Brakel (Dutch pronunciation: [ˈbraːkəl]) is a municipality in the Belgian province of East Flanders in the Denderstreek and the Flemish Ardennes. The name is derived from a Carolingian villa Braglo first mentioned in 866 and located in the center of Opbrakel. Since 1970, the municipality has comprised the villages of Nederbrakel, Opbrakel, Michelbeke, Elst, Zegelsem. In 1977 Everbeek, Parike and part of Sint-Maria-Oudenhove were added. On January 1, 2006, Brakel had a population of 13,726. The area is 56.46 km² which gives a population density of 243 per km².