Lanaken

Lanaken is a municipality located in the Belgian province of Limburg. On January 1, 2007, the municipality of Lanaken had a total population of 24,724. Its area is 59.00 km² which gives a population density of 415 inhabitants per km².

Lanaken
Municipality
Zuid-Willemsvaart at Smeermaas
Flag Coat of arms
Lanaken Location in Belgium Location of Lanaken in Limburg
Coordinates: 50°53′N 05°39′E
Country	Belgium
Community	Flemish Community
Region	Flemish Region
Province	Limburg
Arrondissement	Tongeren
Government
• Mayor	Marino Keulen (Open VLD)
• Governing party/ies	Open VLD, sp.a
Area
• Total	59.00 km2 (22.78 sq mi)
Population  (2018-01-01)[1]
• Total	25,818
• Density	440/km2 (1,100/sq mi)
Postal codes	3620-3621
Area codes	089
Website	www.lanaken.be

Lanaken is located on the Belgian-Dutch border, bordering Maastricht directly. In the 2006 census, some 20 percent of the inhabitants turned out to have the Dutch nationality. A number of neighbourhoods in Lanaken is characterized by these immigrants' numerous villas and exclusive landhouses.

Lanaken consists of the following villages: Lanaken proper, Rekem, Neerharen, Gellik, Veldwezelt, Smeermaas and Kesselt. Also located in Lanaken are the hamlets Briegden and Herbricht and the old village centre Oud-Rekem.

The South African pulp and paper company Sappi operates a large mill on the outskirts of the town. In 2006, four 100 meter high wind turbines were built to provide electricity to the Celanese factory. Later on 8 more have been built.

The reactivation of the former railway Maastricht-Lanaken-Hasselt was scheduled in 2014 but no such project has started to this day.

The Veldwezelt-Hezerwater Palaeolithic archaeological site is located in the municipality.