ELEC.KH.PC, FP.CPI.TOTL.ZG, IT.CEL.SETS.P2, IT.NET.BBND.P2, IT.NET.SECR.P6, IT.NET.USER.ZS, NE.EXP.GNFS.ZS, NE.IMP.GNFS.ZS, NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS, NY.GDP.MKTP.CD, NY.GDP.MKTP.KD.ZG, NY.GDP.PCAP.CD, SE.SEC.ENRR, SE.XPD.TOTL.GD.ZS, SH.XPD.CHEX.GD.ZS, SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS, SM.POP.ASYS.EO, SM.POP.NETM, SM.POP.RHCR.EO, SM.POP.TOTL, SM.POP.TOTL.ZS, SP.DYN.IMRT.IN, SP.DYN.LE00.IN, SP.DYN.TFRT.IN, SP.POP.TOTL, SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS) Accessed September 20, 2026. Data used under CC BY 4.0; Knelstrom presentation/formatting may differ from the source. Source · Terms/licence
Knelstrom does not imply endorsement by any listed data provider.
Last automated statistical refresh: 2026-09-20 02:05:12