Belgium vs Germany development indicators, 2024

Indicator	Belgium, Value	Germany, Value	Belgium, Rank	Germany, Rank	Belgium as % of Germany
Current account balance (% of GDP)	-0.855	5.73	61	18
Exports of goods and services (% of GDP)	79.2	42.1	13	53	188 %
Foreign direct investment, net inflows (% of GDP)	-5.35	1.02	104	73
GDP per capita (current US$)	55,955	55,800	16	17	100 %
GDP per capita, PPP (current international US$)	72,126	72,300	19	18	99.8 %
Imports of goods and services (% of GDP)	79.2	38.2	12	75	207 %
Inflation, consumer prices (annual %)	3.14	2.26	76	103	139 %
Net migration	36,243	36,954	30	29	98.1 %
Population, total	11,876,844	83,510,950	81	19	14.2 %

Demography and Health

In terms of demography, Belgium and Germany present notable differences, as Belgium has a slightly higher birth rate (9.4 per 1,000 people) compared to Germany (8.3). However, Belgium's death rate (9.4) is also lower than Germany's (12.3), indicating a healthier aging population. Life expectancy at birth shows Belgium ahead at 82.4 years versus Germany's 80.5 years. Additionally, the prevalence of undernourishment is similar in both countries at 2.5%. Belgium's child mortality rate under-5 is marginally better at 3.6 compared to Germany's 3.7. Migration is also significant, with Belgium having a net migration of 36,243 people and Germany at 36,954, indicating both countries attract foreign populations. Belgium ranks better in suicide mortality rates with 18.4 per 100,000 compared to Germany's 12.9.

Economy

Economically, Belgium showcases a robust structure with a GDP per capita of $55,955, marginally higher than Germany's $55,800. When adjusted for purchasing power parity (PPP), Belgium again fares closely with $72,126 versus Germany's $72,300. However, Belgium's economic dependency on trade is considerably high, with exports at 79.2% of GDP and imports also at 79.2%, while Germany stands at 42.1% for exports and 38.2% for imports. Inflation rates are higher in Belgium at 3.1% compared to Germany's 2.3%. Foreign direct investment shows a stark contrast, as Belgium has negative net inflows (-5.4% of GDP), while Germany exhibits a positive rate (1%). This may signal differing investment climates and investor confidence in both countries.

Trade and Investment

Belgium excels in high-technology exports valued at $50.6 billion, a remarkable accomplishment for a smaller nation, while Germany leads the field significantly with $255.7 billion. Belgium's reliance on exports demonstrates an open economy, but its negative foreign direct investment may limit further growth opportunities. Conversely, Germany, with a solid investment climate, boasts positive net inflows of 1%, indicating a healthier investment scenario. Furthermore, Belgium accounts for 79.2% of its GDP through exports, contrasting with Germany's more moderate figure of 42.1%.

Governance and Institutions

In terms of governance, Germany holds an edge over Belgium across multiple indicators. The control of corruption score is higher in Germany (1.7) than in Belgium (1.3), showcasing a perception of better governance. Moreover, Germany also ranks above Belgium in government effectiveness (1.2 vs. 1.0) and regulatory quality (1.5 vs. 1.2). Both countries face challenges in political stability, but Germany (0.6) is perceived as more stable compared to Belgium (0.4). However, Belgium remains competitive regarding the rule of law, with a score of 1.3 versus Germany's 1.6.

Infrastructure and Technology

Belgium and Germany present comparable performances concerning infrastructure and technology, with Belgium scoring 4.1 on the logistics performance index and Germany slightly higher at 4.3. The research and development expenditure as a percentage of GDP reflects Belgium's commitment to innovation at 3.4% compared to Germany’s 3.1%. However, Germany's substantial output in patent applications (39,822) dwarfs Belgium's (799), indicating a more vigorous research ecosystem and innovation environment in Germany. This disparity may be attributed to the size and scale of their respective R&D industries.

Environment and Sustainability

In environmental metrics, Germany leads in renewable energy consumption, utilizing 17.6% of its total final energy consumption compared to Belgium’s 11.7%. Both countries face significant water stress, with Belgium withdrawing 51.9% of its freshwater resources versus 35.4% in Germany. Greenhouse gas emissions per capita are slightly higher in Belgium at 9 tons compared to Germany at 8.1 tons. These figures highlight the varying levels of sustainability initiatives and environmental policies each country has adopted. Belgium's high water stress may be indicative of challenges in sustainable management of resources, while Germany's commitment to renewable energy showcases its proactive measures in combating climate change.