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🇧🇪 Beligum
Belgium’s work culture is built on diversity, pragmatism, and a strong work-life balance.
Belgians value professionalism, punctuality, and clear communication.
Belgium’s work culture is built on diversity, pragmatism, and a strong work-life balance.
Belgians value professionalism, punctuality, and clear communication.
Country Profile
Country information, demographics, geography, and system of government
Cultural Values
Cultural characteristics, values, traditions, and social norms
Business Culture
Practical insights on business meetings, appointments, gift-giving, and communication
Indicators
Indicators related to social and cultural factors, corruption, globalization and more
Country Profile
Formal Name
Kingdom of Belgium
Capital
Brussels
Official Language
Dutch (Flemish), French, and German
Population
11,7 million
Currency
Euro (EUR) (€)
GDP
$665 billion
Land Area
30.280 km² (Land Area)
Region
Europe
Cultural Cluster
Latin Europe
Other Names
Conventional Long Form: Kingdom of Belgium
Conventional Short Form: Belgium
Local Long Form: Royaume de Belgique (French), Koninkrijk België (Flemish), Koenigreich Belgien (German)
Local Short Form: Belgique, Belgie, Belgien
Etymology
Its name is derived from the ancient Celtic tribal confederation Belgae, which was settled between the English Channel and the western bank of the Rhine River in the early centuries BC.
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Country Profile
Formal Name
Kingdom of Belgium
Capital
Brussels
Official Language
Dutch (Flemish), French, and German
GDP
$665 billion
Population
11,7 million
Location
Europe
Cultural Cluster
Latin Europe
Other Names
Conventional Long Form: Kingdom of Belgium
Conventional Short Form: Belgium
Local Long Form: Royaume de Belgique (French), Koninkrijk België (Flemish), Koenigreich Belgien (German)
Local Short Form: Belgique, Belgie, Belgien
Currency
Euro (EUR) (€)
Land Area
30.280 km² (Land Area)
Etymology
Its name is derived from the ancient Celtic tribal confederation Belgae, which was settled between the English Channel and the western bank of the Rhine River in the early centuries BC.
Demographic Structure
Population:
11,7 million
1.9 million (16.3%)
7.4 million (63.6%)
2.4 million (20.2%)
Female 5.9 million (50.7%)
Male 5.8 million (49.3%)
Ethnic Groups
Belgian 75.2%, Other 10.6%, Italian 4.1%, Moroccan 3.7%, French 2.4%, Turkish 2%, Dutch 2%
Spoken Languages
Flemish 60%, French 40%, German less than 1%
Religious Beliefs
Roman Catholic 57.1%, Protestant 2.3%, Other Christian 2.8%, Muslim 6.8%, Other 1.7%, Atheist 9.1%, No Religion / Agnostic 20.2%
Population, Age, 2023: World Bank
GDP, 2024: IMF
Ethnic Groups, Languages, Religious Beliefs: CIA Factbook
History and Government
History
Belgium gained independence from the Netherlands in 1830 and was later occupied by Germany during both World War I and World War II. Over the past century, the country has developed modern infrastructure and technology and has become a member of NATO and the European Union. Tensions exist between the Dutch-speaking Flemings in the north and the French-speaking Walloons in the south. The capital, Brussels, hosts numerous international organizations, including the EU and NATO.
Independence
On October 4, 1830, a provisional government declared independence from the Netherlands. On July 21, 1831, King Leopold ascended the throne.
Government Type
Federal Parliamentary Democracy under a Constitutional Monarchy
Administrative Divisions
Belgium is divided into 3 regions: Flanders, Wallonia, and the Brussels-Capital Region.
Note: The official language of Flanders is Flemish, Wallonia is French, and the Brussels-Capital Region is bilingual (Flemish and French).
Major Cities
Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, Liège, Charleroi, Bruges
Geographical Features
Geographic Location
Belgium is a country located in Western Europe. Its geographical position is strategically important as it hosts the headquarters of major international organizations such as the European Union (EU) and NATO.
Neighbors
Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg, France
Climate
Belgium has a temperate maritime climate. The country experiences wet and humid weather throughout the year. Winters are cold to mild, while summers are generally cool. Rainfall is distributed fairly evenly across all seasons.
Cultural Values
✦ Belgium’s cultural values are shaped by the country’s rich history, multilingual composition, and diverse social fabric. These values deeply influence Belgians’ daily lives, interpersonal relationships, and social behavior, making Belgium a unique place in the heart of Europe.
✦ Belgium is a country with three official languages. This multilingualism contributes to Belgians’ openness to diversity and helps foster a multicultural society. Cultural diversity also ensures that Belgium has a rich heritage in fields such as art, literature, music, and gastronomy.
✦ Belgians demonstrate tolerance toward different ideas, beliefs, and lifestyles. This openness promotes diversity and harmony in the country’s social and cultural life. Belgium supports a societal structure where people from different cultures can live together and everyone can express themselves freely.
✦ Belgian society places great importance on social justice and equality. By providing extensive services in social security, healthcare, and education, the country strives to ensure the welfare of all citizens and equal access to opportunities. Belgium is also active in promoting gender equality and protecting the rights of disadvantaged groups.
✦ Community spirit and cooperation are important cultural values in Belgium. Neighborhood relationships and solidarity within local communities enable Belgians to support one another and strengthen social bonds.
✦ Belgium is world-renowned for chocolate, beer, and diamond craftsmanship, emphasizing quality and excellence. Maintaining high production standards and adopting innovative approaches reflects Belgium’s cultural values.
✦ Belgians are increasingly conscious of environmental protection and sustainable lifestyles. Preserving green spaces, managing waste responsibly, and investing in renewable energy sources demonstrate the society’s environmental awareness.
Business Culture
✦ Belgium’s work culture is known for its multilingual environment, formality, and strong emphasis on compromise and consensus. The concepts of “compromise” and “consensus” play a central role in business relationships and decision-making processes.
✦ Language is crucial when doing business in Belgium. The country has three official languages: French, Dutch (Flemish), and German. The choice of language depends on the region in which you are operating. Therefore, paying attention to language and communicating in the local language whenever possible is seen as a way to build respect and trust.
✦ Belgians place a high value on formality in business interactions. Meetings and business discussions are generally conducted formally. Presenting business cards properly, attending meetings on time, and maintaining a formal dress code are all important.
✦ In Belgium, decisions are usually made through compromise and consensus. The decision-making process can sometimes take time, as all parties’ opinions are considered to reach an outcome acceptable to everyone. This reflects how deeply ingrained the concepts of “compromise” and “consensus” are in Belgian social and business life.
✦ Belgians value a healthy work-life balance. Matters related to work are generally not addressed outside office hours, ensuring individuals have sufficient time for family and social life.
Practical Information
First Names and Titles
Belçika’da üç dilin konuşulduğunu aklınızdan hiç çıkarmayın; Always keep in mind that Belgium is a multilingual country: German, French, and Flemish (Dutch). Flemish is a regional variant of Dutch.
When addressing French speakers, you can use respectful forms such as “Monsieur”, “Madame”, or “Mademoiselle.”
When addressing German or Flemish speakers, use “Mr.”, “Mrs.”, “Ms.”, or “Miss.”
Never address a Flemish speaker with “Monsieur” or “Madame.”
Business Meetings
Exchanging business cards is standard practice in Belgium.
It is recommended to have your business cards bilingual: one side in English, the other in French or Flemish, depending on the region you will visit. Present the side that matches your colleague’s language.
Always knock before entering a room and wait to be invited in. Keep office doors closed where possible. Privacy is highly valued in Belgian business culture.
Communication
Speak in a calm, moderate tone regardless of the topic. Excessive excitement or animated expressions may raise eyebrows.
Belgians enjoy talking about sports (cycling and football), places they’ve visited in Belgium, and Belgian food and beer.
Avoid discussing politics or language differences, as these are sensitive topics.
Gift Giving
Gift-giving is not a central part of Belgian business culture.
If you give a gift to a close business contact, avoid including your business card or visible company logos.
When receiving a gift, open it in the presence of the giver and express your appreciation. Expect the same courtesy when giving a gift.
If invited to a Belgian home, bring flowers or chocolates for the host. Avoid chrysanthemums and gifts in 13 pieces, as they are associated with death.
Business Attire
Men should wear suits and ties, women business suits or professional outfits.
Shoes should be well-maintained and polished, reflecting professionalism.
For private home gatherings, more casual attire is acceptable, but it should still be neat and clean.
Appointments
Appointments should usually be arranged one week in advance; for lunch meetings, 11:30 AM is preferred.
Initial meetings are often social, as Belgians like to get to know a person before starting business relations. Punctuality is crucial.
Consider holidays and working hours: Belgians typically take one month of annual leave, work hours are 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM, and shops open 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
Indicators
Hofstede Cultural Dimensions
Power Distance Index (PDI)
With a score of 65, Belgium has a high Power Distance Index (PDI), indicating that inequalities are generally accepted in society. Hierarchy plays an important role; superiors may have privileges and are often not easily accessible. Power in Belgium is centralized, although this may change in the future, especially in Brussels. Each community, such as the Walloons and the Flemish, has centralized administrative powers in areas like governance, transportation, and business.
In management, attitudes toward superiors are more formal, and addressing them by their last name is common, especially upon first contact. The flow of information is hierarchical. The way information is controlled is associated with power, reflecting its unequal distribution. Control is considered normal and even expected.
For more information, visit our Hofstede Cultural Dimensions post.
Other Indicators
Corruption Perceptions Index
(CPI)
World Ranking
22
KOF Globalization Index
(KOF)
World Ranking
3
Global Innovation Index
(GII)
World Ranking
24
Human Development Index
(HDI)
World Ranking
12
Rule of Law Index
(WJP)
World Ranking
17
Ease of Doing Business Index
(EODB)
World Ranking
46
Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), 2024: Transparency.org
Human Development Index (HDI), 2023: United Nations Development Programme
KOF Globalization Index (KOF), 2024: ETH Zürich
Rule of Law Index (WJP), 2024: World Justice Project
Global Innovation Index (GII), 2024: WIPO
Ease of Doing Business Index (EODB), 2019: World Bank
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