Nieuwerkerken is a municipality located in the Belgian province of Limburg near Hasselt. On January 1, 2006, Nieuwerkerken had a total population of 6,606. The total area is 22.46 km2 which gives a population density of 294 inhabitants per km2. It consists of 4 villages: Binderveld, Wijer, Kozen and Nieuwerkerken. The current mayor is Dries Deferm. The municipality consists of the following sub-municipalities: Binderveld, Kozen, Nieuwerkerken proper, and Wijer.