Flanders

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Flanders, the northern part of Belgium, where Dutch is spoken. A region with a tumultuous past, where French, Spanish, Austrian, and other influences have succeeded one another. How these influences have shaped the character of the Flemish is not immediately apparent. They are considered home-loving people who remain loyal to their homeland, yet their aptitude for mastering multiple languages also reflects their openness to other cultures. After World War II, the country developed into a modern, highly export-oriented industrial area. Flanders became a link in the chain of the world economy, although some tranquility and natural beauty were sacrificed in the process. This book is also incomplete. A number of sights have literally and figuratively remained unilluminated. And even in the cities and villages covered, much worth seeing has likely been overlooked. Flanders is therefore even more beautiful and richer than the following pages suggest.