The Flemish are an ethnic group native to Flanders. Today, they make up 60% of the Belgian population.
In 862 the country of Flanders was created in West Francia. Later, in the late 12th century, the western parts of Flanders fell under French control. The remaining parts were controlled by Hainaut.
Flanders grew increasingly powerful and managed to withstand a French annexation attempt in 1302, although the uprising was defeated two years later. In 1477 the entire area of Flanders was united with the Duchy of Brabant, due to the region being passed to the dukes of Burgundy almost 100 years prior.
The trading towns of Flanders became on the richest of Europe during the middle ages, due to a significant development in the weaving industry.
