Belgium Population
Europe & Central Asia · 82nd most populous · High income
Population right now (estimate)
11,958,983
The population of Belgium is about 11,958,983 as of 22 October 2026 (estimate), and 12.0 million for 2026 as a whole — 0.14% of the world's people.
Belgium is ranked 82nd of 217 by population. Growth has nearly stopped: the population changes by only 0.11% a year. Projections show it peaking around 2038 at about 12.0 million, then declining. Since 1960 (9.2 million) it has grown by 31%. Population density is 392 people per square kilometre. 88% of people live in cities (2025).
Population 2026
12.0 million
Yearly change
+0.11%
World rank
82nd
Share of world
0.14%
Density
392/km²
Land area
30,494 km²
Life expectancy
82.3 yrs
Births per woman
1.44
GDP per capita
$60,750
GDP
$725.5B
Population of Belgium, 1960–2050
Belgium population by year
| Year | Population | Yearly change | Density (per km²) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 9,153,489 | — | 300 |
| 1970 | 9,655,549 | +0.10% | 317 |
| 1980 | 9,859,242 | +0.11% | 323 |
| 1990 | 9,967,379 | +0.30% | 327 |
| 2000 | 10,251,250 | +0.24% | 336 |
| 2010 | 10,895,586 | +0.92% | 357 |
| 2020 | 11,538,604 | +0.43% | 378 |
| 2024 | 11,858,610 | +0.67% | 389 |
| 2026proj. | 11,955,426 | +0.11% | 392 |
| 2030proj. | 11,990,423 | +0.05% | 393 |
| 2040proj. | 12,008,135 | −0.01% | 394 |
| 2050proj. | 11,948,874 | −0.09% | 392 |
Belgium vs Bangladesh
Bangladesh (178 million) has 14.9 times as many people as Belgium. Bangladesh is 3.5 times more densely populated.
Belgium population: questions and answers
What is the population of Belgium in 2026?
About 11,955,426 (12.0 million), based on World Bank projections.
Is Belgium's population growing?
Yes, by about 0.11% a year (2026).
What is the population density of Belgium?
About 392 people per km², with a land area of 30,494 km².
What will the population of Belgium be in 2050?
About 11.9 million on World Bank projections.
What is the capital of Belgium?
Brussels.
What is the life expectancy in Belgium?
82.3 years at birth (2024).
Sources: World Bank Open Data — World Development Indicators and Population Estimates and Projections (CC BY 4.0); Wikidata (CC0). Data retrieved 2026-10-22. Live figures are mathematical estimates interpolated between the World Bank's mid-year values, not real-time counts.