Page last updated on December 17, 2013

Introduction:
Background:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Belgium became independent from the Netherlands in 1830; it was occupied by Germany during World Wars I and II. The country prospered in the past half century as a modern, technologically advanced European state and member of NATO and the EU. Tensions between the Dutch-speaking Flemings of the north and the French-speaking Walloons of the south have led in recent years to constitutional amendments granting these regions formal recognition and autonomy. Its capital, Brussels, is home to numerous international organizations including the EU and NATO.
Geography:
Location:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Western Europe, bordering the North Sea, between France and the Netherlands
Geographic coordinates:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
50 50 N, 4 00 E
Map references:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Europe
Area:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 30,528 sq km
country comparison to the world: 141
land: 30,278 sq km
water: 250 sq km
Area - comparative:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
about the size of Maryland
Land boundaries:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 1,385 km
border countries: France 620 km, Germany 167 km, Luxembourg 148 km, Netherlands 450 km
Coastline:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
66.5 km
Maritime claims:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: geographic coordinates define outer limit
continental shelf: median line with neighbors
Climate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
temperate; mild winters, cool summers; rainy, humid, cloudy
Terrain:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
flat coastal plains in northwest, central rolling hills, rugged mountains of Ardennes Forest in southeast
Elevation extremes:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
lowest point: North Sea 0 m
highest point: Botrange 694 m
Natural resources:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
construction materials, silica sand, carbonates
Land use:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
arable land: 27.06%
permanent crops: 0.72%
other: 72.22%
note: includes Luxembourg (2011)
Irrigated land:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
233.5 sq km (2007)
Total renewable water resources:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
18.3 cu km (2011)
Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 6.22 cu km/yr (12%/88%/1%)
per capita: 589.8 cu m/yr (2007)
Natural hazards:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
flooding is a threat along rivers and in areas of reclaimed coastal land, protected from the sea by concrete dikes
Environment - current issues:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
the environment is exposed to intense pressures from human activities: urbanization, dense transportation network, industry, extensive animal breeding and crop cultivation; air and water pollution also have repercussions for neighboring countries; uncertainties regarding federal and regional responsibilities (now resolved) had slowed progress in tackling environmental challenges
Environment - international agreements:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Geography - note:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
crossroads of Western Europe; most West European capitals within 1,000 km of Brussels, the seat of both the European Union and NATO
People and Society:
Nationality:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
noun: Belgian(s)
adjective: Belgian
Ethnic groups:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Fleming 58%, Walloon 31%, mixed or other 11%
Languages:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Dutch (official) 60%, French (official) 40%, German (official) less than 1%, legally bilingual (Dutch and French)
Religions:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Roman Catholic 75%, other (includes Protestant) 25%
Population:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
10,444,268 (July 2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 84
Age structure:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0-14 years: 15.7% (male 835,569/female 801,959)
15-24 years: 11.8% (male 629,753/female 603,550)
25-54 years: 40.6% (male 2,145,075/female 2,100,014)
55-64 years: 13.2% (male 681,946/female 695,188)
65 years and over: 18.7% (male 819,694/female 1,131,520) (2013 est.)
population pyramid: "> Dependency ratios:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total dependency ratio: 53.8 %
youth dependency ratio: 26.1 %
elderly dependency ratio: 27.7 %
potential support ratio: 3.6 (2013)
Median age:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 42.8 years
male: 41.5 years
female: 44.2 years (2013 est.)
Population growth rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0.05% (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 188
Birth rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
10 births/1,000 population (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 195
Death rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
10.7 deaths/1,000 population (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 42
Net migration rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
1.22 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 54
Urbanization:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
urban population: 97% of total population (2010)
rate of urbanization: 0.4% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)
Major urban areas - population:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
BRUSSELS (capital) 1.892 million; Antwerp 961,000 (2009)
Sex ratio:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-24 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
25-54 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
55-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.72 male(s)/female
total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2013 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
28
note: Data refer to first birth within current marriage (2008 est.)
Maternal mortality rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
8 deaths/100,000 live births (2010)
country comparison to the world: 157
Infant mortality rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 4.23 deaths/1,000 live births
country comparison to the world: 194
male: 4.73 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 3.7 deaths/1,000 live births (2013 est.)
Life expectancy at birth:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total population: 79.78 years
country comparison to the world: 38
male: 76.62 years
female: 83.08 years (2013 est.)
Total fertility rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
1.65 children born/woman (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 176
Contraceptive prevalence rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
70.4%
note: percent of women aged 18-49 (2010)
Health expenditures:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
10.6% of GDP (2011)
country comparison to the world: 20
Physicians density:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
3.78 physicians/1,000 population (2010)
Hospital bed density:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
6.5 beds/1,000 population (2011)
Drinking water source:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
improved:
Sanitation facility access:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
improved:
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0.2% (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 96
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
14,000 (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 88
HIV/AIDS - deaths:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
fewer than 100 (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 126
Obesity - adult prevalence rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
22.1% (2008)
country comparison to the world: 83
Education expenditures:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
6.6% of GDP (2009)
country comparison to the world: 28
Literacy:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 99%
male: 99%
female: 99% (2003 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 16 years
male: 16 years
female: 17 years (2010)
Unemployment, youth ages 15-24:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 18.7%
country comparison to the world: 65
male: 18.7%
female: 18.7% (2011)
Government:
Country name:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
conventional long form: Kingdom of Belgium
conventional short form: Belgium
local long form: Royaume de Belgique/Koninkrijk Belgie/Koenigreich Belgien
local short form: Belgique/Belgie/Belgien
Government type:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
federal parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy
Capital:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
name: Brussels
geographic coordinates: 50 50 N, 4 20 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
Administrative divisions:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
3 regions (French: regions, singular - region; Dutch: gewesten, singular - gewest); Brussels-Capital Region, also known as Brussels Hoofdstedelijk Gewest (Dutch), Region 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), Region Flamande (French long form), Flandre (French short form); Walloon Region (Wallonia), also known as Region Wallone (French long form), Wallonie (French short form), Waals Gewest (Dutch long form), Wallonie (Dutch short form)
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
Independence:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
4 October 1830 (a provisional government declared independence from the Netherlands); 21 July 1831 (King LEOPOLD I ascended to the throne)
National holiday:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
21 July (1831) ascension to the Throne of King LEOPOLD I
Constitution:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
drafted 25 November 1830, approved 7 February 1831, entered into force 26 July 1831, revised 14 July 1993 (creating a federal state); amended many times, last in 2012 (2012)
Legal system:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
civil law system based on the French Civil Code; note - Belgian law continues to be modified in conformance with the legislative norms mandated by the European Union; judicial review of legislative acts
International law organization participation:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Suffrage:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
18 years of age; universal and compulsory
Executive branch:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
chief of state: King PHILIPPE (since 21 August 2013); Heir Apparent Princess ELISABETH, daughter of the monarch
head of government: Prime Minister Elio DI RUPO (since 6 December 2011); Deputy Prime Minister Alexander DE CROO (since 22 October 2012); Joelle MILQUET (since 20 March 2008); Laurette ONKELINX (since 30 December 2008); Didier REYNDERS (since 30 December 2008); Pieter DE CREM (since 5 March 2013)
cabinet: Council of Ministers are formally appointed by the monarch
(For more information visit the World Leaders website )
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
elections: the monarchy is hereditary and constitutional; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by the monarch and then approved by parliament
Legislative branch:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
bicameral Parliament consists of a Senate or Senaat in Dutch, Senat in French (71 seats; 40 members directly elected by popular vote, 31 indirectly elected; members serve four-year terms) and a Chamber of Deputies or Kamer van Volksvertegenwoordigers in Dutch, Chambre des Representants in French (150 seats; members directly elected by popular vote on the basis of proportional representation to serve four-year terms)
elections: Senate and Chamber of Deputies - last held on 13 June 2010 (next to be held no later than June 2014)
election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - N-VA 19.6%, PS 13.6%, CD&V 10%, SP.A 9.5%, MR 9.3%, Open VLD 8.2%, VB 7.6%, Ecolo 5.5%, CDH 5.1% Groen! 3.9%, other 7.7%; seats by party - N-VA 9, PS 7, CD&V 4, SP.A 4, MR 4, Open VLD 4, VB 3, Ecolo 2, CDH 2, Groen! 1; Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by party - N-VA 17.4%, PS 13.7%, CD&V 10.9%, MR 9.3%, SP.A 9.2%, Open VLD 8.6%, VB 7.8%, CDH 5.5%, Ecolo 4.8%, Groen! 4.4%, List Dedecker 2.3%, the Popular Party 1.3%, other 4.8%; seats by party - N-VA 27, PS 26, CD&V 17, MR 18, sp.a 13, Open VLD 13, VB 12, CDH 9, Ecolo 8, Groen! 5, List Dedecker 1, the Popular Party 1
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; this reality leaves six governments, each with its own legislative assembly
Judicial branch:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
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, and audit issues; magistrate's courts; justices of the peace
Political parties and leaders:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Flemish parties:
Francophone parties:
Political pressure groups and leaders:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Federation of Belgian Industries
other: trade unions; numerous other associations representing bankers, manufacturers, middle-class artisans, and the legal and medical professions; various organizations represent the cultural interests of Flanders and Wallonia; various peace groups such as Pax Christi and groups representing immigrants
International organization participation:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
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), 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, Paris Club, PCA, Schengen Convention, SELEC (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNRWA, UNTSO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC
Diplomatic representation in the US:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
chief of mission: Ambassador Jan MATTHYSEN (since 17 February 2008)
chancery: 3330 Garfield Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 333-6900
FAX: [1] (202) 338-4960
consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York
Diplomatic representation from the US:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
chief of mission: Ambassador Denise BAUER (since 7 August 2013)
embassy: 27 Boulevard du Regent [Regentlaan], B-1000 Brussels
mailing address: PSC 82, Box 002, APO AE 09710
telephone: [32] (2) 811-4000
FAX: [32] (2) 811-4500
Flag description:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
three equal vertical bands of black (hoist side), yellow, and red; the vertical design was based on the flag of France; the colors are those of the arms of the duchy of Brabant (yellow lion with red claws and tongue on a black field)
National symbol(s):
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
lion
National anthem:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
name: "La Brabanconne" (The Song of Brabant)
lyrics/music: Louis-Alexandre DECHET[French] Victor CEULEMANS [Dutch]/Francois VAN CAMPENHOUT
note: adopted 1830; Louis-Alexandre DECHET was an actor at the theater in which the revolution against the Netherlands began; according to legend, he wrote the lyrics with a group of young people in a Brussels cafe
Economy:
Economy - overview:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
This modern, open, and private-enterprise-based economy has capitalized on its central geographic location, highly developed transport network, and diversified industrial and commercial base. Industry is concentrated mainly in the more heavily-populated region of Flanders in the north. With few natural resources, Belgium imports substantial quantities of raw materials and exports a large volume of manufactures, making its economy vulnerable to volatility in world markets. Roughly three-quarters of Belgium's trade is with other EU countries, and Belgium has benefited most from its proximity to Germany. In 2011 Belgian GDP grew by 1.8%, the unemployment rate decreased slightly to 7.2% from 8.3% the previous year, and the government reduced the budget deficit from a peak of 6% of GDP in 2009 to 4.2% in 2011 and 3.3% in 2012. Fourth quarter GDP growth in 2012 was at -0.1%, the third consecutive quarter of negative growth. This brought economic growth for the whole of 2012 to negative 0.2%. It also left Belgium on the brink of a possible recession at the end of 2012. However, at year's end, the government appeared close to meeting its 2012 budget deficit goal of 3% of GDP. Despite the relative improvement in Belgium's budget deficit, public debt hovers around 100% of GDP, a factor that has contributed to investor perceptions that the country is increasingly vulnerable to spillover from the euro-zone crisis. Belgian banks were severely affected by the international financial crisis in 2008 with three major banks receiving capital injections from the government, and the nationalization of the Belgian retail arm of a Franco-Belgian bank.
GDP (purchasing power parity):
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$415.6 billion (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 33
note: data are in 2012 US dollars
GDP (official exchange rate):
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$477.4 billion (2012 est.)
GDP - real growth rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
-0.3% (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 184
GDP - per capita (PPP):
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$37,500 (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 31
note: data are in 2012 US dollars
Gross national saving:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
19.6% of GDP (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 76
GDP - composition, by end use:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
household consumption: 52.9%
government consumption: 24.9%
investment in fixed capital: 20.7%
investment in inventories: 0.3%
exports of goods and services: 84.8%
imports of goods and services: -83.6%
GDP - composition, by sector of origin:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
agriculture: 0.8%
industry: 22.2%
services: 76.9% (2012 est.)
Agriculture - products:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
sugar beets, fresh vegetables, fruits, grain, tobacco; beef, veal, pork, milk
Industries:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
engineering and metal products, motor vehicle assembly, transportation equipment, scientific instruments, processed food and beverages, chemicals, basic metals, textiles, glass, petroleum
Industrial production growth rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
-1.6% (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 152
Labor force:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
5.19 million (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 74
Labor force - by occupation:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
agriculture: 2%
industry: 25%
services: 73% (2007 est.)
Unemployment rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
7.6% (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 84
Population below poverty line:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
15.2% (2007 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
lowest 10%: 3.4%
highest 10%: 28.4% (2006)
Distribution of family income - Gini index:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
28 (2005)
country comparison to the world: 122
Budget:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
revenues: $246.6 billion
expenditures: $266.5 billion (2012 est.)
Taxes and other revenues:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
51.7% of GDP (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 13
Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-):
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
-4.2% of GDP (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 148
Public debt:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
99.6% of GDP (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 15
note: data cover general government debt, and includes debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities other than the treasury; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data include debt issued by subnational entities, as well as intra-governmental debt; intra-governmental debt consists of treasury borrowings from surpluses in the social funds, such as for retirement, medical care, and unemployment; debt instruments for the social funds are not sold at public auctions; general government debt is defined by the Maastricht definition and calculated by the National Bank of Belgium as consolidated gross debt; the debt is defined in European Regulation EC479/2009 concerning the implementation of the protocol on the excessive deficit procedure annexed to the Treaty on European Union (Treaty of Maastricht) of 7 February 1992; the sub-sectors of consolidated gross debt are: federal government, communities and regions, local government, and social security funds
Fiscal year:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
calendar year
Inflation rate (consumer prices):
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
2.6% (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 72
Central bank discount rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
1.5% (31 December 2012)
country comparison to the world: 121
note: this is the European Central Bank's rate on the marginal lending facility, which offers overnight credit to banks in the euro area
Commercial bank prime lending rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
3.62% (31 December 2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 170
Stock of narrow money:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$185.7 billion (31 December 2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 20
note: see entry for the European Union for money supply in the euro area; the European Central Bank (ECB) controls monetary policy for the 17 members of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU); individual members of the EMU do not control the quantity of money circulating within their own borders
Stock of broad money:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$543.2 billion (31 December 2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 21
Stock of domestic credit:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$574.8 billion (31 December 2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 23
Market value of publicly traded shares:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$229.9 billion (31 December 2011)
country comparison to the world: 29
Current account balance:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$-6.65 billion (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 168
Exports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$302.4 billion (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 19
Exports - commodities:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
machinery and equipment, chemicals, finished diamonds, metals and metal products, foodstuffs
Exports - partners:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Germany 18%, France 16.1%, Netherlands 13%, UK 7.3%, US 5.3%, Italy 4.4% (2012)
Imports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$311.1 billion (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 18
Imports - commodities:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
raw materials, machinery and equipment, chemicals, raw diamonds, pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs, transportation equipment, oil products
Imports - partners:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Netherlands 20.9%, Germany 14.2%, France 10.6%, US 6.1%, UK 5.5%, Ireland 4.4% (2012)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$30.77 billion (31 December 2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 50
Debt - external:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$1.424 trillion (31 December 2012)
country comparison to the world: 14
Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$1.159 trillion (31 December 2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 6
Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$1.185 trillion (31 December 2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 7
Exchange rates:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
euros (EUR) per US dollar -
Energy:
Electricity - production:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
83.37 billion kWh (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 37
Electricity - consumption:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
84.68 billion kWh (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 37
Electricity - exports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
6.911 billion kWh (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 23
Electricity - imports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
16.85 billion kWh (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 10
Electricity - installed generating capacity:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
18.32 million kW (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 40
Electricity - from fossil fuels:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
43.6% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 164
Electricity - from nuclear fuels:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
32.3% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 2
Electricity - from hydroelectric plants:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0.6% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 143
Electricity - from other renewable sources:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
16.3% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 11
Crude oil - production:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
10,530 bbl/day (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 90
Crude oil - exports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 83
Crude oil - imports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
667,700 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 16
Crude oil - proved reserves:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 bbl (1 January 2013 es)
country comparison to the world: 106
Refined petroleum products - production:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
720,000 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 25
Refined petroleum products - consumption:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
644,400 bbl/day (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 28
Refined petroleum products - exports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
442,800 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 17
Refined petroleum products - imports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
355,100 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 17
Natural gas - production:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 cu m (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 102
Natural gas - consumption:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
13.46 billion cu m (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 41
Natural gas - exports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
21.18 billion cu m (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 19
Natural gas - imports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
38.9 billion cu m (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 14
Natural gas - proved reserves:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 cu m (1 January 2013 es)
country comparison to the world: 113
Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
131.1 million Mt (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 36
Communications:
Telephones - main lines in use:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
4.631 million (2012)
country comparison to the world: 33
Telephones - mobile cellular:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
12.88 million (2012)
country comparison to the world: 67
Telephone system:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
general assessment: highly developed, technologically advanced, and completely automated domestic and international telephone and telegraph facilities
domestic: nationwide mobile-cellular telephone system; extensive cable network; limited microwave radio relay network
international: country code - 32; landing point for a number of submarine cables that provide links to Europe, the Middle East, and Asia; satellite earth stations - 7 (Intelsat - 3) (2007)
Broadcast media:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
a segmented market with the three major communities (Flemish, French, and German-speaking) each having responsibility for their own broadcast media; multiple TV channels exist for each community; additionally, in excess of 90% of households are connected to cable and can access broadcasts of TV stations from neighboring countries; each community has a public radio network co-existing with private broadcasters (2007)
Internet country code:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
.be
Internet hosts:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
5.192 million (2012)
country comparison to the world: 21
Internet users:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
8.113 million (2009)
country comparison to the world: 36
Transportation:
Airports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
41 (2013)
country comparison to the world: 102
Airports - with paved runways:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 26
over 3,047 m: 6
2,438 to 3,047 m: 9
1,524 to 2,437 m: 2
914 to 1,523 m: 1
under 914 m: 8 (2013)
Airports - with unpaved runways:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 15
under 914 m:
Heliports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
1 (2013)
Pipelines:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
gas 3,139 km; oil 154 km; refined products 535 km (2013)
Railways:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 3,233 km
country comparison to the world: 55
standard gauge: 3,233 km 1.435-m gauge (2,950 km electrified) (2008)
Roadways:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 154,012 km
country comparison to the world: 31
paved: 120,514 km (includes 1,756 km of expressways)
unpaved: 33,498 km (2010)
Waterways:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
2,043 km (1,528 km in regular commercial use) (2012)
country comparison to the world: 42
Merchant marine:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 87
country comparison to the world: 56
by type: bulk carrier 23, cargo 15, chemical tanker 5, container 4, liquefied gas 23, passenger 2, petroleum tanker 8, roll on/roll off 7
foreign-owned: 15 (Denmark 4, France 7, Russia 1, UK 2, US 1)
registered in other countries: 107 (Bahamas 6, Cambodia 1, Cyprus 3, France 7, Gibraltar 1, Greece 17, Hong Kong 26, Liberia 1, Luxembourg 11, Malta 7, Marshall Islands 1, Mozambique 2, North Korea 1, Panama 1, Portugal 8, Russia 4, Saint Kitts and Nevis 1, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 7, Singapore 1, Vanuatu 1) (2010)
Ports and terminals:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
major seaport(s): Oostende, Zeebrugge
river port(s): Antwerp, Gent (Schelde River); Brussels (Senne River); Liege (Meuse River)
container port(s) (TEUs): Antwerp (8,664,243), Zeebrugge (2,207,257) (2011)
Military:
Military branches:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Belgian Armed Forces: Land Operations Command, Naval Operations Command, Air Operations Command (2012)
Military service age and obligation:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
18 years of age for male and female voluntary military service; conscription abolished in 1994 (2012)
Manpower available for military service:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
males age 16-49: 2,359,232
females age 16-49: 2,291,689 (2010 est.)
Manpower fit for military service:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
males age 16-49: 1,934,957
females age 16-49: 1,877,268 (2010 est.)
Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
male: 59,665
female: 57,142 (2010 est.)
Military expenditures:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
1.3% of GDP (2005 est.)
country comparison to the world: 108
Transnational Issues:
Disputes - international:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
none
Refugees and internally displaced persons:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
stateless persons: 3,898 (2012)