Introduction
Background
Belgium became independent from the Netherlands in 1830. The country prospered as a modern, technologically advanced European state and member of NATO and the EU. The capital city of Brussels is home to numerous international organizations, including the EU and NATO.
Geography
Area
total : 30,528 sq km
land: 30,278 sq km
water: 250 sq km
Climate
temperate; mild winters, cool summers; rainy, humid, cloudy
Natural resources
construction materials, silica sand, carbonates, arable land
People and Society
Population
total: 11,977,634
Ethnic groups
Belgian 75.2%, Italian 4.1%, Moroccan 3.7%, French 2.4%, Turkish 2%, Dutch 2%, other 10.6% (2012 est.)
Languages
Dutch (official) 60%, French (official) 40%, German (official) less than 1%
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.)
Population growth rate
0.53% (2024 est.)
Government
Government type
federal parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy
Capital
name: Brussels
Executive branch
chief of state: King PHILIPPE (since 21 July 2013)
head of government: Prime Minister Alexander DE CROO (since 1 October 2020)
Legislative branch
summary: bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (60 seats) and the Chamber of Representatives (150 seats)
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d'Affaires Sophie Chaska KARLSHAUSEN (since 31 August 2024)
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Michael ADLER (since 15 March 2022)
Economy
Economic overview
high-income, core EU and eurozone economy; slow but steady growth supported by household consumption and energy shock recovery; high public debt and structural deficits linked to social spending; aging workforce with weak productivity growth and participation rates
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$751.592 billion (2023 est.)
$741.47 billion (2022 est.)
$719.771 billion (2021 est.)
Real GDP per capita
$63,600 (2023 est.)
$63,500 (2022 est.)
$62,100 (2021 est.)
Exports
$535.174 billion (2023 est.)
$558.271 billion (2022 est.)
$527.746 billion (2021 est.)
Exports - partners
Germany 19%, France 15%, Netherlands 14%, US 6%, Italy 5% (2022)
Exports - commodities
natural gas, vaccines, refined petroleum, packaged medicine, cars (2022)
Imports
$545.471 billion (2023 est.)
$567.164 billion (2022 est.)
$516.8 billion (2021 est.)
Imports - partners
Netherlands 19%, Germany 12%, France 9%, US 6%, China 6% (2022)
Imports - commodities
natural gas, refined petroleum, cars, packaged medicine, vaccines (2022)
Page last updated: Thursday, October 10, 2024
