Belgium
Land area: Total: 30,528 sq km
Population: 10.4 million (July 2009 est.)
Labour force: 4.99 million (2008)
Occupations: Agriculture:2% industry:25% services:73% (2007 est.)
Languages: Dutch (official) 60%, French (official) 40%, German (official) less than 1%, legally bilingual (Dutch and French)
Capital: Brussels
Head of State: King ALBERT II (since 9 August 1993)
Prime Minister Herman VAN ROMPUY (30 December 2008)
National holiday: 21 July (1831) ascension to the Throne of King LEOPOLD I
Economy: This modern, private-enterprise economy has capitalized on its central geographic location, highly developed transport network, and diversified industrial and commercial base. Industry is concentrated mainly in the populous Flemish area in the north. Roughly three-quarters of its trade is with other EU countries.
Imports: £12,638 million from the UK (2008)
Industries: Engineering and metal products, motor vehicle assembly, transportation equipment, scientific instruments, processed food and beverages, chemicals, basic metals, textiles, glass, petroleum
Inflation: 4.5% (2008)
Did you know... Belgium produces 220,000 tons of chocolate per year with more than 2,000 chocolate shops throughout the country.This amounts to 22kg per inhabitant per year. Brussels National Airport is the world's biggest chocolate selling point.
