Wervik

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  Wervik
 
Location on map of Belgium
Coat of arms Location of Wervik in West Flanders
Geography
Country Belgium
Region Flag of Flanders Flemish Region
Community Flag of Flanders Flemish Community
Province Flag of West Flanders West Flanders
Arrondissement Ypres
Coordinates 50°47′N 03°02′E / 50.783, 3.033Coordinates: 50°47′N 03°02′E / 50.783, 3.033
Area 43.61 km²
Population (Source: NIS)
Population
– Males
– Females
- Density		 17,607 (January 1, 2006)
49.58%
50.42%
404 inhab./km²
Economy
Unemployment rate 8.06% (January 1, 2006)
Mean annual income 11,655 €/pers. (2003)
Government
Mayor Johnny Goos (sp.a)
Governing parties sp.a, CD&V
Other information
Postal codes 8940
Area codes 056
Web address www.wervik.be

Wervik is a municipality located in the Belgian province of West Flanders. The municipality comprises the city of Wervik and the town of Geluwe. On January 1, 2006 Wervik had a total population of 17,607. The total area is 43.61 km² which gives a population density of 404 inhabitants per km². The area is famous for its excellent tobacco and has a tobacco museum. The town is separated from its French counterpart Wervicq-Sud by the river Lys.

Contents

[edit] History

Wervik has a history that dates back to the Roman era. According to popular belief, a small temple dedicated to Mars was built on what nowadays is called Saint Maarten's Square (St-Maartensplein in Dutch). In the Middle Ages Wervik was an important centre for textiles. After the cities of Ypres, Bruges and Ghent began to decline in importance, Wervik became more prominent. In 1382 the city was destroyed and slowly lost its influence. In the war between the Seventeen Provinces and Spain, the whole village was set on fire and the population fled. In 1713 the town was split in the Northern part, which kept its original name under the Austrians and now lies in Belgium, and the Southern part, which became Wervicq-Sud under French control and now lies in France.

[edit] sights

St-Medardus church

The Saint-Medardus church is an massive gothic church.

National tobacco museum

The region of Wervik is know for its tobacco farms.

[edit] Famous people who were born in Wervik

[edit] External links

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Municipalities in the Province of West Flanders, Flanders, Belgium
Bruges
Diksmuide
Kortrijk
Ostend
Roeselare
Tielt
Veurne
Ypres