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Oud-Rekem

Lanaken
Municipality
Zuid-Willemsvaart at Smeermaas
Zuid-Willemsvaart at Smeermaas
Flag of Lanaken
Flag
Coat of arms of Lanaken
Coat of arms
Lanaken is located in Belgium
Lanaken
Lanaken
Location in Belgium
Coordinates: 50°53′N 05°39′E / 50.883°N 5.650°E / 50.883; 5.650Coordinates: 50°53′N 05°39′E / 50.883°N 5.650°E / 50.883; 5.650
Country Belgium
Community Flemish Community
Region Flemish Region
Province Limburg
Arrondissement Tongeren
Government
 • Mayor Guido Willen (Open VLD)
 • Governing party/ies Open VLD, sp.a
Area
 • Total 59.00 km2 (22.78 sq mi)
Population (1 January 2016)
 • Total 25,793
 • Density 440/km2 (1,100/sq mi)
Postal codes 3620-3621
Area codes 089
Website www.lanaken.be

Lanaken is a municipality located in the Belgian province of Limburg. On January 1, 2007, the municipality of Lanaken had a total population of 24,724. Its area is 59.00 km² which gives a population density of 415 inhabitants per km².

Lanaken is located on the Dutch border, bordering Maastricht directly. In the 2006 census, some 20 percent of the inhabitants turned out to have the Dutch nationality. A number of neighbourhoods in Lanaken is characterized by these immigrant's numerous villas and exclusive landhouses.

Lanaken consists of the following villages: Lanaken proper, Rekem, Neerharen, Gellik, Veldwezelt, Smeermaas and Kesselt.

The South African pulp and paper company Sappi operates a large mill on the outskirts of the town. In 2006, four 100 meter high wind turbines were built to provide electricity to the Celanese factory. Later on 8 more have been built.

The reactivation of the railway Maastricht-Lanaken-Hasselt will possibly be started in 2014.

The Veldwezelt-Hezerwater Palaeolithic archaeological site is located in the municipality.

Eric Gerets (1954) Former professional football (soccer) player for Belgium, born in Rekem



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