Key Facts

GDP (ppp) per CAPITA

$37,400 (2008 est.)

Inflation Rate

4.5% (2008)

Population

10,414,336 (July 2009 est.)

Country Risk Ratings

A2

Ease of Doing Business

19/181

Global Competitiveness

19/134

Country Map

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gE Network

There are 27 members in the
gE Network for this country.

Belgium : Introduction

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.

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Sources:
CIA World Factbook (September 2009)
U.S. Dept. of State Country Background Notes (August 2009)