Berchem-Sainte-Agathe

Berchem-Sainte-Agathe
Name	Berchem-Sainte-Agathe
Province	Brussels-Capital Region
Arrondissement	Nivelles
Area	2.95
Population	24354
Population date	2007
Postal code	1082

Berchem-Sainte-Agathe is a municipality located in the Brussels-Capital Region of Belgium, bordering Koekelberg, Ganshoren, Asse, and Dilbeek. The municipality is situated near the Zenne river and is part of the Brussels-Halle-Vilvoorde arrondissement. Berchem-Sainte-Agathe is also close to the European Parliament, European Commission, and Council of the European Union in Brussels. The municipality is home to several European Union institutions, including the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions. Nearby cities include Leuven, Antwerp, and Ghent, which are connected to Berchem-Sainte-Agathe through the European route E40 and the European route E19.

Geography

Berchem-Sainte-Agathe is situated in the northwest of the Brussels-Capital Region, near the Flemish Region and the Walloon Region. The municipality borders Koekelberg to the north, Ganshoren to the east, Asse to the south, and Dilbeek to the west. The Zenne river flows through the municipality, which is also part of the Senne river basin. Berchem-Sainte-Agathe is close to the Sonian Forest, a large forest area that covers parts of the Brussels-Capital Region, the Flemish Region, and the Walloon Region. The municipality is also near the Heysel Plateau, which is home to the Atomium, a famous landmark in Brussels built for the 1958 World's Fair. Other nearby landmarks include the Magritte Museum, the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, and the Belgian Comic Strip Center.

History

The history of Berchem-Sainte-Agathe dates back to the Middle Ages, when the area was part of the Duchy of Brabant. The municipality was founded in the 12th century and was initially a small agricultural community. During the Spanish Netherlands period, Berchem-Sainte-Agathe was part of the County of Flanders and was an important center for the production of linen and wool. The municipality was also affected by the Eighty Years' War and the War of the Spanish Succession, which had a significant impact on the Habsburg Netherlands. In the 19th century, Berchem-Sainte-Agathe became part of the United Kingdom of the Netherlands and later the Kingdom of Belgium. The municipality is also close to the Battle of Waterloo site, where the Duke of Wellington and Field Marshal Gebhard von Blücher defeated Napoleon Bonaparte in 1815. Other nearby historical sites include the Grand Place in Brussels, the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula, and the Belgian Royal Palace.

Demographics

As of 2007, the population of Berchem-Sainte-Agathe was 24,354, with a density of 8,243 inhabitants per square kilometer. The municipality has a diverse population, with a mix of native Belgians, French-speaking, Dutch-speaking, and English-speaking residents. Berchem-Sainte-Agathe is also home to a significant number of European Union officials and diplomats, who work at the nearby European Commission, European Council, and European Parliament. The municipality is close to the Université libre de Bruxelles, the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, and the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, which attract students from all over the world. Other nearby universities include the University of Antwerp, the Ghent University, and the University of Liège.

Economy

The economy of Berchem-Sainte-Agathe is driven by the European Union institutions and the service sector. The municipality is home to several European Union agencies, including the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions. Berchem-Sainte-Agathe is also close to the Brussels Airport, which is a major hub for Brussels Airlines, Lufthansa, and Swiss International Air Lines. The municipality is part of the Brussels-Capital Region's economic zone, which includes the Port of Brussels and the Brussels South Charleroi Airport. Other nearby economic centers include the Antwerp Port, the Ghent Port, and the Zeebrugge Port. The municipality is also close to the European Central Bank, the European Investment Bank, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

Culture

Berchem-Sainte-Agathe has a rich cultural scene, with several museums, theaters, and music venues. The municipality is home to the Museum of the European Union, which showcases the history and development of the European Union. Berchem-Sainte-Agathe is also close to the Magritte Museum, the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, and the Belgian Comic Strip Center. The municipality hosts several cultural events throughout the year, including the Brussels Jazz Marathon, the Brussels Film Festival, and the Fête de l'Iris. Other nearby cultural attractions include the Grand Place in Brussels, the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula, and the Belgian Royal Palace. The municipality is also close to the Théâtre du Vaudeville, the Théâtre de la Monnaie, and the Palais des Beaux-Arts.

Transportation

Berchem-Sainte-Agathe has a well-developed transportation network, with several bus and tram lines connecting the municipality to the rest of the Brussels-Capital Region. The municipality is also close to the Brussels Airport, which offers flights to destinations all over the world. Berchem-Sainte-Agathe is part of the RER/GEN rail network, which connects the municipality to Brussels, Leuven, Antwerp, and other nearby cities. The municipality is also close to the European route E40 and the European route E19, which provide easy access to the rest of Europe. Other nearby transportation hubs include the Brussels South Charleroi Airport, the Antwerp Port, and the Ghent Port. The municipality is also close to the Eurostar terminal at the Brussels-South railway station, which offers high-speed train connections to London, Paris, and Amsterdam.

Category: Municipalities of the Brussels-Capital Region