Limburg (French LIMBOURG), province in northeastern Belgium. It is bounded by The Netherlands on the north and east, where the Meuse River marks the frontier. Limburg consists of three administrative arrondissements (Hasselt, Maaseik, and Tongeren). Largely Flemish-speaking, it was formerly part of the feudal duchy of Limburg, which was divided between Belgium and The Netherlands in 1839. The Kempen heathland in the north is characterized by gentle eminences of sand dune and moor separated by shallow marshy depressions, with pine plantations covering about one-quarter of the surface. In some areas the soil has been fertilized to produce rye, oats, potatoes, vegetables, and fodder; livestock also are raised. Rich coalfields in the Kempen have been developed since World War I, producing much of Belgium's coal. Zinc and other nonferrous refineries, chemical works, and glassworks are located on isolated heathland sites, and there is diversified industry around Hasselt, the capital. The construction of the Albert Canal (1930-39) from Antwerp to Liège also stimulated the economic growth of this formerly poor region.

The Demer Valley at the southern edge of the Kempen supports dairy farming and, along its margin, prosperous market gardening. In the southern part of Limburg, sandy loams of the northern Hesbaye Plateau support fruit, grains, sugar beets, and vegetables. Industries of the region are related to agriculture--sugar refining and food processing. Limburg's principal population centres are Genk, Maaseik, and Tessenderloo in the Kempen; Hasselt; and Sint-Truiden and Tongeren in the Hesbaye. The province is served by the Albert, Schelde-Meuse Junction, and Zuidwillemsvaart canals and by several railway lines. There are also several natural reserves in the Kempen region. Area 935 square miles (2,422 square km). Pop. (19 91) 750,435.