wijken

Wijken are subdivisions used within cities and municipalities to describe neighborhoods or districts. The term is common in the Netherlands and in Belgium (Flanders) and refers to a defined geographic area with its own local characteristics, such as housing, schools, shops, and public spaces. A wijk is typically larger than a buur, or neighborhood, and its exact size and boundaries vary by municipality and can change over time through urban planning.

Wijken serve administrative and statistical purposes and help organize local governance, zoning, and the delivery of municipal services. They are often subdivided into smaller units and may be grouped under larger district structures in some cities. In many municipalities, residents participate in wijk-level governance through neighborhood councils or committees that provide input on local priorities, safety, and community projects. Wijk-level planning can influence budgets, public works, and service deployment.

The concept of a wijk is distinct from the verb wijken, which means to yield or move aside. In urban contexts, the wijk is a geographic unit that enables targeted policy and community engagement. Some cities also use larger districts or stadsdelen that encompass several wijken, reflecting different administrative practices. Overall, wijken reflect the local identity of city areas and facilitate organized governance and local participation.