The number of Belgians living beyond our borders has reached a record high this year. On Wednesday, Sudpresse reported that the number of people registered abroad has reached 403,641, which is 22,189 more than in 2013. However, if non-registered persons are taken into account the number could be as high as 461,516. The difference between the two is "the Belgians who live in the country, but who are not officially registered at the Belgian Embassy," said Joren Vandeweyer, the FPS of Foreign Affairs.
This constitutes a 5.8% increase compared to the same period last year. It is also 21% more than 5 years ago and 37% more than 10 years ago.
Most Belgians prefer to move to other European countries. France tops the list with over a quarter (121,577) of the Belgian expat community. The Netherlands is second followed by Spain and Germany. The United States, the first non-European country on the list holds fifth place with 25,907 Belgians. Israel rounds off the Top 10, with 9,907 Belgians living on its territory.
(Source: Belga)
