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Belgium
Belgium has a Parliamentary democracy and Constitutional monarchy. It is home to two main linguistic groups, the Flemish and the French-speakers, mostly Walloons, plus a small group of German-speakers. Belgium's linguistic diversity and related political and cultural conflicts are reflected in the political history and a complex system of government. Belgium forms together with the Netherlands and Luxembourg the group of the Benelux states.
Belgium's strongly globalized economy and its transportation infrastructure are integrated with the rest of Europe. Its location at the heart of a highly industrialized region helped to become 2007 the world's 15th largest trading nation. The economy is characterized by a highly productive work force, high GNP and high exports per capita.
Capital
- Brussels (50° 50'N, 4° 21'E)
Area
- Total: 30,528 km²
Population
- 2008 est.: 10,584.534
- Density: 345/km²
GDP (PPP), 2008 estimate
- Total: $390 billion
- Per capita: $34,905
Internet Usage
- 7,006,400 Internet users for Dec./08
- 67.3% penetration
as at September 2009
