Lanaken

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  Lanaken
 
Location on map of Belgium
Coat of arms Location of Lanaken in Limburg
Geography
Country Belgium
Region Flag of Flanders Flemish Region
Community Flag of Flanders Flemish Community
Province Flag of Limburg (Belgium) Limburg
Arrondissement Tongeren
Coordinates 50°53′N 05°39′E / 50.883, 5.65Coordinates: 50°53′N 05°39′E / 50.883, 5.65
Area 59.00 km²
Population (Source: NIS)
Population
– Males
– Females
- Density
24,485 (January 1, 2006)
50.56%
49.44%
415 inhab./km²
Economy
Unemployment rate 10.67% (January 1, 2006)
Mean annual income 12,434 €/pers. (2003)
Government
Mayor Guido Willen (Open VLD)
Governing parties Open VLD, sp.a
Other information
Postal codes 3620-3621
Area codes 089
Web address www.lanaken.be

Lanaken is a municipality located in the Belgian province of Limburg. On January 1, 2007 Lanaken had a total population of 24,724. The total area is 59.00 km² which gives a population density of 415 inhabitants per km².

It is located on the Dutch border, less than 10 kilometers from Maastricht. A number of neighbourhoods in Lanaken are characterized by their numerous villas and exclusive landhouses. In the 2006 census, around 20 percent of the inhabitants were Dutch nationals.

Lanaken consists of the following villages: Lanaken, Rekem, Neerharen, Gellik, Veldwezelt, Smeermaas and Kesselt.

The South African pulp and paper company Sappi operates a large mill on the outskirts of the town.

In 2006 4 100 m high windturbines were built to provide electricity to the Celanese factory. In the near future 8 more windturbines will be built to support the demand for electricity.

The reactivation of the railway Maastricht-Lanaken will be completed mid 2008. There are plans for the reactivation of the railway Maastricht-Hasselt for light-rail in 2012.

[edit] Born in Lanaken

Eric Gerets (1954) Former professional football (soccer) player for Belgium, born in Rekem

[edit] External links