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Belgium is one of the best locations for industry and logistics – and membership of the European Union creates a solid legal, social and economic framework for investment. Belgium has a very open economy and offers a reliable environment for direct inbound investment. The country’s openness and central location in Europe have led it to become one of Europe's most prosperous industrialised nations and one of the world's most important trading countries.
The population is concentrated around the main urban areas of Antwerp, Brussels and Ghent. The capital, Brussels, is the headquarters for the institutions of the European Union and the North Atlantic Treat Organisation (NATO). Brussels is also the European home base of numerous multinational corporations.
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COUNTRY FACTS |
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Language |
French/Flemish/German |
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Population |
10.8 million |
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Population density |
342 per square kilometre |
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Capital |
Brussels |
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Head of State |
King Albert II |
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Government |
Center-Right (lame duck) |
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Government Leader |
Yves Leterme |
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ECONOMIC FIGURES |
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GDP per Capita (Global Rating) |
$48,000 (No. 7) |
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Economic Growth (year on year) |
2.1% |
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Unemployment |
8.7% |
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Inflation (year on year) |
3.1% |
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Consumer Confidence |
0 |
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Global Competitiveness Index |
Rank 19 |
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SECTORS |
Contribution to GDP |
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Agriculture |
0.6% |
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Industry |
22.0% |
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Services |
77.4% |
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EXPORTS |
$480 billion (2008) |
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Exported commodities |
Cars and carparts |
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Pharmaceuticals |
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Petroleum (not crude) |
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Electronic equipment |
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Food |
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Organic chemicals |
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Iron and steel |
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Diamonds |
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IMPORTS |
$470 billion (2008) |
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Imported commodities |
Petroleum (crude and not crude) |
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Pharmaceuticals |
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Cars and carparts |
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Industrial machines |
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Organic chemicals |
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Food |
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Telecommunications |
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Iron and steel |
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SOURCE National Bank of Belgium/Eurostat/IMF/World Economic Forum |
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Published in December 2010 |
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