Country of Nevele

The Country of Nevele is a non-profit group in Nevele, a region of Belgium.

It was established in 1970 by several people at the University of Ghent. Its area of interest is Nevele and a group of surrounding villages: Vosselare, Poesele, Merendree, Hansbeke, Landegem, Meigem, Lotenhulle, Poeke, Zeveren, Vinkt, Bachte-Maria-Leerne en Sint-Martens-Leerne. For several ages, till the end of the 18th century, this area was called "The Country of Nevele", a domain (district) of the county of Flanders. The seat of this domain with seigniorial rights was the castle of Ooidonk at Bachte-Maria-Leerne. Nowadays, the villages of the former Country of Nevele, belong to the territory of the communes Nevele, Aalter and Deinze.

The group publishes a tri-monthly periodical "The Country of Nevele" with information about the region but focused on local history and archaeology.

The group also hosts historical excursions, lectures, various exhibitions, participation in the exhibition of local history in Gent and Tielt and the second-hand book fair in Bachte, the publishing of thematic books and brochures. For a decade, since 1992, there has been a separate tri-monthly periodical focused on genealogy.

The executive committee proposes names for new streets to the council of Nevele and takes care of local heritage. The Country of Nevele yearly receives a subsidy from the Ministry of Flanders.