Merchtem

Merchtem
Municipality
Flag Coat of arms
Location of Merchtem
Merchtem Location in Belgium Location of Merchtem in Flemish Brabant
Coordinates:50°58′N04°14′E
Country	Belgium
Community	Flemish Community
Region	Flemish Region
Province	Flemish Brabant
Arrondissement	Halle-Vilvoorde
Government
• Mayor	Maarten Mast (Lijst1785)
• Governing party/ies	Lijst1785,CD&VPLUS
Area
• Total	36.9 km2(14.2 sq mi)
Population (2018-01-01)
• Total	16,294
• Density	440/km2(1,100/sq mi)
Postal codes	1785
NIS code	23052
Area codes	052, 02
Website	www.merchtem.be

Merchtem(pronounced[ˈmɛrxtɛm]) is amunicipalitylocated in theBelgianprovince ofFlemish Brabant.The municipality comprises the villages ofBrussegemandHamme,the hamlets ofOsselandPeizegem,and Merchtem proper. On July 9, 2009, Merchtem had a total population of 15,298.The total area is 36.72 km²which gives apopulation densityof 416 inhabitants per km².

Folklore

Merchtem is known for 'desteltenlopers', people walking onstilts(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 mayorEddie de Blockintroduced a ban on speakingFrenchin the town's schools. Mayor de Block said that the measure did not violatehuman rightsand that it would helpintegration.A previous ban on signs in languages different fromDutchin the town's markets had been overturned byFlemishInterior MinisterMarino Keulen.

Places of interest

• 
  Onze-Lieve-Vrouw church
• 
  Steltenlopers

External links

• Media related toMerchtemat Wikimedia Commons
• Official website(in Dutch)