Merchtem

Merchtem (pronounced [ˈmɛr(ə)xtɛm]) is a municipality located in the Belgian province of Flemish Brabant. The municipality comprises the villages of Brussegem and Hamme, the hamlets of Ossel and Peizegem, 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 a population density of 416 inhabitants per km².

Merchtem
Municipality
Flag Coat of arms
Location of Merchtem
Merchtem Location in Belgium Location of Merchtem in Flemish Brabant
Coordinates: 50°58′N 04°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&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

Folklore

Merchtem is known for 'de steltenlopers', people walking on stilts (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 mayor Eddie de Block introduced a ban on speaking French in the town's schools. Mayor de Block said that the measure did not violate human rights and that it would help integration. A previous ban on signs in languages different from Dutch in the town's markets had been overturned by Flemish Interior Minister Marino Keulen.^[3]

Places of interest

• 
  Onze-Lieve-Vrouw church
• 
  Steltenlopers