Baarle

BaarleBaarle-NassauBaarle-Hertog

Baarle-NassauBaarle-HertogCountryNetherlandsBelgiumProvinceNorth BrabantAntwerpCommuneBaarle-NassauTurnhoutArea76.30 km27.48 km2Population 66682592Density87/km2350/km2TimezoneArea Code013014Postal Code51112387House Numbersthumb|100px|House Number in 'Nassau'thumb|100px|House Number in 'Hertog'Website260px|right|border
Baarle, legally consists of two towns Baarle-Nassau, is a town in the Netherlands.

During the twelfth century the area was swampland.  In 1198 Hendrik I, the Duke of Brabant made over some of the land to Godfried of Schoten, the Lord of Breda. Hendrick kept the lands that were paying him a rent. The area that Hendrick kept is now part of Belgium. The area that was given to Gotfried is now in the Netherlands. The title "Lord of Breda" is now held by Willem-Alexander, king of the Netherlands.  The title, "Duke of Brabant" is now a courtesy title of the heir to the Belgian throne.

Baarle-Hertog and Baarle-Nassau each have a burgermeester (mayor). Each town has its own elected town council and each has a police station. Each town has its own church. In some areas the two town councils can cooperate. They have set up a joint council to look after things like electricity, water and gas supplies, highway maintenance and refuse collection. 

Both councils also fund a joint cultural centre that houses a combined library. The cultural centre has two official entrances. The international border passes through the building. The Dutch entrance is at 7 Pastoor de Katerstraat. The Belgian entrance is at 5 Pastoor de Katerstraat. The tourist office is affiliated to both the Dutch and the Belgian tourist boards.    

Dutch trading law applies to the Dutch parts of the town. Belgian trading laws apply to the Belgian parts of the town. Difference in the laws have encouraged smuggling. After the Second World War many people smuggled butter from the Netherlands into Belgium. In modern times many people buy fireworks in Belgium and smuggle them into the Netherlands. 

References

Category:Settlements in Belgium
Category:Settlements in North Brabant