Belgium : Country overview

Geography

• Full country name: Belgium.
• Population: approx. 10.4million
• Border countries: France, Germany, Luxembourg, Netherlands.
• Climate: temperate.
• Terrain: northwest consists of flat coastal plains, the Ardennes Forest in the southeast is built up of rugged mountains and there are rolling hills in central Belgium.
• Natural hazards: there is a risk of flooding along rivers, as well as in areas of reclaimed coastal land, where concrete dikes provide a protective barrier from the sea.

Living in Belgium

• Cost of living: living costs in Belgium are generally considered to be lower than in the UK but higher than in some other European countries. For more information on the cost of living in Europe, check Mercer .
• Utilities: if you have just arrived in Belgian you will need either a passport or Belgian ID card in order to get connected to the utilities. Electrabel and Sibelgaz are the main providers for gas and electricity. Water is supplied on a regional basis. Household rubbish is usually collected twice a week.
• Internet domain: .be
• Health: The standard of health care and medical facilities in Belgium is high. No vaccinations are required for travel to Belgium. Residents of the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland can receive free or reduced-cost state-provided healthcare if they are holders of a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) . Some restrictions apply, depending on your nationality. If you are an EU national, visit the website for more details and an application form.
• Laws and customs: You should carry your passport at all times, as Belgian law requires everyone to carry some form of identification. If you have been issued with an identity card ensure you carry it at all times. Possession of drugs and trafficking in drugs are serious offences.

Economy and finance

• Currency: Euro (€)
• Type of economy: Western capitalist
• Health of economy: Belgian banks have been severely affected by the global financial crisis, resulting in the government having to give capital injections to three major banks. The ageing population and rising social expenditures are also adding pressure to public finances, and so the government may need to introduce strict measures to reinstate economic balance.
• Unemployment rate: 8.3%
• Main exports: food products, finished diamonds, machinery and equipment, chemicals, and metal and metal products.

Culture

• People: Fleming 58%, Walloon 31%, mixed or other 11%
• Major religion: Roman Catholic 75%, Protestant and other 25%
• History: see BBC Timeline: Belgium
• Local etiquette: There are two primary cultural groups in Belgian; the Dutch-speaking Flemings in the north and the French-speaking Walloons in the south. Belgians value hard work and have an appreciation for culture. Strong family systems are vital to their society. 

Politics

• Type of government: constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy.
• Major political parties: Political parties in Belgium are organized along ethno linguistic lines and are as follows: Flemish parties: CDV (Christian Democratic and Flemish), LDD (Dedecker List), Open VLD (Flemish Liberals and Democrats), Groen! (formerly AGALEV, Flemish Greens), N-VA (New Flemish Alliance), SLP (Social Liberal Party), SP.A (Social Progressive Alternative), VB (Vlaams Belang - Flemish Interest). Francophone parties: Ecolo (Francophone Greens), CDH (Humanist and Democratic Centre), FN (National Front), MR (Reform Movement), PS (Socialist Party).

Travel advice

Find the latest travel advice and a traveller’s checklist on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) .