Belgium

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.

Capital City: Brussels (+1 GMT)

Chief of State: King ALBERT II

Head of Govt.: Prime Minister Guy VERHOFSTADT

Currency: Euro

Main Cities: Antwerp, Ghent, Charleroi

Major Languages: Dutch, French

Calling Code: 32

Voltage: 110/220V

Primary Religions: Roman Catholic

Main Airports

Brussels South Charleroi (CRL), Brussels Zaventem (BRU)

U.S. Embassy

27 Boulevard du Régent, 1000 Brussels
tel. 02/501-2111

Statistics

GDP: purchasing power parity:

$325 billion (2005 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.5% (2005 est.)

GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity:

31,400 (2005 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.8% (2005 est.)

Labor force:

4.77 million (2005 est.)

Exports:

$269.6 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)

Exports - partners:

Germany 19.4%, France 17.3%, Netherlands 11.7%, UK 8.2%, US 6.4%, Italy 5.3% (2005)

Imports:

$264.5 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)

Imports - partners:

Netherlands 17.8%, Germany 17.2%, France 11.4%, UK 6.8%, Ireland 6.5%, US 5.4% (2005)

Population:

10,379,067 (July 2006 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.13% (2006 est.)

Population Below Poverty Line:

4% (1989 est.)

Major Industries:

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

Employing Workers: 23*

Registering Property: 158*

Enforcing Contracts: 21*

Closing a Business: 8*

*2006 World Bank rank out of 175 countries