NATO member state Belgium in focus

Encyclopedia entry:

Countries of the world

Category 1: NATO member states

• Here you will find detailed information on the NATO member states.

• 1. Belgium

• Official name: Kingdom of Belgium

• Capital: Brussels

• Form of government: Federal parliamentary constitutional monarchy

• Form of government: Parliamentary democracy

• Head of state: King Philippe (since July 21, 2013)

• Head of government: Prime Minister Alexander De Croo (since October 1, 2020) (as of May 2025)

• NATO accession: August 24, 1949 (founding member)

• Special features:

• Seat of numerous international organizations, including NATO headquarters and important institutions of the European Union

• Trilingualism: Dutch (Flemish), French and German are official languages, resulting in a complex internal structure.

• High national debt by European standards.

• Population:

• Number: approx. 11.8 million (estimate 2024)

• Composition: Flemish (approx. 60%), Walloons (approx. 30%), German-speaking community (less than 1%), as well as a high proportion of foreigners due to the international institutions.

• Average age: approx. 42.1 years (estimate 2023)

• Population forecast 2100: Slight increase until approx. 2040-2050, then stabilization or slight decline (forecasts vary).

• Economy:

• GDP (nominal): approx. USD 627 billion (estimate 2024)

• Main products/trade: Chemical products, pharmaceutical products, machinery and equipment, motor vehicles, food and beverages, plastics. Important service sector (trade, logistics, financial services).

• Human rights, freedom of the press, rule of law:

• Human rights: Generally very good. Belgium is a party to all major human rights conventions. Points of criticism occasionally concern the conditions in detention facilities and the treatment of asylum seekers.

• Press freedom: High level (ranked 15th out of 180 in the RSF Index 2024).

  
  

• Rule of law: Well-established, independent judiciary.

• Freedom: High level of personal and political freedoms.

• Conflicts:

• Internal: Ongoing political and cultural tensions between the Flemish (Dutch-speaking) and Walloon (French-speaking) communities, often leading to complex government formations. The German-speaking community is small and largely integrated.

• External: No significant border disputes or territorial claims. Active role in international peace missions.

• Secessionist movements: Particularly in Flanders, there are political parties and movements (e.g. Vlaams Belang, N-VA) seeking greater autonomy or independence for Flanders. The debate is ongoing, but there is no immediate secession in sight.

• Biggest sights: Grand-Place (Brussels), Atomium (Brussels), Manneken Pis (Brussels), Belfry and Beguinage of Bruges, Old Town of Ghent, Antwerp Cathedral, Battlefields of Flanders (Ypres), Ardennes.

Belgien