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Belgium Scorecard

Country profile

Belgium is a Western European country distinguished by its medieval towns, vibrant art scene, and a unique blend of French, Flemish, and Germanic cultures. It has a population of 11.8 million, a population growth rate of 0.91%, and a median age of 41.44 years.

Its history is marked by a legacy of great European powers, from the Roman era through the Middle Ages, and it now serves as the political heart of the European Union.

Today, Belgium is celebrated for its culinary delights, including chocolates and beers, dynamic political landscape, and high standard of living across its diverse regions.

Its capital city is Brussels.

How does Belgium compare to other countries?

Explore country scorecards:

Economic Development

GDP per Capita (PPP) in Belgium improved by 1.4% from 2022 to 2023

Unemployment Rate in Belgium improved by 0.7% from 2023 to 2024

Inflation Rate in Belgium improved by 22.5% from 2023 to 2024

General Government Debt in Belgium worsened by 0.9% from 2022 to 2023

Income Inequality in Belgium worsened by 2.3% from 2020 to 2021

Health and Social Development

Life Expectancy in Belgium improved by 0.8% from 2022 to 2023

Infant Mortality Rate in Belgium improved by 3.2% from 2022 to 2023

Human Development showed no change from 2021 to 2022

Suicide Mortality Rate in Belgium worsened by 8.7% from 2020 to 2021

World Happiness Report in Belgium improved by 0.2% from 2023 to 2024

Freedom in the World showed no change from 2023 to 2024

Education

Completion of Upper Secondary Education in Belgium improved by 1.2% from 2021 to 2022

PISA Scores (Reading) in Belgium worsened by 2.8% from 2018 to 2022

PISA Scores (Math) in Belgium worsened by 3.7% from 2018 to 2022

PISA Scores (Science) in Belgium worsened by 1.6% from 2018 to 2022

Governance and Security

Corruption Perception showed no change from 2022 to 2023

Control of Corruption in Belgium worsened by 10.1% from 2022 to 2023

Homicide Rate in Belgium improved by 64.9% from 2002 to 2021

Government Effectiveness in Belgium worsened by 15.5% from 2022 to 2023

Political Stability in Belgium worsened by 31.0% from 2022 to 2023

Rule of Law in Belgium worsened by 3.9% from 2022 to 2023

Voice and Accountability in Belgium improved by 2.2% from 2022 to 2023

Environmental Sustainability and Energy

CO2 Emissions per Capita in Belgium improved by 6.9% from 2022 to 2023

Air Pollution (PM2.5) showed no change from 2019 to 2020

Renewable Energy Consumption in Belgium worsened by 4.9% from 2020 to 2021