| Beringen | |||
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  Beringen, Belgium
Location in Belgium
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| Sovereign state |  Belgium |
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| Region |  Flemish Region |
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| Community | Flemish Community |
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| Province |  Limburg |
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| Arrondissement | Hasselt | ||
| Coordinates | 51°02′0″N 05°13′0″E / 51.033333°N 5.216667°ECoordinates: 51°02′0″N 05°13′0″E / 51.033333°N 5.216667°E | ||
| Area | 78.30 km² | ||
| Population – Males – Females – Density |
41,072 (2006-01-01) 49.96% 50.04% 525 inhab./km² |
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| Age distribution 0–19 years 20–64 years 65+ years |
(01/01/2006) 23.94% 61.60% 14.46% |
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| Foreigners | 4.86% (01/07/2005) | ||
| Unemployment rate | 10.51% (1 January 2006) | ||
| Mean annual income | €11,841/pers. (2003) | ||
| Mayor | Marcel Mondelaers (CD&V) | ||
| Governing parties | CD&V, SP.A | ||
| Postal codes | 3580, 3581, 3582, 3583 | ||
| Area codes | 011 | ||
| Website | www.beringen.be | ||
Beringen is a city and municipality located in the Belgian province of Limburg. The Beringen municipality includes the town of Beringen proper and the old communes of Beverlo, Koersel, and Paal.
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History
Origins
Beringen was already inhabited in Celtic times, as proven by the 1995 archeological finds of gold coins and artifacts on its territory. These date from around 90 BC and are the most northerly late-Iron-Age gold objects found in Europe. The land of Beringe, as it came to be known in the 12th century, had been given to the abbey of Corbie by Saint Adelard in the 8th century. For most of the medieval period, it was part of the County of Loon, from which it received its city charter in 1239. The city was then surrounded with impressive moats and gated walls. The county of Loon as a whole was annexed to the Bishopric of Liège in 1366. Beringen became one of the bishopric’s 23 bonnes villes (principal cities) and shared its history until its dissolution in 1795.
Mining past
Under André Dumont’s guidance, the first coal-bearing drill cores were obtained in Campine in 1901, leading to several coalmines being established in the region. The first production in Koersel dates from 1919. The golden age of coal production started right after World War II and lasted until the late 1950s, when cheaper energy sources were made available elsewhere. The last coal mine in Beringen closed its doors on October 28, 1989. The remaining slag heaps and mining buildings are still very obvious around the city.
Sights
- The mining museum (an Anchor Point of ERIH, The European Route of Industrial Heritage) is one of Beringen’s main attractions, retracing the industrial history of the region.
- With its good network of biking trails, Beringen is also one of the best places in Campine for bikers.
Events
- Yearly Kermesses take place both in Beringen Paal and in Koersel.
- At the beginning of August, Paal also organizes a whole-day musical event: "Paal op Stelten"
- The two-day-long "Koersel Terrast" takes place in late spring: music, dance, and fireworks are enjoyed by adults and children alike.
Famous Inhabitants
- Jo Vandeurzen, politician (b. 1958)
- Ingrid Berghmans, judoka (b. 1961)
- Mauro Pawlowski, musician (b. 1971)
External links
- Official website - Available only in Dutch
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