All countries
Belgium
federal parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy
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.
Profile
CapitalBrussels
Population12.0M
GDP$749.2B
Area30,528 km²
LanguageDutch (official) 60%, French (official) 40%, German (official) less than 1%
Currencyeuros (EUR) per US dollar -
Leadership
Head of State
Philippe of Belgium
Since 2013
Head of Government
Bart De Wever
Since 2025
At a Glance
Population
12.0M
GDP (PPP)
$749B
