Oostkamp

Oostkamp
Flag Coat of arms
Oostkamp Location in Belgium
Coordinates: 51°09′N 03°14′E
Country	Belgium
Region	Flemish Region
Community	Flemish Community
Province	West Flanders
Arrondissement	Bruges
Government
• Mayor	Luc Vanparys (CD&V)
• Governing party/ies	CD&V
Area
• Total	79.65 km2 (30.8 sq mi)
Population (1 January 2010)
• Total	22,452
• Density	281.9/km2 (730.1/sq mi)
Demographics
• Foreigners	0.83% (7 January 2005)
Postal codes	8020
Area codes	050
Website	www.oostkamp.be
Map of Oostkamp

Oostkamp is a municipality located in the Belgian province of West Flanders. The municipality comprises the villages of Hertsberge, 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.

Oostkamp during World War II

The Canadian 4th Armoured Division liberated the village on 8 September 1944 (World War II) during the Battle of Moerbrugge. A monument was erected by the Ghent-Bruges Canal to honour the 53 Canadian casualties.

Fusion of 1977

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

Sister cities

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

External links

• (Dutch) Official Website
• (Dutch) Website of Heemkring Oostkamp: Studygroup of the local customs and folklore of Oostkamp
• (Dutch) Oostkamp.org: A wiki by citizens - The creators of this wiki try to preserve the friendly character of the municipality.