Drawn map of Benelux (BElgium NEtherlands LUXembourg).
Benelux is the name for the hypoteticall union of Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. This hypotetical nation would have a population of about 27,562,220 and would occupy an area of 74,640 km² (28,819 sq mi).
This nation would predominantely be Dutch, with 45% of the population, followed by Flemish (22%) Wallon (14%) Luxembourgian (1%) and Others (18%)
Most of it's population would be irreligious (12M), followed by Catholics (10M), Reformed (2M) and Islam (1,5M)
The capital would likely be Brussels, as it's the most populated city in the country, as well as the current capital of Belgium and the European Union. This nation would also likely be in the EU and in the Shengen area, thus using the Euro.
In terms of economy, the nation would have a GDP of 1,5 Trillion USD, and a GDP per capita of 48,359 USD. It would be the 13th largest economy, behind Australia and Spain. This nation would surprisingly be the 4th largest goods exporter in the world, ahead of the giant of Japan! And their biggest trade partner would be obviously Germany.
However, how possible would this union be? Not much, as the internal struggle in Belgium is already hard, and the relationship between "belgians" and the Dutch is not that great anyway. Also, the 3 governments are already cooperating in the EU and in the "Benelux parliament" They act as an "EU inside the EU"
Would you like a union like this? Do you think it would benefit the citizens of such nation?