The demographic composition of Brussels has shifted significantly over the past two decades, with residents of Belgian background now accounting for 21.5% of the total population. Data from Statbel, the Belgian statistical office, indicates that this group has declined from 50.5% in 2001 to 270,149 individuals in 2026, while the city’s total population grew to 1.25 million.
Did You Know? While the proportion of residents with a Belgian background has dropped, the absolute number of people with roots in North Africa has grown to 261,000, with more than half of that group born in Belgium.
Shifting demographics in the capital
The decline of the “Belgo-Belgian” population coincides with steady growth in Brussels’ total residency. In 2016, the city hosted 1.18 million people, a figure that rose to 1.25 million by 2026. According to Statbel, current statistics distinguish between three primary categories: non-Belgians, Belgians with a Belgian background, and Belgians with a foreign background. The latter category is diverse, including those with a foreign first-registered nationality and those with a Belgian first-registered nationality who have at least one parent of foreign origin.
Growth among specific origin groups
Several demographic groups have seen an increase in their share of the Brussels population since 2016. The community with roots in Sub-Sahara Africa expanded from 6.9% to 8% of the total population, representing nearly 100,000 people. Similarly, the share of residents with origins in West Asia—including Turkey and Syria—rose from 3.1% to 5%. The number of residents with French roots also grew, moving from 6.8% to 7.5% of the population.
Stability in EU and North African populations
Not all demographic segments have experienced the same volatility. The proportion of residents from North African countries, such as Morocco, has remained relatively stable, moving from 20.5% in 2016 to 20.8% in 2026. Other segments have reached a plateau; for instance, the share of residents from “new” EU member states (EU13) stabilized after growth leading up to 2016, currently accounting for about 8% of the population.
Expert Insight: The data suggests that Brussels is transitioning into a city where the majority of residents possess a foreign background, regardless of their current nationality. With 63% of the total population now holding Belgian nationality—and over half born in Belgium—the long-term impact on social integration and urban policy will likely remain a central point of discussion for local administrators.
Future outlook for the Brussels population
Based on current trends, the demographic trajectory of Brussels is likely to continue favoring a heterogeneous mix of origins. If the proportion of residents with a foreign background continues to grow, policymakers may face new challenges regarding the provision of public services and language integration. Analysts might expect that as the share of residents with roots in the EU, EU-candidate countries, and neighboring states reaches 35% by 2026, the city’s administrative focus may shift further toward managing this diversity as a permanent feature of the urban landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current percentage of people with a Belgian background in Brussels?
As of 2026, people with a Belgian background account for 21.5% of the Brussels population, a decrease from 50.5% in 2001.
How many people live in Brussels as of 2026?
The total population of Brussels is 1.25 million people, an increase from 1.18 million in 2016.
Is the North African population in Brussels growing?
The group remains relatively stable, accounting for 20.8% of the population in 2026, compared to 20.5% in 2016.
How might these shifting demographic figures influence the future of public services in Brussels?
