Johan Van Mullem was born in Isiro in the Democratic Republic of Congo to Flemish parents, but spent much of his childhood following his diplomat father from country to country.
The municipality comprises the city of Oudenaarde proper and the towns of Bevere, Edelare, Eine, Ename, Heurne, Leupegem, Mater, Melden, Mullem, Nederename, Welden, Volkegem and a part of Ooike.