2011 Edition

Background

Belgium became independent from the Netherlands in 1830; it was occupied by Germany during World Wars I and II. The country prospered in the past half century as a modern, technologically advanced European state and member of NATO and the EU. Tensions between the Dutch-speaking Flemings of the north and the French-speaking Walloons of the south have led in recent years to constitutional amendments granting these regions formal recognition and autonomy.

Area

30,528 sq km 30,278 sq km 250 sq km

total

30,528 sq km

water

250 sq km

Area - comparative

about the size of Maryland

Climate

temperate; mild winters, cool summers; rainy, humid, cloudy

Coastline

66.5 km

Elevation extremes

North Sea 0 m Botrange 694 m

highest point

Botrange 694 m

lowest point

North Sea 0 m

Environment - current issues

the environment is exposed to intense pressures from human activities: urbanization, dense transportation network, industry, extensive animal breeding and crop cultivation; air and water pollution also have repercussions for neighboring countries; uncertainties regarding federal and regional responsibilities (now resolved) had slowed progress in tackling environmental challenges

the environment is exposed to intense pressures from human activities

urbanization, dense transportation network, industry, extensive animal breeding and crop cultivation; air and water pollution also have repercussions for neighboring countries; uncertainties regarding federal and regional responsibilities (now resolved) had slowed progress in tackling environmental challenges

Environment - international agreements

Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling none of the selected agreements

party to

Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified

none of the selected agreements

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural)

7.44 cu km/yr (13%/85%/1%) 714 cu m/yr (1998)

per capita

714 cu m/yr (1998)

total

7.44 cu km/yr (13%/85%/1%)

Geographic coordinates

50 50 N, 4 00 E

Geography - note

crossroads of Western Europe; most West European capitals within 1,000 km of Brussels, the seat of both the European Union and NATO

Irrigated land

230 sq km (2008)

Land boundaries

1,385 km France 620 km, Germany 167 km, Luxembourg 148 km, Netherlands 450 km

border countries

France 620 km, Germany 167 km, Luxembourg 148 km, Netherlands 450 km

total

1,385 km

Land use

27.42% 0.69% 71.89% includes Luxembourg (2005)

arable land

27.42%

other

71.89%

permanent crops

0.69%

Location

Western Europe, bordering the North Sea, between France and the Netherlands

Map references

Europe

Maritime claims

12 nm 24 nm geographic coordinates define outer limit median line with neighbors

contiguous zone

24 nm

continental shelf

median line with neighbors

exclusive economic zone

geographic coordinates define outer limit

territorial sea

12 nm

Natural hazards

flooding is a threat along rivers and in areas of reclaimed coastal land, protected from the sea by concrete dikes

Natural resources

construction materials, silica sand, carbonates

Terrain

flat coastal plains in northwest, central rolling hills, rugged mountains of Ardennes Forest in southeast

Total renewable water resources

20.8 cu km (2005)

Age structure

15.9% (male 846,706/female 812,486) 66.1% (male 3,475,404/female 3,416,060) 18% (male 783,895/female 1,096,926) (2011 est.)

0-14 years

15.9% (male 846,706/female 812,486)

15-64 years

66.1% (male 3,475,404/female 3,416,060)

65 years and over

18% (male 783,895/female 1,096,926) (2011 est.)

Birth rate

10.06 births/1,000 population (2011 est.)

Death rate

10.57 deaths/1,000 population (July 2011 est.)

Drinking water source

urban: 100% of population rural: 100% of population total: 100% of population (2008)

rural

100% of population

total

100% of population (2008)

urban

100% of population

Education expenditures

6.01% of GDP (2007)

Ethnic groups

Fleming 58%, Walloon 31%, mixed or other 11%

Health expenditures

11.8% of GDP (2009)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate

0.2% (2009 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths

fewer than 100 (2009 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS

14,000 (2009 est.)

Hospital bed density

6.6 beds/1,000 population (2009)

Infant mortality rate

4.33 deaths/1,000 live births 4.86 deaths/1,000 live births 3.78 deaths/1,000 live births (2011 est.)

female

3.78 deaths/1,000 live births (2011 est.)

total

4.33 deaths/1,000 live births

Languages

Dutch (official) 60%, French (official) 40%, German (official) less than 1%, legally bilingual (Dutch and French)

Life expectancy at birth

79.51 years 76.35 years 82.81 years (2011 est.)

female

82.81 years (2011 est.)

total population

79.51 years

Literacy

age 15 and over can read and write 99% 99% 99% (2003 est.)

definition

age 15 and over can read and write

female

99% (2003 est.)

male

99%

total population

99%

Major cities - population

BRUSSELS (capital) 1.892 million; Antwerp 961,000 (2009)

Maternal mortality rate

5 deaths/100,000 live births (2008)

Median age

42.3 years 41 years 43.6 years (2011 est.)

female

43.6 years (2011 est.)

male

41 years

total

42.3 years

Nationality

Belgian(s) Belgian

adjective

Belgian

noun

Belgian(s)

Net migration rate

1.22 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2011 est.)

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

10.8% (2001)

Physicians density

2.987 physicians/1,000 population (2008)

Population

10,431,477 (July 2011 est.)

Population growth rate

0.071% (2011 est.)

Religions

Roman Catholic 75%, other (includes Protestant) 25%

Sanitation facility access

urban: 100% of population rural: 100% of population total: 100% of population (2008)

rural

100% of population

total

100% of population (2008)

urban

100% of population

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)

16 years 16 years 16 years (2008)

female

16 years (2008)

male

16 years

total

16 years

Sex ratio

1.045 male(s)/female 1.04 male(s)/female 1.02 male(s)/female 0.71 male(s)/female 0.96 male(s)/female (2011 est.)

15-64 years

1.02 male(s)/female

65 years and over

0.71 male(s)/female

at birth

1.045 male(s)/female

total population

0.96 male(s)/female (2011 est.)

under 15 years

1.04 male(s)/female

Total fertility rate

1.65 children born/woman (2011 est.)

Unemployment, youth ages 15-24

21.9% 21.5% 22.5% (2009)

female

22.5% (2009)

total

21.9%

Urbanization

97% of total population (2010) 0.4% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

rate of urbanization

0.4% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

urban population

97% of total population (2010)

Administrative divisions

3 regions (French: regions, singular - region; Dutch: gewesten, singular - gewest); Brussels-Capital Region, also known as Brussels Hoofdstedelijk Gewest (Dutch), Region 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), Region Flamande (French long form), Flandre (French short form); Walloon Region (Wallonia), also known as Region Wallone (French long form), Wallonie (French short form), Waals Gewest (Dutch long form), Wallonie (Dutch short form) 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

3 regions (French

regions, singular - region; Dutch: gewesten, singular - gewest); Brussels-Capital Region, also known as Brussels Hoofdstedelijk Gewest (Dutch), Region 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), Region Flamande (French long form), Flandre (French short form); Walloon Region (Wallonia), also known as Region Wallone (French long form), Wallonie (French short form), Waals Gewest (Dutch long form), Wallonie (Dutch short form)

Capital

Brussels 50 50 N, 4 20 E UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time) +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

daylight saving time

+1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

geographic coordinates

50 50 N, 4 20 E

name

Brussels

time difference

UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Constitution

drafted 25 November 1830; approved by Congress 7 February 1831; entered into force 26 July 1831; amended many times; revised 14 July 1993 to create a federal state; in 1967 an official Dutch version of the constitution was adopted; in 1991 an official German version of the constitution was adopted; in 1993 an official consolidated version of the constitution was adopted

Country name

Kingdom of Belgium Belgium Royaume de Belgique/Koninkrijk Belgie Belgique/Belgie

conventional long form

Kingdom of Belgium

conventional short form

Belgium

local long form

Royaume de Belgique/Koninkrijk Belgie

local short form

Belgique/Belgie

Diplomatic representation from the US

Ambassador Howard W. GUTMAN 27 Boulevard du Regent [Regentlaan], B-1000 Brussels PSC 82, Box 002, APO AE 09710 [32] (2) 508-2111 [32] (2) 511-2725

chief of mission

Ambassador Howard W. GUTMAN

embassy

27 Boulevard du Regent [Regentlaan], B-1000 Brussels

FAX

[32] (2) 511-2725

mailing address

PSC 82, Box 002, APO AE 09710

telephone

[32] (2) 508-2111

Diplomatic representation in the US

Ambassador Jan MATTHYSEN 3330 Garfield Street NW, Washington, DC 20008 [1] (202) 333-6900 [1] (202) 333-3079 Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York

chancery

3330 Garfield Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

chief of mission

Ambassador Jan MATTHYSEN

consulate(s) general

Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York

FAX

[1] (202) 333-3079

telephone

[1] (202) 333-6900

Executive branch

King ALBERT II (since 9 August 1993); Heir Apparent Prince PHILIPPE, son of the monarch Prime Minister Elio DI RUPO (since 5 December 2011); Council of Ministers are formally appointed by the monarch the monarchy is hereditary and constitutional; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by the monarch and then approved by parliament

cabinet

Council of Ministers are formally appointed by the monarch

chief of state

King ALBERT II (since 9 August 1993); Heir Apparent Prince PHILIPPE, son of the monarch

elections

the monarchy is hereditary and constitutional; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by the monarch and then approved by parliament

head of government

Prime Minister Elio DI RUPO (since 5 December 2011);

Flag description

three equal vertical bands of black (hoist side), yellow, and red; the vertical design was based on the flag of France; the colors are those of the arms of the duchy of Brabant (yellow lion with red claws and tongue on a black field)

Government type

federal parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy

Independence

4 October 1830 (a provisional government declared independence from the Netherlands); 21 July 1831 (King LEOPOLD I ascended to the throne)

International law organization participation

accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

International organization participation

ADB (nonregional members), AfDB (nonregional members), Australia Group, Benelux, BIS, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, ECB, EIB, EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, FATF, G-9, G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD (partners), IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MONUSCO, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OIF, OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, Schengen Convention, SECI (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNRWA, UNTSO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Judicial branch

Constitutional Court (previously Court of Arbitration) (12 judges, 6 Dutch-speaking and 6 French-speaking, appointed by the King); Supreme Court of Justice or Hof van Cassatie (in Dutch) or Cour de Cassation (in French) (judges are appointed for life by the government; candidacies have to be submitted by the High Justice Council)

Legal system

civil law system based on the French Civil Code; note - Belgian law continues to be modified in conformance with the legislative norms mandated by the European Union; judicial review of legislative acts

Legislative branch

bicameral Parliament consists of a Senate or Senaat in Dutch, Senat in French (71 seats; 40 members directly elected by popular vote, 31 indirectly elected; members serve four-year terms) and a Chamber of Deputies or Kamer van Volksvertegenwoordigers in Dutch, Chambre des Representants in French (150 seats; members directly elected by popular vote on the basis of proportional representation to serve four-year terms) Senate and Chamber of Deputies - last held on 13 June 2010 (next to be held no later than June 2014) Senate - percent of vote by party - N-VA 19.6%, PS 13.6%, CD&V 10%, sp.a 9.5%, MR 9.3%, Open VLD 8.2%, VB 7.6%, Ecolo 5.5%, CDH 5.1% Groen! 3.9%, other 7.7%; seats by party - N-VA 9, PS 7, CD&V 4, sp.a 4, MR 4, Open VLD 4, VB 3, Ecolo 2, CDH 2, Groen! 1; Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by party - N-VA 17.4%, PS 13.7%, CD&V 10.9%, MR 9.3%, sp.a 9.2%, Open VLD 8.6%, VB 7.8%, CDH 5.5%, Ecolo 4.8%, Groen! 4.4%, List Dedecker 2.3%, the Popular Party 1.3%, other 4.8%; seats by party - N-VA 27, PS 26, CD&V 17, MR 18, sp.a 13, Open VLD 13, VB 12, CDH 9, Ecolo 8, Groen! 5, List Dedecker 1, the Popular Party 1 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; this reality leaves six governments, each with its own legislative assembly

election results

Senate - percent of vote by party - N-VA 19.6%, PS 13.6%, CD&V 10%, sp.a 9.5%, MR 9.3%, Open VLD 8.2%, VB 7.6%, Ecolo 5.5%, CDH 5.1% Groen! 3.9%, other 7.7%; seats by party - N-VA 9, PS 7, CD&V 4, sp.a 4, MR 4, Open VLD 4, VB 3, Ecolo 2, CDH 2, Groen! 1; Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by party - N-VA 17.4%, PS 13.7%, CD&V 10.9%, MR 9.3%, sp.a 9.2%, Open VLD 8.6%, VB 7.8%, CDH 5.5%, Ecolo 4.8%, Groen! 4.4%, List Dedecker 2.3%, the Popular Party 1.3%, other 4.8%; seats by party - N-VA 27, PS 26, CD&V 17, MR 18, sp.a 13, Open VLD 13, VB 12, CDH 9, Ecolo 8, Groen! 5, List Dedecker 1, the Popular Party 1

elections

Senate and Chamber of Deputies - last held on 13 June 2010 (next to be held no later than June 2014)

National anthem

"La Brabanconne" (The Song of Brabant) Louis-Alexandre DECHET[French] Victor CEULEMANS [Dutch]/Francois VAN CAMPENHOUT adopted 1830; Louis-Alexandre DECHET was an actor at the theater in which the revolution against the Netherlands began; according to legend, he wrote the lyrics with a group of young people in a Brussels cafe

lyrics/music

Louis-Alexandre DECHET[French] Victor CEULEMANS [Dutch]/Francois VAN CAMPENHOUT

name

"La Brabanconne" (The Song of Brabant)

National holiday

21 July (1831) ascension to the Throne of King LEOPOLD I

National symbol(s)

lion

Political parties and leaders

Christian Democratic and Flemish or CDV [Wouter BEKE]; Dedecker List or LDD [Lode VEREECK]; Flemish Liberals and Democrats or Open VLD [Alexander DE CROO]; Groen! [Wouter VAN BESIEN] (formerly AGALEV, Flemish Greens); New Flemish Alliance or N-VA [Bart DE WEVER]; Social Progressive Alternative or SP.A [Caroline GENNEZ]; Vlaams Belang (Flemish Interest) or VB [Bruno VALKENIERS] Ecolo (Francophone Greens) [Jean-Michel JAVAUX, Sarah TURINE]; Humanist and Democratic Center or CDH [Joelle MILQUET]; Popular Party or PP [ Mischael MODRIKAMEN]; Reform Movement or MR [Didier REYNDERS]; Socialist Party or PS [Elio DI RUPO]; other minor parties

Flemish parties

Christian Democratic and Flemish or CDV [Wouter BEKE]; Dedecker List or LDD [Lode VEREECK]; Flemish Liberals and Democrats or Open VLD [Alexander DE CROO]; Groen! [Wouter VAN BESIEN] (formerly AGALEV, Flemish Greens); New Flemish Alliance or N-VA [Bart DE WEVER]; Social Progressive Alternative or SP.A [Caroline GENNEZ]; Vlaams Belang (Flemish Interest) or VB [Bruno VALKENIERS]

Francophone parties

Ecolo (Francophone Greens) [Jean-Michel JAVAUX, Sarah TURINE]; Humanist and Democratic Center or CDH [Joelle MILQUET]; Popular Party or PP [ Mischael MODRIKAMEN]; Reform Movement or MR [Didier REYNDERS]; Socialist Party or PS [Elio DI RUPO]; other minor parties

Political pressure groups and leaders

Christian, Socialist, and Liberal Trade Unions; Federation of Belgian Industries numerous other associations representing bankers, manufacturers, middle-class artisans, and the legal and medical professions; various organizations represent the cultural interests of Flanders and Wallonia; various peace groups such as Pax Christi and groups representing immigrants

other

numerous other associations representing bankers, manufacturers, middle-class artisans, and the legal and medical professions; various organizations represent the cultural interests of Flanders and Wallonia; various peace groups such as Pax Christi and groups representing immigrants

Suffrage

18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Agriculture - products

sugar beets, fresh vegetables, fruits, grain, tobacco; beef, veal, pork, milk

Budget

$228.4 billion $248 billion (2010 est.)

expenditures

$248 billion (2010 est.)

revenues

$228.4 billion

Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-)

-4.2% of GDP (2010 est.)

Central bank discount rate

1.75% (31 December 2010) 1.75% (31 December 2009) this is the European Central Bank's rate on the marginal lending facility, which offers overnight credit to banks in the euro area

Commercial bank prime lending rate

4.21% (31 December 2010 est.) 4.576% (31 December 2009 est.)

Current account balance

$6 billion (2010 est.) $1.719 billion (2009 est.)

Debt - external

$1.399 trillion (30 June 2011) $1.241 trillion (30 June 2010)

Distribution of family income - Gini index

28 (2005) 28.7 (1996)

Economy - overview

This modern, open, and private-enterprise-based economy has capitalized on its central geographic location, highly developed transport network, and diversified industrial and commercial base. Industry is concentrated mainly in the more heavily-populated region of Flanders in the north. With few natural resources, Belgium imports substantial quantities of raw materials and exports a large volume of manufactures, making its economy vulnerable to volatility in world markets, yet also able to benefit from them. Roughly three-quarters of Belgium's trade is with other EU countries, and Belgium has benefited most from its proximity to Germany. In 2010 Belgian GDP grew by 2.1%, the unemployment rate rose slightly, and the government reduced the budget deficit, which had worsened in 2008 and 2009 because of large-scale bail-outs in the financial sector. Belgium's budget deficit decreased from 6% of GDP to 4.1% in 2010, while public debt was just under 100% of GDP. Belgian banks were severely affected by the international financial crisis with three major banks receiving capital injections from the government. An ageing population and rising social expenditures are mid- to long-term challenges to public finances.

Electricity - consumption

84.78 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - exports

11.32 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Electricity - imports

1.837 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Electricity - production

84.2 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Exchange rates

euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.755 (2010) 0.72 (2009) 0.6827 (2008) 0.7345 (2007) 0.7964 (2006)

Exports

$282.3 billion (2010 est.) $249.8 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities

machinery and equipment, chemicals, finished diamonds, metals and metal products, foodstuffs

Exports - partners

Germany 19.1%, France 17%, Netherlands 12.2%, UK 7.2%, US 5.3%, Italy 4.7% (2010)

GDP - composition by sector

0.7% 21.9% 77.4% (2010 est.)

agriculture

0.7%

industry

21.9%

services

77.4% (2010 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$37,800 (2010 est.) $37,100 (2009 est.) $38,200 (2008 est.) data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - real growth rate

2% (2010 est.) -2.7% (2009 est.) 0.8% (2008 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate)

$465.7 billion (2010 est.)

GDP (purchasing power parity)

$394.3 billion (2010 est.) $386.7 billion (2009 est.) $397.3 billion (2008 est.) data are in 2010 US dollars

Household income or consumption by percentage share

3.4% 28.4% (2006)

highest 10%

28.4% (2006)

lowest 10%

3.4%

Imports

$284.6 billion (2010 est.) $256.4 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities

raw materials, machinery and equipment, chemicals, raw diamonds, pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs, transportation equipment, oil products

Imports - partners

Netherlands 19.1%, Germany 16.4%, France 11.3%, UK 5.4%, US 5.3%, Ireland 5.3%, China 4.1% (2010)

Industrial production growth rate

7.1% (2010 est.)

Industries

engineering and metal products, motor vehicle assembly, transportation equipment, scientific instruments, processed food and beverages, chemicals, basic metals, textiles, glass, petroleum

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

2.3% (2010 est.) 0% (2009 est.)

Investment (gross fixed)

20.3% of GDP (2010 est.)

Labor force

5.114 million (2010 est.)

Labor force - by occupation

2% 25% 73% (2007 est.)

agriculture

2%

industry

25%

services

73% (2007 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares

$269.3 billion (31 December 2010) $261.4 billion (31 December 2009) $167.4 billion (31 December 2008)

Natural gas - consumption

19.53 billion cu m (2010 est.)

Natural gas - exports

0 cu m (2010 est.)

Natural gas - imports

19.32 billion cu m (2010 est.)

Natural gas - production

0 cu m (2010 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves

0 cu m (1 January 2011 est.)

Oil - consumption

622,600 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Oil - exports

353,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Oil - imports

1.007 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

Oil - production

11,220 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Oil - proved reserves

0 bbl (1 January 2011 est.)

Population below poverty line

15.2% (2007 est.)

Public debt

100.7% of GDP (2010 est.) 100.5% of GDP (2009 est.)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold

$26.81 billion (31 December 2010 est.) $23.98 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of broad money

$548.3 billion (31 December 2010 est.) $552.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad

$765.4 billion (31 December 2010 est.) $728.3 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home

$910.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.) $848 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit

$801.1 billion (31 December 2009 est.) $767.1 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money

$175.3 billion (31 December 2010 est.) $183.9 billion (31 December 2009 est.) see entry for the European Union for money supply in the euro area; the European Central Bank (ECB) controls monetary policy for the 17 members of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU); individual members of the EMU do not control the quantity of money circulating within their own borders

Taxes and other revenues

49% of GDP (2010 est.)

Unemployment rate

8.3% (2010 est.) 7.9% (2009 est.)

Broadcast media

a segmented market with the three major communities (Flemish, French, and German-speaking) each having responsibility for their own broadcast media; multiple TV channels exist for each community; additionally, in excess of 90% of households are connected to cable and can access broadcasts of TV stations from neighboring countries; each community has a public radio network co-existing with private broadcasters (2007)

Internet country code

.be

Internet hosts

4.465 million (2010)

Internet users

8.113 million (2009)

Telephone system

highly developed, technologically advanced, and completely automated domestic and international telephone and telegraph facilities nationwide mobile-cellular telephone system; extensive cable network; limited microwave radio relay network country code - 32; landing point for a number of submarine cables that provide links to Europe, the Middle East, and Asia; satellite earth stations - 7 (Intelsat - 3) (2007)

domestic

nationwide mobile-cellular telephone system; extensive cable network; limited microwave radio relay network

general assessment

highly developed, technologically advanced, and completely automated domestic and international telephone and telegraph facilities

international

country code - 32; landing point for a number of submarine cables that provide links to Europe, the Middle East, and Asia; satellite earth stations - 7 (Intelsat - 3) (2007)

Telephones - main lines in use

4.64 million (2010)

Telephones - mobile cellular

12.154 million (2010)

Airports

43 (2010)

Airports - with paved runways

9 (2010)

1,524 to 2,437 m

2

2,438 to 3,047 m

9

914 to 1,523 m

1

over 3,047 m

6

total

27

under 914 m

9 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways

15 (2010)

914 to 1,523 m

1

total

16

under 914 m

15 (2010)

Heliports

1 (2010)

Merchant marine

bulk carrier 21, cargo 8, chemical tanker 5, container 4, liquefied gas 23, passenger 2, petroleum tanker 11, roll on/roll off 7 13 (Denmark 4, France 5, UK 2, US 2) 104 (Bahamas 9, Cambodia 1, Cyprus 2, France 7, Gibraltar 2, Greece 16, Hong Kong 16, Liberia 1, Luxembourg 9, Malta 14, Moldova 2, Mozambique 2, North Korea 1, Panama 2, Portugal 8, Russia 4, Saint Kitts and Nevis 1, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 6, Vanuatu 1) (2010)

foreign-owned

13 (Denmark 4, France 5, UK 2, US 2)

registered in other countries

104 (Bahamas 9, Cambodia 1, Cyprus 2, France 7, Gibraltar 2, Greece 16, Hong Kong 16, Liberia 1, Luxembourg 9, Malta 14, Moldova 2, Mozambique 2, North Korea 1, Panama 2, Portugal 8, Russia 4, Saint Kitts and Nevis 1, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 6, Vanuatu 1) (2010)

total

81

Pipelines

gas 2,826 km; oil 154 km; refined products 535 km (2010)

Ports and terminals

Antwerp, Gent, Liege, Zeebrugge Antwerp (8,662,891), Zeebrugge (2,209,715)

cargo ports (tonnage)

Antwerp, Gent, Liege, Zeebrugge

container ports (TEUs)

Antwerp (8,662,891), Zeebrugge (2,209,715)

Railways

3,233 km 3,233 km 1.435-m gauge (2,950 km electrified) (2010)

total

3,233 km

Roadways

153,595 km 120,111 km (includes 1,763 km of expressways) 33,484 km (2008)

total

153,595 km

unpaved

33,484 km (2008)

Waterways

2,043 km (1,528 km in regular commercial use) (2010)

Manpower available for military service

2,359,232 2,291,689 (2010 est.)

females age 16-49

2,291,689 (2010 est.)

males age 16-49

2,359,232

Manpower fit for military service

1,934,957 1,877,268 (2010 est.)

females age 16-49

1,877,268 (2010 est.)

males age 16-49

1,934,957

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually

59,665 57,142 (2010 est.)

female

57,142 (2010 est.)

male

59,665

Military branches

Belgian Armed Forces: Land Operations Command, Naval Operations Command, Air Operations Commands (2010)

Belgian Armed Forces

Land Operations Command, Naval Operations Command, Air Operations Commands (2010)

Military expenditures

1.3% of GDP (2005 est.)

Military service age and obligation

18 years of age for voluntary military service; conscription suspended (2010)

Disputes - international

none

Illicit drugs

growing producer of synthetic drugs and cannabis; transit point for US-bound ecstasy; source of precursor chemicals for South American cocaine processors; transshipment point for cocaine, heroin, hashish, and marijuana entering Western Europe; despite a strengthening of legislation, the country remains vulnerable to money laundering related to narcotics, automobiles, alcohol, and tobacco; significant domestic consumption of ecstasy