STATISTICS OP BELGIUM. 



437 



of a vast empire like Austria-Hungary, and is surpassed only by the commerce 

 of England, France, and Germany.* 



The commercial relations with France are more extensive than those with any 

 other country ; nor need this cause surprise, as the two countries not only bound 

 each other for a long distance, but all the Belgian railways converge upon Paris. 

 If we take into account the transit trade, Germany ranks only very little behind 



i'ln-. 242 — Comparative Increase op Population and Commeuce in Belgium. 



France, for a considerable portion of the German trade W'ith England is carried 

 on through Belgium. Yarns and textile fabrics constitute the principal part of 

 the exports, together with coal, iron, machinery, glass, and building stones, whilst 



* Annual average, 1856—60 . 



„ 1860—65 



„ 1866—70 , 



„ 1S71— 75, 



1876, 



Total. 

 £35,748,000 

 45,316,000 

 63,976,000 

 94,092,000 

 98,410,000 



Imports. 



For Home 

 Consumption. 

 £18,232,000 

 26,648,000 

 33,692,000 

 52,616,000 

 57,920,000 



Total. 

 i;,]3,462,000 

 41,168,000 

 56,344,000 

 80,408,000 

 83,336,000 



Exports. 



Home 

 Produce. 

 £16,396,000 

 21,492,000 

 26,232,000 

 42,616,000 

 42,662,000 



