Aalter is a municipality located in the Belgian province of East Flanders. The municipality comprises the towns of Aalter proper, Bellem, Lotenhulle and Poeke. It is bordered on the north by Knesselare, on the east by Zomergem and Nevele, on the south by Deinze, and on the west by the province of West Flanders. On January 1st, 2006 Aalter had a total population of 18,841. The total area is 81.92 km² which gives a population density of 230 inhabitants per km². The mayor is Pieter De Crem.