Houthalen-Helchteren

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Municipal flag Houthalen-Helchteren
 
Location on map of Belgium
Coat of arms Location of Houthalen-Helchteren in Limburg
Geography
Country Belgium
Region Flag of Flanders Flemish Region
Community Flag of Flanders Flemish Community
Province Flag of Limburg (Belgium) Limburg
Arrondissement Maaseik
Coordinates 51°02′N 05°23′E / 51.033, 5.383Coordinates: 51°02′N 05°23′E / 51.033, 5.383
Area 78.27 km²
Population (Source: NIS)
Population
– Males
– Females
- Density
29,945 (January 1, 2006)
50.21%
49.79%
383 inhab./km²
Economy
Unemployment rate 13.02% (January 1, 2006)
Mean annual income 11,458 €/pers. (2003)
Government
Mayor Alain IJzermans (sp.a)
Governing parties sp.a, CD&V
Other information
Postal codes 3530
Area codes 011, 089
Web address www.houthalen-helchteren.be

Houthalen-Helchteren is a municipality located in the Belgian province of Limburg. On January 1, 2006 Houthalen-Helchteren had a total population of 29,945. The total area is 78.27 km² which gives a population density of 383 inhabitants per km².

Contents

[edit] Geographical position of Helchteren

Helchteren is located near the watershed between the Meuse and the Scheldt. In the immediate vicinity the Dommel (which flows to the Meuse near Den Bosch), the Grote Nete (which flows to the Scheldt) and the Neer (that joins the Meuse just south of Roermond) all originate.

[edit] History of Helchteren

Helchteren could have become famous in 1702 when, during the War of the Spanish Succession, a French Army under Boufflers faced an alliance army under Marlborough. A battle could have ensued, but instead it came to the not so famous cannonade of Helchteren. The cannonade itself is however a seldom occurring event in military history.

[edit] Notable people

  • Ingrid Daubechies (born in Houthalen on 17 August, 1954) physicist and mathematician.

[edit] External links