Belgium Hospital Beds
Hospital beds per 1,000 people SH.MED.BEDS.ZS
Belgium's hospital beds was 5.35 in 2025, ranked 20th globally. This represents a 1.3% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1970–2025.
Overview
Belgium's hospital beds stood at 5.35 in 2025, a decline of +0.07 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 5.35 by 2025. Belgium ranked 20th globally.
Belgium’s hospital‑bed stock has contracted markedly since the 1970s, falling from 8.30 beds per 1,000 people in 1970 to an all‑time peak of 9.40 in 1980 before reaching a trough of 5.35 in 2025, the twentieth‑largest figure worldwide. This 43.1 % decline over 36 years reflects long‑standing efficiency drives, demographic shifts and the expansion of outpatient care that have reduced the need for inpatient capacity. The 2025 level is virtually identical to that of France (5.37) and only slightly above Lithuania (5.26), positioning Belgium among the lower‑end European providers of hospital beds. While the reduction aligns with broader European trends toward leaner health‑system structures, the limited margin for further cuts may constrain the ability to absorb future demand spikes, such as those arising from an ageing population or pandemic‑related surges. Continued investment in community and preventive services will be crucial to sustain the downward trajectory without compromising access.
Data & projection
| Year | Hospital Beds | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 5.31 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 5.35 | - | - |
| 2025 | 5.35 | −0.07 | #20 |
| 2023 | 5.42 | −0.04 | #11 |
| 2022 | 5.46 | −0.04 | #21 |
| 2021 | 5.50 | −0.03 | #21 |
| 2020 | 5.53 | −0.04 | #22 |
| 2019 | 5.57 | −0.05 | #22 |
| 2018 | 5.62 | −0.04 | #21 |
| 2017 | 5.66 | −0.10 | #19 |
| 2016 | 5.76 | −0.07 | #19 |
| 2015 | 5.83 | −0.02 | #17 |
| 2014 | 5.85 | −0.08 | #21 |
| 2013 | 5.93 | −0.05 | #20 |
| 2012 | 5.98 | −0.07 | #21 |
| 2011 | 6.05 | −0.04 | #19 |
| 2010 | 6.09 | −0.05 | #21 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Belgium matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2021. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw hospital beds improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Belgium's hospital beds was 5.35 in 2025. Ranked 20th globally. This represents a 1.3% decrease from the previous year.
Belgium's hospital beds peaked at 9.40 in 1980.
The lowest hospital beds in Belgium was 5.35 in 2025.
Belgium ranks 20th globally in hospital beds as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SH.MED.BEDS.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Belgium's hospital beds is projected to reach 5.35 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The hospital beds of Belgium in 2025 was 5.35. This ranks 20th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_belgium_hospital-beds,
title = {Belgium Hospital Beds},
url = {https://historysaid.com/belgium/hospital-beds/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}