Cultural showcase of Belgium featuring landmarks, cuisine, and traditions

Belgium

Kingdom of Belgium

Belgium flag

Capital

Brussels

Region

Europe

Population

11,825,551

Area (km²)

30,528

💡Quick Summary

Belgium, a compact European nation spanning 30,528 km², boasts a population of about 11.8 million and serves as a key hub for the European Union with its capital, Brussels, hosting major EU institutions. Famous for its medieval cities, world-class chocolates, and diverse linguistic regions (Dutch, French, and German-speaking), it's a cultural crossroads blending Flemish and Walloon influences. With a rich history of art and architecture, Belgium punches above its weight in global affairs and cuisine.

Key Insights

Energy Access Universal, but Source Unknown

The entire population of Belgium enjoys 100% access to electricity, a foundational metric for development and quality of life. However, the lack of data on renewable energy percentage and CO2 emissions per capita leaves a significant gap in understanding the sustainability and environmental impact of this universal energy access.

Low Fertility Threatens Future Workforce

Belgium's fertility rate stands at a very low 1.47 children per woman, significantly below the replacement level of 2.1. This demographic trend suggests an aging population and potential future strain on social security and the workforce, a common challenge among highly developed European nations.

Exceptional Health Outcomes: Low Infant Mortality

Despite the lack of specific data on health expenditure or literacy, Belgium demonstrates outstanding public health infrastructure, highlighted by an extremely low infant mortality rate of just 3.000 per 1,000 live births. This figure is competitive with the best-performing nations globally and indicates high-quality prenatal and postnatal care.

Urban Concentration and Population Density

Belgium is one of the most urbanized countries in Europe, with 87.551% of its population living in urban areas. Given its small total area (30,528 sq km), this high urbanization rate contributes to significant population density, posing potential challenges for infrastructure and environmental management, despite 22.6% forest cover.

Economic Indicators
Latest economic data from World Bank

GDP (Current US$)

$651.33B

Year: 2023

GDP Per Capita

$55,291.48

GDP Growth (%)

1.71%

Inflation (%)

4.05%

Unemployment (%)

5.53%

Debt to GDP (%)

N/A%

Source: World Bank • Last updated: 1/23/2026

Historical Trends & Data Visualizations

GDP Growth Rate
Annual percentage change in GDP over time
2014201520162017201820192020202120222023-8.00%-4.00%0.00%4.00%8.00%
  • GDP Growth (%)
Population Growth
Total population over time
201420152016201720182019202020212022202303,000,0006,000,0009,000,00012,000,000
  • Population
Life Expectancy
Average life expectancy at birth (years)
20142015201620172018201920202021202220230.0years25.0years50.0years75.0years100.0years
  • Life Expectancy (years)
Renewable Energy Consumption
Percentage of total energy from renewable sources
201420152016201720182019202020210.0%4.0%8.0%12.0%16.0%
  • Renewable Energy (%)
GDP Per Capita
Economic output per person (current US$)
2014201520162017201820192020202120222023$0$15,000$30,000$45,000$60,000
  • GDP Per Capita ($)

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