Liège (; wa, Lîdje ; nl, Luik ; german: Lüttich ) is the easternmost
province of the
Wallonia region of
Belgium
Belgium, ; french: Belgique ; german: Belgien officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a country in Northwestern Europe. The country is bordered by the Netherlands to the north, Germany to the east, Luxembourg to the southeast, France to ...
.
Liège Province is the only Belgian province that has borders with three countries. It borders (clockwise from the north) the
Dutch province of
Limburg, the
German
German(s) may refer to:
* Germany (of or related to)
**Germania (historical use)
* Germans, citizens of Germany, people of German ancestry, or native speakers of the German language
** For citizens of Germany, see also German nationality law
**Ge ...
states of
North Rhine-Westphalia and
Rhineland-Palatinate,
Clervaux (canton) in
Luxembourg
Luxembourg ( ; lb, Lëtzebuerg ; french: link=no, Luxembourg; german: link=no, Luxemburg), officially the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, ; french: link=no, Grand-Duché de Luxembourg ; german: link=no, Großherzogtum Luxemburg is a small lan ...
, the Belgian Walloon (French-speaking) provinces of
Luxembourg
Luxembourg ( ; lb, Lëtzebuerg ; french: link=no, Luxembourg; german: link=no, Luxemburg), officially the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, ; french: link=no, Grand-Duché de Luxembourg ; german: link=no, Großherzogtum Luxemburg is a small lan ...
,
Namur and
Walloon Brabant and the Belgian
Flemish (Dutch-speaking) provinces of
Flemish Brabant and
Limburg.
Part of the eastern-most area of the province, bordering Germany, is the
German-speaking region of
Eupen-Malmedy, which became part of Belgium in the aftermath of
World War I
World War I (28 July 1914 11 November 1918), often abbreviated as WWI, was List of wars and anthropogenic disasters by death toll, one of the deadliest global conflicts in history. Belligerents included much of Europe, the Russian Empire, ...
.
The capital and the largest city of the province is the city of the same name,
Liège. The province has an area of , and a population of 1,106,992 as of January 2019.
History
The modern borders of the province of Liège date from 1795, which saw the unification of the Principality of the
Prince-Bishopric of Liège with the
revolutionary French Department of the
Ourthe (sometimes spelled Ourte). (Parts of the old Principality of Liège also went into new French départements
Meuse-Inférieure, and
Sambre-et-Meuse.)
The province of Ourthe, as it was known then, was under
French control during the reign of
Napoleon Bonaparte. Napoleon visited the city during one of his campaigns and ordered the destruction of its vineyards in order to prevent the Liège wine industry from competing with its French counterpart.
Following
Napoleon's fall from power in 1815, Liège became part of the
Kingdom of the Netherlands
, national_anthem = )
, image_map = Kingdom of the Netherlands (orthographic projection).svg
, map_width = 250px
, image_map2 = File:KonDerNed-10-10-10.png
, map_caption2 = Map of the four constituent countries shown to scale
, capital = ...
, while eastern half of modern
Verviers became part of the
Kingdom of Prussia
The Kingdom of Prussia (german: Königreich Preußen, ) was a German kingdom that constituted the state of Prussia between 1701 and 1918.Marriott, J. A. R., and Charles Grant Robertson. ''The Evolution of Prussia, the Making of an Empire''. ...
. Liège University scholars helped to write the new Dutch constitution after the
Napoleonic Wars
The Napoleonic Wars (1803–1815) were a series of major global conflicts pitting the French Empire and its allies, led by Napoleon I, against a fluctuating array of European states formed into various coalitions. It produced a period of Fre ...
. Despite these contributions there was a widespread perception among the people of Liège that they were discriminated against by the Dutch government due to religious and language differences.
In September 1830, rumors spread that
Walloons in Brussels were expelling the Dutch. Liège intellectuals responded to these events by contacting Walloon scholars living in Paris to discuss Belgian independence. A militia was formed to press these demands led by Charlier "Wooden Leg" leading (eventually) to the
formation of an independent Kingdom of Belgium.
In the 19th century, the province was an early center of the
Industrial Revolution. Its rich coal deposits and steel factories helped Belgium to form the basis of the region's increasing economic power.
During the 20th century, due to Liège's borders with Germany, it saw fierce fighting in both World Wars. In
World War I
World War I (28 July 1914 11 November 1918), often abbreviated as WWI, was List of wars and anthropogenic disasters by death toll, one of the deadliest global conflicts in history. Belligerents included much of Europe, the Russian Empire, ...
, Liège's strong line of reinforced concrete military forts temporarily halted the
German advance through Belgium, giving time to construct trenches in Flanders which subsequently saw some of the worst fighting of that war. It also saw some of the war's worst civilian casualties as the
Imperial German Army performed
collective punishments against local villagers for acts of resistance. In 1925 the
East Cantons and
Neutral Moresnet, that had become part of Belgium as a result of the
Treaty of Versailles, were absorbed into the province of Liège.
In
World War II
World War II or the Second World War, often abbreviated as WWII or WW2, was a world war that lasted from 1939 to 1945. It involved the World War II by country, vast majority of the world's countries—including all of the great power ...
, Liège was the site of major fighting during the
Battle of the Bulge
The Battle of the Bulge, also known as the Ardennes Offensive, was the last major German offensive campaign on the Western Front during World War II. The battle lasted from 16 December 1944 to 28 January 1945, towards the end of the war in ...
. There, the Germans orchestrated their final offensive move against the combined Allied armies. Malmedy and
Saint-Vith in particular saw intense battles against the
Nazis. Malmedy was the site of a
Waffen-SS massacre of
U.S. Army prisoners of war.
Liège's heavy industry thrived in the 1950s and 1960sbut this has been in steady decline since that time. Liège is the last city of Wallonia that still maintains a functioning steel industry.
Liège continues to be the economic and cultural capital of Wallonia, with its university, medieval heritage and heavy industry.
Politics
Provincial Council
2006–2012
2012–2018
2018–2024
Economy
The
Gross domestic product (GDP) of the province was 31.6 billion € in 2018, accounting for 6.9% of Belgium's economic output. GDP per capita adjusted for purchasing power was 25,200 € or 84% of the EU27 average in the same year. GDP per person employed was 108% of the EU27 average.
Subdivisions
The province has an area of , which is divided into four
administrative districts (''arrondissements'' in
French
French (french: français(e), link=no) may refer to:
* Something of, from, or related to France
** French language, which originated in France, and its various dialects and accents
** French people, a nation and ethnic group identified with Franc ...
) containing a total of 84 municipalities.
Arrondissements
The Province of Liège is divided into four administrative arrondissements:
Image:Arrondissement Huy Belgium Map.png, Huy
Image:Arrondissement Liège Belgium Map.png, Liège
Image:Arrondissement Verviers Belgium Map.png, Verviers
Image:Arrondissement Waremme Belgium Map.png, Waremme
Municipalities
Municipalities that have
city status have a ''(city)'' behind their name.
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Amay
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Amel
Amel (; french: Amblève, ) is a Belgian municipality in the Walloon province of Liège, and is part of the German-speaking Community of Belgium (german: Deutschsprachige Gemeinschaft Belgiens). On January 1, 2013, the municipality of Amel had ...
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Ans
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Anthisnes
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Aubel
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Awans
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Aywaille
Aywaille (; wa, Aiwêye) is a municipality of Wallonia located in the province of Liège, Belgium.
On 1 January 2012, Aywaille had a total population of 11,697. The total area is 80.04 km² which gives a population density of 146 inh ...
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Baelen
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Bassenge
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Berloz
Berloz (; wa, Bierlô) is a municipality of Wallonia located in the province of Liège, Belgium.
On January 1, 2006, Berloz had a total population of 2,781. The total area is 14.49 km² which gives a population density of 192 inhabitants ...
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Beyne-Heusay
Beyne-Heusay (; wa, Binne-Heuzea) is a municipality of Wallonia located in the province of Liège, Belgium.
On January 1, 2006, Beyne-Heusay had a total population of 11,711. The total area is 7.32 km² which gives a population density of ...
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Blegny
Blegny (, before 2001: Blégny; wa, Blegné) is a municipality of Wallonia located in the province of liège, Belgium.
On January 1, 2006, Blegny had a total population of 12,799. The total area is 26.07 km² which gives a population den ...
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Braives
Braives (; wa, Braive) is a municipality of Wallonia located in the province of Liège, Belgium.
On January 1, 2006, Braives had a total population of 5,579. The total area is 44.00 km² which gives a population density of 127 inhabitants ...
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Büllingen
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Burdinne
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Burg-Reuland
Burg-Reuland () is a municipality located in the Belgian province of Liège.
The name of the municipality refers to the castle "Burg-Reuland", which is located in the center of the community. On January 1, 2006, Burg-Reuland had a total popula ...
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Bütgenbach
Bütgenbach (; french: Butgenbach, ) is a municipality located in the Belgian province of Liège. On January 1, 2006, Bütgenbach had a total population of 5,574. The total area is 97.31 km² which gives a population density of 57 inhabitants ...
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Chaudfontaine
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Clavier
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Comblain-au-Pont
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Crisnée
Crisnée (; wa, Crusnêye) is a municipality of Wallonia located in the province of Liège, Belgium.
It covers an area of 16.83 km2 and on 1 January 2013 had a total population of 3,094, giving a population density on that date of 184 inh ...
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Dalhem
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Dison
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Donceel
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Engis
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Esneux
Esneux (; wa, Esneu) is a municipality of Wallonia located in the province of Liège, Belgium.
On 1 January 2006 Esneux had a total population of 13,072. The total area is which gives a population density of 384 inhabitants per km².
The mun ...
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Eupen
Eupen (, ; ; formerly ) is the capital of German-speaking Community of Belgium and is a city and municipality in the Belgian province of Liège, from the German border ( Aachen), from the Dutch border ( Maastricht) and from the "High Fen ...
''(city)''
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Faimes
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Ferrières
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Fexhe-le-Haut-Clocher
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Flémalle
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Fléron
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Geer
Geer (; wa, Djer) is a municipality of Wallonia located in the province of Liège, Belgium.
On January 1, 2006, Geer had a total population of 2,854. The total area is 23.62 km² which gives a population density of 121 inhabitants per k ...
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Grâce-Hollogne
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Hamoir
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Hannut ''(city)''
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Héron
Héron (; wa, Héron) is a municipality of Wallonia located in the province of Liège, Belgium.
Geography
Héron is located on the river Mehaigne.
The municipality consists of the following districts: Couthuin, Héron, Lavoir, and Waret-l ...
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Herstal
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Herve ''(city)''
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Huy ''(city)''
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Jalhay
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Juprelle
Juprelle (; wa, Djouprele) is a municipality of Wallonia located in the province of Liège, Belgium.
On 1 January 2006 Juprelle had a total resident population of 8,405. The total area is 35.36 km² which gives a population density of ...
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Kelmis
Kelmis (; french: La Calamine, ) is a municipality located in the Belgian province of Liège, named for the historical deposits of calamine (zinc ore) nearby. , the population was 10,881; the area is and the population density is .
The municipal ...
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Liège ''(city)''
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Lierneux
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Limbourg ''(city)''
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Lincent
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Lontzen
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Malmedy
Malmedy (; german: Malmünd, ; wa, Måmdiy) is a city and municipality of Wallonia located in the province of Liège, Belgium.
On January 1, 2018, Malmedy had a total population of 12,654. The total area is 99.96 km2 which gives a popula ...
''(city)''
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Marchin
Marchin (; wa, Mårcin) is a municipality of Wallonia located in the province of Liège, Belgium.
On January 1, 2006, Marchin had a total population of 5,114. The total area is 30.00 km² which gives a population density of 170 inhabitan ...
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Modave
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Nandrin
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Neupré
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Olne
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Oreye
Oreye (; nl, Oerle, ) is a municipality of Wallonia located in the province of Liège, Belgium.
On January 1, 2018, Oreye had a total population of 3,912. The total area is 19.64 km² which gives a population density of 199 inhabitants ...
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Ouffet
Ouffet (; wa, Oufet) is a municipality of Wallonia located in the province of liège, Belgium.
On January 1, 2006, Ouffet had a total population of 2,529. The total area is 40.22 km2 which gives a population density of 63 inhabitants p ...
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Oupeye
Oupeye (; wa, Oûpêye) is a municipality of Wallonia located in the province of liège, Belgium.
On January 1, 2006, Oupeye had a total population of 23,581. The total area is 36.11 km² which gives a population density of 653 inhabitan ...
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Pepinster
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Plombières
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Raeren
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Remicourt
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Saint-Georges-sur-Meuse
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Saint-Nicolas
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Sankt Vith ''(city)''
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Seraing ''(city)''
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Soumagne
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Spa ''(city)''
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Sprimont
Sprimont (; wa, Sprumont) is a municipality of Wallonia located in the province of Liège, Belgium.
The municipality consists of the following districts: Dolembreux, Gomzé-Andoumont, Louveigné, Rouvreux, and Sprimont.
Other villages: Ba ...
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Stavelot
Stavelot (; german: Stablo ; wa, Ståvleu) is a town and municipality of Wallonia located in the province of Liège, Belgium.
The municipality consists of the following districts: Francorchamps and Stavelot.
It is best known as the home of ...
''(city)''
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Stoumont
Stoumont () is a municipality of Wallonia located in the province of Liège, Belgium.
On January 1, 2006, Stoumont had a total population of 3,006. The total area is 108.45 km2 which gives a population density of 28 inhabitants per km2 ...
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Theux
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Thimister-Clermont
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Tinlot
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Trois-Ponts
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Trooz
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Verlaine
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Verviers ''(city)''
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Villers-le-Bouillet
Villers-le-Bouillet (; wa, Viyé-l'-Boulet) is a municipality of Wallonia located in the province of Liège, Belgium.
On January 1, 2006, Villers-le-Bouillet had a total population of 6,051. The total area is which gives a population densi ...
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Visé ''(city)''
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Waimes
Waimes (; german: Weismes, ; wa, Waime) is a municipality of Wallonia located in the province of Liège, Belgium.
On January 1, 2006, Waimes had a total population of 6,728. The total area is 96.93 km2 which gives a population density ...
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Wanze
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Waremme ''(city)''
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Wasseiges
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Welkenraedt
Nine municipalities of Liège form the
German-speaking Community of Belgium
The German-speaking Community (german: links=no, Deutschsprachige Gemeinschaft, or DG; french: links=no, Communauté germanophone; nl, links=no, Duitstalige Gemeenschap), since 2017 also known as East Belgium (german: links=no, Ostbelgien), is ...
. From north to south they are: Kelmis (43), Lontzen (48), Raeren (60), Eupen (27), Bütgenbach (17), Büllingen (14), Amel (2), Sankt Vith (64), and Burg-Reuland (16) municipalities. Malmedy (49) and Waimes (80) are
municipalities with language facilities
There are 27 municipalities with language facilities ( nl, faciliteitengemeenten; french: communes à facilités; german: Fazilitäten-Gemeinden) in Belgium which must offer linguistic services to residents in Dutch, French, or German in addit ...
for German speakers. The other municipalities of Liège are part of the
French Community of Belgium.
List of governors
*1830–1831:
Etienne de Sauvage (Liberal)
*1831–1832:
Jean-François Tielemans
Jean–François Tielemans (15 November 1799 – 5 July 1887) was a Belgian lawyer and liberal politician. He was interim governor of the province of Antwerp
Antwerp (; nl, Antwerpen ; french: Anvers ; es, Amberes) is the larges ...
(Liberal)
*1832–1844:
Charles van den Steen de Jehay
*1844–1846:
Henri de Brouckère (Liberal)
*1846–1847:
Edmond de la Coste (Liberal)
*1847–1863:
Ferdinand de Macar (Liberal)
*1863–1882:
Charles de Luesemans (Liberal)
*1882–1908:
Léon Pety de Thozée
*1908–1919:
Henry Delvaux de Fenffe (
Catholic Party)
*1919–1927:
Gaston Gregoire (Liberal)
*1927–1937:
Henri Pirard
*1937–1943:
Jules Mathieu
*1944–1953:
Joseph Leclercq (
PSB)
*1953–1971:
Pierre Clerdent (
PRL)
*1972–1990:
Gilbert Mottard (
PS)
*1990–2004:
Paul Bolland
Paul Graham Arthur Bolland (born 23 December 1979) is an English former professional footballer, commentator and football coach who is head of football at Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate.
As a player, he was a midfielder from 1997 to 2013 and ...
*2004–2015:
Michel Foret (
MR)
*2015–present
Hervé Jamar
Hervé Jamar is a Belgian politician. He is a member of the Reformist Movement
The Reformist Movement (french: Mouvement Réformateur, MR) is a liberal French-speaking political party in Belgium. MR is traditionally a conservative-liberal par ...
(
MR)
References
External links
Official web site of the Liège province
'' Bureau des Relations Extérieures de la Province de Liège''
{{DEFAULTSORT:Liege (Province)
NUTS 2 statistical regions of the European Union
Provinces of Wallonia
German-speaking countries and territories