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| Government Type |
federal parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarch |
| Legal System |
civil law system influenced by English constitutional theory; judicial review of legislative acts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations |
| Currency |
euro (EUR)
note: on 1 January 1999, the European Monetary Union introduced the euro as a common currency to be used by financial institutions of member countries; on 1 January 2002, the euro became the sole currency for everyday transactions within the member countries |
| Economic Overview |
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. With few natural resources, Belgium must import substantial quantities of raw materials and export a large volume of manufactures, making its economy unusually dependent on the state of world markets. About 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. Belgium, together with 11 of its EU partners, began circulating euro currency in January 2002. Economic growth in 2001-02 dropped sharply due to the global economic slowdown. Prospects for 2003 again depend largely on recovery in the EU and the US. |
| Natural Resources |
coal, natural gas |
| Primary Industries |
engineering and metal products, motor vehicle assembly, processed food and beverages, chemicals, basic metals, textiles, glass, petroleum, coal |
| Agricultural Products |
sugar beets, fresh vegetables, fruits, grain, tobacco; beef, veal, pork, milk |
| Import Commodities |
machinery and equipment, chemicals, metals and metal products, foodstuffs |
| Export Commodities |
machinery and equipment, chemicals, diamonds, metals and metal products, foodstuffs |
| Export Partners |
EU 73.3% (Germany 18.9%, France 16.3%, Netherlands 11.7%, UK 9.8%), US 7.7% (2002) |
| AIRPORTS of Belgium |
| Antwerp Airport |
International, Heliport, Antwerp 4km (2miles), Position 51°11´25"N, 004°27´42"E,16 Aircraft Stands |
Detals |
| Brussels-South Charleroi Airport |
Brussels 55km (34miles), Position 50°27´36"N, 004°27´10"E, Elevation 184m (603ft),20 Aircraft Stands |
Detals |
| BRUSSELS AIRPORT |
The airport is located 12km (8 miles) northeast of Brussels |
Detals |
| Liège Airport |
Liège 9km (5miles), Elevation 201m (659ft) |
Detals |
| Ostend International Airport |
International, Ostend 6km (3miles), Position 51°11´59"N, 002°51´49"E, Elevation 0m,21 Aircraft Stands |
Detals |
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