Antwerp has with its location by river Scheldt, with direct access to the North Sea, always been an important port. At the end of the 15th century the big trade houses moved their offices to...
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Antwerp has with its location by river Scheldt, with direct access to the North Sea, always been an important port. At the end of the 15th century the big trade houses moved their offices to Antwerp from Bruges, and a great era started. In 2005 Antwerp’s port was selected the 17th largest in the world, and it is around ports and commerce that the city’s economy revolves. Before World War II Antwerp had a large Jewish Orthodox population and after the war the city has again become the European centre for orthodox Jews. In connection with EuroGames 2007, Antwerp began to invest in gay tourism and since 2003 Navigaytion is held in June, a big gay party organised by the gay venues in the city.
Facts:
Inhabitants:470000
Area:204 square kilometres
Area code:03
