Arrondissement of Ostend
Arrondissement of Ostend
Arrondissement Oostende | |
|---|---|
Location of the arrondissement in West Flanders | |
| Coordinates: 51°12′N 2°54′E / 51.2°N 2.9°E | |
| Country | Belgium |
| Region | Flanders |
| Province | West Flanders |
| Municipalities | 7 |
| Area | |
• Total | 291.60 km2 (112.59 sq mi) |
| Population (1 January 2017) | |
• Total | 155,717 |
| • Density | 530/km2 (1,400/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) |
The Arrondissement of Ostend (Dutch: Arrondissement Oostende; French: Arrondissement d'Ostende) is one of the eight administrative arrondissements in the Province of West Flanders, Belgium. Spanning approximately 304.6 km2 (117.6 sq mi), it comprises seven municipalities. As of January 2024, it had an estimated 160,032 residents. Located in northern West Flanders, it serves as a significant economic and transport hub, with a major port, airport, and coastal tourism infrastructure centered on Ostend city.
History
The Arrondissement of Ostend, has a history influenced by various European powers with the city of Ostend, which is the administrative center of the arrondissement, a significant port and strategic location for centuries.[1] During the late 16th and early 17th centuries, Ostend was the site of a notable siege (1601-1604) during the Eighty Years War, highlighting its military importance.[2]
Geography
The Arrondissement of Ostend is located in the northwestern part of Belgium, within the province of West Flanders, which is part of the Flemish Region.[3] It borders the North Sea to the north, giving it a significant coastline. The topography is predominantly flat and low-lying, characteristic of the Flemish coastal plain. Much of the land along the North Sea coast is composed of sand dunes, polders (reclaimed land protected by dikes), and beaches.[1]
The Administrative Arrondissement of Ostend consists of seven municipalities: Bredene, De Haan, Gistel, Ichtegem, Middelkerke, Ostend, and Oudenburg.[4]
Demographics
As of January 2024, the Arrondissement of Ostend had a population of 164,159 inhabitants. This makes it one of the more populated arrondissements in West Flanders, reflecting the concentration of urban centers along the coast.[5] The economy of the arrondissement is largely driven by its coastal location and the presence of a major port. Tourism is a cornerstone of the economy, particularly in the city of Ostend and other coastal municipalities like De Haan and Middelkerke, which attract numerous visitors to their beaches and resorts.[1]
The Port of Ostend is a significant economic asset, supporting activities such as ferry services, fishing, offshore wind energy, and cargo handling.[6] Ostend-Bruges International Airport serves the region, providing both passenger and cargo flights.[7][8] A comprehensive tram line (Kusttram) runs along the entire Belgian coast, connecting all coastal towns and villages, including those within the Arrondissement of Ostend, providing convenient public transport for residents and tourists.[9]
References
- ^ a b c "Ostend City in Flanders, Belgium". Visit Flanders. Retrieved 29 June 2025.
- ^ "Siege of Ostend". Britannica. Retrieved 29 June 2025.
- ^ "Arrondissementen". Provincie West-Vlaanderen. Retrieved 29 June 2025.
- ^ "Chiffres de population au 1er janvier 2022" (PDF). Federal Public Service Interior. Retrieved 1 January 2023.
- ^ "Bevolking per arrondissement". Vlaanderen.be. Retrieved 29 June 2025.
- ^ "Port of Oostende". Port of Oostende. Retrieved 29 June 2025.
- ^ "Ostend-Bruges International Airport". Ostend-Bruges International Airport. Retrieved 29 June 2025.
- ^ EBOS – OOSTENDE-BRUGGE / Oostende (also PDF). Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) from AIM Belgium via skeyes.
- ^ "The Coast Tram". De Lijn. Retrieved 29 June 2025.