Where do we begin with Belgium, this small country of big accomplishments? One of its native sons founded New York City. The Big Bang Theory originated here. Its people have mad skills at creating the most delectable chocolate, fries and beer. Einstein, Hugo and Dumas made themselves at home here. And, naturally, Belgium boasts a building made of balls! Frequent clouds and rain might be the only downsides to this multicultural, multilingual nation of punctual people. Sing their praises, but resist the temptation to give them a big ol’ backslap.
Belgium is the 24th destination on our ’round-the-world video curation tour of work cultures in many nations. We invite you to join us, watch out for us on our social channels (#CultureCoordinates) and let us know what these videos get right-or don’t-about working in different countries.
Get ready to get carded – and go home early-ish…
…gifts are not necessary but if you must, keep ‘em modest and logo-free
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQKKKbiVigo&t=168s
Fast Culture Facts for Belgium
Population:
- 11.5 million, with a high population density of 377 people per square kilometer.
Employment:
- 4.1 million – with a labor force participation rate of 69.6%, higher than that of the U.S. Women make up 45.8%of the workforce.
Economy:
- Belgium’s GDP was $531.7 billion in 2018, the 14th largest in Europe, and 24st largest economy in the world. Services make up 77% of GDP, followed by industry, at 22% and agriculture, at less than 1%.
Workforce Diversity:
- Belgium ranks 27th of 158 nations in terms of gender equality. Women earn about 96% of what men earn for similar work, one of the lowest gender wage gaps in the world, an achievement attributed to the fact that nearly all Belgian jobs are covered by collective bargaining agreements. French, Dutch and German are all official languages of Belgium, and the country also has a significant number of immigrants from Italy and Morocco. The country is more multicultural than many in the EU, but discrimination against minorities is still an issue. Gay marriage is legal and Belgium bans job discrimination based on sexual orientation/gender identity.
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