Flandria

Flandria is a historical region in the Low Countries, primarily encompassing the Flemish-speaking part of modern-day Belgium. It traditionally stretches from the North Sea coast inland towards the river Scheldt. Historically, it was a significant county within the Duchy of Burgundy and later part of the Habsburg Netherlands. The region played a crucial role in medieval trade and manufacturing, particularly in textiles. Its major cities include Ghent, Bruges, and Antwerp, which were centers of commerce and art.

The name "Flandria" derives from the Old Dutch word "Flandra," possibly meaning "flooded land," referring to its low-lying and often marshy terrain. Over centuries, Flandria's political and administrative boundaries have shifted. It was a major power in its own right before being incorporated into larger territorial entities. The cultural identity of Flandria is strongly linked to the Flemish people and their language, Dutch. Today, the concept of Flandria is largely historical and cultural, with the most prominent modern administrative entity being the Flemish Region in Belgium, which largely corresponds to the historical Flandria.