# Belgium

> country in western Europe

**Wikidata**: [Q31](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q31)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belgium)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/belgium

## Summary

Belgium is a sovereign state located in Europe[1]. It was established on October 4, 1830[2], and its capital is Brussels[3][4]. The country has an area of 31k and a population of 11.8M as of 2025[5].Its official languages are Dutch, French, and German[6][3]. Belgium uses the euro as its currency. The country observes the time zones UTC+01:00, UTC+02:00, and Central European Time[7].

## Summary
Belgium is a sovereign state and constitutional republic located in Western Europe, specifically in the Low Countries region. It is a federal parliamentary monarchy with a population of approximately 11.8 million people as of 2023, making it one of the most densely populated countries in Europe. The country is known for its rich history, political stability, and cultural diversity, with its capital being Brussels.

## Key Facts
- **Official Name**: Kingdom of Belgium, also known as Royaume de Belgique and Königreich Belgien.
- **Area**: 30,528 square kilometres.
- **Capital**: Brussels.
- **Population**: 11,825,551 (2023 census).
- **Coordinates**: Latitude 50.641111, Longitude 4.668056.
- **Continent**: Europe.
- **Bordering Countries**: France, Germany, Luxembourg, Netherlands.
- **Highest Point**: Signal de Botrange (694 metres).
- **Lowest Point**: De Moeren (-4 metres).
- **Timezone**: UTC+01:00 (standard time), UTC+02:00 (daylight saving time).
- **National Flag**: Flag of Belgium.
- **Coat of Arms**: Coat of arms of Belgium.
- **Anthem**: "La Brabançonne".
- **Motto**: "Unity makes strength" (Eendracht maakt macht).
- **National Language**: Dutch, French, German.
- **Currency**: Euro (€).
- **Driving Side**: Right-hand traffic.
- **Electricity**: 230 volts, 50 Hz.
- **Emergency Number**: 112.
- **Internet TLD**: .be.
- **ISO Codes**: Alpha-2: BE, Alpha-3: BEL, Numeric: 056.
- **M49 Code**: 056.
- **Aircraft Registration Prefix**: OB.
- **Licence Plate Code**: B (since 1910).
- **Maritime Identification Digits**: 205.
- **Mobile Country Code**: 206.

## FAQs
**What type of government does Belgium have?**
Belgium is a federal parliamentary monarchy with a constitutional republic form of government. The head of state is the King of the Belgians, and the head of government is the Prime Minister of Belgium.

**What is Belgium's current population and demographic profile?**
As of the 2023 census, the population of Belgium is 11,825,551. The population has grown from approximately 7.4 million in 1920 to over 11.8 million in 2023, with an urban population of approximately 11.4 million versus a rural population of approximately 225,000 in 2022.

**What are Belgium's economic indicators?**
Belgium's nominal GDP was $644.78 billion in 2023. The Gini coefficient (income inequality) is 27.2 (2020). The unemployment rate is 5.55% (2020). The VAT rate is 21% standard.

**What international organizations is Belgium a member of?**
Belgium is a member of the United Nations (since 1945), European Union (since 1957), NATO (since 1949), Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Council of Europe, Benelux, European Space Agency, World Trade Organization, and many other international bodies including the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, International Finance Corporation, and Interpol.

**What is Belgium's human development status?**
Belgium's Human Development Index (HDI) is 0.937 (2021), classified as "Very High." The Inequality-adjusted HDI is 0.874 (2021). Life expectancy at birth is 81.69 years (2022).

**What are Belgium's major holidays and public celebrations?**
Public holidays include New Year's Day (January 1), Easter, Easter Monday, Feast of the Ascension, Pentecost, Whit Monday, Belgian National Day (July 21), Assumption of Mary, All Saints' Day (November 1), Armistice Day (November 11), and Christmas Day.

**What administrative divisions does Belgium have?**
Belgium is divided into three regions: Flemish Region, Walloon Region, and Brussels-Capital Region. Each region has its own administrative and political structure, contributing to the country's regional diversity.

**What is Belgium's relationship with neighbouring countries?**
Belgium shares borders with France, Germany, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. It has diplomatic relations with numerous countries including France, Germany, Luxembourg, Netherlands, United States, China, Spain, and many others. The country was previously part of the United Kingdom of the Netherlands before independence.

## Why It Matters
Belgium matters as one of Europe's most stable and developed democracies, consistently ranking high on democratic governance indices and human development measurements. The country has transitioned from a period of economic volatility in the late 20th century to become a regional leader in social progress, political stability, and economic openness. Its democratic index score of 7.51 (2020) places it among the most democratic nations in Europe.

The country's significance extends beyond its borders as a member of major international organizations and as an active participant in regional affairs. Belgium serves as a bridge between European countries and maintains diplomatic relations with over 50 nations worldwide. Its commitment to multilateralism, human rights, and sustainable development has earned it recognition in international forums.

Belgium's economic model, characterized by a mixed economy with strong social welfare programs, has attracted international attention as a potential development template for other European nations. The country's approach to issues such as marriage equality, marijuana legalization, and environmental protection has positioned it as a policy innovator in the region.

The nation's cultural influence, particularly through its contributions to literature, music, and sports, extends throughout the European continent. Brussels serves as a cultural hub for Europe, while the country's film and literary traditions have gained international acclaim.

## Notable For
- **High Democracy Ranking**: Democracy index of 7.51 (2020), ranking 12th globally.
- **Human Development**: Classified as "Very High" with HDI of 0.937 (2021).
- **Pioneering Social Policies**: First country in Europe to legalize same-sex marriage (2003), first European country to legalize cannabis (2016).
- **Freedom Status**: Designated as "free country" in Freedom in the World rankings.
- **Happy Planet Index**: Score of 42.5 (2019), reflecting quality of life relative to environmental impact.
- **Low Population Density**: One of the lowest population densities in Europe despite high development indicators.
- **Gastronomy Recognition**: Featured in TasteAtlas for culinary heritage.
- **Historic Capital**: Brussels is one of Europe's oldest continuously inhabited European settlements.

## Body

### History and Independence
Belgium's path to sovereignty began with its independence from the United Kingdom of the Netherlands on October 4, 1830, following the Belgian Revolution. The country emerged from the Southern Netherlands, which had been annexed by the United Kingdom of the Netherlands after the Napoleonic Wars. The Declaration of Independence was formalized following negotiations between the United Kingdom of the Netherlands, France, and Belgium, with the Treaty of London establishing the country's boundaries.

Prior to independence, the territory was known as the Southern Netherlands and was contested between the United Kingdom of the Netherlands and France. The country's name derives from the Belgian people, who were the dominant ethnic group in the region.

### Geography and Environment
Belgium occupies a territory of 30,528 square kilometres in Western Europe. The country lies at coordinates latitude 50.641111 and longitude 4.668056, placing it entirely in the Northern Hemisphere. The landscape is characterized by rolling plains and low mountain ranges, with the highest point being Signal de Botrange.

The country shares its northern border with the Netherlands and its western border with France, separated by the Meuse River and the North Sea. The southern and eastern coasts border the North Sea, with the lowest point at sea level (-4 metres). The easternmost point is located at coordinates lat: 51.50508, lon: 4.77392, while the westernmost point is at lat: 51.089449723913674, lon: 2.5452695664522746. The northernmost point is at lat: 51.50508, lon: 4.77392, and the southernmost point has coordinates of lat: 49.49699, lon: 5.47248.

The country is located within the Rhine-Meuse-Scheldt basin and is named after the Belgian people. Other significant water bodies include the Meuse River, which bisects the country, and numerous smaller rivers and streams. The climate is temperate with four distinct seasons.

### Government and Politics
Belgium operates as a federal parliamentary monarchy with a parliamentary system of government. The King of the Belgians serves as both head of state and head of government, currently Philippe of Belgium, who assumed office on July 21, 2013. The executive body is the Federal Government of Belgium.

The legislative body is the Belgian Federal Parliament, a bicameral parliament consisting of the Senate of Belgium and the Chamber of Representatives. The highest judicial authority is the Constitutional Court of Belgium.

The country's political system is characterized by a strong tradition of democratic governance, with multiple political parties competing in regular elections. The Flemish Interest (Vlaams Belang) has been a significant political force in recent decades. Belgium's democracy index score of 7.51 (2020) places it among the top 15 most democratic nations.

### Demographics and Society
As of 2023, the population is approximately 11,825,551. The population has grown from approximately 7.4 million in 1920 to over 11.8 million in 2023, with an urban population of approximately 11.4 million versus a rural population of approximately 225,000 in 2022.

The society is highly urbanized, with the urban population reaching 11.4 million in 2022 compared to a rural population of 225,000. The life expectancy at birth is approximately 81.69 years (2022). The birth rate is 10.2 per 1,000 people (2019), and the death rate is 9.5 per 1,000 people (2019). The suicide rate is 20.7 per 100,000 people (2016).

The official languages are Dutch, French, and German, with Belgian Sign Language also recognized. Compulsory education begins at age 6 and continues until age 18. The age of majority is 18. The preferred retirement age is 67 years.

### Economy and Infrastructure
The economy is characterized by a mixed economy with strong social welfare programs. The nominal GDP was $644.78 billion in 2023. The Gini coefficient (income inequality) is 27.2 (2020). The unemployment rate is 5.55% (2020). The VAT rate is 21% standard.

The currency is the Euro (€). The median income is approximately €2,500. Individual income tax rates are progressive, ranging from 25% to 50% (2019 figures).

Infrastructure includes a right-hand traffic system. Speed limits vary by road type: 130 km/h on highways, 100 km/h on two-lane expressways, 80 km/h on paved rural roads, and 50 km/h in built-up areas. The electrical system operates at 230V and 50Hz using Europlugs, Type E, and AS/NZS 3112 plugs.

### International Relations and Memberships
Belgium maintains diplomatic relations with numerous countries, including France, Germany, Luxembourg, Netherlands, United States, China, Spain, and many others. It is a member of the United Nations (since 1945), European Union (since 1957), NATO (since 1949), Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Council of Europe, Benelux, European Space Agency, World Trade Organization, and many other international bodies including the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, International Finance Corporation, and Interpol.

### Symbols and Culture
The national flag is the Flag of Belgium. The coat of arms is the Coat of arms of Belgium. The anthem is "La Brabançonne". The motto is "Unity makes strength" (Eendracht maakt macht).

Cultural highlights include the historic capital of Brussels, one of Europe's oldest continuously inhabited European settlements. The country is also known for its contributions to literature, music, and sports, with Brussels serving as a cultural hub for Europe.

### Administrative Divisions
Belgium is divided into three regions: Flemish Region, Walloon Region, and Brussels-Capital Region. Each region has its own administrative and political structure, contributing to the country's regional diversity.

### Technical Identifiers and Standards
The country uses the .be top-level internet domain and has an international calling code of +32. The aircraft registration prefix is OB. The license plate code is B (since 1910). The maritime identification digits are 205. The mobile country code is 206.

The ISO codes are Alpha-2: BE, Alpha-3: BEL, Numeric: 056. The M49 code is 056. The emergency number is 112. The timezone is UTC+01:00 (standard time), UTC+02:00 (daylight saving time).

## References

1. [Source](https://www.workwithdata.com/place/belgium)
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14. [Nuclear Suppliers Group](http://www.nuclearsuppliersgroup.org/en/participants1)
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16. [Source](https://www.opcw.org/about-us/member-states/belgium)
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19. [International Hydrographic Organization](https://www.iho.int/srv1/index.php?option=com_wrapper&view=wrapper&Itemid=452&lang=en)
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30. [Source](https://www.ats.aq/devAS/Parties?lang=e)
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32. [Source](https://holocaustremembrance.com/countries/belgium)
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34. [Source](https://www.ncnk.org/sites/default/files/content/resources/publications/NCNK_Issue_Brief_DPRK_Diplomatic_Relations.pdf)
35. [Federal Government of Belgium](https://www.belgium.be/en/about_belgium/country/history/belgium_from_1830)
36. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
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45. [Source](https://statbel.fgov.be/en/themes/population/structure-population)
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47. [Source](https://statbel.fgov.be/fr/nouvelles/la-belgique-comptait-11825551-habitants-au-1er-janvier-2025)
48. [Source](https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SI.POV.GINI)
49. [Source](http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS)
50. [Source](https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS)