Izegem

Izegem
Izegem
; Flag	; Coat of arms
Location of Izegem in West Flanders
Sovereign state	Belgium
Region	Flemish Region
Community	Flemish Community
Province	West Flanders
Arrondissement	Roeselare
Coordinates	50°55′N 03°12′E / 50.917, 3.2Coordinates: 50°55′N 03°12′E / 50.917, 3.2
Area	25.48 km²
Population; – Males; – Females; - Density	26,544 (January 1, 2006); 49.17%; 50.83%; 1042 inhab./km²
Unemployment rate	6.89% (January 1, 2006)
Mean annual income	12,737 €/pers. (2003)
Mayor	Gerda Mylle (CD&V)
Governing parties	CD&V, sp.a
Postal codes	8870
Area codes	051
Website	www.izegem.be

Izegem is a municipality located in the Belgian province of West Flanders. The municipality comprises the city of Izegem proper and the towns of Emelgem and Kachtem. On January 1, 2006 Izegem had a total population of 26,544. The total area is 25.48 km² which gives a population density of 1,042 inhabitants per km².

Izegem used to be famous for its shoe- and brush-making. Today there are only a few factories left, but the city houses a shoe- and brushmuseum.

[edit] Famous inhabitants

The crew of 't Hof van Commerce, including singer-songwriter Flip Kowlier, are from Izegem.
Bart Staes, member of the European Parliament, was born in Izegem.
Johan Bruyneel, former professional cyclist, now director of team Discovery who led Lance Armstrong during his seven Tour de France wins was also born here.
Ulla Werbrouck, judoka, Olympic gold winner at the 1996 Atlanta Games.

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