geer

Geer is a municipality located in the province of Liège in the Walloon region of Belgium. It comprises the districts of Houtkerke, Emvers, and Houtkerke, and covers an area of approximately 14.5 square kilometres. The municipality lies near the larger city of Liège, about 15 kilometres to the north, and is part of the broader Liège metropolitan area. The surrounding landscape consists mainly of gently rolling farmland and small forested patches, with the small stream known as the Geereka flowing through the centre of the town.

Historically, the first recorded mention of Geer dates to the late Middle Ages, when it was part of the feudal holdings of the Counts of Lichtenvoorde. The village grew steadily during the 19th century as Belgium expanded its railway network; a small station on the Liège–Houtkerke line helped stimulate local agriculture and modest industries such as wool processing. During World War I, Geer suffered damage from artillery bombardments but was largely rebuilt in the interwar period. In World War II, the village was briefly occupied by German forces; local resistance activities were recorded in the archives of the Liège military district.

The population of Geer is approximately 4,000 residents, mostly francophone. Demographic trends show a stable population with a slight rise in young families attracted by affordable housing and proximity to Liège. Local culture is expressed through annual festivals such as the Geer Summer Fair, which showcases regional cuisine, music, and folk dance. Moreover, the town maintains a partnership with the French commune of Vaufreland to promote cultural exchange.

Notable individuals associated with Geer include the 19th‑century botanist Henri Geer, whose work on regional flora earned him a place in the early Belgian scientific community, and the contemporary Belgian artist Marie‑Antoinette Geer, known for her installations that incorporate local materials. The municipality also hosts the Geer Art Gallery, which regularly features exhibitions from emerging Walloon artists.

Geer remains a small but distinctive community benefiting from its close ties to the industrial life of Liège while preserving a strong rural identity.