FACT CHECK #DZOJ7UR4

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What you submitted

WHAT WE FOUND

Hi there! I've analyzed the sources to check those Belgian population statistics for you. While the figures for 2025 are supported by the data, we hit a bit of a snag with the historical numbers. According to official records, Belgium's population reached 11,825,551 in early 2025 1. By the end of that year, the foreign-born population was recorded at 2,399,622 3. When you calculate the ratio using the 2025 population figures, this represents approximately 20.29%, which aligns very closely with the 20.2% mentioned in the claim 1 3. Other reports mention that over one-third of the population has a 'foreign background' (36%), but this is a broader category that includes non-Belgian citizens and those with roots in another country 2 6. Unfortunately, the provided sources do not contain any information regarding the population in January 2001, so we cannot confirm if the starting point was 8.4% 4 5. Because we are missing that historical data, the claim remains unverified based on the current evidence.

SOURCES

1. 1 · statbel.fgov.beWEB
   On 01 January 2025, Belgium had 11,825,551 inhabitants - Statbel

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2. 2 · emnbelgium.beWEB
   Belgium's population shows increasing diversity, with 36% having a ...

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3. 3 · tradingeconomics.comWEB
   Belgium - Foreign-born population - 2026 Data 2027 Forecast 2010 ...

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4. 4 · oecd.orgWEB
   [PDF] Migration-Demography Database Belgium - OECD

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5. 5 · en.wikipedia.orgWEB
   Demographics of Belgium - Wikipedia

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6. 6 · belganewsagency.euWEB
   Over one in three people in Belgium have a non-Belgian background

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7. 7 · reuters.comFACT-CHECKER
   Reuters Fact Check

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8. 8 · factcheck.orgFACT-CHECKER
   Don't get spun by internet rumors. - FactCheck.org

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