Belgium
Country statistics · 1990–present
Belgium at a Glance
Belgium is home to 11.9 million people as of 2024, with a population that is broadly stable in size. At a GDP per capita of $69,840, it is a high-income economy — placing it among the wealthiest nations per person. Life expectancy at birth stands at 82.3 years, above the global average.
Population Trends
The total resident population stood at 11.9 million as of 2024. With a birth rate of 9.2 and a death rate of 9.5 per 1,000 people (2024), the natural growth rate stands at -0.3 per 1,000 — equivalent to roughly -3,558 additional residents each year from natural change alone.
Economy & Development
Belgium is a mid-sized economy, with a total GDP that is projected at $841 billion (2029 IMF projection). At $69,840 per person, it is classified as a high-income economy — placing it among the wealthiest nations per person. Real GDP growth is projected at 1.2% in 2029, representing modest growth. The unemployment rate is projected at 5.9% (2029 IMF projection), indicating moderate unemployment.
Health & Society
Life expectancy at birth is 82.3 years (2024), above the global average. Current health expenditure per person is $5,931 (2023), representing a high level of healthcare investment per person. 95.8% of the population use the internet (2024), indicating near-universal internet access. Access to safe drinking water reaches 99.5% of the population (2024), representing near-universal access to safe drinking water.