Merchtem | |
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 Flag  Coat of arms | |
Location of Merchtem  | |
  Merchtem Location in Belgium Location of Merchtem in Flemish Brabant  | |
| Coordinates:50°58′N04°14′E / 50.967°N 4.233°E /50.967; 4.233 | |
| Country | Belgium |
| Community | Flemish Community |
| Region | Flemish Region |
| Province | Flemish Brabant |
| Arrondissement | Halle-Vilvoorde |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Maarten Mast (Lijst1785) |
| • Governing party/ies | Lijst1785,CD&V PLUS |
| Area | |
• Total | 36.9 km2 (14.2 sq mi) |
| Population (2018-01-01)[1] | |
• 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[ˈmɛr(ə)xtɛm]) is amunicipality located in theBelgian province ofFlemish Brabant. The municipality comprises the villages ofBrussegem andHamme, the hamlets ofOssel andPeizegem, and Merchtem proper. On July 9, 2009, Merchtem had a total population of 15,298.[2] The total area is 36.72 km2 which gives apopulation density of 416 inhabitants per km2.
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'.
On August 28, 2006 mayorEddie de Block introduced a ban on speakingFrench in the town's schools. Mayor de Block said that the measure did not violatehuman rights and that it would helpintegration. A previous ban on signs in languages different fromDutch in the town's markets had been overturned byFlemishInterior MinisterMarino Keulen.[3]
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