Boom, Belgium

Boom
Flag Coat of arms
Boom, Belgium Location in Belgium
Coordinates: 51°05′N 04°22′E
Country	Belgium
Region	Flemish Region
Community	Flemish Community
Province	Antwerp
Arrondissement	Antwerp
Government
• Mayor	Patrick Marnef (sp.a)
• Governing party/ies	sp.a, CD&V
Area
• Total	7.37 km2 (2.85 sq mi)
Population (1 January 2010)
• Total	16,709
• Density	2,300/km2 (5,900/sq mi)
Postal codes	2850
Area codes	03, 015
Website	www.boom.be
Map of Boom, Belgium

Boom is a municipality located in Flanders, one of the three regions of Belgium, and in the Flemish province of Antwerp. The municipality only comprises the town of Boom proper. On January 1, 2006 Boom had a total population of 16,096. The total area is 7.37 km² which gives a population density of 2,185 inhabitants per km². Residents are known as "Boomers". The afore mentioned data were given in 2006 by statbel.fgov.be.

Geography

Boom is located between three big cities (Brussels, Antwerp and Mechelen) and near the Rupel river.

Industrial activity

Because of the presence of clay outcropping in the area of Boom, the region is well known for its clay open pits and bricks factories.

Born in Boom

• Peter Dens (1690), Catholic Theologian.
• Bobbejaan Schoepen (1925), singer-songwriter, guitarist and art whistler. He is also an actor, fantasist and founder of the Bobbejaanland amusement park in Belgium.
• Luc Van der Kelen (1948), journalist at Het Laatste Nieuws.
• Roland Van Campenhout, musician.
• Bavo Claes (1949), former news anchor.
• Glen De Boeck (1971), footballplayer and -coach.
• Bjorn Vleminckx (1986), footballplayer.
• Kevin Seeldraeyers (1986), cyclist.

Events

• Mano Mundo: worldmusic festival in De Schorre (recreational ground).
• Tomorrowland: house & dancemusic festival in De Schorre.
• Feria Andaluza: Spanish festival in De Schorre.

Sports

• K. Rupel Boom F.C.: Footballclub, currently playing in the Belgian Second Division.
• Kangeroes Boom: Basketballclub, currently playing in the second division.
• Braxgata: Hockey club, currently playing in the first division. Hockey club of the year by the European Hockey Federation (EHF) in 2009.

External links

• Boom municipality official website. (Dutch)