Flandes

Flandes, known in Dutch as Vlaanderen, is a region in the northern part of Belgium. It comprises the Flemish Region and the Flemish Community, which together cover five provinces: Antwerp, East Flanders, Flemish Brabant, Limburg, and West Flanders. The Brussels-Capital Region lies within the geographic area but is administratively separate from Flanders. The region is densely populated and predominantly Dutch-speaking, with major urban centers including Antwerp, Ghent, Bruges, Leuven, and Mechelen.

Historically part of the Low Countries, Flanders played a central role in medieval trade and politics. It passed under Burgundian and Habsburg rule, later became part of the United Kingdom of the Netherlands, and joined Belgium in 1830. In the 19th and 20th centuries, language-rights movements and regional politics shaped the development of Flemish autonomy within the Belgian state.

Economically, Flanders is highly developed, anchored by the Port of Antwerp and a diversified mix of logistics, manufacturing, and services. The region also maintains strong agricultural sectors in rural areas and hosts several leading universities and research institutions. Culturally, Flanders is known for its medieval cities, Renaissance art, and contributions to Flemish literature and music.

See also Flemish Region, Flemish Community, Belgium, Antwerp, Ghent.