Merchtem facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Merchtem
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 Merchtem
Location in Belgium
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| Country | Belgium | ||
| Community | Flemish Community | ||
| Region | Flemish Region | ||
| Province | Flemish Brabant | ||
| Arrondissement | Halle-Vilvoorde | ||
| Area | |||
| • Total | 36.72 km2 (14.18 sq mi) | ||
| Population
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| • Total | Lua error in Module:Wd at line 1,575: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value). | ||
| Postal codes |
1785
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| Area codes | 052, 02 | ||
| Website | www.merchtem.be | ||
Merchtem is a town in Belgium. It is located in the Flemish Brabant province. A province is like a large region or state.
Merchtem is made up of several smaller places. These include the villages of Brussegem and Hamme. It also has the hamlets of Ossel and Peizegem. Merchtem itself is also a main part.
In 2009, about 15,298 people lived in Merchtem. The total area of Merchtem is 36.72 square kilometers. This means about 416 people live in each square kilometer. This is called the population density.
Merchtem has a mayor named Maarten Mast. He is part of a group called Lijst1785. The "majority" means the main group that helps run the town. In Merchtem, this group is Lijst1785 and another group called CD&V PLUS.
Merchtem's Special Traditions
Merchtem is famous for its 'steltenlopers'. These are people who walk on stilts. Stilts are long poles that let you walk high above the ground. Some stilts can be several meters tall!
Long ago, a part of Merchtem called Langevelde often got flooded. This happened after heavy rain. To get to the town center, people needed a way to cross the flooded areas. So, they started using sticks to walk above the water. This is how the tradition of stilt walking began.
Places to See in Merchtem
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The Onze-Lieve-Vrouw church in Merchtem.
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People walking on stilts in Merchtem.
