Merchtem
Municipality in Flemish Community, Belgium
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Merchtem (pronounced [ˈmɛr(ə)xtɛm]) is a municipality located in the Belgian province of Flemish Brabant. The municipality comprises the villages of Brussegem and Hamme, the hamlets of Ossel and Peizegem, and Merchtem proper. On July 9, 2009, Merchtem had a total population of 15,298.[2] The total area is 36.72 km2 which gives a population density of 416 inhabitants per km2.
Merchtem
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Flag  Coat of arms | |
 Location of Merchtem in Flemish Brabant | |
 Interactive map of Merchtem | |
  Merchtem Location in Belgium | |
| Coordinates: 50°58′N 04°14′E | |
| Country | Belgium |
| Community | Flemish Community |
| Region | Flemish Region |
| Province | Flemish Brabant |
| Arrondissement | Halle-Vilvoorde |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Maarten Mast (Lijst1785) |
| • Governing party | Lijst1785, CD&V PLUS |
| Area | |
• Total | 36.9 km2 (14.2 sq mi) |
| Population (2018-01-01)[1] | |
• Total | 16,294 |
| • Density | 442/km2 (1,140/sq mi) |
| Postal codes | 1785 |
| NIS code | 23052 |
| Area codes | 052, 02 |
| Website | www.merchtem.be |
Folklore
Merchtem is known for 'de steltenlopers', people walking on stilts (up to several meters above ground). Langevelde, a part of the municipality, was frequently flooded after heavy rain. In order to reach the centre, people were using sticks to walk. After an internal struggle, the group split up in two parts, 'stichting Langevelde' and 'stichting Jan Vaderhasselt'.
Language controversy
On August 28, 2006 mayor Eddie de Block introduced a ban on speaking French in the town's schools. Mayor de Block said that the measure did not violate human rights and that it would help integration. A previous ban on signs in languages different from Dutch in the town's markets had been overturned by Flemish Interior Minister Marino Keulen.[3]
Places of interest
Onze-Lieve-Vrouw church
Steltenlopers
Merchtem station
