Lede is a municipality located in the Belgian province of East Flanders. The municipality comprises the towns of Impe, Lede proper, Oordegem, Smetlede and Wanzele. On January 1st, 2000 Lede had a total population of 16,949 (8,295 males and 8,654 females). The total area is 30.21 km² which gives a population density of 561.04 inhabitants per km².