The area of economical influence of Brussels groups the biggest part of the
two provinces of Brabant, with strong ties to the capital, and with about 2
millions inhabitants.
The economy of the city is dominated by activities in the domain of services
and public services. Activities are often dependent on Brussels being the capital
of Belgium (ministers and Belgium national administrations, French and Dutch
speaking communities...) and of the European Union (European Commission HQ,
EU Council HQ, European Parliament...). It is also the HQ of most of the Belgium
companies and the city welcome numerous regional and European branches of international
companies.
In Belgium, only 3% of the working population is employed in agriculture, that
does not cover the national needs : wheat, beatroot, potatoes, cattle...
The coal industries of the Haine, Sambre and Meuse are no longer exploited (except
Campine). The energy possibilities are important : hydroelectric, nuclear energy
(Tihange, Doel), petrol-chemical industry.
The communication network has one of the largest densities in the world. The
Belgian economy is heavily dependent on external trade. Anvers is a large international
port but Rotterdam is bigger.
