Belgium’s rate of natural increase (RNI)—the difference between birth rate and death rate, excluding migration—is quite low, reflecting broader demographic trends in Western Europe. As of recent years, Belgium’s RNI hovers just above zero, indicating a very slow natural population growth. This is similar to neighboring countries like Germany and the Netherlands, both of which also experience low or even negative RNIs due to aging populations and low fertility rates. France, however, stands out among Belgium’s neighbors with a slightly higher RNI, thanks to a comparatively higher birth rate supported by family-friendly policies. In contrast, Luxembourg, while small, often shows more fluctuation in RNI due to its unique demographic structure, but its natural increase is also modest. Overall, Belgium’s RNI is emblematic of the demographic stagnation seen across much of Western Europe, with only minor differences among its neighbors.
| Year | Rate of Natural Increase | Population |
|---|---|---|
| 1995 | 0.097 | 10,155,459 |
| 2000 | 0.097 | 10,263,618 |
| 2005 | 0.157 | 10,469,151 |
| 2010 | 0.219 | 10,865,721 |
| 2015 | 0.152 | 11,319,441 |
| 2020 | 0.133 | 11,708,235 |
| 2024 | 0.127 | 11,977,634 |
| 2025 | 0.123 | 12,039,272 |
| 2026 | 0.12 | 12,098,499 |
| 2030 | 0.1 | 12,309,925 |
| 2035 | 0.073 | 12,539,867 |
| 2040 | 0.038 | 12,751,772 |
| 2045 | -0.006 | 12,938,620 |
| 2050 | -0.05 | 13,095,652 |
| 2055 | -0.075 | 13,229,707 |
| 2060 | -0.085 | 13,351,912 |
| 2065 | -0.085 | 13,470,572 |
| 2070 | -0.087 | 13,588,583 |
| 2075 | -0.098 | 13,701,608 |
| 2080 | -0.115 | 13,804,514 |
| 2085 | -0.128 | 13,896,008 |
| 2090 | -0.137 | 13,979,749 |
| 2095 | -0.143 | 14,057,487 |
| 2100 | -0.156 | 14,128,643 |
Data from US Census International Database