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Belgium

Europe · Brussels · federal parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy

What Belgium means for your money — the prices you pay, the tariffs in motion, and where U.S. policy could change both.

Map showing the location of Belgium

$27.2B

U.S. imports, 2025

-2.2%

change in one year

$36.3B

U.S. exports, 2025

12M

Population

$664.6B

GDP

In your house

What you buy that Belgium makes

America bought $27.2B in goods from Belgium in 2025. Of every $100 of it, here's where the money went.

Pharmaceutical preparations

medicines and pharmacy items

$12.3B45.2%

U.s. goods returned, and reimports

$2.5B9.4%

Other precious metals

$1.0B3.8%

Gem diamonds

$1.0B3.8%

Passenger cars, new and used

new and used cars

$786M2.9%

Petroleum products, other

gasoline and petroleum products

$638M2.3%

Fuel oil

fuel oil

$605M2.2%

Chemicals-organic

$594M2.2%

Bakery products

$553M2%

Artwork, antiques, stamps, etc.

$524M1.9%

2026 so far (through April): $9.2B in imports. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, International Trade in Goods (customs basis).

The other direction

What America sells to Belgium

$36.3B in 2025 — a trade rupture cuts both ways, for American producers as well as American prices.

Pharmaceutical preparations

$6.9B

medicines and pharmacy items

Chemicals-organic

$3.2B

Plastic materials

$2.8B

plastics for packaging and goods

Medicinal equipment

$2.1B

medical devices and equipment

Gas-natural

$1.9B

Passenger cars, new and used

$1.4B

new and used cars

Chemicals-other

$1.4B

Natural gas liquids

$1.2B

Cell phones and other household goods, n.e.c.

$1.1B

cell phones and home electronics

Where you stand

U.S. tariff posture toward Belgium

Since February 24, 2026 most EU goods face the universal 10% Section 122 temporary import surcharge, which replaced the framework's 15% all-inclusive IEEPA structure when EO 14389 terminated the reciprocal tariffs. The framework's Section 232 terms persist: EU autos at 15%, and the April 2026 metals expansion expressly preserved the EU's trade-agreement-partner treatment (steel and aluminum otherwise at 50%).

The United States negotiates tariffs with the European Union as a single market — every measure here applies to Belgium as an EU member.

Reciprocal tariff (assigned — terminated)

20%

The rate this country was assigned under the EO 14257 reciprocal Annex — no longer in force. The Supreme Court struck down the IEEPA tariffs and they were terminated February 24, 2026 (EO 14389), replaced by a universal ~10% Section 122 surcharge. See the timeline below for the current effective rate.

Section 232 sectors

Autos, Wood

Steel, aluminum, autos, and similar national-security tariffs that name this country.

Policy in motion

Tariff status: a moving target

U.S. tariff policy toward the European Union — and with it Belgium — has changed 11 times since 2025. This page tracks it.

  1. 2026-04-06

    EU treatment preserved in expanded metals tariffs

    In effect

    The April 2026 proclamation expanding Section 232 coverage of aluminum, steel, and copper derivatives expressly does not alter or supersede the prior U.S.–EU agreement implementation, and lists the EU among 'Trade Agreement Partners' eligible for its exclusion process.

    91 FR 18201
  2. 2026-02-24

    IEEPA reciprocal tariffs terminated — replaced by 10% Section 122

    In effect

    Executive Order 14389 (Ending Certain Tariff Actions) terminated the IEEPA tariff duties — including those under EO 14257, the basis of the EU's 15% all-inclusive structure — effective February 24, 2026. A flat 10% Section 122 temporary import surcharge (Proclamation 11012 of February 20, 2026) replaced them. The framework's Section 232 terms (the 15% EU autos cap, metals carve-outs) rest on separate authority and were expressly unaffected.

    91 FR 9437
  3. 2025-09-25

    Framework implemented: preferential treatment for certain EU goods

    In effect

    Acting under the September 8, 2025 procedures order, Commerce and USTR modified the HTSUS to implement the framework — preferential (zero) reciprocal treatment for certain EU goods and a reduction of the Section 232 automobile and parts duty to 15% for EU-origin vehicles.

    90 FR 46136
  4. 2025-08-21

    U.S.–EU Framework Agreement joint statement

    Agreement

    The United States and the European Union issued the Joint Statement on a Framework on an Agreement on Reciprocal, Fair, and Balanced Trade: the U.S. committed to the 15% all-inclusive ceiling, zero reciprocal duty on certain products, and a cut of the Section 232 automobile duty to 15%; the EU committed to eliminate tariffs on U.S. industrial goods and expand agricultural access, plus $750B in U.S. energy procurement through 2028.

    Source
  5. 2025-08-07

    15% all-inclusive structure replaces the 20% rate

    In effect

    The July 31, 2025 order ('Further Modifying the Reciprocal Tariff Rates') gave the EU a unique structure effective August 7, 2025: for goods with an MFN (Column 1) rate below 15%, the reciprocal duty tops the total up to exactly 15%; goods with an MFN rate of 15% or higher pay no additional reciprocal duty.

    Federal Register · 2025-15010
  6. 2025-07-09

    Reciprocal-rate pause extended to August 1

    In effect

    The July 7, 2025 order extended the suspension of country-specific reciprocal rates through August 1, 2025, keeping the EU at the 10% baseline while framework talks continued.

    90 FR 30823
  7. 2025-06-04

    Section 232 steel and aluminum duties doubled to 50%

    In effect

    The June 3, 2025 proclamation raised Section 232 duties on steel and aluminum articles and derivatives from 25% to 50% effective June 4, 2025, with no EU carve-out.

    90 FR 24199
  8. 2025-04-10

    90-day pause suspends the 20% rate back to 10%

    In effect

    The April 9, 2025 modification order suspended country-specific reciprocal rates for 90 days for all partners except China, returning the EU to the 10% universal baseline effective April 10, 2025 while negotiations proceeded.

    90 FR 15625
  9. 2025-04-09

    EU country-specific reciprocal rate of 20% takes effect

    In effect

    Annex I of Executive Order 14257 assigned the European Union a 20% country-specific reciprocal rate, effective April 9, 2025 — the rate still carried for the EU in the HTS Chapter 99 Subchapter III note.

    Federal Register · 2025-06063
  10. 2025-04-05

    Universal 10% reciprocal baseline takes effect

    In effect

    Executive Order 14257 (signed April 2, 2025) imposed a 10% ad valorem reciprocal duty on imports from all trading partners, including the EU, effective April 5, 2025. The order singled out the EU's 5% average MFN rate and 10% passenger-vehicle tariff as examples of non-reciprocal treatment.

    Federal Register · 2025-06063
  11. 2025-03-12

    Section 232 steel and aluminum arrangements terminated — 25% duties on EU metals

    In effect

    Proclamations of February 10, 2025 ended the EU's tariff-rate-quota arrangements for steel and aluminum and raised the aluminum duty from 10% to 25%, applying 25% Section 232 duties to EU steel and aluminum effective March 12, 2025.

    90 FR 9817

Reference

The country itself

Europe · Geography, people, economy, and government — public-domain data from the CIA World Factbook.

Belgium became independent from the Netherlands in 1830; it was occupied by Germany during World Wars I and II. The country prospered as a modern, technologically advanced European state and member of NATO and the EU. In recent years, longstanding tensions between the Dutch-speaking Flemish of the north and the French-speaking Walloons of the south have led to constitutional amendments granting these regions formal recognition and autonomy. The capital city of Brussels is home to numerous international organizations, including the EU and NATO.

Regional map of Belgium

Geography

Location
Western Europe, bordering the North Sea, between France and the Netherlands
Area
30,528 sq km
Climate
temperate; mild winters, cool summers; rainy, humid, cloudy
Terrain
flat coastal plains in northwest, central rolling hills, rugged mountains of Ardennes Forest in southeast
Natural resources
construction materials, silica sand, carbonates, arable land
Coastline
66.5 km
Natural hazards
flooding is a threat along rivers and in areas of reclaimed coastal land, protected from the sea by concrete dikes

People & society

Population
11,960,170 (2025 est.)
Nationality
Belgian(s)
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.)
Median age
42.4 years (2025 est.)
Life expectancy at birth
82.3 years (2024 est.)

Economy

Economic overview
high-income, core EU and eurozone economy; slow growth with weakened domestic consumption and export demand; high public debt and structural deficits linked to social spending; aging workforce with weak productivity growth and participation rates
Industries
engineering and metal products, motor vehicle assembly, transportation equipment, scientific instruments, processed food and beverages, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, base metals, textiles, glass, petroleum
Agricultural products
sugar beets, milk, potatoes, wheat, pork, lettuce, maize, chicken, barley, pears (2023)
Exports - partners
France 20%, Netherlands 15%, Germany 14%, Italy 6%, USA 5% (2023)
Imports - partners
Netherlands 20%, Germany 13%, France 11%, USA 7%, Ireland 4% (2023)

Government

Government type
federal parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy
Capital
Brussels
Independence
4 October 1830 (a provisional government declared independence from the Netherlands); 21 July 1831 (King LEOPOLD I ascended to the throne)
Constitution
drafted 25 November 1830, approved 7 February 1831, entered into force 26 July 1831, revised 14 July 1993 (creating a federal state)
Executive branch
King PHILIPPE (since 21 July 2013)
Legislative branch
Federal Parliament (Parlement fédéral - Federaal Parlement - Föderales Parlament)

Full reference data

Every field, by section — CIA World Factbook. Open a topic to expand it.

Introduction
Background
Belgium became independent from the Netherlands in 1830; it was occupied by Germany during World Wars I and II. The country prospered as a modern, technologically advanced European state and member of NATO and the EU. In recent years, longstanding tensions between the Dutch-speaking Flemish of the north and the French-speaking Walloons of the south have led to constitutional amendments granting these regions formal recognition and autonomy. The capital city of Brussels is home to numerous international organizations, including the EU and NATO.
Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise increased caution in Belgium due to terrorism. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 3 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 2 blank pages in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required as long as you do not stay in the country more than 90 days.
US Embassy/Consulate
[32] (2) 811-4500; US Embassy Brussels, Regentlaan 27 Boulevard du Régent, B-1000 Brussels; https://be.usembassy.gov/; uscitizenBrussels@state.gov
Telephone Code
32
Local Emergency Phone
112 (cell)/ 101
Vaccinations
See WHO recommendations http://www.who.int/
Climate
Temperate; mild winters, cool summers, rainy, humid, cloudy
Currency (Code)
Euro (EUR)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, E
Major Languages
Dutch, French, German
Major Religions
Roman Catholic 50%, Protestant and other Christian 2.5%, Muslim 5%, Jewish 0.4%, Buddhist 0.3%, atheist 9.2%, none 32.6%
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
Potable Water
Yes
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Right
Tourist Destinations
Brussels (includes Grote Markt (Grand Place) and Saint-Cyr House); Brugge (includes Market Square and Basilica of the Holy Blood); Antwerp; Ghent; Waterloo
Major Sports
Soccer, volleyball, table tennis, tennis, badminton
Cultural Practices
Cleanliness is a source of pride in Belgium, where people can be seen washing the pavement in front of their house or sweeping the street.
Tipping Guidelines
Tipping in restaurants is not expected because a 10-15% service charge is generally applied to a bill. Tips are not expected in taxis, but feel free to let your driver keep the change as a gratuity.
Souvenirs
Handmade lace, woven tapestries and rugs, diamonds, beer, chocolate, perfume, antiques
Traditional Cuisine
Moules-frites — fresh mussels cooked in olive oil and white wine with garlic, thyme, and shallots served with potato fries
CIA source last updated
Wednesday, October 05, 2022
Travel resources

Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.

World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.

US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.

To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs: American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)

How to get help in an emergency? Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers: from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444

Page last updated: Wednesday, October 05, 2022

Geography
Location
Western Europe, bordering the North Sea, between France and the Netherlands
Geographic coordinates
50 50 N, 4 00 E
Map references
Europe
Area - total
30,528 sq km
Area - land
30,278 sq km
Area - water
250 sq km
Area - comparative
about the size of Maryland
Land boundaries - total
1,297 km
Land boundaries - border countries
France 556 km; Germany 133 km; Luxembourg 130 km; Netherlands 478 km
Coastline
66.5 km
Maritime claims - territorial sea
12 nm
Maritime claims - contiguous zone
24 nm
Maritime claims - exclusive economic zone
geographic coordinates define outer limit
Maritime claims - continental shelf
median line with neighbors
Climate
temperate; mild winters, cool summers; rainy, humid, cloudy
Terrain
flat coastal plains in northwest, central rolling hills, rugged mountains of Ardennes Forest in southeast
Elevation - highest point
Botrange 694 m
Elevation - lowest point
North Sea 0 m
Elevation - mean elevation
181 m
Natural resources
construction materials, silica sand, carbonates, arable land
Land use - agricultural land
44.4% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 28.3% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 0.8% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 15.3% (2023 est.)
Land use - forest
22% (2023 est.)
Land use - other
33.6% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
57 sq km (2013)
Major watersheds (area sq km) - Atlantic Ocean drainage
Seine (78,919 sq km), Rhine-Maas (198,735 sq km)
Population distribution
most of the population is concentrated in the northern two thirds of the country; the southeast is more thinly populated; considered to have one of the highest population densities in the world, with approximately 97% living in urban areas
Natural hazards
flooding is a threat along rivers and in areas of reclaimed coastal land, protected from the sea by concrete dikes
Geography - note
crossroads of Western Europe; most West European capitals are within 1,000 km of Brussels, the seat of both the EU and NATO
People and Society
Population - total
11,960,170 (2025 est.)
Population - male
5,907,498
Population - female
6,052,672
Nationality - noun
Belgian(s)
Nationality - adjective
Belgian
Ethnic groups
Belgian 75.2%, Italian 4.1%, Moroccan 3.7%, French 2.4%, Turkish 2%, Dutch 2%, other 10.6% (2012 est.)
Languages - Languages
Dutch (official) 60%, French (official) 40%, German (official) less than 1%
Languages - major-language sample(s)
Het Wereld Feitenboek, een onmisbare bron van informatie. (Dutch) The World Factbook, une source indispensable d'informations de base. (French) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
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.)
Age structure - 0-14 years
16.9% (male 1,038,578/female 990,215)
Age structure - 15-64 years
62.8% (male 3,796,844/female 3,730,784)
Age structure - 65 years and over
20.2% (2024 est.) (male 1,073,635/female 1,347,578)
Dependency ratios - total dependency ratio
57.6 (2025 est.)
Dependency ratios - youth dependency ratio
24.9 (2025 est.)
Dependency ratios - elderly dependency ratio
32.6 (2025 est.)
Dependency ratios - potential support ratio
3.1 (2025 est.)
Median age - total
42.4 years (2025 est.)
Median age - male
40.8 years
Median age - female
43.1 years
Population growth rate
0.45% (2025 est.)
Birth rate
9.09 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Death rate
9.55 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Net migration rate
4.96 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Population distribution
most of the population is concentrated in the northern two thirds of the country; the southeast is more thinly populated; considered to have one of the highest population densities in the world, with approximately 97% living in urban areas
Urbanization - urban population
98.2% of total population (2023)
Urbanization - rate of urbanization
0.38% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Major urban areas - population
2.122 million BRUSSELS (capital), 1.057 million Antwerp (2023)
Sex ratio - at birth
1.05 male(s)/female
Sex ratio - 0-14 years
1.05 male(s)/female
Sex ratio - 15-64 years
1.02 male(s)/female
Sex ratio - 65 years and over
0.8 male(s)/female
Sex ratio - total population
0.97 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth
29.2 years (2020 est.)
Maternal mortality ratio
4 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Infant mortality rate - total
3 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)
Infant mortality rate - male
3.5 deaths/1,000 live births
Infant mortality rate - female
2.7 deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth - total population
82.3 years (2024 est.)
Life expectancy at birth - male
79.7 years
Life expectancy at birth - female
85 years
Total fertility rate
1.46 children born/woman (2025 est.)
Gross reproduction rate
0.71 (2025 est.)
Drinking water source - improved: urban
urban: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Drinking water source - improved: rural
rural: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Drinking water source - improved: total
total: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Drinking water source - unimproved: urban
urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Drinking water source - unimproved: rural
rural: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Drinking water source - unimproved: total
total: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Health expenditure - Health expenditure (as % of GDP)
11% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure - Health expenditure (as % of national budget)
15.2% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
6.53 physicians/1,000 population (2023)
Hospital bed density
5.5 beds/1,000 population (2021 est.)
Sanitation facility access - improved: urban
urban: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Sanitation facility access - improved: rural
rural: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Sanitation facility access - improved: total
total: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Sanitation facility access - unimproved: urban
urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Sanitation facility access - unimproved: rural
rural: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Sanitation facility access - unimproved: total
total: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
22.1% (2016)
Alcohol consumption per capita - total
9.15 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita - beer
4.35 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita - wine
3.41 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita - spirits
1.09 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita - other alcohols
0.3 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Tobacco use - total
24.1% (2025 est.)
Tobacco use - male
26.4% (2025 est.)
Tobacco use - female
22% (2025 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
0.3% (2023 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
52.4% (2021 est.)
Child marriage - women married by age 15
0% (2020)
Child marriage - women married by age 18
0.1% (2020)
Education expenditure - Education expenditure (% GDP)
6.3% of GDP (2022 est.)
Education expenditure - Education expenditure (% national budget)
12% national budget (2022 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education) - total
19 years (2022 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education) - male
18 years (2022 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education) - female
20 years (2022 est.)
Government
Country name - conventional long form
Kingdom of Belgium
Country name - conventional short form
Belgium
Country name - local long form
Royaume de Belgique (French)/Koninkrijk Belgie (Dutch)/Koenigreich Belgien (German)
Country name - local short form
Belgique/Belgie/Belgien
Country name - etymology
the name derives from the Belgae, an ancient Celtic tribal confederation that inhabited an area between the English Channel and the west bank of the Rhine in the first centuries B.C.
Government type
federal parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy
Capital - name
Brussels
Capital - geographic coordinates
50 84 N, 4 35 E
Capital - time difference
UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Capital - daylight saving time
+1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October
Capital - etymology
the name is of Germanic origin, from broca (marsh) and sali (room or building)
Administrative divisions
3 regions (French: régions , singular - région ; Dutch: gewesten , singular - gewest ); Brussels-Capital Region, also known as Brussels Hoofdstedelijk Gewest (Dutch), R é gion 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), Région Flamande (French long form), Flandre (French short form); Walloon Region (Wallonia), also known as Région Wallonne (French long form), Wallonie (French short form), Waals Gewest (Dutch long form), Wallonie (Dutch short form)
Administrative divisions - note
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; the 2012 sixth state reform transferred additional competencies from the federal state to the regions and linguistic communities
Legal system
civil law system based on the French Civil Code; judicial review of legislative acts
Constitution - history
drafted 25 November 1830, approved 7 February 1831, entered into force 26 July 1831, revised 14 July 1993 (creating a federal state)
Constitution - amendment process
"revisions" proposed as declarations by the federal government in accord with the king or by Parliament followed by dissolution of Parliament and new elections; adoption requires two-thirds majority vote of a two-thirds quorum in both houses of the next elected Parliament
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Citizenship - citizenship by birth
no
Citizenship - citizenship by descent only
at least one parent must be a citizen of Belgium
Citizenship - dual citizenship recognized
yes
Citizenship - residency requirement for naturalization
5 years
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal and compulsory
Executive branch - chief of state
King PHILIPPE (since 21 July 2013)
Executive branch - head of government
Prime Minister Bart DE WEVER (since 3 February 2025)
Executive branch - cabinet
Council of Ministers formally appointed by the monarch
Executive branch - election/appointment process
the monarchy is hereditary and constitutional; following legislative elections, the monarch usually appoints the leader of the majority party or majority coalition as prime minister, which the legislature approves
Legislative branch - legislature name
Federal Parliament (Parlement fédéral - Federaal Parlement - Föderales Parlament)
Legislative branch - legislative structure
bicameral
Legislative branch - note
note: the 1993 constitutional revision that further devolved Belgium into a federal state created three levels of government (federal, regional, and linguistic community) with a complex division of responsibilities; this results in six governments, each with its own legislative assembly
Legislative branch - lower chamber - chamber name
House of Representatives (Chambre des Représentants)
Legislative branch - lower chamber - number of seats
150 (all directly elected)
Legislative branch - lower chamber - electoral system
proportional representation
Legislative branch - lower chamber - scope of elections
full renewal
Legislative branch - lower chamber - term in office
5 years
Legislative branch - lower chamber - most recent election date
6/9/2024
Legislative branch - lower chamber - parties elected and seats per party
New Flemish Alliance (N-VA) (24); Vlaams Belang (Flemish Interest) (20); Movement for Reform (MR) (20); Socialist Party in Wallonia (PS) (16); Workers' Party of Belgium (PTB*PVDA) (15); LES ENGAGÉS (14); Vooruit (13); Christian Democratic and Flemish (CD&V) (11); Other (17)
Legislative branch - lower chamber - percentage of women in chamber
41.3%
Legislative branch - lower chamber - expected date of next election
June 2029
Legislative branch - upper chamber - chamber name
Senate (Sénat - Senaat - Senat)
Legislative branch - upper chamber - number of seats
60 (all indirectly elected)
Legislative branch - upper chamber - scope of elections
full renewal
Legislative branch - upper chamber - term in office
5 years
Legislative branch - upper chamber - most recent election date
7/18/2024
Legislative branch - upper chamber - percentage of women in chamber
47.5%
Legislative branch - upper chamber - expected date of next election
July 2029
Judicial branch - 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)
Judicial branch - 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
Judicial branch - subordinate courts
Courts of Appeal; regional courts; specialized courts for administrative, commercial, labor, immigration, and audit issues; magistrate's courts; justices of the peace
Political parties
Flemish parties: Christian Democratic and Flemish or CD&V Vooruit or Forward (formerly Social Progressive Alternative or SP.A) Groen or Green (formerly AGALEV, Flemish Greens) New Flemish Alliance or N-VA Open Flemish Liberals and Democrats or Open VLD Vlaams Belang (Flemish Interest) or VB Francophone parties: Ecolo (Francophone Greens) Francophone Federalist Democrats or Defi Les Engages (formerly Humanist and Democratic Center or CDH) Movement for Reform or MR Socialist Party or PS Workers' Party or PVDA-PTB
Diplomatic representation in the US - chief of mission
Ambassador Frédéric BERNARD (since 25 February 2025)
Diplomatic representation in the US - chancery
1430 K Street NW, Washington DC 20005
Diplomatic representation in the US - telephone
[1] (202) 333-6900
Diplomatic representation in the US - FAX
[1] (202) 338-4960
Diplomatic representation in the US - email address and website
Diplomatic representation in the US - consulate(s) general
Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York
Diplomatic representation from the US - chief of mission
Ambassador Bill WHITE (since 17 November 2025)
Diplomatic representation from the US - embassy
Regentlaan 27 Boulevard du Regent, B-1000 Brussels
Diplomatic representation from the US - mailing address
7600 Brussels Place, Washington DC 20521-7600
Diplomatic representation from the US - telephone
[32] (2) 811-4000
Diplomatic representation from the US - FAX
[32] (2) 811-4500
Diplomatic representation from the US - email address and website
International organization participation
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), ICCt, 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, Pacific Alliance (observer), Paris Club, PCA, Schengen Convention, SELEC (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNOOSA, UNRWA, UNTSO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC
Independence
4 October 1830 (a provisional government declared independence from the Netherlands); 21 July 1831 (King LEOPOLD I ascended to the throne)
National holiday
Belgian National Day (ascension to the throne of King LEOPOLD I), 21 July (1831)
Flag
description: three equal vertical bands of black (left side), yellow, and red history: the vertical design was based on the flag of France; the colors are from the arms of the duchy of Brabant (yellow lion with red claws and tongue on a black field)
National symbol(s)
golden rampant lion
National color(s)
red, black, yellow
National anthem(s) - title
"La Brabançonne" (The Song of Brabant)
National anthem(s) - lyrics/music
Louis-Alexandre DECHET [French] and Victor CEULEMANS [Dutch]/Francois VAN CAMPENHOUT
National anthem(s) - history
adopted 1830; according to legend Louis-Alexandre DECHET, an actor at the theater where the revolution against the Netherlands began, wrote the lyrics with a group of young people in a Brussels cafe
National heritage - total World Heritage Sites
16 (15 cultural, 1 natural)
National heritage - selected World Heritage Site locales
Belfries of Belgium (c); Historic Brugge (c); The Grand Place, Brussels (c); Major Town Houses of Victor Horta (c); Notre-Dame Cathedral, Tournai (c); Spa, Liege (c); Primeval Beech Forests - Sonian Wood (n); Stoclet Palace (c)
Economy
Economic overview
high-income, core EU and eurozone economy; slow growth with weakened domestic consumption and export demand; high public debt and structural deficits linked to social spending; aging workforce with weak productivity growth and participation rates
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024
$749.229 billion (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023
$741.672 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022
$732.865 billion (2022 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - note
note: data in 2021 dollars
Real GDP growth rate - Real GDP growth rate 2024
1% (2024 est.)
Real GDP growth rate - Real GDP growth rate 2023
1.2% (2023 est.)
Real GDP growth rate - Real GDP growth rate 2022
4.3% (2022 est.)
Real GDP growth rate - note
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
Real GDP per capita - Real GDP per capita 2024
$63,100 (2024 est.)
Real GDP per capita - Real GDP per capita 2023
$62,900 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita - Real GDP per capita 2022
$62,700 (2022 est.)
Real GDP per capita - note
note: data in 2021 dollars
GDP (official exchange rate)
$664.564 billion (2024 est.)
GDP (official exchange rate) - note
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
Inflation rate (consumer prices) - Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2024
3.1% (2024 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) - Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2023
4% (2023 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) - Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2022
9.6% (2022 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) - note
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
GDP - composition, by sector of origin - agriculture
0.8% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin - industry
17.6% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin - services
72.1% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin - note
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
GDP - composition, by end use - household consumption
50.4% (2023 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - government consumption
23.8% (2023 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - investment in fixed capital
24.4% (2023 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - investment in inventories
1% (2023 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - exports of goods and services
84.2% (2023 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - imports of goods and services
-84.8% (2023 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - note
note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Agricultural products
sugar beets, milk, potatoes, wheat, pork, lettuce, maize, chicken, barley, pears (2023)
Agricultural products - note
note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Industries
engineering and metal products, motor vehicle assembly, transportation equipment, scientific instruments, processed food and beverages, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, base metals, textiles, glass, petroleum
Industrial production growth rate
-0.6% (2024 est.)
Industrial production growth rate - note
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Labor force
5.416 million (2024 est.)
Labor force - note
note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Unemployment rate - Unemployment rate 2024
5.5% (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate - Unemployment rate 2023
5.6% (2023 est.)
Unemployment rate - Unemployment rate 2022
5.6% (2022 est.)
Unemployment rate - note
note: % of labor force seeking employment
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - total
16.8% (2024 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - male
18.6% (2024 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - female
14.7% (2024 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - note
note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Population below poverty line
12.3% (2022 est.)
Population below poverty line - note
note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income - Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income 2022
26.4 (2022 est.)
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income - note
note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Average household expenditures - on food
12.2% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Average household expenditures - on alcohol and tobacco
4% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share - lowest 10%
3.8% (2022 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share - highest 10%
22.2% (2022 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share - note
note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Remittances - Remittances 2024
2.3% of GDP (2024 est.)
Remittances - Remittances 2023
2.3% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances - Remittances 2022
2.3% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances - note
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Budget - revenues
$220.657 billion (2022 est.)
Budget - expenditures
$235.767 billion (2022 est.)
Budget - note
note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Public debt - Public debt 2022
92.5% of GDP (2022 est.)
Public debt - note
note: central government debt as a % of GDP
Taxes and other revenues
22.7% (of GDP) (2022 est.)
Taxes and other revenues - note
note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Current account balance - Current account balance 2024
-$5.679 billion (2024 est.)
Current account balance - Current account balance 2023
-$4.503 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance - Current account balance 2022
-$7.031 billion (2022 est.)
Current account balance - note
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports - Exports 2024
$525.458 billion (2024 est.)
Exports - Exports 2023
$542.508 billion (2023 est.)
Exports - Exports 2022
$565.233 billion (2022 est.)
Exports - note
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
France 20%, Netherlands 15%, Germany 14%, Italy 6%, USA 5% (2023)
Exports - partners - note
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
refined petroleum, natural gas, vaccines, cars, packaged medicine (2023)
Exports - commodities - note
note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports - Imports 2024
$531.029 billion (2024 est.)
Imports - Imports 2023
$546.426 billion (2023 est.)
Imports - Imports 2022
$573.192 billion (2022 est.)
Imports - note
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
Netherlands 20%, Germany 13%, France 11%, USA 7%, Ireland 4% (2023)
Imports - partners - note
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
cars, natural gas, vaccines, packaged medicine, crude petroleum (2023)
Imports - commodities - note
note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold - Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2024
$41.449 billion (2024 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold - Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023
$40.813 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold - Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022
$41.274 billion (2022 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold - note
note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Exchange rates - Currency
euros (EUR) per US dollar -
Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2024
0.924 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2023
0.925 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2022
0.95 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2021
0.845 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2020
0.876 (2020 est.)
Energy
Electricity access - electrification - total population
100% (2022 est.)
Electricity - installed generating capacity
28.248 million kW (2023 est.)
Electricity - consumption
74.537 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity - exports
18.279 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity - imports
18.626 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity - transmission/distribution losses
3.147 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources - fossil fuels
24.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources - nuclear
40.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources - solar
9.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources - wind
20% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources - hydroelectricity
-0.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) note: Belgium has negative net hydroelectric power generation based on losses from use of pumped storage hydropower
Electricity generation sources - biomass and waste
6.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Nuclear energy - Number of operational nuclear reactors
4 (2025)
Nuclear energy - Net capacity of operational nuclear reactors
3.46GW (2025 est.)
Nuclear energy - Percent of total electricity production
41.2% (2023 est.)
Nuclear energy - Number of nuclear reactors permanently shut down
3 (2025)
Coal - production
1.269 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Coal - consumption
4.372 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Coal - exports
184,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
Coal - imports
4.046 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Coal - proven reserves
4.1 billion metric tons (2023 est.)
Petroleum - total petroleum production
11,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Petroleum - refined petroleum consumption
596,000 bbl/day (2024 est.)
Natural gas - production
12.938 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
Natural gas - consumption
14.382 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Natural gas - exports
8.461 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Natural gas - imports
23.007 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Energy consumption per capita - Total energy consumption per capita 2023
190.416 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Communications
Telephones - fixed lines - total subscriptions
2.49 million (2024 est.)
Telephones - fixed lines - subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
21 (2024 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular - total subscriptions
12.2 million (2024 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular - subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
104 (2024 est.)
Broadcast media
a segmented market with the three major linguistic communities (Flemish-, French-, and German-speaking) each responsible for their own broadcast media; multiple TV channels exist for each community; over 90% of households are connected to cable and can access TV broadcasts from neighboring countries; each community has a public radio network coexisting with private broadcasters
Internet country code
.be
Internet users - percent of population
95% (2023 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions - total
5.12 million (2023 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions - subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
44 (2023 est.)
Transportation
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
OO
Airports
48 (2025)
Heliports
112 (2025)
Railways - total
3,602 km (2020) 3,160 km electrified
Merchant marine - total
198 (2023)
Merchant marine - by type
bulk carrier 17, container ship 2, general cargo 16, oil tanker 21, other 142
Ports - total ports
7 (2024)
Ports - large
1
Ports - medium
2
Ports - small
2
Ports - very small
2
Ports - ports with oil terminals
5
Ports - key ports
Antwerpen, Bruxelles, Ghent, Oostende, Zeebrugge
Military and Security
Military and security forces
Belgian Armed Forces (Defensie or La Défense): Land Component, Marine (Naval) Component, Air Component, Medical Component, Cyber Command (2025)
Military and security forces - note
note: the Belgian Federal Police is the national police force and responsible for internal security and nationwide law and order, including migration and border enforcement
Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2025
2% of GDP (2025 est.)
Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2024
1.3% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2023
1.2% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2022
1.2% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2021
1.1% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military and security service personnel strengths
approximately 23,000 active-duty military personnel (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the armed forces have a mix of weapons systems from European suppliers and the US; Belgium has an export-focused defense industry that focuses on components and subcontracting (2025)
Military service age and obligation
18 years of age for voluntary military service for men and women; maximum age varies by position; conscription abolished in 1995 (2025)
Military service age and obligation - note
note 1: in 2024, women comprised about 11% of the military's full-time personnel note 2: foreign nationals 18-34 years of age who speak Dutch or French and are citizens of EU countries, Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland may apply to join the military
Military deployments
has on average about 1,000 personnel deployed on foreign missions, including more than 300 ground forces deployed in Eastern Europe for the defense of NATO's eastern flank (2025)
Military - note
the Belgian military's responsibilities include territorial defense, humanitarian/disaster relief, assistance to the police if required, international peacekeeping missions, and support to its NATO and EU security commitments, which Belgium considers vital components of its national security policy; outside of the country, the military operates almost always within an international organization or a coalition; Belgium was one of the original 12 countries to sign the North Atlantic Treaty (also known as the Washington Treaty) establishing NATO in 1949; it hosts the NATO headquarters in Brussels; Belgium also cooperates bilaterally with neighboring countries, such as Luxembourg and the Netherlands, in conducting joint patrols of their respective air spaces and in a composite combined special operations command with Denmark and the Netherlands (2025)
Terrorism
Terrorist group(s)
Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps/Qods Force; Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS)
Terrorist group(s) - note
note: details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide
Transnational Issues
Refugees and internally displaced persons - refugees
236,689 (2024 est.)
Refugees and internally displaced persons - stateless persons
849 (2024 est.)
Illicit drugs - USG identification
major precursor-chemical producer (2025)
Environment
Environmental issues
urbanization; possible risks from industry and intensive farming; air and water pollution
International environmental agreements - party to
Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Heavy Metals, Air Pollution-Multi-effect Protocol, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protection, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling
International environmental agreements - signed, but not ratified
none of the selected agreements
Climate
temperate; mild winters, cool summers; rainy, humid, cloudy
Land use - agricultural land
44.4% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 28.3% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 0.8% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 15.3% (2023 est.)
Land use - forest
22% (2023 est.)
Land use - other
33.6% (2023 est.)
Urbanization - urban population
98.2% of total population (2023)
Urbanization - rate of urbanization
0.38% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions - total emissions
112.083 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions - from coal and metallurgical coke
8.166 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions - from petroleum and other liquids
76.635 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions - from consumed natural gas
27.282 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
12.3 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Waste and recycling - municipal solid waste generated annually
4.766 million tons (2024 est.)
Waste and recycling - percent of municipal solid waste recycled
31.7% (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal - municipal
740.19 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal - industrial
4.14 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal - agricultural
41.97 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Total renewable water resources
18.3 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Geoparks - total global geoparks and regional networks
2 (2024)
Geoparks - global geoparks and regional networks
Famenne-Ardenne; Schelde Delta (includes Netherlands) (2024)
Space
Space agency/agencies
Royal Belgian Institute for Space Aeronomy-Interfederal Space Agency of Belgium (BIRA-IASB; established 1964; IASB added 2017); Belgium Federal Science Policy Office (BELSPO) (2025)
Space program overview
builds satellites, particularly research/science/technology and remote sensing platforms; researches, develops, and produces a wide variety of space technologies, including telecommunications, optics, robotics, scientific instruments, and space launch vehicle components; founding member of the ESA and participates in a variety of ESA and EU projects, such as Space Surveillance and Tracking, Copernicus Earth observation, and Galileo global navigation satellite system; hosts the European Space Security and Education Center (established 1968); participates in international astronomy efforts, particularly through the European Southern Observatory (ESO); has worked with a variety of foreign space agencies and commercial entities outside Europe, including those of Argentina, China, India, Russia, South Africa, UAE, Vietnam, and the US (2025)
Key space-program milestones
1986 - joined first European Earth Observation program; founding member of European Organization for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites 1992 - first Belgian astronaut in space on the US Space Shuttle 2001 - first remote sensing satellite (PROBA-1) launched by India 2024 - signed US-led Artemis Accords outlining best practices for space exploration