With reference to Figure 2a and 2b and your own knowledge and understanding:
Economic and Social Data | Flanders region (northern Belgium) | Walloon region (southern Belgium) |
Population (million) | 5.5 | 0.67 |
GDP € per capita per year | €41,000 | €25,000 |
Unemployment (%) | 5.2 (33% long term) | 11.5 (56% long term) |
ICT and finance contribution to GVA (Gross Value Added) (%) | 23 | 5 |
Main types of employment in 19th/20th century | Agriculture | Coal mining, heavy industry |
Main types of employment in 21st century | | |
% speaking English | 50 | 20 |
% with tertiary education | 37.2 | 33.9 |
Life expectancy in years (2016) | 81.2 | 79.6 |
Transport links | Brussels Airport has international flights High speed Eurostar train links Brussels to UK and Paris Motorways run through the region
| Brussels South Charleroi Airport, is used by low cost airlines, with links to other European cities Belgian main line railway runs through the Walloon region Motorways run through the region
|
Environmental quality | High atmospheric pollutant levels from traffic and limited open space and forests, means that the region frequently exceeds European targets for air quality | Atmospheric pollutant levels are dropping. The region usually meets European targets for air quality. Dense forests and parks cover parts of the region |
Figure 2a
Economic and social data for two contrasting regions of Belgium
Figure 2b
Map of Flanders and Walloon regions in Belgium in 2016
Evaluate the reasons why some regions are more successful than others.
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