Belgium Physicians
Physicians per 1,000 people SH.MED.PHYS.ZS
Belgium's physicians was 3.75 in 2025, ranked 38th globally. This represents a 5.1% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Belgium's physicians stood at 3.75 in 2025, a rise of +0.18 from 2022. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 3.75 by 2025. Belgium ranked 38th globally.
Belgium’s density of physicians has risen steadily over the 63‑year span from 1.30 doctors per 1,000 people in 1961 to 3.75 in 2025, the highest level recorded in the series and the country’s all‑time peak. This figure places Belgium at 38th globally, marginally below New Zealand’s 3.83 and Kazakhstan’s 3.82, while edging ahead of Armenia’s 3.72 and Chile’s 3.70. The long‑term upward trajectory reflects sustained investment in medical education, expansion of health‑care infrastructure and demographic pressures associated with an ageing population. Although the growth rate has accelerated in recent decades, the near‑parity with other high‑performing peers suggests that further gains will depend on policy levers such as expanding residency slots, improving rural deployment incentives and integrating telemedicine. Continued emphasis on these measures is likely to maintain the positive trend, though any slowdown in funding or shifts in population health needs could temper future increases.
Data & projection
| Year | Physicians | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025* trend | 3.75 | - | - |
| 2025 | 3.75 | +0.18 | #38 |
| 2022 | 3.57 | +0.04 | #35 |
| 2021 | 3.54 | +0.03 | #36 |
| 2020 | 3.51 | +0.08 | #35 |
| 2019 | 3.42 | +0.07 | #37 |
| 2018 | 3.36 | +0.06 | #35 |
| 2017 | 3.29 | +0.01 | #35 |
| 2016 | 3.28 | +0.06 | #33 |
| 2015 | 3.22 | +0.06 | #31 |
| 2014 | 3.16 | +0.03 | #37 |
| 2013 | 3.13 | +0.20 | #37 |
| 2012 | 2.93 | +0.02 | #41 |
| 2011 | 2.92 | +0.01 | #38 |
| 2010 | 2.91 | −0.01 | #36 |
| 2009 | 2.92 | −0.00 | #35 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Belgium matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2021. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw physicians improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Belgium's physicians was 3.75 in 2025. Ranked 38th globally. This represents a 5.1% increase from the previous year.
Belgium's physicians peaked at 3.75 in 2025.
The lowest physicians in Belgium was 1.30 in 1960.
Belgium ranks 38th globally in physicians as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SH.MED.PHYS.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Belgium's physicians is projected to reach 3.75 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The physicians of Belgium in 2025 was 3.75. This ranks 38th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_belgium_physicians,
title = {Belgium Physicians},
url = {https://historysaid.com/belgium/physicians/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}