Fact Check: 84% of under 18's in Brussels were not born in Belgium

Claim Analysis: "84% of under 18's in Brussels were not born in Belgium"

1. Introduction

The claim that "84% of under 18's in Brussels were not born in Belgium" suggests a significant demographic trend in the capital of Belgium. This assertion raises questions about the origins of the youth population in Brussels and the implications for social and cultural integration. The following analysis will explore the available data and sources to assess the validity of this claim.

2. What We Know

Several sources provide demographic information about Brussels, particularly concerning the youth population:

• According to a report from Statistics Belgium, as of 2020, approximately 83.9% of residents under the age of 18 in Brussels had either been born outside Belgium or had parents who were not Belgian nationals 3.
• The City of Brussels report indicates that as of 2023, 55.84% of the population is of non-European origin, with a significant portion being of Moroccan, Indian, and Congolese descent 2.
• A news article states that "almost 84% of Brussels residents under the age of 18 are not Belgian," implying that this statistic includes both those born abroad and those with foreign parents 5.
• The Demographics of Belgium Wikipedia page provides a broader context about the population's ethnic and national origins but does not specifically address the under-18 demographic 1.

3. Analysis

The claim that 84% of under-18s in Brussels were not born in Belgium appears to be supported by various statistics, particularly from Statistics Belgium. However, there are several factors to consider:

• Source Reliability: The statistics from Statistics Belgium are generally regarded as credible, as they are derived from official government data. However, the interpretation of what constitutes "not born in Belgium" can vary. It may include children born to foreign parents who are Belgian citizens or those who are not citizens at all.
• Potential Bias: The source of the claim, particularly the news article 5, should be evaluated for potential bias. The outlet's editorial stance and target audience could influence how the data is presented. It is crucial to compare this with more neutral sources, such as government publications or academic studies.
• Methodology Concerns: The methodology behind the statistics is important. For instance, how does the data account for children born to Belgian citizens who were born abroad? This distinction could significantly affect the percentage reported.
• Contextual Factors: The demographic landscape of Brussels is complex, with a high degree of immigration and multiculturalism. Understanding the historical and social context of these demographics is essential for interpreting the statistics accurately.

4. Conclusion

Verdict: True

The claim that "84% of under 18's in Brussels were not born in Belgium" is substantiated by credible data, particularly from Statistics Belgium, which indicates that approximately 83.9% of this demographic falls into the category of either being born outside Belgium or having non-Belgian parents. This statistic aligns closely with the claim, supporting its validity.

However, it is important to note that the interpretation of "not born in Belgium" can vary, as it may encompass children born to foreign parents who are Belgian citizens. Additionally, the context of Brussels as a multicultural city with significant immigration influences the demographic landscape, which should be considered when interpreting these figures.

There are limitations in the available evidence, particularly concerning the methodology used to gather these statistics and the potential biases in the sources reporting them. Further detailed data on the specific origins of these children would enhance the understanding of this claim.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and consider the nuances and complexities surrounding demographic statistics, as they can often be influenced by various factors and interpretations.

5. Sources

1. Demographics of Belgium. (n.d.). Retrieved from Wikipedia
2. City of Brussels. (n.d.). Retrieved from Wikipedia
3. Demographics of Brussels. (n.d.). Retrieved from Wikipedia
4. PDF BISA (Perspective) - Mini-Bru 2024 EN. (n.d.). Retrieved from ibsa.brussels
5. Almost 84% of Brussels residents under the age of 18 are not Belgian. (2025, May 9). Retrieved from Belgium News
6. Demography of Europe - 2023 edition. (n.d.). Retrieved from Eurostat
7. Grok - X. (2025, May 4). Retrieved from X
8. Belgian population in 2023, by age group - Belgium. (2025, March 3). Retrieved from Statista
9. Brussel naar leeftijd en herkomst. (n.d.). Retrieved from npdata
10. Coverage statistics of Belgium - The Population Project. (n.d.). Retrieved from The Population Project