OostVlaanderen

Oost-Vlaanderen, also known as East Flanders, is a province in the Flemish Region of Belgium. It is located in the northern part of the country and features a mix of historic towns, universities, and rural landscapes. The provincial capital and largest city is Ghent, a medieval city on the Scheldt River that functions as the region’s administrative, educational, and cultural center.

Geography and population: The province covers about 3,000 square kilometers and is home to roughly 1.5 million residents. It is bordered by several other Belgian provinces and by the Netherlands to the east. The Scheldt and Dender rivers traverse the territory, supporting inland shipping, agriculture, and industry. The southern part includes the Flemish Ardennes, an area of rolling hills popular for outdoor recreation.

Economy and infrastructure: The economy is diversified, with manufacturing, logistics, services, and agricultural activities. Ghent hosts a major port on the Scheldt and is home to Ghent University and other higher-education institutions. Other sizeable centers include Aalst, Sint-Niklaas, Dendermonde, and Eeklo. The transport network includes roads and rail links that connect to neighboring regions.

History and culture: Oost-Vlaanderen has a rich medieval heritage, with Ghent’s historic core and other old town centers reflecting its long urban development. The province hosts cultural events such as the Gentse Feesten and features venues, museums, and historic sites. The Flemish Ardennes region adds a recreational and landscape dimension to the province’s identity.