Facts and Figures

National Name	Belgique/Belgie/Belgien
Size	Total surface area of 30,518 km²
Population	9, 950,000
Capital	Brussels
Largest cities	Brussels, Antwerp, Ostende, Liège, Brugge and Ghent
Main Religion	Catholic
Monetary Unit	Euro
Climate	Continental

In 1993, Belgium became a federal State consisting of Communities and Regions. Three communities and regions have been officially designated: the French- (Walloon), Dutch- (Flemish) and German-speaking communities and the bilingual (Flemish-Walloon) capital of Brussels. It is a small country, measuring less than 30,500 square kilometres and with 10 million inhabitants, or 650 people per square mile. Of these, 57% are Dutch, 42% French and 1% German speakers. Up until World War Two, the French-speakers were dominant both politically and economically. Since then the Flemish have made giant strides, and are now on an equal footing, both politically and economically. It is defined as a country where power was invested in the nation, and the Monarch as a head of State who reigns but does not govern. The monarchy is credited with being one of the few forces holding Belgium together and with its newly forged federal system, the continuation of Belgium looks assured.

Economy

Belgium has rather successfully transformed its old fashioned industry conglomerates into a modern service orientated industry. Nevertheless, unemployment and criminal addictions are part of daily life in cities like Brussels. Industry is concentrated mainly in the populous Flemish area in the north. With few natural resources, Belgium must import substantial quantities of raw materials and export a large volume of wares, making its economy unusually dependent on the state of world markets. Roughly three-quarters of its trade is with other EU countries. Public debt is about 100% of GDP, and the government has succeeded in balancing its budget. But the actual debt is one of the highest in the EU. Economic growth in 2001-03 dropped sharply because of the global economic slowdown. Prospects for 2004 again depend largely on recovery in the EU and the US.

Telecommunications Infrastructure

The Telco network is highly developed, technologically advanced. The nationwide cellular telephone system is based on 3G technology and there is an extensive cable network in place.