Brussels-Capital Region

Geography and population

The region covers a compact area of about 162 km² and is densely urbanised. It sits at the geographic heart of Belgium and functions as the main node of the country’s transport, administrative and cultural networks. As of 1 January 2022 the resident population was reported at 1,222,637, reflecting a diverse and multilingual community with many expatriates and international workers.

Municipalities and administration

Administratively the region is divided into 19 municipalities, each with its own mayor and council. The City of Brussels (Ville de Bruxelles / Stad Brussel) is the historical and administrative centre, while other well-known municipalities include Anderlecht, Schaerbeek, Ixelles, Saint-Gilles, Molenbeek-Saint-Jean, Etterbeek and Uccle. Regional competences cover matters such as urban planning, transport and regional economic policy, with powers shared between municipal, regional and federal levels.

Government, languages and public services

The Brussels-Capital Region has its own parliament and government. Public services are provided in both French and Dutch; in practice a wide range of other languages is also commonly heard because of the region’s international population. Language governance and the balance between bilingualism and local linguistic realities are important topics in regional politics.

Institutions and economy

Brussels hosts several major international and European institutions and is home to numerous embassies, international organisations and business associations. This concentration of institutions contributes strongly to the local economy, which combines public administration, international services, finance, education and a busy non-profit sector. The presence of these organisations has a significant influence on the labour market and the city’s international profile.

Transport and infrastructure

The region benefits from an extensive public-transport network of metro, tram and bus services, regional rail connections and major road links. The principal international airport serving Brussels is located just outside the region but is closely connected by rail and road. Urban mobility, traffic management and efforts to promote public transport and cycling are central to regional planning.

Culture, heritage and urban landscape

Brussels is noted for its mix of medieval, neoclassical and Art Nouveau architecture, a lively cultural scene of museums, theatres and festivals, and a distinctive comic-strip heritage. The city’s culinary offerings and cafés reflect its multicultural population. Conservation of historic quarters, alongside new development projects, shapes the city’s changing urban landscape.

Environment, planning and education

Urban planning in the region balances dense development with parks and green spaces and includes initiatives on sustainability, energy efficiency and air quality. Brussels is also a centre for higher education and research institutions that serve both local and international students and researchers.

• Regional portal: official information
• French name: Région de Bruxelles-Capitale
• Dutch name: Brussels Hoofdstedelijk Gewest
• German name: Region Brüssel-Hauptstadt