Flanders
the name of a very interesting and early civilized portion of Europe, forming two contiguous provinces of Belgium, termed East Flanders and West Flanders, respectively, bounded on the N. W. by the North Sea, and inclosed on its other sides by the provinces of Antwerp, Zealand, South Brabant, Hainault, and the French department Nord. East Flanders is separated from West Flanders by a line running almost due S. from Sluys, a small town nearly opposite Flushing. Area, 1,158 square miles; pop. about 1,134,079. The surface is level in the N. part, while to the S. it consists of undulating plains.
The soil is heavy loam, and highly fertile. Capital, Ghent. a West Flanders has a considerable coast-line, in the central part of which is the port of Ostend. This side faces the N., but the W. boundary of the province adjoins the French territory.
Area, 1,249 square miles; pop. about 885,000. The surface is generally level, excepting the dunes, or sand-hills, on the coast. The soil is fertile and agriculture good. Capital, Bruges. For productions, manufactures, etc., and history, see BELGIUM.