voeren

Voeren, officially known as Fourons in French, is a Flemish municipality in the easternmost part of the Belgian province of Limburg. It is a geographically unique area, consisting of six small villages situated within a narrow strip of land that protrudes into the Netherlands, making it a Belgian exclave surrounded by Dutch territory. The municipality shares borders with both the Dutch province of Limburg and the Belgian Walloon region of Liège.

Historically, the area's linguistic and political status has been complex. Following Belgian independence, Voeren was part of the French-speaking province of Liège. However, due to its predominantly Dutch-speaking population, it was transferred to the Flemish province of Limburg in the 1960s as part of broader language-based community reforms. This transfer was highly contentious and sparked significant political controversy, often referred to as the "Voeren Question," which highlighted the linguistic tensions between Flanders and Wallonia.

Today, the municipality is officially Dutch-speaking, though a significant French-speaking minority resides there, and facilities for French speakers are provided. The economy is primarily based on agriculture and cross-border commuting, with many residents working in either the Netherlands or nearby Belgian cities. The landscape is characterized by rolling hills, meadows, and small forests, making it a popular area for cycling and hiking.