The Belgian population numbered over 11.81 million people on 1 January this year, up by more than 620,000 compared to 2015. In Brussels, the population surpassed 1.25 million.
Based on all national registry numbers, a total of 11,812,354 people live in Belgium, according to figures published by the Interior Ministry dating back to the end of January. The population has increased by 0.54%, or by 66,638 people, since last year.
This is in line with the average population growth over the past decade. Since January 2015, this figure has risen by 621,509 people, a 5% rise.
Regional populations
Flanders remains the most populous region in Belgium. It counted 6,859,491 registered residents on 1 January 2025, up from 6,815,968 on the same day last year (an increase of 0.65%), and some 420,000 more than in 2015. The province of Antwerp is the biggest population-wise, with 1,919,133 residents. This is a very small decrease compared to the beginning of last year.
In second place is Wallonia, with a population of 3.702 million, up from 3,688,733 last year (+0.35%) and 3,585,214 in 2015. The province of Hainaut, with 1,363,972 residents, is the most populous in the region. Luxembourg remains the least populated province with 295,712 people.
Finally, the Brussels-Capital Region is currently home to 1,250,862 people, an increase of 0.48% or almost 7,000 more compared to the beginning of last year.
The City of Brussels is the most populated commune, with 197,129 residents. It is followed by Schaerbeek (129,086) and Anderlecht (128,063). Koekelberg is home to the fewest residents (22,898 people).
