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

5.14/134

Country Map

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gE Network

There are 29 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.

Belgium: Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Belgium

The Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Belgium web site contains links, business information and news about local Chambers of Commerce as well as Belgian Chambers of Commerce located abroad.

Belgium: Invest in Belgium

This site is part of the website of the Belgian Ministry of Economic Affairs. It offers up-to-date economic information, as well as additional business-related information such as how to set up a business, corporate structure, administrative procedures, or income tax structure. Web site is in French. Also fully available in Nederlands, and limited info in Dutch and English

Belgium: National Bank of Belgium

The National Bank of Belgium provides services to the public, companies, the State and financial world. The Bank acts for the Belgian State on the Stock Exchange and compiles statistics and supplies economic information. Site is available in German, French, Dutch and English.

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