Sint-Genesius-Rode
Sint-Genesius-Rode (French: Rhode-Saint-Genèse) is a municipality located in Flanders, one of three regions of Belgium, and in the Flemish province of Flemish Brabant. The municipality only comprises the town of Sint-Genesius-Rode proper. On January 1st, 2000 Sint-Genesius-Rode had a total population of 17,998 (8,745 males and 9,253 females). The total area is 22.50 km² which gives a population density of 799.91 inhabitants per km².
The official language is Dutch (as everywhere in Flanders).
In the 60's, special 'linguistic facilities' were given to local French-speakers -mostly immigrants from Wallonia and Brussels- in order to allow them to integrate smoothly. They can request official documents from the local administration in French. Many of these immigrants integrated, while others refused to respect the local population and laws, insisting they should be served in French. This attitude is resented by many Flemings. As a result of this, there is growing support in Flanders to get rid of these unilateral 'facilities'.
See also
