Bruges

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Bruges (Brugge) Capital of West Flanders province, nw Belgium. Built on a network of canals, it was a great trading centre in the 15th century. Its importance declined after 1500, but trade revived when the Zeebrugge ship canal was opened in 1907. It has many medieval buildings, including churches, a town hall and a market hall. Industries: engineering, brewing, lace, textiles, tourism. Pop. (2000) 133,859.

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