Zelzate

Zelzate (Dutch pronunciation: [ˈzɛlzaːtə]) is a municipality located in the Belgian province of East Flanders. The municipality only comprises the town of Zelzate proper. In 2021, Zelzate had a total population of 13,124. The total area is 13.71 km².^[2]

Zelzate
Municipality
Zelzate town hall
Flag Coat of arms
Location of Zelzate
Zelzate Location in Belgium Location of Zelzate in East Flanders
Coordinates: 51°12′N 03°49′E
Country	Belgium
Community	Flemish Community
Region	Flemish Region
Province	East Flanders
Arrondissement	Eeklo
Government
• Mayor	Brent Meuleman (Vooruit)
• Governing party/ies	Vooruit, PVDA+
Area
• Total	13.77 km2 (5.32 sq mi)
Population  (2018-01-01)[1]
• Total	12,699
• Density	920/km2 (2,400/sq mi)
Postal codes	9060
NIS code	43018
Area codes	09
Website	www.zelzate.be

Zelzate is divided into two parts by the Ghent–Terneuzen Canal. There is a concrete drawbridge and a tunnel to connect the two sides. Zelzate is known for the nearby polluting industry, which makes it the village with the lowest air quality in the country.^[3][4] Recently ArcelorMittal Ghent (Sidmar) made a major investment which resulted in an emission decrease of 90%.^{[citation needed]}

Notable citizens

• Eric Verpaele (b. Zelzate, 2 February 1952), writer
• Eddy Wally (b. Zelzate, 12 July 1932), singer

Sister cities

The town is twinned with:

• Aubenas (France)
• Cesenatico (Italy)
• Delfzijl (Netherlands) (Not longer twinned with)
• Schwarzenbek (Germany)
• Sierre (Switzerland)