Oostkamp

Oostkamp
Flag Coat of arms
Location of Oostkamp in West Flanders
Oostkamp Location in Belgium
Sovereign state	Belgium
Region	Flemish Region
Community	Flemish Community
Province	West Flanders
Arrondissement	Bruges
Coordinates	51°09′0″N 03°14′0″E / 51.15°N 3.233333°E / 51.15; 3.233333Coordinates: 51°09′0″N 03°14′0″E / 51.15°N 3.233333°E / 51.15; 3.233333
Area	79.65 km²
Population – Males – Females – Density	21,796 (2006-01-01) 49.58% 50.42% 274 inhab./km²
Age distribution 0–19 years 20–64 years 65+ years	(01/01/2006) 22.78% 60.57% 16.65%
Foreigners	0.83% (01/07/2005)
Unemployment rate	5.11% (1 January 2006)
Mean annual income	€12,845/pers. (2003)
Mayor	Luc Vanparys (CD&V)
Governing parties	CD&V
Postal codes	8020
Area codes	050
Website	www.oostkamp.be

Oostkamp is a municipality located in the Belgian province of West Flanders. The municipality comprises the villages of Hertsberge, Moerbrugge, Oostkamp proper, Ruddervoorde and Waardamme. On January 1, 2006 Oostkamp had a total population of 21,796. The total area is 79.65 km² which gives a population density of 274 inhabitants per km².

History

The name Oostkamp comes from the Medieval name Orscamp, meaning place of the horses. The old word ors is identical with the English word horse.

With the Belgian Unity Law the 4 villages of Oostkamp proper, Hertsberghe, Ruddervoorde and Waardamme became the Municipality Greater Oostkamp

Oostkamp during World War 2

The Canadians liberated the village in September 1944 (World War II) during the Battle of Moerbrugge. There is a monument by the Ghent-Bruges Canal to honour the 41 Canadian casualties.

Sister cities

• - Chaumont, France
• - Bad Langensalza, Germany
• - Bad Nauheim, Germany

External links

(Dutch) Official Website
(Dutch) Oostkamp.org: A wiki by citizens - The creators of this wiki try to preserve the friendly character of the municipality.

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