West Flanders

Most westerly province of Belgium, part of the Dutch-speaking Flemish community and region, bounded to the east by the Netherlands and East Flanders, to the south by Hainaut and France, to the west by France, and to the northwest by the North Sea for about 65 km/40 mi; area 3,232 sq km/1,248 sq mi; population (1997 est) 1,123,800. The capital is Bruges. Other major towns include Ypres, Courtrai, Mouscron, Roeselaere, Menin, and Izegem.

Physical The region is extremely flat. The soil of polders (reclaimed flatlands) is very productive. There is a narrow belt of sand dunes along the coast, with seaside resorts, including Ostend and Knokke-Heist.

Economy Industries include fishing, weaving, spinning, lacemaking, bleaching, and brewing. There is cattle breeding, and flax, hops, and tobacco are grown.

History The province was formerly part of the medieval principality of Flanders, which also comprised East Flanders, the French département of Nord, and the Dutch province of Zeeland.