Belgium

Belgium's symbol is the Manneken Pis, but this has nothing to do with the fact that more than 1,000 varieties of beer are produced here, and each resident drinks an average of 150 liters of this beverage per year.

Belgian chocolate is famous worldwide. Belgium has the highest number of castles per square kilometer. At night, 99.9% of the roads are illuminated. In Antwerp, the second most important city, is located the world's largest diamond exchange.

Belgium is a country located in Western Europe. Its capital, Brussels, is also the administrative center of the European Union and NATO. Belgium borders France, the Netherlands, Germany, and Luxembourg, and its coastline is washed by the North Sea. The country is known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and diverse landscape.

Belgium has a total area of 30,528 km² and a population of 11,592,952 as of January 2023. It is one of the most densely populated countries in Europe. The economy is characterized by a high level of development, an industrial base, and a high standard of living. Belgium is a member of the European Union and NATO and actively participates in international relations as a member of the United Nations.

As a member of the European Union, Belgium is part of the Schengen Agreement, which establishes freedom of movement for citizens of participating countries. Belgium joined the Schengen Area in 1995.

Climate Conditions

Belgium is situated in a temperate climate zone, characterized by mild winters and cool summers.

The Belgian landscape mainly consists of low-lying plains with fertile soils, promoting agricultural development. Precipitation is evenly distributed throughout the year but increases during the winter months. The average temperature in winter is +3°C, and in summer, it is +16°C.

Temperature variations between day and night differ depending on the season but generally remain moderate. Belgium is not a seismically active zone, with earthquakes being rare and usually very weak (below 3 on the Richter scale).

The climate is favorable for agriculture, including the cultivation of vegetables, fruits, and grains, which contributes to the country's diverse culinary traditions.

Demographics

Belgium's demographic picture is characterized by a diversity of nationalities and cultural groups. As of early 2023, the population was nearly 11.6 million people. Women make up 50.8% of the population, and men 49.2%. The average life expectancy is 81.9 years, and the median age is 41.6 years.

The population growth rate, as of 2021, is approximately 0.59% per year.

Belgium has a significant number of migrants from various countries in Europe and around the world. Ethnic and cultural diversity is one of the defining features of the country's demographic profile.

The main ethnic groups are the Flemish (57% of the population, over 6 million people) and the Walloons (36% of the population, over 4.1 million people). The language is Dutch. Germans in the east of the country make up about 1% of the total population.

Religious Groups:

• Catholics: The largest religious group, about 57% of the population.

•  Muslims: About 6% of the population.

• Protestants and other Christian denominations: About 3% of the population.

Economy

Belgium's economy shows stable indicators. The country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2023 reached 531.766 billion USD. The annual GDP growth rate for the second quarter of 2023 was 0.9%. The GDP per capita is 44,076 USD. As of September 2023, inflation was at 2.39%, indicating an economic slowdown in the wake of the pandemic and global geopolitical tensions.

Unemployment in Belgium remains relatively low, at 5.5% by mid-2023.

Overall inflation in Belgium in 2023 was 2.39%, with food inflation reaching 11.43%. The main drivers of inflation were rising prices for energy and food products.

Belgium's foreign trade relations are stable. By mid-2023, exports of goods and services reached 43.8 billion USD, reflecting the competitiveness of Belgian producers in international markets.

Freedom of Travel

The Belgian passport offers extensive opportunities for visa-free international travel. As of 2023, the Belgian passport grants visa-free access to 126 countries. In 41 countries, a visa can be obtained upon arrival, and in 23 countries, a visa must be obtained in advance. In 8 countries, an electronic travel authorization can be obtained.

Holders of a Belgian passport can enjoy visa-free travel throughout Europe and South America, and to some extent in Africa and Central Asia. The option to obtain a visa on arrival or an electronic travel authorization is available in many countries in Asia, Oceania, and Africa.

The Belgian passport ranks 4th in the world for travel freedom.