Belgium vs Switzerland
Every indicator for Belgium and Switzerland side by side, with the percentage gap between them. Sources are listed at the bottom of the page.
| Indicator | Belgium | Switzerland | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population (2025) (people) | 11,941,781 | 9,092,436 | +31.3% |
| GDP (nominal) (billion $) | 725 | 1,044 | −30.6% |
| GDP per capita ($) | 60,750 | 114,769 | −47.1% |
| Life expectancy (years) | 82.3 | 84.4 | — |
| Area (km²) | 30,689 | 41,291 | −25.7% |
| Population density (people/km²) | 389 | 220 | +76.7% |
| Median age (years) | 41.9 | 43.0 | — |
| Internet usage (%) | 95.8 | 97.3 | — |
| Unemployment rate (%) | 5.9 | 4.9 | — |
| Inflation (%) | 2.5 | 0.2 | — |
| Urban population (%) | 87.7 | 85.7 | — |
| Military expenditure (2024) (million $) | 8,562 | 6,722 | +27.4% |
| Military expenditure as a share of GDP (%) | 1.28 | 0.72 | +77.8% |
| Military expenditure as a share of government spending (%) | 2.36 | 2.27 | +4.0% |
| Military expenditure per capita ($) | 717 | 739 | −3.0% |
| Armed forces personnel (2020) (people) | 24,000 | 20,000 | +20.0% |
| Armed forces per 1,000 people (people) | 2.0 | 2.2 | −8.6% |
| Armed forces as a share of the labor force (%) | 0.47 | 0.40 | +17.5% |
The difference column shows the percentage gap of Belgium relative to Switzerland; a positive value favors Belgium. Interpret it in context — for unemployment, a lower value is better.
At a glance
Belgium is higher on 7 of the 12 indicators, while Switzerland leads on the remaining 5. The widest separation is in gdp per capita, about 1.9 times; they are closest on military expenditure per capita.
Key differences
- On gdp per capita, Switzerland is %89 higher than Belgium: 114,769 against 60,750.
- On military expenditure as a share of gdp, Belgium is %78 higher than Switzerland: 1.28 against 0.72.
- On population density, Belgium is %77 higher than Switzerland: 389 against 220.
- On gdp (nominal), Switzerland is %44 higher than Belgium: 1,044 against 725.
- On area, Switzerland is %35 higher than Belgium: 41,291 against 30,689.
Frequently asked questions
Where do Belgium and Switzerland differ most?
Where are Belgium and Switzerland most alike?
On how many indicators is Belgium ahead of Switzerland?
The indicators use different scales, so the chart is a rough visual comparison only; use the table for exact figures.
Related comparisons
Other comparisons involving Belgium or Switzerland.
Belgium profile →
All statistics, series, and details.
Switzerland profile →
All statistics, series, and details.