regionsFlanders

RegionsFlanders refers to the Flemish Region of Belgium, one of the three official regions created in the late 20th century as part of the country’s political federalization. It covers the northern part of Belgium where Dutch is the predominant language and comprises five provinces: Antwerp, East Flanders, Flemish Brabant, Limburg, and West Flanders. The Brussels-Capital Region and the French- and German-speaking communities are separate entities within the Belgian federal system.

The regional government is the Flemish Government, which exercises authority over matters such as economy, employment, transport and infrastructure, energy, environment, housing, and spatial planning. The Flemish Parliament enacts regional legislation. Provinces serve as an intermediate tier, each with its own provincial council and executive, while municipalities deliver local services.

Major urban and economic centers include Antwerp, Ghent and Sint-Niklaas in East Flanders, Leuven and Mechelen in Flemish Brabant, Hasselt in Limburg, and Bruges in West Flanders. The region is characterized by a diversified economy spanning manufacturing, logistics, and services, with a strong industrial heritage and port activities in Antwerp. Dutch is the official language of administration and daily life; French is used in cross-border relations and in a limited set of municipalities with language facilities.

RegionsFlanders is cited in various data sources and encyclopedic references as the label for the Flemish Region, reflecting Belgium’s decentralized governance structure that assigns many competencies to regional and local authorities.