HASSELT, a town of Belgium, capital of the province of Limburg, on the Demer, 15 miles W.N.W. of Maastricht. It is the seat of the principal provincial courts, and is tolerably well built. It has several churches and chapels; a court-house, 2 hospitals; almshouse; college; and several primary schools. The chief manufactures are linen, leather, tobacco, gin, beer, and salt. It is likewise a place of considerable trade. Pop. of commune (1851) 9784.