Belgium Job Search

 

Employment in Belgium typically requires excellent language skills. Dutch (Flemish), French, German and English are all widely spoken. Usually candidates are thoroughly tested for language fluency. There is no place in Europe where you can get in greater trouble by using the incorrect language than in Belgium. Speak English if in doubt and avoid discussing linguistic divisions with Belgians.

Belgium Basic Data

Background: Belgium became independent from the Netherlands in 1830 and was occupied by Germany during World Wars I and II. It has prospered in the past half century as a modern, technologically advanced European state and member of NATO and the EU. Tensions between the Dutch-speaking Flemings of the north and the French-speaking Walloons of the south have led in recent years to constitutional amendments granting these regions formal recognition and autonomy.

Capital: Brussels

Climate: temperate; mild winters, cool summers; rainy, humid, cloudy

Ethnic groups: Fleming 58%, Walloon 31%, mixed or other 11%

Languages: Dutch (official) 60%, French (official) 40%, German (official) less than 1%, legally bilingual (Dutch and French)

Economy - overview: This modern private enterprise economy has capitalized on its central geographic location, highly developed transport network, and diversified industrial and commercial base. Industry is concentrated mainly in the populous Flemish area in the north. With few natural resources, Belgium must import substantial quantities of raw materials and export a large volume of manufactures, making its economy unusually dependent on the state of world markets. Roughly three-quarters of its trade is with other EU countries. Public debt is about 100% of GDP, and the government has succeeded in balancing its budget. Belgium, together with 11 of its EU partners, began circulating the euro currency in January 2002. Economic growth in 2001-03 dropped sharply due to the global economic slowdown. Prospects for 2004 again depend largely on recovery in the EU and the US.

Labor force - by occupation: services 73%, industry 25%, agriculture 2% (1999 est.)

Unemployment rate: 7.2% (2002 est.)

Natural resources: coal, natural gas

Industries: engineering and metal products, motor vehicle assembly, processed food and beverages, chemicals, basic metals, textiles, glass, petroleum, coal

Currency: euro (EUR)

Internet country code: .be

Belgium Job Search Info

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In addition, on belgium cover letter, belgium CV and belgium job interview pages, you will find useful tips.

Good luck with your Belgium job search!