Flanders

Area in western Europe in modern Belgium (Oost-Vlaanderen and West-Vlaanderen provinces) and France (Nord and Pas-de-Calais departments). Comprises a small area, but historically it was densely populated and productive, with important seaports and occupying a central position in Europe. It was a Medieval principality in the southwestern Low Countries. Its broadest boundaries include the lands of Philip the Good (died 1467), Charles the Bold (died 1477), and Charles V (died 1558).