Kaprijke

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Municipal flag Kaprijke
 
Location on map of Belgium
Coat of arms Location of Kaprijke 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 Eeklo
Coordinates 51°13′N 03°36′E / 51.217, 3.6Coordinates: 51°13′N 03°36′E / 51.217, 3.6
Area 33.71 km²
Population (Source: NIS)
Population
– Males
– Females
- Density
6,128 (January 1, 2006)
50.05%
49.95%
182 inhab./km²
Economy
Unemployment rate 6.59% (January 1, 2006)
Mean annual income 13,368 €/pers. (2003)
Government
Mayor Filip Gijssels
Governing parties SAMEN
Other information
Postal codes 9970, 9971
Area codes 09
Web address www.kaprijke.be

Kaprijke is a municipality located in the Belgian province of East Flanders. The municipality comprises the towns of Kaprijke proper and Lembeke. On January 1st, 2006 Kaprijke had a total population of 6,128. The total area is 33.71 km² which gives a population density of 182 inhabitants per km².

The name Kaprijke comes from Gallo-Roman name "Capricum" which means "Land of Caprius". That it used to be the site of a Roman garrison can still be seen at the square in front of the old town hall.

During the 14th and 15th century, the cloth industry flourished in Kaprijke. However, during the period of religious strife during the 16th century, the merchants and cloth makers withdrew to safer locations. Following the resolution of the problems, the merchants and weavers did not return, leading up to the decline of the city of Kaprijke into a rural village during the 17th and 18th centuries.

Kaprijke is known for its beautiful castle built in 1550, Hof ter Kruisen. It was commissioned by Andries of Baviere and finished in 1628.

Kaprijke is divided into two towns. 1:Lembeke and 2:Kaprijke proper
Kaprijke is divided into two towns. 1:Lembeke and 2:Kaprijke proper

In 1976, Kaprijke merged with another town called Lembeke, for a total population of around 6200 people.

Kaprijke is the birthplace of poet and playwright, Dr. Hippoliet van Peene. Van Peene is best known for writing the poem "The Flemish Lion" which came to be the Flemish anthem.

[edit] Famous inhabitants

[edit] External links