#How Rich Are Belgians? A 2025 Snapshot of Wealth and Prosperity#
Belgium has long held a reputation as a prosperous European nation, but a recent report published by The Economist in 2025 has elevated its status even further. In a surprising turn, Belgium ranks fourth globally in terms of economic prosperity when adjusted for GDP per capita, purchasing power, and productivity. This ranking has sparked renewed interest in understanding how wealthy Belgians truly are, and how they compare to citizens of other nations.
That said, ask a Belgian if they feel rich, and you might hear: “Sure—until tax season rolls around!” Belgium’s famously high taxes often make prosperity feel more like a theoretical concept than a lived reality.
The Economist’s 2025 Ranking: Why Belgium Stands Out
Unlike traditional rankings that focus solely on GDP per capita, The Economist introduced a more nuanced methodology. The report considers three key indicators: GDP per capita, purchasing power, and productivity. The latter is particularly important, as it measures GDP per hour worked. This approach rewards countries that produce more with fewer working hours, highlighting efficiency rather than just output. Thanks to its high productivity and relatively short workweeks, Belgium finds itself ahead of economic giants like the United States and Singapore. Only Norway, Qatar, and Denmark rank higher in this adjusted model.
GDP Per Capita: Belgium in Context
According to the International Monetary Fund, Belgium’s GDP per capita in 2025 stands at approximately $57,770(€49,461) in nominal terms and $75,850(€64,940) when adjusted for purchasing power parity. These figures place Belgium among the top 20 countries globally, ahead of major economies such as Germany, France, and the United Kingdom. This strong performance reflects Belgium’s robust export-driven economy, which benefits from its central location in Europe and highly integrated logistics and manufacturing sectors.
Wealth Per Adult: Belgium’s Quiet Strength
Looking beyond national output, wealth per adult offers a more personal view of prosperity. Belgium performs exceptionally well in this regard. The average (mean) wealth per adult is estimated at $352,814(€302,067), while the median wealth per adult is $249,937(€213,987). The difference between these two figures is significant, indicating that while some Belgians hold substantial assets, the typical Belgian adult is still relatively well-off by global standards. This median figure places Belgium third globally—behind only Luxembourg and Australia. Moreover, Belgium boasts a relatively low Gini coefficient of 0.27, suggesting moderate wealth inequality compared to countries like the United States or Switzerland.
Household Wealth and Income: OECD Insights
OECD data further confirms Belgium’s strong household wealth position. Belgian households enjoy high disposable incomes and stable saving rates. One of the key contributors to this wealth is homeownership. Most Belgians own their primary residence, and this asset plays a crucial role in long-term wealth accumulation. Combined with Belgium’s robust social safety nets and public services, this creates a stable foundation for financial security and intergenerational wealth transfer.
Why Is Belgium So Wealthy?
Several elements explain Belgium’s economic success. High productivity plays a central role, with Belgians producing significant economic output per hour worked. The labor market is efficient, allowing for shorter workweeks without sacrificing performance. Belgium’s strength lies in its export economy, particularly in chemicals, pharmaceuticals, machinery, and food products. Additionally, the country’s strong social infrastructure—including education, healthcare, and pensions—supports long-term prosperity and wealth generation.
