Читать книгу The 2009 CIA World Factbook - United States. Central Intelligence Agency - Страница 188

Flag description:

three equal vertical bands of black (hoist side), yellow, and red; the vertical design was based on the flag of France; the colors are those of the arms of the duchy of Brabant (yellow lion with red claws and tongue on a black field)

Economy ::Belgium

Economy - overview:

This modern, private-enterprise economy has capitalized on its central geographic location, highly developed transport network, and diversified industrial and commercial base. Industry is concentrated mainly in the populous Flemish area in the north. With few natural resources, Belgium must import substantial quantities of raw materials and export a large volume of manufactures, making its economy unusually dependent on the state of world markets. Roughly three-quarters of its trade is with other EU countries. Public debt is more than 80% of GDP. On the positive side, the government succeeded in balancing its budget during the 2000–2008 period, and income distribution is relatively equal. Belgium began circulating the euro currency in January 2002. Economic growth and foreign direct investment dropped in 2008. In 2009 Belgium is likely to have negative growth, growing unemployment, and a 3% budget deficit, stemming from the worldwide banking crisis.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$390.2 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 30 $386.3 billion (2007 est.)

$376.5 billion (2006 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$506.2 billion (2008)

GDP - real growth rate:

1% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 174 2.6% (2007 est.)

3% (2006 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$37,500 (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 27 $37,200 (2007 est.)

$36,300 (2006 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 0.8%

industry: 23.2%

services: 76.1% (2008 est.)

Labor force:

4.99 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 72

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 2%

industry: 25%

services: 73% (2007 est.)

Unemployment rate: