Country Profile: Belgium

Belgium, located in Western Europe, is bordered by the North Sea, France, the Netherlands, Germany, and Luxembourg. With a population of approximately 11.96 million, it is known for its complex social structure, comprising mainly Dutch-speaking Flemish and French-speaking Walloons. Belgium has a high-income economy that is integral to the European Union and is characterized by slow growth and high public debt. The country operates as a federal parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy, with Brussels serving as its capital.

Geography

Belgium's geographical location makes it a crossroads in Western Europe, with a total area of 30,528 square kilometers. The terrain is predominantly flat in the northwest, transitioning to rolling hills and rugged mountains in the southeast. The climate is temperate, with mild winters and cool summers, and approximately 97% of the population resides in urban areas.

30,528 sq km: Total area of Belgium.
66.5 km: Length of coastline along the North Sea.
1,297 km: Total land boundaries shared with France, Germany, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands.
181 m: Mean elevation.
44.4%: Percentage of land used for agriculture as of 2023.

People and Society

Belgium’s estimated population of 11,960,170 in 2025 is diverse, with significant ethnic groups including Belgian (75.2%), Italian (4.1%), and Moroccan (3.7%). The country recognizes three official languages: Dutch, French, and German. The life expectancy is high at 82.3 years, while urbanization is remarkably high, with 98.2% of the population living in urban areas.

16.9%: Population aged 0-14 years.
62.8%: Population aged 15-64 years.
20.2%: Population aged 65 years and over.
4.96: Net migration rate per 1,000 population (2025).
9.09: Birth rate per 1,000 population (2025).

Economy

Belgium's economy is classified as high-income and is part of the eurozone. The GDP (Purchasing Power Parity) is estimated at $749.229 billion for 2024, with a per capita GDP of $63,100. The services sector dominates the economy, accounting for over 72% of the total GDP. The country faces challenges such as high public debt and weak productivity growth.

1%: Projected GDP growth for 2024.
12.3%: Population living below the national poverty line (2022).
5.5%: Unemployment rate (2024).
84.2%: Exports of goods and services as a percentage of GDP (2023).
22.7%: Central government tax revenue as a percentage of GDP (2022).

Government

Belgium, officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a federal parliamentary democracy with a constitutional monarchy. The government comprises three regions: the Brussels-Capital Region, Flanders, and Wallonia. The King serves as the head of state, while the Prime Minister leads the government. The country has a unique electoral system that includes universal suffrage at 18 years of age.

King Philippe: Current monarch since 21 July 2013.
Bart De Wever: Prime Minister since 3 February 2025.
150: Seats in the House of Representatives.
60: Seats in the Senate.

Military and Security

The Belgian Armed Forces, comprising land, naval, and air components, focus on both national defense and international missions. Military expenditures are projected at 2% of GDP in 2025, reflecting Belgium's commitment to NATO. The country maintains an average deployment of about 1,000 personnel on foreign missions.

23,000: Approximate active-duty military personnel (2025).
4: Operational nuclear reactors (2025).
1.3%: Military expenditures as a percentage of GDP (2024).

Energy

Belgium's energy sector is characterized by a significant reliance on nuclear power, with about 41.2% of its electricity production coming from nuclear sources. The total electricity consumption reached 74.537 billion kWh in 2023, and the country has achieved 100% electrification for its population.

28.248 million kW: Installed generating capacity (2023).
100%: Electrification rate of the total population (2022).
14.382 billion cubic meters: Total natural gas consumption (2023).

Environment

Belgium faces environmental challenges linked to urbanization and pollution from industrial activities. However, the country is a participant in multiple international environmental agreements focused on climate change and biodiversity.

22%: Percentage of land covered by forests (2023).
31.7%: Proportion of municipal solid waste recycled (2022).
112.083 million metric tonnes: Total CO2 emissions (2023).

Transportation

Belgium has a well-developed transportation network, including 3,602 km of railways and 48 airports. The country's logistics infrastructure supports its position as a key trade hub in Europe.

198: Total number of merchant marine vessels (2023).
3,602 km: Total railway length (2020).
7: Total number of ports (2024).

Communications

With high levels of connectivity, around 95% of the population are internet users. The telecommunications market is segmented by language communities, providing tailored media and communication services.

12.2 million: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2024).
5.12 million: Fixed broadband subscriptions (2023).
21: Fixed line subscriptions per 100 inhabitants (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.)
Birth Rate	9.09 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Life Expectancy	82.3 years (2024 est.)
Energy Consumption per Capita	190.416 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures	2% of GDP (2025 est.)
Urban Population	98.2% of total population (2023)
Carbon Dioxide Emissions	112.083 million metric tonnes (2023 est.)