Belgium Belgium vs Netherlands Netherlands development indicators, 2024

Indicator
Belgium
Belgium, Value
Netherlands
Netherlands, Value
Belgium
Belgium, Rank
Netherlands
Netherlands, Rank
Belgium Belgium as % of
Netherlands Netherlands
Current account balance (% of GDP) -0.855 9.92 61 10
Exports of goods and services (% of GDP) 79.2 84.1 13 11 94.2 %
Foreign direct investment, net inflows (% of GDP) -5.35 -1.1 104 101 487 %
GDP per capita (current US$) 55,955 68,219 16 12 82 %
GDP per capita, PPP (current international US$) 72,126 84,218 19 11 85.6 %
Imports of goods and services (% of GDP) 79.2 72 12 20 110 %
Inflation, consumer prices (annual %) 3.14 3.35 76 65 93.9 %
Net migration 36,243 121,628 30 17 29.8 %
Population, total 11,876,844 17,994,237 81 71 66 %

Demography and Health

In terms of demography, Belgium has a total population of approximately 11.9 million, while the Netherlands is more populous with around 18 million. The birth rate in Belgium is slightly higher at 9.4 per 1,000 compared to the Netherlands' 9.2. However, the death rate is marginally lower in Belgium at 9.4 than in the Netherlands at 9.5. Life expectancy at birth is notably higher in Belgium at 82.4 years, compared to 81.9 years in the Netherlands. When considering child mortality rates, Belgium performs better with a rate of 3.6 under-5 deaths per 1,000 live births against the Netherlands' 4. Significant net migration figures show that Belgium has a net inflow of 36,243 people, while the Netherlands sees a considerably higher inflow of 121,628. This demographic variation can influence workforce availability and social dynamics in both countries.

Economy

The economic indicators for Belgium and the Netherlands illustrate contrasting economic structures. Belgium's GDP per capita stands at $55,955, significantly lower than the Netherlands' $68,219. In terms of purchasing power parity (PPP), Belgium remains behind at $72,126 compared to the Netherlands' $84,218. Belgium's economy is heavily reliant on exports, with 79.2% of its GDP coming from goods and services, compared to the Netherlands' 84.1%. Interestingly, Belgium faces challenges with a negative foreign direct investment net inflow of -5.4% of GDP, while the Netherlands has a more favorable position at -1.1%.

Trade and Investment

In trade dynamics, both countries exhibit robust export activities, but the Netherlands ranks higher globally, positioned 31st compared to Belgium's 39th. Belgium's imports as a percentage of GDP mirror its exports at 79.2%, while the Netherlands imports are lower at 72%. High-technology exports show a significant gap, with Belgium exporting around $50.6 billion versus the Netherlands' impressive $111 billion. This disparity indicates a more innovative exporting sector in the Netherlands.

Governance and Institutions

Evaluating governance, the Netherlands consistently outperforms Belgium in various aspects. The Control of Corruption index scores 1.3 for Belgium against 1.9 for the Netherlands. Furthermore, Government Effectiveness scores are also in favor of the Netherlands at 1.6 compared to Belgium's 1.0. The Rule of Law is similarly stronger in the Netherlands, with a score of 1.6 versus Belgium's 1.3. Political stability, as indicated by the Political Stability and Absence of Violence index, ranks the Netherlands higher at 0.7 compared to Belgium's 0.4. These findings suggest a more effective governance structure and higher political stability in the Netherlands, potentially leading to a more favorable investment climate.

Infrastructure and Technology

Infrastructure quality is comparable between the two nations, with Belgium achieving a logistics performance index of 4.1 and the Netherlands scoring slightly higher at 4.2. Internet usage is remarkably high in both countries, with Belgium at 94.6% and the Netherlands at 97%, indicating substantial digital connectivity. Research and development expenditure as a percentage of GDP showcases Belgium's robust commitment at 3.4%, outstripping the Netherlands' 2.3%. Additionally, Belgium leads in patent applications, suggesting a strong innovation capacity and a favorable environment for technology development.

Environment and Sustainability

On environmental measures, both countries have similar rates of undernourishment at 2.5%. Belgium faces significant water stress, with a withdrawal rate of 51.9% of available freshwater resources, compared to the Netherlands’ much lower 16.1%. In terms of renewable energy consumption, Belgium at 11.7% is slightly behind the Netherlands, which sits at 12.2%. Regarding greenhouse gas emissions, Belgium produces 9 tons of CO2 equivalent per capita, while the Netherlands has a slightly lower figure at 8.4 tons, indicating a marginally better environmental performance in the latter. These environmental metrics highlight areas for improvement, particularly in water management for Belgium.