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 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 immigrant's numerous villas and exclusive landhouses.

Lanaken consists of the following villages: Lanaken proper, Rekem, Neerharen, Gellik, Veldwezelt, Smeermaas and Kesselt.

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.