Country Profile: Belgium

Belgium, located in Western Europe and bordered by France, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Germany, became independent from the Netherlands in 1830. Home to approximately 12 million inhabitants, the country is characterized by its diverse cultural fabric, comprising primarily Dutch-speaking Flemish and French-speaking Walloons. Belgium boasts a high-income economy, with significant contributions from the EU and NATO, although it faces challenges such as high public debt and an aging workforce. Governance is structured as a federal parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy, allowing for regional autonomy.

Geography

Belgium is situated in Western Europe, with a total area of 30,528 sq km, comparable to the size of Maryland. The country features flat coastal plains in the northwest, rolling hills in the center, and the rugged Ardennes Mountains in the southeast. With a coastline of 66.5 km and numerous rivers, flooding poses a natural hazard in certain areas. Belgium's population density is among the highest globally, with roughly 97% living in urban areas.

Area: 30,528 sq km
Elevation: Highest point is Botrange at 694 m
Temperate climate: Mild winters and cool summers
Natural resources: Includes construction materials and arable land
Population concentration: Predominantly in the northern two-thirds of the country

People and Society

Belgium's estimated population is 11,960,170 as of 2025, with a gender distribution of approximately 49.3% male and 50.7% female. The country is ethnically diverse, with 75.2% Belgian, along with sizable Italian, Moroccan, and French communities. The primary languages spoken are Dutch (60%) and French (40%). The nation has a diverse religious landscape, with 57.1% identifying as Roman Catholic.

Urban population: 98.2% as of 2023
Life expectancy: Approximately 82.3 years (2024 est.)
Median age: 42.4 years (2025 est.)
Birth rate: 9.09 births per 1,000 population (2025 est.)
Infant mortality rate: 3 deaths per 1,000 live births (2025 est.)

Economy

Belgium features a high-income economy, characterized by slow growth and significant public debt, largely due to high social spending. In 2024, the real GDP (PPP) is projected at $749.229 billion, with a per capita GDP of $63,100. The services sector dominates the economy, contributing 72.1% of the GDP. Key industries include pharmaceuticals, transportation equipment, and processed foods.

GDP growth rate: 1% (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate: 5.5% (2024 est.)
Public debt: 92.5% of GDP (2022 est.)
Exports: $525.458 billion (2024 est.)
Imports: $531.029 billion (2024 est.)

Government

Belgium operates as a federal parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy, with a complex division of responsibilities across federal, regional, and linguistic governments. The King serves as the chief of state, while the Prime Minister leads the government. The country is characterized by a bicameral legislature and has undergone constitutional revisions to enhance regional autonomy.

Capital: Brussels
National holiday: July 21, commemorating King Leopold I's ascension in 1831
Suffrage: Universal and compulsory at age 18
Constitution: Drafted in 1830, revised in 1993
Number of seats in the House of Representatives: 150

Military and Security

The Belgian Armed Forces consist of several components, including land, air, and navy forces, with an estimated 23,000 active-duty personnel. Military expenditures are projected to be 2% of GDP in 2025. Belgium plays a vital role in NATO and has been involved in international peacekeeping missions.

Military personnel deployed abroad: Approximately 1,000
Year conscription abolished: 1995
Number of operational nuclear reactors: 4 (2025)
Military expenditures (2023): 1.2% of GDP
National police force: Belgian Federal Police

Energy

Belgium has achieved 100% electricity access, with an installed capacity of 28.248 million kW primarily sourced from nuclear (40.4%) and wind energy (20%). The country has significant natural gas imports, which constitute a critical part of its energy consumption.

Total energy consumption per capita: 190.416 million Btu (2023 est.)
Electricity consumption: 74.537 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Nuclear energy contribution: 41.2% of total electricity production
Coal production: 1.269 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Natural gas imports: 23.007 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)

Environment

Belgium's environment faces challenges due to urbanization and pollution from industry and intensive farming. The country is a participant in multiple international environmental agreements aimed at addressing these issues, including the Paris Agreement.

Urban population: 98.2% of total population (2023)
Carbon dioxide emissions: 112.083 million metric tonnes (2023 est.)
Municipal solid waste generated annually: 4.766 million tons (2024 est.)
Percent of waste recycled: 31.7% (2022 est.)
Forest cover: 22% of land area (2023 est.)

Transportation

Belgium has a well-developed transportation network, with 3,602 km of railways and 48 airports. The country’s ports, such as Antwerp and Zeebrugge, play a crucial role in international trade.

Total ports: 7 (2024)
Airports: 48 (2025)
Merchant marine fleet: 198 vessels (2023)
Railways: 3,602 km total, with 3,160 km electrified
Heliports: 112 (2025)

Communications

Belgium boasts a high level of connectivity, with 95% of the population using the Internet and a large number of mobile subscriptions. There are distinct linguistic communities managing their own media networks.

Mobile cellular subscriptions: Approximately 12.2 million (2024)
Internet users: 95% of the population (2023)
Fixed-line subscriptions: 2.49 million (2024)
Fixed broadband subscriptions: 5.12 million (2023)
Telephones per 100 inhabitants: 104 mobile subscriptions (2024)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	11,960,170 (2025 est.)
Area	30,528 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$749.229 billion (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate	5.5% (2024 est.)
Life expectancy	82.3 years (2024 est.)
Birth rate	9.09 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Electric consumption	74.537 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Total energy consumption per capita	190.416 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Military expenditures	2% of GDP (2025 est.)
Forest cover	22% of land area (2023 est.)