Country explorer: Belgium

Belgium has demonstrated resilience and steady growth in its economy, with GDP per capita consistently rising, a distribution of the population across different poverty thresholds showing a decrease in lower income brackets, an unemployment rate that has seen fluctuations but remains competitive compared to its peers, and managed inflation ensuring stability, paralleling trends observed in other high-income countries yet standing out due to its robust social security system and high standard of living.

Belgium has experienced a steady population growth, a notable positive net migration reflecting its attractiveness or dependence on foreign labor, a fertility rate that, while fluctuating, remains below the replacement level, and an increase in life expectancy which aligns with trends observed in other high-income countries, highlighting both the successes and challenges of a developed, ageing society.

Belgium has maintained universal access to clean cooking fuels, electricity, and nearly universal access to safely managed drinking water and sanitation, reflecting a standard of basic needs fulfillment that aligns with the highest standards seen in high-income countries.

Belgium has shown consistent progress in human development as seen through improvements in the Human Development Index, a decrease in child mortality rates, and advancements in education, reflecting widespread societal advancements that align with trends observed in other high-income European countries.

Belgium has made notable strides in reducing per capita CO2 emissions, increasing the generation of electricity from renewable sources, and maintaining its forest area, reflecting a broader environmental and energy transformation that aligns with trends observed in many high-income countries.

Belgium has experienced significant advancements in technology and innovation, illustrated by a steady rise in internet usage, high mobile phone subscriptions, increasing research and development expenditure as a share of GDP, and a prolific output of scientific and technical articles per million people, signaling a deepening integration of technology into society and a strong commitment to innovation, akin to its high-income European peers.

Belgium has experienced significant societal changes characterized by an increase in the diversity of its population through immigration, consistent improvement in gender equality, a stable yet slow growth in life satisfaction, and a rising dependency ratio reflecting an aging population, positioning it as a nation adapting to global transformations similarly to its European peers.

Belgium has maintained consistently high rankings in the Rule of Law, Corruption Perception, and Civil Liberties indices, showcasing stable governance and adherence to democratic principles, akin to its Western European counterparts.