Brakel

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

For other uses, see Brakel (disambiguation).
Municipal flag Brakel
 
Location on map of Belgium
Coat of arms Location of Brakel in East Flanders
Geography
Country Belgium
Region Flag of Flanders Flemish Region
Community Flag of Flanders Flemish Community
Province Flag of East Flanders East Flanders
Arrondissement Oudenaarde
Coordinates 50°48′N 03°45′E / 50.8, 3.75Coordinates: 50°48′N 03°45′E / 50.8, 3.75
Area 56.46 km²
Population (Source: NIS)
Population
– Males
– Females
- Density		 13,726 (January 1, 2006)
48.76%
51.24%
243 inhab./km²
Economy
Unemployment rate 6.15% (January 1, 2006)
Mean annual income 13,728 €/pers. (2003)
Government
Mayor Herman De Croo (VLD)
Governing parties VLD, sp.a
Other information
Postal codes 9660, 9661
Area codes 055
Web address www.brakel.be

Brakel is a municipality located in the Belgian province of East Flanders. The municipality's name is derived from a Carolingian villa Braglo which was first mentioned in 866 and which was located in the center of the town of Opbrakel. Since 1970, the municipality comprises the villages of Nederbrakel, Opbrakel, Michelbeke, Elst, Zegelsem. In 1977 Everbeek, Parike and part of Sint-Maria-Oudenhove were added to the municipality. On January 1st, 2006 Brakel had a total population of 13,726. The total area is 56.46 km² which gives a population density of 243 inhabitants per km².

The current mayor of Brakel is Herman De Croo. Brakel is also the home of Australian professional cyclist Robbie McEwen who is a three-time winner of the Tour de France green jersey.

The region is well known for the green hills and valleys, which attract many cyclists and walkers and play an important role in the final of the Ronde van Vlaanderen cycling race.

The Braekel chicken received its name after this town.

[edit] Famous inhabitants

[edit] External links

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Municipalities in the Province of East Flanders, Flanders, Belgium
Aalst
Dendermonde
Eeklo
Ghent
Oudenaarde
Sint-Niklaas