Ghent, << gehnt >> (pop. 253,266), is a Belgian city 31 miles (50 kilometers) northwest of Brussels. The city is in the Dutch-speaking part of Belgium. Its Dutch name is Gent. Its name in French is Gand. Ghent lies at the fork of the Schelde and Leie rivers and is an important seaport. Ship canals connect the city with the North Sea and with other cities. Ghent’s leading products include chemicals, cotton goods, flowers, and high technology products. More than 200 bridges span the waterways that crisscross the city. The town hall, built in the 1500’s, is a fine example of Gothic architecture.
The first buildings at Ghent were two monasteries built in the 600’s. Ghent became important during the Middle Ages and reached its height in the 1400’s. For many years afterward, Ghent was torn by revolutions and war. It was held at various times by the Spanish, French, and Austrians at various times before Belgium gained independence in 1830. German forces occupied Ghent in World Wars I and II.
