Country Belgium Postal codes 1785 Postal code 1785 | Arrondissement Halle-Vilvoorde Area codes 052, 02 Population 15,053 (1 Jan 2007) Local time Sunday 7:34 AM | |
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Weather 11°C, Wind SW at 21 km/h, 91% Humidity | ||
Merchtem ( [ˈmɛrxtɛm]) is a municipality located in the Belgian province of Flemish Brabant. The municipality comprises the villages of Brussegem and Hamme, the hamlet of Ossel and Peizegem, and Merchtem proper. On July 9, 2009, Merchtem had a total population of 15,298. The total area is 36.72 km² which gives a population density of 416 inhabitants per km².
Contents
Map of 1785 Merchtem, Belgium
Folklore
Merchtem is known for 'de steltenlopers', people walking on stilts (up to several meters above ground). Langevelde, a part of the municipality, was frequently flooded after heavy rain. In order to reach the centre, people were using sticks to walk. After an internal struggle, the group split up in two parts, 'stichting Langevelde' and 'stichting Jan Vaderhasselt'.
Language controversy
On August 28, 2006 mayor Eddie de Block introduced a ban on speaking French in the town's schools. Mayor de Block said that the measure did not violate human rights and that it would help integration. A previous ban on signs in languages different from Dutch in the town's markets had been overturned by Flemish Interior Minister Marino Keulen.