Belœil

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Municipal flag Belœil
 
Location on map of Belgium
Coat of arms Location of Belœil in Hainaut
Geography
Country Belgium
Region Flag of Wallonia Wallonia
Community Flag of Wallonia French Community
Province Flag of Hainaut (province) Hainaut
Arrondissement Ath
Coordinates 50°32′N 03°43′E / 50.533, 3.717Coordinates: 50°32′N 03°43′E / 50.533, 3.717
Area 61.55 km²
Population (Source: NIS)
Population
– Males
– Females
- Density
13,347 (January 1, 2006)
49.08%
50.92%
217 inhab./km²
Age distribution
0–19 years
20–64 years
65+ years
(01/01/2006)
23.42%
59.98%
16.60%
Foreigners 5.10% (01/07/2005)
Economy
Unemployment rate 17.56% (January 1, 2006)
Mean annual income 10,722 €/pers. (2003)
Government
Mayor Alain Carion (MR)
Governing parties MR, CDH
Other information
Postal codes 7970, 7971, 7972, 7973
Area codes 069
Web address www.entite-beloeil.be

Belœil is a Walloon municipality located in the Belgian province of Hainaut. On 1 January 2006 the municipality had 13,347 inhabitants. The total area is 61.55 km², giving a population density of 217 inhabitants per km².

The municipality is named after the château of Belœil, once the seat of Charles-Joseph, Prince of Ligne, a military officer and man of letters who corresponded with Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Voltaire.

Belœil, the park and the castle  of the Princes of Ligne.
Belœil, the park and the castle of the Princes of Ligne.

[edit] Famous inhabitants

Apart from many members of the House of Ligne, living in the Castle of Belœil, other famous people to have lived here include: