Belgium
Kingdom of Belgium
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: +0.33%
Belgium is a Western Europe country of around 11.8 million residents, placing it above the global median in population. The country extends across 30,528 km², translating to a density of 387 people per km². Its capital is Brussels, and official languages include German, French, and Dutch, while the euro serves as the national currency.
Population
11,825,551
Area
30,528 km²
Density
387/km²
World Rank
#82
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
Population growth has effectively stalled at 0% annually, suggesting the country is approaching or has reached a demographic plateau. Deaths (9.4 per thousand) now equal or exceed births (9.4 per thousand), resulting in natural population decline. The population skews older, with 20.6% aged 65 or above and 16% under 15, signaling rising dependency ratios.
General Information
- Capital
- Brussels
- Region
- Europe
- Subregion
- Western Europe
- Continent
- Europe
- Languages
- German, French, Dutch
- Currencies
- euro (€)
- Calling Code
- +32
- Top-Level Domain
- .be
- Landlocked
- No
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC+01:00
Population Details
- Total Population
- 11,825,551
- Land Area
- 30,528 km²
- Population Density
- 387 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- +0.33%
- Annual Growth
- +39,024 people
- Daily Growth
- +107 people
- World Population Share
- 0.15%
- Coordinates
- 50.83°, 4.00°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
With a GDP per capita of roughly $56.6k, Belgium sits comfortably in the high-income bracket by World Bank standards. Unemployment sits at 5.9%, roughly in line with the global average of 5.8%. Income distribution is comparatively egalitarian, reflected in a Gini index of 26.8.
Life Expectancy
82.4 years
GDP per Capita
$56,615
Birth Rate
9.4 per 1,000
Death Rate
9.4 per 1,000
Urban Population
87.6%
Fertility Rate
1.47 births/woman
Infant Mortality
3.0 per 1,000
Unemployment
5.9%
Internet Users
95.8%
Under 15
16.0%
Over 65
20.6%
Health Spending
10.8% GDP
Gini Index
26.8
Age Distribution
0-14 years
1.9M
15-64 years
7.5M
65+ years
2.4M
Urbanization
Belgium is overwhelmingly urban: an estimated 87.6% of the population lives in cities, one of the highest rates in the world. The capital, Brussels, remains the primary hub for government and commerce. Net inward migration of 31989.0 per thousand is contributing to urban growth and reshaping community demographics.
10.4M
87.6%
1.5M
12.4%
Health & Education Indicators
Life expectancy reaches 82.4 years, ranking among the highest globally and reflecting robust healthcare systems and living standards. Infant mortality is remarkably low at 3.0 per thousand live births, indicative of high-quality maternal and neonatal care. Health expenditure accounts for about 10.8% of GDP, shaping the reach and quality of medical services available to the population.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Major Cities in Belgium
Belgium has 10 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.
Population Projections (2026-2050)
Near-zero growth suggests that Belgium is entering a period of demographic stability—or, depending on policy responses, the early stages of decline. Below-replacement fertility of 1.5 births per woman means natural growth alone cannot sustain the current population level indefinitely. As a United Nations member state, Belgium participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 11,825,551 |
| 2030 | 11,998,772 |
| 2035 | 12,252,808 |
| 2040 | 12,545,710 |
| 2045 | 12,875,117 |
| 2050 | 13,239,218 |
Population History (1960-2026)
Year-by-year population data, growth rates, and trends for Belgium.
Largest Cities in Belgium
Explore the biggest cities and urban centers in Belgium by population.
Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Belgium?
The population of Belgium is approximately 11.8 million as of 2026, making it #82 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Belgium?
The capital of Belgium is Brussels.
What languages are spoken in Belgium?
The main languages spoken in Belgium are German, French, Dutch.
How big is Belgium?
Belgium covers an area of 30,528 km² with a population density of 387 people per km².
Is Belgium growing or shrinking?
Belgium is growing at a rate of 0.33% per year, adding approximately 39,024 people annually.
What is the life expectancy in Belgium?
The average life expectancy in Belgium is 82.4 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Belgium?
The GDP per capita of Belgium is $56,615.