Benelux Map
The Benelux is a group of three neighboring countries in western Europe: Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. The name is a portmanteau of their first syllables. Despite their small size, these countries are among the most densely populated and economically significant in Europe, home to major EU institutions and international organizations.
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Study the Countries
Belgium Belgium
Borders: Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg, France
Area: 30,689 km² · Coastline: 67 km
Belgium is located in western Europe, bordered by the Netherlands to the north, Germany to the east, Luxembourg to the southeast, and France to the south and west. It has a short North Sea coastline of just 67 km. The terrain rises from coastal plains in the northwest through a central plateau to the forested hills of the Ardennes in the southeast.
Shape: A compact, roughly trapezoidal country between France and the Netherlands, wider in the east than the west.
Fun Facts
- Belgium has the highest population density of any large European country at about 380 people per km².
- Belgium borders four countries despite being one of Europe's smallest nations.
- Brussels, Belgium's capital, serves as the de facto capital of the European Union.
Netherlands Netherlands
Borders: Belgium, Germany
Area: 41,543 km² · Coastline: 451 km
The Netherlands is situated in northwestern Europe, bordered by Belgium to the south, Germany to the east, and the North Sea to the north and west. The country is remarkably flat and low-lying — about a third of its land is below sea level, protected by an extensive system of dikes and dams. Major rivers including the Rhine and Meuse flow through the country to the sea.
Shape: A relatively compact country at the mouth of the Rhine, with a curved North Sea coastline and a distinctive shape widening from south to north.
Fun Facts
- About one-third of the Netherlands lies below sea level, making it one of the lowest countries on Earth.
- The Dutch have reclaimed large areas of land from the sea — the province of Flevoland is entirely on reclaimed land.
- The Netherlands has over 6,000 km of navigable waterways, rivers, and canals.
Luxembourg Luxembourg
Borders: Belgium, Germany, France
Area: 2,586 km² · Landlocked
Luxembourg is a small landlocked country in western Europe, bordered by Belgium to the west, Germany to the east, and France to the south. Despite being one of Europe's smallest sovereign nations, it is a major financial center. The northern third (Oesling) is part of the Ardennes plateau with dense forests, while the southern two-thirds (Gutland) features rolling farmland.
Shape: A very small, roughly triangular country wedged between Belgium, Germany, and France — easy to miss on a map.
Fun Facts
- Luxembourg is one of the smallest sovereign nations in Europe at just 2,586 km².
- Despite its tiny size, Luxembourg borders three countries: Belgium, Germany, and France.
- Luxembourg is a founding member of the EU, NATO, and the United Nations.
Quick Reference
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About Benelux Geography
The Benelux countries occupy a strategically important position in northwestern Europe at the mouths of major rivers including the Rhine, Meuse, and Scheldt. Despite their combined area of less than 75,000 km², they are among Europe's most densely populated regions and serve as a crossroads of Germanic and Romance cultures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Benelux stand for?
Benelux is a portmanteau formed from the first syllables of Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg. It originally referred to a customs union established in 1944.
Which Benelux country is the smallest?
Luxembourg is by far the smallest at 2,586 km². Belgium covers 30,689 km² and the Netherlands 41,543 km².
Are the Benelux countries flat?
The Netherlands and northern Belgium are very flat and low-lying. However, southeastern Belgium has the hilly Ardennes region, and northern Luxembourg shares part of this forested plateau.