The County of Flanders was a historical region in what is now modern-day Belgium, France, and Netherlands. It emerged in the early Middle Ages and became a significant center for trade and commerce, particularly during the 12th to 15th centuries. The county was known for its wealthy cities, such as Bruges and Ghent, which played crucial roles in the cloth industry. Governed by a count, the County of Flanders was part of the larger Holy Roman Empire and later came under the control of the Burgundian Netherlands. Its strategic location and economic power made it a focal point for political and cultural developments in medieval Europe.