Belgium

Sovereign: King Albert II (1993)

Prime Minister: Yves Leterme (2009)

Land area: 11,672 sq mi (30,230 sq km); total area: 11,787 sq mi (30,528 sq km)

Population (2010 est.): 10,423,493 (growth rate: 0.08%); birth rate: 10.1/1000; infant mortality rate: 4.3/1000; life expectancy: 79.3; density per sq km: 343

Capital and largest city (2003 est.): Brussels, 1,750,600 (metro area), 981,200 (city proper)

Other large cities: Antwerp, 952,600 (metro area), 450,000 (city proper); Ghent, 226,900; Charleroi, 201,200; Liège, 185,700; Bruges, 117,200

Monetary unit: Euro (formerly Belgian franc)