Ghent (Brussels Morning Newspaper): Ghent’s population is rising fast, from 268,000 in 2023 to nearly 290,000 by 2033, an 8% increase. Flanders will grow by 5%, and Antwerp by only 3%. By 2040, Ghent may have over 300,000 people. This growth shows Ghent’s popularity but needs better roads and services to keep it a great place to live.
Ghent’s population is growing faster than the average in Flanders. In 2023, about 268,000 people were living in Ghent, and this number is expected to rise to nearly 290,000 by 2033, marking an 8% increase over ten years. In comparison, Flanders as a whole is projected to grow by only 5%, while Antwerp, with its current population of 536,000, is expected to grow by just 3%. This growth in Ghent shows that it is becoming a more popular place to live due to its job opportunities, cultural attractions, and overall quality of life.
What challenges will Ghent face as its population grows to over 300,000 by 2040?
Ghent’s population is expected to grow to over 300,000 by 2040, adding more than 32,000 new residents since 2023. This growth shows that Ghent is an active city in Flanders, but it also brings challenges. Authorities mentioned that to keep the city a great place to live, it’s important to improve roads, housing, and public services. Smart planning is needed to support this growth.
In the next ten years, the population around Ghent is expected to grow more slowly, with an average increase of about 5 percent, down from 7 percent in the last decade. Sint-Martens-Latem will see a 2 percent decrease in its population. Most growth is happening in Flemish Brabant and Antwerp, while Limburg and West Flanders are losing people. Flanders is projected to have around 71 million residents by 2033, but these numbers could change due to unexpected events like economic problems or pandemics.
