Belgium's population shows increasing diversity, with 36% having a foreign background according to Statbel
As of 1 January 2025, more than one-third of Belgium’s population has a foreign background, according to the latest data from Statbel, the Belgian statistical office. While 64% of residents are Belgian with a Belgian background, the remainder includes Belgians with a foreign background and non-Belgians. Regional disparities and changes over the last two decades highlight evolving demographic patterns.
On 12 June, Statbel released recent figures on the Belgian population by origin, demonstrating that 36% of the population has a foreign background. Key findings include:
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The total population on 1 January 2025 was approximately 11.8 million, comprising:
- 7.57 million Belgians with a Belgian background
- 2.62 million Belgians with a foreign background
- 1.63 million non-Belgians
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Regional variations are significant: In Brussels, 40.8% of the population are Belgians with a foreign background, and 37.2% are non-Belgians. In comparison, Flanders has 17.1% Belgians with a foreign background and 11% non-Belgians.
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Nationality does not directly indicate migration status, as many with a foreign background were born in Belgium: 68.4% of Belgians with a foreign background and 14.4% of non-Belgians were born locally.
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The share of Belgians with a Belgian background has declined over two decades, from 79.3% in 2005 to 64.0% in 2025, reflecting increased diversity.
- More than half (54.3%) of Belgians with a foreign background and non-Belgians originate from countries outside the European Union, with notable regional differences.
For further details, please read the press release from Statbel.