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| Brakel | |||
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| Sovereign state | Belgium | ||
| Region |  Flemish Region |
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| Community | Flemish Community |
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| Province |  East Flanders |
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| Arrondissement | Oudenaarde | ||
| Coordinates | Coordinates: | ||
| Area | 56.46 km² | ||
| Population – Males – Females - Density |
13,726 (January 1, 2006) 48.76% 51.24% 243 inhab./km² |
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| Unemployment rate | 6.15% (January 1, 2006) | ||
| Mean annual income | 13,728 €/pers. (2003) | ||
| Mayor | Herman De Croo (VLD) | ||
| Governing parties | VLD, sp.a | ||
| Postal codes | 9660, 9661 | ||
| Area codes | 055 | ||
| Website | www.brakel.be | ||
Brakel is a municipality located in the Belgian province of East Flanders. The municipality's name is derived from a Carolingian villa Braglo which was first mentioned in 866 and which was located in the center of the town of Opbrakel. Since 1970, the municipality comprises the villages of Nederbrakel, Opbrakel, Michelbeke, Elst, Zegelsem. In 1977 Everbeek, Parike and part of Sint-Maria-Oudenhove were added to the municipality. On January 1, 2006 Brakel had a total population of 13,726. The total area is 56.46 km² which gives a population density of 243 inhabitants per km².
The current mayor of Brakel is Herman De Croo. Brakel is also the home of Australian professional cyclist Robbie McEwen who is a three-time winner of the Tour de France green jersey.
The region is well known for the green hills and valleys, which attract many cyclists and walkers and play an important role in the final of the Ronde van Vlaanderen cycling race.
The Braekel chicken received its name after this town.
Famous inhabitants
- Herman De Croo, politician, president of the Belgian Chamber of Representatives
- Robbie McEwen, cyclist, won 12 stages in the Tour de France
- Peter Van Petegem, cyclist, won Paris-Roubaix and the Ronde van Vlaanderen
- Lietbertus, bishop of Cambrai during the 11th century
External links
- Official website - Only available in Dutch
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