Facts & Figures

Facts and figures about Belgium

Full Country Name : The Kingdom of Belgium
Area : 30,520 sq
Population : 10,350,000
Capital City : Brussels (population: 970,000)
Languages : Dutch 58%, French 32%, German 10%
Religions : Roman Catholic 75%, Protestant or Other 25%
Currency : Euro
Government : Federal parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarch.
Head of State : King Albert II (since 9 August 1993) Heir Apparent: Prince Phillipe
Prime Minister : Guy Verhofstadt
National Day : 21 July
ime Zone : GMT + 1 hour
Weights and Measures : Metric
Domestic Electricity : 220 Volts

The Country

Belgium is at the centre of Europe, with the majority of West European capitals within easy reach. The country borders on the North Sea, between France and the Netherlands. Until 2004, when 10 additional countries joined the EU, the geographical centre of the Union lay at Oignies-en-Thiérache in the Belgian province of Namur.

Belgium enjoys a temperate climate with moderate temperatures, winds predominantly from the west, and frequent rain showers. Whilst having only a small coastline, approx 65 kilometers, much of this offers attractive sandy beaches. Outside the capital, much of the country offers fertile farmland; forests; plateaus and valleys.

Bordering countries (and border length):

  • France (620 km);
  • Germany (167 km);
  • Luxembourg (148 km);
  • The Netherlands (450 km).

Recent History

In Belgium’s recent political history, a number of reforms transformed Belgium into a federal state, with significant power transferred to the regions. The political scene has been dominated by economic questions and increasing internationalisation. Belgium played an important role in the construction of the economic union between Belgium and Luxembourg, the Benelux and European unification. Belgium has also regularly deployed troops and observers in the cause of peace throughout the world as a member of the UN.

Time Zones