The BeNeLux region, encompassing Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg, is known for its diverse and densely populated municipalities. This post provides an overview of the largest and least populated municipalities within this region, offering insights into the population dynamics, density, and dependency ratios. Additionally, it explores the age distribution across municipalities, highlighting areas with significant young and elderly populations.
Understanding these demographics is crucial for businesses and policymakers. The Benelux Geodemographics Dataset with Boundaries provides comprehensive data that can help in making informed decisions.
Number of Municipalities in Each Country
- Belgium: 581 municipalities
- Netherlands: 342 municipalities
- Luxembourg: 100 municipalities
Top 10 Most Populated Municipalities in BeNeLux
- Amsterdam (Netherlands) - 918,117 people
- Rotterdam (Netherlands) - 663,900 people
- 's-Gravenhage (Netherlands) - 562,839 people
- Antwerp (Belgium) - 535,308 people
- Utrecht (Netherlands) - 367,947 people
- Ghent (Belgium) - 267,423 people
- Eindhoven (Netherlands) - 243,730 people
- Groningen (Netherlands) - 238,147 people
- Tilburg (Netherlands) - 227,707 people
- Almere (Netherlands) - 222,825 people
Top 10 Least Populated Municipalities in BeNeLux
- Herstappe (Belgium) - 80
- Schiermonnikoog (Netherlands) - 982
- Saeul (Luxembourg) - 983
- Messines (Belgium) - 1,071
- Putscheid (Luxembourg) - 1,153
- Kiischpelt (Luxembourg) - 1,260
- Vlieland (Netherlands) - 1,291
- Fischbach (Luxembourg) - 1,308
- Reisdorf (Luxembourg) - 1,353
- Bech (Luxembourg) - 1,357
Largest Municipality in BeNeLux
The largest municipality in the BeNeLux region by population is Amsterdam in the Netherlands, with a population of 918,117. Amsterdam is not only the capital but also the most populous city in the Netherlands, making it a significant cultural and economic hub. The population density in Amsterdam is approximately 3,769 people per square kilometer, reflecting its highly urbanized and densely packed environment.
Largest Municipality in Belgium
In Belgium, the largest municipality is Antwerp, boasting a population of 535,308. Antwerp is renowned for its port, one of the largest in the world, which plays a crucial role in the global diamond trade and shipping industry. Antwerp has a population density of around 2,623 people per square kilometer, indicating a significant concentration of people in this economic powerhouse.
Largest Municipality in Luxembourg
The largest municipality in Luxembourg is its capital city, Luxembourg City, with a population of 132,780. This city is a major financial center and hosts several European Union institutions, contributing significantly to its international significance. Luxembourg City has a population density of approximately 2,566 people per square kilometer, making it a densely populated area within the small country of Luxembourg.
Population of Brussels
Brussels has a population of approximately 174,383, which is significantly less than Antwerp’s 535,308 residents. Despite being the capital of Belgium and the de facto capital of the European Union, Brussels does not surpass Antwerp in population size. However, Brussels has a notably high population density of around 5,262 people per square kilometer, indicating a highly urbanized area.
Population of Ghent
Ghent, another major city in Belgium, has a population of 267,423. Ghent is known for its medieval architecture and vibrant cultural scene, making it a popular destination for both residents and tourists. The population density in Ghent is about 1,600 people per square kilometer, which is lower than that of Brussels and Antwerp but still significant for an urban area.
Least Populated City in Belgium and BeNeLux
The least populated municipality in Belgium is Herstappe, with only 80 residents. This small village in the Limburg province is known for its tranquil rural environment, contrasting sharply with the bustling urban centers of Belgium. Herstappe has a very low population density of approximately 60 people per square kilometer, reflecting its sparse rural character.
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Age Demographics and Dependency Ratios
Understanding the age demographics and dependency ratios within the BeNeLux municipalities provides a deeper insight into the region's socio-economic fabric. By examining the distribution of different age groups, businesses and policymakers can identify areas with a high concentration of working-age individuals versus those with a larger elderly or youth population. This information is crucial for planning services, allocating resources, and tailoring marketing strategies to meet the specific needs of each demographic segment.
Where The Children of BeNeLux are?
The percentage of the population aged 0-14 is an important indicator of the youthful demographic within a municipality. For instance, municipalities like Anderlecht (22%), Molenbeek-Saint-Jean (24%), and Urk (27%) have high percentages of young people, indicating a potentially growing population with future workforce potential. High percentages of young populations can signal robust future growth and a dynamic labor market, which are essential for long-term economic stability and innovation.
Where the Population 64+ is?
The percentage of the population aged 64 and over indicates the senior demographic. Cities like Laren (32%), Bergen (34%), and Schouwen-Duiveland (29%) have high percentages of elderly residents, highlighting areas where there might be a higher demand for healthcare and senior services. A high percentage of older residents can indicate a need for enhanced healthcare services, senior housing, and social support systems, as well as potential economic challenges related to a shrinking labor force.
Dependency Ratio
The dependency ratio is a measure of the proportion of dependents (youths aged 0-14 and elderly aged 64+) to the total population (aged 15-64). A higher dependency ratio suggests a greater burden on the working-age population to support the dependents. For example, municipalities like Knokke-Heist (46%), De Haan (46%), and Spa (40%) have high dependency ratios, indicating a higher economic burden on the working population. This can lead to increased taxation and social security contributions to maintain the standard of living and public services.
Conclusion
The BeNeLux region's demographic landscape is diverse and dynamic, with significant variations in population density and age distribution across its municipalities. Understanding these demographics is essential for effective business planning and policy-making. The Benelux Geodemographics Dataset with Boundaries provides the detailed and accurate data needed to navigate this complexity and make informed decisions.
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