Flanders

Flanders is the Dutch-speaking northern part of Belgium. It is one of Belgium's communities, regions, and language areas. People from Flanders are called Flemings, and they speak Dutch, which is also often called Flemish.

Most Flemings live in the Flemish Region, a part of Belgium with its own government. The official capital of Flanders is the City of Brussels, but Brussels is not part of the Flemish Region. Most people in Brussels speak French. The Flemish Government mainly focuses on culture and education in Brussels.

Geographically, Flanders is mostly flat and includes Belgium's entire coast on the North Sea. It borders France, the Netherlands, and another part of Belgium called Wallonia. Even though Flanders makes up only 45% of Belgium's land, more than half of Belgium's people live there. The area is very fertile and crowded, with about 501 people living in every square kilometer.

Throughout history, Flanders has been important in Europe, especially during the Middle Ages. Cities like Ghent, Bruges, and Antwerp became rich and famous for trading and making fine cloth. Flanders has a long and interesting history, with many achievements in art and building. Today, Flanders is one of the wealthiest parts of Europe.

Terminology

Modern Belgium

The word "Flanders" can mean several things today. It often refers to the group of people who live in the northern part of Belgium and speak Dutch. This group includes around 6.5 million people, many of whom live in an area called Brussels.

In Belgium, there are two main areas: the Flemish Region and the Flemish Community. The Flemish Region handles mostly economic matters and does not include Brussels, while the Flemish Community includes Dutch-speaking people in Brussels and focuses on cultural matters. These areas are governed by the Flemish Government and the Flemish Parliament.

Sometimes, people also use "Flanders" to talk about two western parts of the Flemish Region, West Flanders and East Flanders, which are part of an older area called the County of Flanders.

Historical

The name "Flanders" started out referring to an old area called the County of Flanders, which existed from the 8th century until it became part of the French First Republic. Long ago, this area included parts of what are now France and the Netherlands.

In France, a part that used to be Flemish is now in the Nord department and is called French Flanders. This includes areas like Walloon Flanders and Maritime Flanders (Westhoek). The city of Lille still considers itself Flemish, which you can see in the name of its train station, Lille Flandres.

Another part that was once Flemish is now in the Dutch province of Zeeland, called Zeelandic Flanders.

Over time, the word "Flanders" came to describe a larger area. As leaders called the Counts of Flanders grew their power, they created a bigger region known as the Burgundian Netherlands. Even after the northern Netherlands split off, "Flanders" kept being used for the southern part of the Low Countries.

Dutch-speaking part of Belgium

Today, "Flanders" usually means the Dutch-speaking part of Belgium. This started in the 19th and 20th centuries. Belgium split into French- and Dutch-speaking parts in the early 1960s. Now, Flanders covers the northern part of Belgium, including areas like the Dutch-speaking parts of an old region called the Duchy of Brabant and Belgian Limburg.

In art and music, words like "Flemish" are used to talk about works from this area, like the "Early Netherlandish painting" or the Franco-Flemish School.

Even though most people in Flanders speak Dutch, some still speak French, and in Antwerp, some have spoken Yiddish for centuries. In schools in Flanders, lessons are mostly in Dutch, and in Brussels, they are in French.

Main article: Terminology of the Low Countries § Flanders

History

Main article: History of Flanders

Early history

Main article: Belgae

When Julius Caesar conquered the area, he described it as a less developed and more warlike part of Gallia Belgica. The tribes there claimed connections with the "Germanic" peoples east of the Rhine. Under the Roman Empire, Gallia Belgica became a province. The future counties of Flanders and Brabant were part of this province, connected to what is now France. In the east, modern Limburg became part of the Rhine frontier province of Germania Inferior, connected to what is now the Netherlands and Germany.

In early Roman times, the main tribe in Flanders was the Menapii, with other groups like the Marsacii and Morini on the coast. In central Belgium were the Nervii, and in the east, the Tungri, who had links to Germanic tribes east of the Rhine. Another group was the Toxandrians, living in the Kempen region.

Historical Flanders

Main article: County of Flanders

The County of Flanders was a medieval territory in West Francia. The first known Count, Baldwin I of Flanders, appeared in 862. The region became a wealthy trading center, with cities like Ghent, Bruges, and Ypres becoming important. These cities formed the Four Members, a parliament with real power.

Flanders faced challenges from French attempts to take control and suffered from events like the Black Death and the Hundred Years' War. Later, it came under the rule of the Dukes of Burgundy and then the Habsburg dynasty.

Low Countries

Main article: Low Countries

Beeldenstorm

In 1500, Charles V was born in Ghent. He later inherited Spain and the Seventeen Provinces. Over time, new religious ideas spread in the Low Countries. Philip II of Spain tried to stop these changes, leading to conflicts.

The Eighty Years' War and its consequences

Later, parts of the Low Countries fought for independence from Spain, leading to the creation of the Republic of the Seven United Netherlands. This war changed the borders and trade routes of the region.

Southern Netherlands (1581–1795)

After this period, Flanders faced difficult times under Spanish, Austrian, and French rule. But under Empress Maria-Theresia, the area saw some economic growth again.

French Revolution and Napoleonic France (1795–1815)

In 1794, French forces used Antwerp as a port. France later annexed Flanders, causing unrest among the local people.

United Kingdom of the Netherlands (1815–1830)

After Napoleon Bonaparte was defeated, the Congress of Vienna placed Flanders under the control of the United Kingdom of the Netherlands. However, differences between the north and south led to tensions.

Kingdom of Belgium

Further information: History of Belgium

In 1830, the Belgian Revolution created an independent Belgium. Flanders became part of this new country.

Rise of the Flemish Movement

Main article: Flemish Movement

Over time, Dutch gained more official status in Flanders. The first Flemish university opened in 1930.

World War I and its consequences

Flanders suffered greatly during World War I, especially in battles around Ypres. The war strengthened Flemish identity.

Flemish autonomy

Main articles: State reform in Belgium, 2007–2011 Belgian political crisis, and Partition of Belgium

After World War II, Belgium changed to better represent both Dutch and French speakers. This led to the creation of a Flemish Parliament and Government. Some groups still want more autonomy or even independence for Flanders.

Government and politics

Main article: Communities, regions and language areas of Belgium

The Flemish Community and the Flemish Region are important parts of Belgium. They have their own parliament and government, led by a Minister-President. The parliament has 124 members who are elected by the people.

The Flemish Community takes care of things like education and culture, while the Flemish Region handles areas such as the economy, environment, and transportation. Both work together but have different responsibilities.

Politics

Main articles: Politics of Flanders and Political parties in Flanders

Flanders has many political parties. Some of the main ones are Christian-Democratic and Flemish (CD&V), the Open Flemish Liberals and Democrats (Open Vld), and the Socialist Party – Differently (sp.a). Newer parties include the New Flemish Alliance (N-VA) and the Green party.

Flemish independence

Main article: Flemish Movement

Some people in Flanders believe it should be independent, but most feel proud to be Belgian. In 2025, the leader of Flanders talked about wanting to join with The Netherlands, though this is not widely supported.

Geography

Further information: Geography of Belgium

Flanders is located in the northern part of Belgium. It borders Wallonia to the south, with Brussels sitting inside the Flemish Region. To the north and east, it shares borders with the Netherlands, including areas like Zeelandic Flanders, North Brabant, and Limburg. To the west, it borders France, specifically French Flanders in Hauts-de-France, and the North Sea. There are some special areas like Voeren, which is an enclave of Flanders between Wallonia and the Netherlands, and Baarle-Hertog, which has complex borders with Baarle-Nassau in the Netherlands. Germany does not border Flanders directly.

Flanders is a busy, urban area with many cities. The largest cities include Antwerp, Ghent, Bruges, and Leuven. Antwerp is the biggest city, with over 500,000 people.

Flanders has two main land areas: a coastal plain in the northwest and a central plain. The coastal area has sand dunes and clay soils from land reclaimed from the sea, protected by dikes. The central plain is fertile and slowly rises, with many waterways. In the east, there is a region called Campine with sandy soils, and near the south, the land becomes slightly hilly.

Administrative divisions

Main articles: Provinces of Belgium and List of municipalities of the Flemish Region

The Flemish Region covers 13,625 km² (5,261 sq mi) and is divided into five provinces, 22 arrondissements, and 285 cities or municipalities.

The province of Flemish Brabant was created in 1995 after splitting the old province of Brabant into parts for different languages.

Most cities in Flanders are made up of smaller areas called deelgemeenten. The largest city is Antwerp, with over half a million people. It has special areas called districts with their own councils. The smallest city is Herstappe in Limburg.

The Flemish Community includes both the Flemish Region and parts of the Brussels-Capital Region. Brussels is inside Flemish Brabant but is not part of any province. It has its own local government for Flemish people called the Vlaamse Gemeenschapscommissie (VGC).

Climate

The climate in Flanders is mild and wet, much like near the ocean. It rains a lot during the year. In January, the temperature is usually about 3 °C (37 °F), and in July, it warms up to around 21 °C (70 °F). January typically sees about 65 millimetres (2.6 inches) of rain, while July gets a bit more, around 78 millimetres (3.1 inches).

Economy

Main articles: Economy of Belgium, Flemish Diamond, Science and technology in Flanders, and Agriculture in Flanders

In 2021, the total economy of Flanders was worth about €296 billion, not counting Brussels. The average income there was 20% higher than the rest of Europe. Flanders has been very productive since the 1800s when it was one of the first places in Europe to start factories. After World War II, cities like Antwerp and Ghent grew quickly with chemical and oil factories. Even though there were tough times during oil crises, Flanders kept growing, especially in services.

Belgium helped start the European Union and began using the euro money in 1999, replacing the old Belgian franc in 2002. Flanders sells a lot of valuable goods like cars, food, steel, and diamonds. Antwerp is the biggest diamond market in the world. The area also has important science institutes.

Infrastructure

Main article: Transport in Belgium

Flanders has many ways to travel, including big ports, canals, trains, and highways. The Port of Antwerp is the second biggest in Europe. Other ports are in Bruges-Zeebrugge, Ghent, and Ostend. Trains are run by the country, but buses and roads are managed by Flanders. The main airport is Brussels Airport, with Antwerp International Airport also offering flights. There are two smaller airports for cargo or special flights in West Flanders.

Demographics

Further information: Demographics of Belgium, Flemish people, and List of cities in Flanders

Flanders is the northern part of Belgium where many people live close together, especially around big cities like Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, and Leuven. This area is called the Flemish Diamond. Other important towns include Bruges, Roeselare, Kortrijk, Turnhout, and Hasselt.

Religion

Further information: Religion in Belgium

People in Flanders have the freedom to practice any religion they choose. Historically, many people in Flanders have been Catholic, but there are also strong groups who do not follow any religion. Today, many people in Flanders still identify as Catholic, but smaller groups follow other beliefs. Recently, more people from places like Morocco and Turkey have moved to Flanders, and many of them follow Islam.

Education

Further information: Education in Flanders

Children in Flanders must go to school from the age of six until they are 18, but most continue their studies until they are about 23. Schools in Flanders are known for being very good, especially in subjects like math and science. However, some students, particularly those from different backgrounds, sometimes find it harder to keep up.

Schools in Flanders can be run by the government or by groups that receive money from the government, like religious groups. This means there are both non-religious schools and schools that teach religion, mostly Catholic. These schools must follow certain rules but can choose how they teach their lessons. Because schools compete to attract students, they work hard to maintain high standards.

Healthcare

Further information: Healthcare in Belgium

Healthcare in Flanders is managed by the Flemish Government, which looks after medical care, health education, and programs to prevent illness.

Culture

Main articles: Dutch language, Flemish dialects, Flemish people, and Flemish Movement

Language and literature

The main language spoken in Flanders is Dutch. This language has many local variations, but all are regulated by a group of experts and government leaders.

Flanders has a rich history of storytelling. One of the earliest stories written in a local language was Eneas Romance by Hendrik van Veldeke. Over time, many famous writers came from Flanders, like Hendrik Conscience, Guido Gezelle, Ernest Claes, Stijn Streuvels, and Felix Timmermans. Their books often describe life in the countryside during the 1800s and early 1900s. Other well-known writers include Maurice Maeterlinck, Emile Verhaeren, Paul van Ostaijen, Gaston Burssens, Willem Elsschot, Louis Paul Boon, and Hugo Claus. Today, authors like Tom Lanoye, Herman Brusselmans, Herman de Coninck, and Kristien Hemmerechts continue to share stories with readers.

Media

Further information: Television in Belgium

Flanders has its own public broadcasting company called VRT. It runs several TV channels, including VRT 1, VRT Canvas, Ketnet, and BVN (which is shared with the Netherlands). There are also commercial channels like vtm and Vier (VT4). Popular TV shows include Thuis and F.C. De Kampioenen.

Flanders also has many newspapers and magazines. Some of the most popular newspapers are Het Laatste Nieuws, De Morgen, De Tijd, De Gentenaar, Het Nieuwsblad, De Standaard, Gazet van Antwerpen, and Het Belang van Limburg. Popular magazines include Knack and HUMO.

Sports

Further information: Sport in Belgium

Many people in Flanders love sports, especially soccer, cycling, tennis, swimming, and judo.

One of the biggest cycling races in the world is the Tour of Flanders, known as one of the five “Monuments” of cycling. Other famous races include Dwars door Vlaanderen and Gent–Wevelgem. Eddy Merckx is one of the most famous cyclists ever, with five wins in the Tour de France.

In soccer, Jean-Marie Pfaff is considered one of the greatest goalkeepers. In tennis, Kim Clijsters was ranked the world’s number one female player twice. Other famous athletes from Flanders include Kim Gevaert and Tia Hellebaut.

The 1920 Summer Olympics were held in Antwerp, and Jacques Rogge was president of the International Olympic Committee from 2001 to 2013.

Music

Further information: Music of Belgium

Flanders is well-known for its music festivals, such as Rock Werchter, Tomorrowland, and Pukkelpop. The Gentse Feesten is another large yearly event.

Some of the most popular musicians and groups from Flanders include 2 Unlimited, Rocco Granata, Technotronic, Helmut Lotti, and Vaya Con Dios. The song “Kvraagetaan” by the Fixkes held the record for the longest time at number one on the Ultratop 50 chart.