Lanaken

Lanaken
Coat of arms
Lanaken Location in Belgium
Coordinates: 50°53′N 05°39′E / 50.883°N 5.65°E / 50.883; 5.65
Country	Belgium
Region	Flemish Region
Community	Flemish Community
Province	Limburg
Arrondissement	Tongeren
Government
- Mayor	Guido Willen (Open VLD)
- Governing party/ies	Open VLD, sp.a
Area
- Total	59.00 km2 (22.8 sq mi)
Population (1 January 2010)[1]
- Total	25,341
- Density	429.5/km2 (1,112.4/sq mi)
Postal codes	3620-3621
Area codes	089
Website	www.lanaken.be
Map of Lanaken

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, bordering Maastricht directly. 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, four 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.

The Veldwezelt-Hezerwater Palaeolithic archaeological site is located in the municipality.

Born in Lanaken

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

References

1. ^ Population per municipality on 1 January 2010 (XLS; 221 KB)

External links

• Official website - Available only in Dutch