How Belgium works
Belgium is a small country with a famously complicated system of government. Understanding the basics will help you make sense of the news, know which authority to contact for what and feel less lost in daily conversations.
This page breaks the structure down into plain terms, with a few quick facts to help you get oriented.
Overview
Belgium has several layers of government that overlap in different ways. On top of the federal government, the country is divided into regions based on geography and communities based on language. Even Belgians find this confusing, so do not worry if it takes more than one read to click.
The good news: for almost everything you need as a newcomer, you only need to know one thing - your municipality (gemeente).
Regions and communities
Belgium is made up of 3 regions and 3 communities, and they do not follow the same borders:
Regions (geographical devision):
- Flanders - the northern, Dutch-speaking region. West Flanders (West-Vlaanderen) is one of its 5 provinces.
- Wallonia - the southern, French-speaking region
Brussels-Capital Region - the bilingual capital region
Communities (language-based community devision):
- Flemish Community - responsible for Dutch-language culture, education and welfare, in Flanders and for Dutch speakers in Brussels
- French Community - responsible for French-language culture, education and welfare, in Wallonia and for French speakers in Brussels
- German-speaking Community - for the small German-speaking area in the east of the country
In Flanders, the regional and community governments are merged into one: the Flemish Government (Vlaamse Regering). This is why you will usually hear about "Flanders" as a single authority rather than two separate ones.
Levels of government
Belgium has 4 levels of government, and each one handles different things:
- Federal government - justice, defence, foreign affairs, social security and pensions. Headed by the Prime Minister, with King Philippe as head of state.
- Regional government - for you, this means the Flemish Government. It covers the economy, environment, housing and employment.
- Provincial government - West Flanders has its own provincial council for regional coordination and shared services
- Local government - your municipality handles registration, permits, waste collection and schools. This is the level you will deal with most.
Languages of Belgium
Belgium has 3 official languages: Dutch, French and German. West Flanders is part of Flanders, so Dutch is the official language here. Most municipal services and official letters will be in Dutch, though many organisations, including International House West Flanders, offer support in English.
Brussels is the exception: it is officially bilingual, with both Dutch and French used.
Quick facts
Here are the essentials at a glance:
- Capital: Brussels
- Population: around 11,8 million people (Statbel)
- Currency: euro (€)
- Government: constitutional monarchy with a federal parliamentary democracy
- Head of state: King Philippe
- Provinces: 10, including West Flanders
- Official languages: 3 - Dutch, French and German
Good to know: you do not need to memorise all these layers of government. For almost everything you need as a newcomer, your municipality (gemeente) is the right place to start. If they cannot help you, they will point you to the right authority.
And if all the info above still feel overwhelming maybe this funny youtube film will help you to understand it even better : Belgium Explained!
Sources
- Belgium.be
- Vlaanderen.be
- Statbel
