Oostkamp

Oostkamp

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Coat of arms
Oostkamp
Location in Belgium
Coordinates:
Country Belgium
Region Flemish Region
Community Flemish Community
Province West Flanders
Arrondissement Bruges
Government
 • Mayor Luc Vanparys (CD&V)
 • Governing party/ies CD&V
Area
 • Total 79.65 km2 (30.8 sq mi)
Population (1 January 2010)[1]
 • Total 22,452
 • Density 281.9/km2 (730.1/sq mi)
Demographics
 • Foreigners 0.83% (7 January 2005)
Postal codes 8020
Area codes 050
Website www.oostkamp.be

Oostkamp is a municipality located in the Belgian province of West Flanders. The municipality comprises the villages of Hertsberge, Oostkamp proper, Ruddervoorde and Waardamme. On January 1, 2006 Oostkamp had a total population of 21,796. The total area is 79.65 km² which gives a population density of 274 inhabitants per km².

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History

The name Oostkamp comes from the Medieval name "Orscamp", meaning place of the horses. The old word ors is identical with the English word horse.

Oostkamp during World War II

The Canadian 4th Armoured Division liberated the village on 8 September 1944 (World War II) during the Battle of Moerbrugge. A monument was erected by the Ghent-Bruges Canal to honour the 53 Canadian casualties.

Fusion of 1977

With the Belgian Unity Law the four villages of Oostkamp proper, Hertsberge, Ruddervoorde and Waardamme became the Municipality of Greater Oostkamp

Sister cities

References

External links