Ghent

Ghent (pop. 236,500), historic city in western Belgium, at the junction of the Lys (Leie) and Scheldt rivers. Former capital of Flanders, it was the textile center of medieval Europe. Its textile industry is still important, along with paper, chemical, and metal production. It also has a major port. In the 16th and 17th centuries it was a center of Flemish art.

See also: Belgium.