Belgium’s population to reach 13 million by 2080, with life expectancy near 90

Belgium’s population is expected to grow to 13 million by 2080. Babies born that year could live to around 90, according to new forecasts from the Federal Planning Bureau.

Last year, the country’s population rose by almost 50,000 to 11.8 million. Growth is set to continue, but at a slower pace than in the past, averaging between 15,000 and 25,000 people a year. As deaths are expected to outnumber births, all future growth would come from international migration.

There are strong regional differences. Flanders is projected to grow from 6.8 million people in 2025 to 8.2 million in 2080. By contrast, Wallonia and the Brussels region are expected to stabilise at about 3.7 million and 1.2 million respectively.

Fertility rates have fallen from 1.9 children per woman in the late 2000s to 1.5 in 2025. They are forecast to rise slightly to around 1.6 from the 2040s, but this would still be historically low.

Life expectancy is also set to increase. By 2080, women are expected to live to 90 on average, up from 85 in 2025, while men could reach 89.2, compared with 81 today. The gap between the sexes would almost disappear, although gains are predicted to slow over time.

Belgium’s population will also continue to age. By 2080, there are forecast to be 45 people aged 67 or over for every 100 people of working age, compared with 28 in 2025 and 23 at the start of the century.

^{© BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK}