View source for Nord-Pas-de-Calais

{{short description|Former administrative region of France}}
{{For|the Ferry|MS Nord Pas-de-Calais}}
{{More citations needed|date=March 2010}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2022}}
{{Infobox settlement
<!-- See Template:Infobox settlement for additional fields and descriptions -->| official_name      = Nord-Pas-de-Calais
| native_name        = {{native name|pcd|Nord-Pas-Calés}}

 {{native name|vls|Nôord-Nauw van Kales}}
| native_name_lang   = fr
| settlement_type    = [[Regions of France|Region of France]]
| image_skyline      = 
| image_caption      = 
| image_flag         = File:Generic flag of Nord-Pas-de-Calais.svg
| flag_size          = 120px
| image_shield       = Arms of Flanders.svg
| shield_size        = 
| image_blank_emblem = 
| blank_emblem_size  = 75px
| image_map          = Nord-Pas-de-Calais in France.svg
| map_caption        = 
| motto              = 
| coordinates        = {{Coord|50|28|N|2|43|E|region:FR_type:adm1st|display=title,inline}}
| subdivision_type   = Country
| subdivision_name   = France
| extinct_title      = Dissolved
| extinct_date       = 1 January 2016
| seat_type          = [[Prefectures in France|Prefecture]]
| seat               = [[Lille]]
| parts_type         = [[Departments of France|Departments]]
| parts_style        = list
| parts              = 2
| p1                 = [[Nord (French department)|Nord]] (59)
| p2                 = [[Pas-de-Calais]] (62)
| p3                 = 
| p4                 = 
| p5                 = 
| p6                 = 
| p7                 = 
| p8                 = 
| p9                 = 
| p10                = 
| p11                = 
| p12                = 
| p13                = 
| p14                = 
| leader_party       = DVD
| leader_title       = [[President of the Regional Council (France)|President]]
| leader_name        = [[Xavier Bertrand]]
| area_footnotes     = 
| area_total_km2     = 12414
| area_land_km2      = 
| area_water_km2     = 
| population_footnotes = 
| population_total   = 4050706
| population_as_of   = 2012-01-01
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_demonym = 
| timezone1          = [[Central European Time|CET]]
| utc_offset1        = +1
| timezone1_DST      = [[Central European Summer Time|CEST]]
| utc_offset1_DST    = +2
| demographics_type1 = GDP
| demographics1_footnotes =<ref>{{cite web | url=https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/databrowser/view/tgs00003/default/table?lang=en | title=EU regions by GDP, Eurostat|access-date=18 September 2023}}</ref>
| demographics1_title1 = Total
| demographics1_info1 = €122,607&nbsp;billion
| demographics1_title2 = Per capita
| demographics1_info2 = €30,200
| blank_name_sec2    = [[First level NUTS of the European Union#France|NUTS Region]]
| blank_info_sec2    = FR3
| website            = [http://www.nordpasdecalais.fr/ www.nordpasdecalais.fr]
| iso_code           = FR-O
| footnotes          = 
| governing_body     = [[Regional Council of Nord-Pas-de-Calais]]
}}

'''Nord-Pas-de-Calais''' ({{IPA|fr|nɔʁ pɑ d(ə) kalɛ|-|Fr-Paris--Nord-Pas-de-Calais.ogg}}; {{langx|pcd|Nord-Pas-Calés}}; [[West Flemish]]: ''Nôord-Nauw van Kales'') was a former [[regions of France|administrative region]] of France. Since 1 January 2016, it has been part of the new [[Regions of France|region]] [[Hauts-de-France]].<ref name="reform law">{{cite French law|number or usual name=n° 2015–29|date in French=16 janvier 2015|full name=relative à la délimitation des régions, aux élections régionales et départementales et modifiant le calendrier électoral|language=French|lower case=|URL=http://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichTexte.do;jsessionid=9FECBA9D9314D1D2C093CF793C886ED5.tpdila21v_1?idSectionTA=JORFSCTA000030109623&cidTexte=JORFTEXT000030109622&dateTexte=29990101}}</ref> It consisted of the [[departments of France|departments]] of [[Nord (French department)|Nord]] and [[Pas-de-Calais]]. Nord-Pas-de-Calais bordered the [[English Channel]] (west), the [[North Sea]] (northwest), [[Belgium]] (north and east), and [[Picardy]] (south). Until the 17th century, the history of the North was largely shared with the history of Belgium (the Celtic [[Belgae|Belgians]] during Antiquity were a multitude of [[Celts|Celtic peoples]] from the north of [[Gallia Belgica|Gaul]]), that of a land that "for almost a thousand years served as a battlefield for all of Europe." 

The majority of the region was once part of the historical [[Southern Netherlands]], but gradually became part of France between 1477 and 1678, particularly during the reign of King [[Louis XIV]]. The historical [[Provinces of France|French provinces]] that preceded Nord-Pas-de-Calais are [[Artois]], [[French Flanders]], [[French Hainaut]], and (partially) [[Picard language|Picardy]] (part of [[Hainaut Province|Hainaut]] and [[Flanders]] is in the Kingdom of [[Belgium]]). These provincial designations are still frequently used by the inhabitants. The former administrative region was created in 1956 under the name "Nord" and maintained that name until 1972, when "[[Pas-de-Calais]]" was added. This remained unchanged until its dissolution in 2016.

With a population density of 330.8 people per km<sup>2</sup> on just over 12,414&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>, it was a densely populated region inhabited by 4.1&nbsp;million people, 7% of France's total population, making it the fourth most populous region in the country, 83% of whom live in urban communities. Its administrative centre and largest city is [[Lille]]. The second largest city is [[Calais]], which serves as a major continental economic/transportation hub with [[Dover]] of Great Britain {{convert|42|km|mi}} away; this makes Nord-Pas-de-Calais the closest [[continental Europe]]an connection to the island of Great Britain. Other major towns include [[Valenciennes]], [[Lens, Pas-de-Calais|Lens]], [[Douai]], [[Béthune]], [[Dunkirk]], [[Maubeuge]], [[Boulogne-sur-Mer|Boulogne]], [[Arras]], [[Cambrai]], and [[Saint-Omer]].  The region is featured in numerous films, including ''[[Bienvenue chez les Ch'tis]]''.

==Name==
<!-- This section is a redirect target from [[French Netherlands]] -->
{{redirect|French Netherlands|the Netherlands under French rule|Incorporation (Netherlands)}}
''Nord-Pas-de-Calais'' combines the names of the constituent departments of [[Nord (French department)|Nord]] (literally 'North', the northernmost [[department of France]]) and [[Pas-de-Calais]] ('Strait of Calais', the French name of the [[Strait of Dover]]). The [[Regional Council of Nord-Pas-de-Calais|regional council]], however, spells the name ''Nord-Pas-de-Calais''.<ref>[http://www.nordpasdecalais.fr/institution/quEstCe/intro.asp Région Nord-Pas de Calais: ''Qu'est ce que la Région?''] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110105051250/http://nordpasdecalais.fr/institution/quEstCe/intro.asp |date=5 January 2011 }} Retrieved 4 January 2011</ref>

The northern part of the region was historically a part of the [[County of Flanders]], with [[Lille]] as its capital. Those<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cap21npdc.net/article-et-si-on-se-decidait-enfin-a-changer-le-nom-de-la-region-55005742.html |access-date=19 September 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723034958/http://www.cap21npdc.net/article-et-si-on-se-decidait-enfin-a-changer-le-nom-de-la-region-55005742.html|title=Et si on se décidait enfin à changer le nom de la région ? |trans-title=What if we finally decided to change the name of the region? |archive-date=23 July 2011 }}</ref> who wish to highlight the historical links the region has with Belgium and the [[Netherlands]] prefer to call this region the '''[[French and Low Countries campaign|French Low Countries]]''', which also means ''French Netherlands'' in French (French: ''Pays-Bas français''; Dutch: ''Franse Nederlanden'' or ''Franse Lage Landen''). Other alternative names are ''Région Flandre(s)-Artois'', ''Hauts-de-France'', ('Upper France') and ''Picardie-du-Nord'' ('Northern [[Picardy]]').

==History==

[[File:Lianefleuve.JPG|thumb|[[Liane (river)|Liane]] in Pas-de-Calais]]Inhabited since [[Prehistory|prehistoric]] times, the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region has always been a strategic (and hence a highly fought-over) region in Europe. French President [[Charles de Gaulle]], who was born in [[Lille]], called the region a "fatal avenue" through which invading armies repeatedly passed. Over the centuries, it was conquered in turn by the [[Celts|Celtic]] [[Belgae]], the [[Ancient Rome|Romans]], the Germanic [[Franks]], England, the [[Spanish Netherlands|Spanish]] and [[Austrian Netherlands]], and the [[Dutch Republic]]. After the final French [[annexation]] in the early 18th century, much of the region was again occupied by Germany during the [[World War I|First]] and [[World War II|Second]] World Wars.

During the 4th and 5th centuries, the Roman practice of [[Co-option|co-opting]] [[Germanic peoples|Germanic tribes]] to provide military and defense services along the route from [[Boulogne-sur-Mer|Boulogne]] to [[Cologne]] created a [[Germanic languages|Germanic]]–[[Romance languages|Romance]] [[Language border|linguistic border]] in the region that persisted until the 8th century. By the 9th century, most inhabitants north of Lille spoke a dialect of [[Middle Dutch]], while the inhabitants to the south spoke a variety of Romance dialects. This linguistic border is still evident today in the place names of the region. Beginning in the 9th century, the linguistic border began a steady move to the north and the east. By the end of the 13th century, the linguistic border had shifted to the river [[Lys (river)|Lys]] in the south and [[Cap Gris-Nez]] in the west.<ref name=Ryckeboer>{{cite journal
| author=Ryckeboer, H
| journal=Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development
| year=2002
| pages=22–35
| volume=23
| issue=1
| url= http://www.multilingual-matters.net/jmmd/023/0022/jmmd0230022.pdf
| title= Dutch/Flemish in the North of France
| doi=10.1080/01434630208666452
| s2cid=144987612
}}</ref>
[[File:Cap Blanc Nez winter.jpg|thumb|Winter at [[Cap Blanc Nez]]]]
During the [[Middle Ages]], the Pas-de-Calais department comprised the [[County of Boulogne]] and the [[County of Artois]], while the Nord department was mostly made up of the southern portions of the [[County of Flanders]] and the [[County of Hainaut]]. Boulogne, Artois, and Flanders were [[fief]]s of the French crown, while [[Hainaut Province|Hainaut]] and (after 1493) [[Flanders]] were within the [[Holy Roman Empire]]. [[Calais]] was an English possession from 1347 to 1558, when it was recovered by the French throne. In the 15th century, all of the territories, except Calais, were united under the rule of the [[Duke of Burgundy|Dukes of Burgundy]], along with other territories in northern France and areas in what is now [[Belgium]], [[Luxembourg]], and the [[Netherlands]].  With the death of the Burgundian duke [[Charles the Bold]] in 1477, the [[Boulonnais (land area)|Boulonnais]] and [[Artois]] were seized by the French crown, while Flanders and Hainaut were inherited by Charles's daughter [[Mary of Burgundy|Marie]]. Shortly thereafter, in 1492, Artois was ceded back to Marie's son [[Philip I of Castile|Philip the Handsome]], as part of an attempt to keep Philip's father, Emperor [[Maximilian I, Holy Roman Emperor|Maximilian I]], neutral in French King [[Charles VIII of France|Charles VIII]]'s prospective invasion of Italy.
[[File:Douai - Vue à partir du Beffroi (06).JPG|thumb|[[Douai]]]]
Thus, most of the territories of what is now Nord-Pas-de-Calais were reunited with the Burgundian inheritance, which had passed through Marie's marriage to the [[House of Habsburg]]. These territories formed an integral part of the [[Seventeen Provinces]] of the Netherlands as they were defined during the reign of Philip's son, [[Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor|Emperor Charles V]], and passed to Charles's son, [[Philip II of Spain|Philip&nbsp;II of Spain]]. During the [[Italian Wars]], much of the conflict between France and Spain occurred in the region. When [[Eighty Years' War|the Netherlands revolted against Spanish rule]], beginning in 1566, the territories in what is now Nord-Pas-de-Calais were those most loyal to the throne and proved the base from which the [[Alexander Farnese, Duke of Parma|Duke of Parma]] was able to bring the whole southern part of the Netherlands back under Spanish control. It was also a base for Spanish support of [[Catholic Church in France|French Catholics]] in the [[French Wars of Religion]].
[[File:TourbièreVredGroupe3Roselière.jpg|thumb|Bog of Vred, natural reserve]]
During the wars between France and Spain in the 17th century ([[Thirty Years' War|1635]]–[[Franco-Spanish War (1635–1659)|1659]], [[War of Devolution|1667–1668]], [[Franco-Dutch War|1672–1678]], [[Nine Years' War|1688–1697]]), these territories became the principal seat of conflict between the two states, and French control over the area was gradually established. Beginning with the annexation of Artois in 1659, most of the current [[Nord (French department)|Nord department]] territory had been acquired by the time of the [[Treaty of Nijmegen]] in 1678.  The current borders were mostly established by the time of the [[Treaty of Ryswick]] in 1697.

The area, previously divided among the French provinces of [[French Flanders|Flanders]], Artois, and [[Picardy]], was divided into its two present departments following the [[French Revolution]] of 1789. Under [[Napoleon]], the French boundary was extended to include all of Flanders and present-day Belgium until the [[Congress of Vienna]] in 1815 restored the original French boundary.

During the 19th century, the region underwent major [[Industrial Revolution|industrialisation]] and became one of the leading industrial regions of France, second only to [[Alsace-Lorraine]]. Nord-Pas-de-Calais was barely touched by the [[Franco-Prussian War]] of 1870; the war actually helped it to cement its leading role in French industry due to the loss of [[Alsace–Lorraine|Alsace-Lorraine]] to Germany. However, it suffered catastrophic damage in the two World Wars of the 20th century.

=== Prehistory ===
[[File:Bonnettes03.jpg|thumb|[[Cromlech]] des Bonettes, [[Sailly-en-Ostrevent]]]]
The earliest evidence of man's presence in the region dates from the [[Pleistocene]] to the [[Middle Ages]]. Evidence of early human presence includes [[Hand axe|bifaces]] dating back to around 700,000 BC found in [[Wimereux]] and 500,000 BC in [[Quiévy]].<ref>{{Harvtxt|Collectif|1988|p=24}}</ref> During the Pleistocene, human activity was intermittent due to the harsh climate caused by expanding Nordic glaciers.<ref name=":02">{{Harvtxt|Collectif|1988|p=25}}</ref> Occupation sites are noted from around 60,000 BC in [[Marcoing]] and 50,000–40,000 BC<ref name=":02"/> in [[Busigny]] and [[Le Hamel, Somme|Hamel]], with the first Homo sapiens identified in [[Rouvroy, Pas-de-Calais|Rouvroy]].<ref name=":12">{{Harvtxt|Collectif|1988|p=26}}</ref>

After the last [[Ice age]], the region, now covered in forests, saw the emergence of [[hunter-gatherer]] societies using [[microlith]]s for hunting.<ref name=":12"/> The [[Neolithic period]] marked the beginning of agriculture and animal husbandry, influenced by the [[Cerny culture|Cerny]] and [[Michelsberg culture|Michelsberg]] cultures. Evidence of trade and tool use from outside the region highlights interactions with other areas.<ref>{{Harvtxt|Collectif|1988|pp=27–28}}</ref> Additionally, the Neolithic era left behind [[megalith]]ic structures, such as [[dolmen]]s and [[menhir]]s, which were likely used for religious purposes, though their exact functions remain unclear.<ref>{{Harvtxt|Desmulliez|Milis|2008|p=23}}</ref>

=== ''Gallia Belgica'' and the Roman Empire ===

==== The Gallic War ====
{{Main article|Gallic Wars}}
[[File:Gaule_-56_cropped.PNG|thumb|The [[Gallic Wars|Gallic War]] in 56&nbsp;BC: After defeating the [[Atrebates]] and [[Nervii|Nervians]] at the [[battle of Sabis]], Caesar continued his conquests towards the [[North Sea]].]]
During the [[Gallic Wars|Gallic War]] in 56&nbsp;BC, [[Julius Caesar]] expanded his conquests toward the [[North Sea]] after defeating the [[Atrebates]] and [[Nervii|Nervians]] at the [[Battle of the Sabis|Battle of Sabis]].<ref>{{Harvtxt|Collectif|1988|p=38}}</ref> The Belgians, a collective of various tribes such as the [[Menapii|Menapiens]], [[Morina (tribe)|Morins]], [[Atrebates|Atrébates]], and [[Nervians]], had settled in the region between the [[5th century BC|5th]] and [[1st century BC|1st centuries BC]]. These tribes, described by [[Julius Caesar|Caesar]], were not homogeneous and occupied different parts of the land. Settlements were mainly [[Hamlet (place)|hamlets]] around farms, with few fortified camps like [[Étrun|Etrun]].<ref>{{Harvtxt|Collectif|1988|p=39}}</ref> The Roman invasion began in [[57 BC|57&nbsp;BC]], leading to significant battles, including a [[Battle of the Sabis|decisive one]] on the banks of the [[Sambre|Sabis]].<ref>{{Cite journal |last=César |first=J. |date=1990 |title=Guerre des Gaules – Tome I, Livres I-IV |journal=Belles Lettres |language=fr |edition=13th |pages=23}}</ref> Despite initial resistance, by [[50 BC|50&nbsp;BC]], Gaul-Belgium was conquered and remained under military occupation until [[27 BC|27&nbsp;BC]].<ref>{{Harvtxt|Collectif|1988|p=42}}</ref>

==== ''Pax Romana'' ====
[[File:B-6511_Strée,_chaussée_Brunehault.JPG|thumb|Roman road from Bavay to Trier, one of the seven "Chaussée Brunehaut" radiating out from Bavay (Bagacum Nerviorum)]]
Following their victory, the Romans implemented policies of pacification and Romanization, transforming the region administratively and economically. They established numerous cities, incorporating ancient [[Celtic tribes]] into the prosperous Roman province of [[Belgium]].<ref>{{Cite journal |last=César |first=J. |date=1990 |title=Idem |journal=Belles Lettres |language=fr |edition=13th |pages=124}}</ref> Key cities included Bagacum Nerviorum ([[Bavay]]), Namur ([[Atuatuca|Aduatuca]]), Castellum Menapiorum ([[Cassel, Nord|Cassel]]), Nemetocenna ([[Arras]]), and Tervanna ([[Thérouanne]]). The region flourished through agriculture, particularly sheep breeding and wheat cultivation, and the development of a sophisticated road network known as the "[[Chausée Brunehaut|Brunehaut causeways]]". This network facilitated trade within the empire, allowing for the import and export of various goods, including ceramics, pottery, wine, olive oil, linen cloth, and ham.<ref name=":2">{{Harvtxt|Desmulliez|Milis|2008|pp=63–64}}</ref> Vici (hamlets) emerged along these routes, and many modern communes in the [[Scarpe (river)|Scarpe]] and [[Escaut River|Escaut]] valleys trace their origins to [[Gallo-Roman culture|Gallo-Roman]] settlements.<ref>{{Harvtxt|Desmulliez|Milis|2008|p=68}}</ref>

==== Decline and Barbarian Invasions ====
By the end of the 1st century, Germanic tribes began encroaching on the region, leading to periods of pillaging and instability. The [[Franks]] crossed the [[Rhine]] in 253–254 and again between 259 and 263, followed by the [[Alemanni|Alamanni]] in 275. During brief periods of peace, new capitals like [[Tournai]] and [[Cambrai]] emerged, replacing older ones such as [[Cassel, Nord|Cassel]] and [[Bavay]]. The region also saw the initial stages of [[Christianization]], although it remained limited until the [[3rd century BC|3rd]] and 5th centuries. In 406, a frozen Rhine allowed a flood of barbarian groups, including the [[Franks]] and Germans driven by the [[Huns]], to invade, ultimately leading to the collapse of the remaining Roman authority in the region.

=== The Frankish kingdoms ===

==== Christianization in the Merovingian Period ====
[[File:Cartulaire_Marchiennes_abbaye.JPG|thumb|[[Marchiennes Abbey]] was founded around 630.]]
During the [[Merovingian dynasty|Merovingian period]], the [[Salian Franks]] initially maintained their [[Paganism|pagan]] beliefs, unlike other Germanic tribes who converted to [[Arianism]]. [[Clovis I|Clovis]]'s conversion to [[Nicene Christianity]] was significant as it aligned with the remaining Roman Empire's religion, providing [[Divine right of kings|sacred legitimacy]]. This period saw a renewal of urbanization and the establishment of ecclesiastical authorities. [[Vedast|Vaast]] became bishop of [[Arras]] and [[Cambrai]] early in the century. By 511, however, the region was not sufficiently Christianized to be represented at the [[Council of Orléans|Council of Orleans]].<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Le Jan |first=Régine |date=2003 |title=La sacralité de la royauté mérovingienne |url=https://www.cairn.info/revue-annales-2003-6-page-1217.htm |journal=Annales. Histoire, Sciences Sociales |volume=58 |issue=6 |language=fr |pages=1217–1241}}</ref>

==== Between Neustria and Austrasia ====
The [[Merovingian dynasty|Merovingians]] did not have a concept of statehood; instead, fiefdoms were private domains.<ref name=":32">{{Harvtxt|Pierrard|1978|p=45}}</ref> After Clovis's death, his kingdom was divided among his sons, leading to dynastic struggles, notably between queens [[Brunehaut]] and [[Frédégonde]]. Around 630&nbsp;AD, during [[Dagobert I|Dagobert]]'s reign, significant Christianization efforts began with the establishment of numerous monasteries, such as [[Marchiennes]], [[Monastery of Santa Clara|Condé]], and [[Maroilles, Nord|Maroilles]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Platelle |first=Henri |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UEaaJhUn-psC&pg=PA160 |title=Présence de l'au-delà : une vision médiévale du monde |date=2004 |pages=160 |publisher=Presses Univ. Septentrion |isbn=978-2-85939-852-1 |language=fr}}</ref> These monasteries, supported by the Frankish aristocracy, played crucial roles in land development and extending royal power.<ref>{{Harvtxt|Pierrard|1978|pp=49–50}}</ref> Coastal areas saw less interest from the Franks, with the first bishop, [[Audomar]] (Saint Omer), arriving only in the 6th century.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Meriaux |first=Charles |date=2000 |title=Thérouanne et son diocèse jusqu'à la fin de l'époque carolingienne : les étapes de la christianisation d'après les sources écrites |url=https://www.persee.fr/doc/bec_0373-6237_2000_num_158_2_451035 |journal=Bibliothèque de l'école des chartes |language=fr |volume=158 |issue=2 |pages=377–406|doi=10.3406/bec.2000.451035 }}</ref>

=== The Scheldt as a New Frontier ===

==== The Treaty of Verdun ====
The [[Treaty of Verdun]] in 843 divided [[Charlemagne]]'s empire into three kingdoms, establishing the [[Scheldt River]] as the natural boundary between [[West Francia]] and [[Middle Francia]]. This division split what is now the [[Nord (French department)|Nord département]] into two parts: one under what would become France and the other under the [[Holy Roman Empire]]. This new border marked a significant shift in territorial and political dynamics in the region.<ref name=":32"/>

==== Counties of Flanders, Cambrésis, and Hainaut ====
[[File:Ludwigslied_Manuscript_Valenciennes_p._1+2.jpg|thumb|''[[Sequence of Saint Eulalia]]'']]
In the early [[Middle Ages]], the [[Feudalism|feudal system]] shaped the region's political landscape. The [[County of Flanders]] emerged in the late 9th century as a semi-autonomous entity with regular insubordination to the French King. Similarly, the [[County of Hainaut]] took shape by the mid-11th century, with the [[Duchy of Brabant]] reflecting [[Flemish Region|Flemish]] traditions. The influence of the [[Catholic Church]] also grew, with the [[Erluin of Cambrai|Bishop]] of [[Cambrai]] becoming Count of [[Cambrésis]]. The importance of waterways led to the growth of towns such as [[Lille]] and [[Arras]], which gained privileges and self-governance, especially in the 12th century when Arras became renowned for its cloth industry.<ref>{{Harvtxt|C'artouche|2000|pp=27–28}}</ref>

==== The Battle of Bouvines ====
[[File:Béguinage_Saint-Vaast._Cambrai._Angle.JPG|thumb|Saint-Vaast beguinage in [[Cambrai]], created in the 14th century]]
In 1180, Isabelle de Hainaut's marriage to [[Philippe Auguste]] brought the Artois region to the French crown. The complex succession issues surrounding the [[County of Flanders]] led to a coalition against the King of France, involving the Emperor, the King of England, and the [[Count of Flanders]], Ferrand of [[Portugal]]. The decisive [[Battle of Bouvines]] in 1214 saw Philippe Auguste emerge victorious, enabling him to implement administrative reforms to consolidate royal power. These changes, along with the support of his successor [[Louis IX of France|Saint Louis]], allowed the French monarchy to exert influence over Flanders and Hainaut. The early 13th century also saw significant religious expansion in these regions with the establishment of monasteries and [[beguinage]]s, fostering religious movements like Rheno-Flemish mysticism.<ref>{{Harvtxt|Collectif|1988|pp=102–103}}</ref>

==== Hundred Years' War ====
[[File:Calais1347.jpg|thumb|The surrender of [[Siege of Calais (1346–1347)|Calais]] in 1347, [[Froissart's Chronicles]]]]
{{Main article|Hundred Years' War}}
The 14th century brought the crisis of the [[late Middle Ages]] and rising tensions between France and England, particularly over [[Flanders]], Guyenne, and [[Scotland]]. The [[Count of Flanders]], though serving the French King, had economic ties with England, while the [[Count of Hainaut]] aligned with the Emperor, an English ally. [[Edward III of England|Edward&nbsp;III]]'s campaign in 1346 led to the protracted siege of Calais. The [[Hundred Years' War]], while destructive, was overshadowed by devastating epidemics like the [[Black Death]], which struck southern [[Hainaut Province|Hainaut]] in 1316, killing a third of the population, and reoccurred several times, including a severe outbreak in [[Calais]] in 1348.

=== From the Revolution to the First Empire ===

==== Context in 1789 ====
Northern France, described by [[Jean-Clément Martin]] as the "aborted [[Vendée]]", was notably hostile to the [[French Revolution]]. The local peasants, deeply affected by the king's execution in January 1793, resisted the new revolutionary order. [[Tree of Liberty (symbol)|Liberty trees]] were cut down in the [[Cambrai]] district, and [[parish]]ioners refused sacraments from constitutional priests. In villages like [[Morbecque]], peasants rebelled against conscription and faced persecution by the republican authorities.<ref>{{Cite book |title=La Guerre de Vendée, 1793–1800 |publisher=Points-Seuil |year=2014 |isbn=978-2-7578-3656-9 |pages=51 |language=fr}}</ref>

==== The Creation of the Nord and Pas-de-Calais Départements ====
On September 29, 1789, the Constituent Assembly decided to reorganize France into departments of approximately 324 square leagues each. The northern provinces were to form four departments, but various projects clashed. Ultimately, the National Assembly decided in 1790 to create the [[Nord (French department)|Nord]] and [[Pas-de-Calais]] departments. [[Douai]] was initially chosen as the prefecture of Nord due to [[Philippe-Antoine Merlin de Douai|Merlin de Douai]]'s influence, but it was later moved to [[Lille]] by the [[French Consulate|First Consul]] on 3 [[Thermidor]] IX. The Nord department consisted of eight districts: [[Bergues]], [[Hazebrouck]], [[Lille]], [[Douai]], [[Cambrai|Cambray]], [[Valenciennes]], [[Le Quesnoy]], and [[Avesnes]], while [[Pas-de-Calais]] comprised [[Arras]], [[Bapaume]], [[Béthune]], [[Boulogne-sur-Mer|Boulogne]], [[Calais]], [[Montreuil, Seine-Saint-Denis|Montreuil]], [[Saint-Omer]], and [[Saint-Pol-de-Léon|Saint-Pol]].<ref>{{Harvtxt|Pierrard|1978|pp=260–264}}</ref>

==== Franco-Austrian War and the First Empire ====
[[File:Siège_de_Lille_1792.JPG|thumb|[[Siege of Lille (1792)|Siege of Lille]] in 1792]]
The [[French Revolutionary Wars|Franco-Austrian War]] saw Northern France as a significant battleground following the [[Brabant Revolution|Brabant]] and [[Liège Revolution|Liège]] revolutions. France declared war on [[Austria]] in April 1792, leading to the destruction of cities like [[Lille]], [[Dunkirk]], and [[Valenciennes]]. Austrian armies occupied French [[Hainaut Province|Hainaut]] from 1793 to 1794 until the [[French Revolutionary Army]] conquered the region and annexed Belgium. The Terror further devastated the area, dismantling structures like the [[Saint-Amand Abbey]] and depriving [[Cambrai]] of its [[Cambrai Cathedral|cathedral]] and [[Gothic architecture|Gothic churches]].<ref>{{Harvtxt|Pierrard|1978|pp=268–274}}</ref> Under [[Napoleon]], the [[Nord (French department)|Nord department]] made substantial efforts to rebuild and unify administratively and socially. However, after Napoleon's defeat at the [[Battle of Waterloo]] in 1815, the region was occupied by British troops until November 1818.<ref>{{Harvtxt|Pierrard|1978|pp=258–260}}</ref>

=== The industrial revolution ===

==== The economic boom ====
[[File:Flers-en-Escrebieux_-_Fosse_n°_3_des_mines_de_l'Escarpelle_(E).jpg|thumb|No. 3 pit of the Escarpelle mines]]
In the early 19th century, Northern France experienced significant economic development, propelled into the [[Industrial Revolution]] by several key factors. [[Continental System|Napoleon's continental blockade]] against the United Kingdom forced the region to produce goods locally that had previously been imported, fostering the birth of industries such as sugar production. The introduction of British [[steam engine]]s into spinning mills also accelerated production. Central areas rich in coal, from [[Béthune]] to [[Valenciennes]], became crucial energy sources, further boosted by the [[Protectionism|protectionist]] policies of the [[Bourbon Restoration in France|Restoration era]] after [[Belgian Revolution|Belgium's emergence]] in 1830.<ref>{{Harvtxt|Collectif|1988|p=203}}</ref>

==== The Working Class ====
While the industrial boom turned Northern France into an economic powerhouse for over a century, it brought severe hardships for the working class. Miners, as depicted in [[Émile Zola]]'s "[[Germinal (novel)|Germinal]]", faced grueling conditions and meager wages, risking their health underground. Textile workers also endured harsh conditions.<ref>{{Harvtxt|Collectif|1988|p=252}}</ref> The 19th century added to their suffering with extreme weather events and five cholera epidemics between 1832 and 1866, the last of which claimed 10,584 lives in the Nord département alone.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2006 |title=1866, une épidémie de choléra dans le Nord |url=http://histoiresdunord.blogspot.com/2006/03/1866-une-pidmie-de-cholra-dans-le-nord.html |website=Histoire du Nord; source : annuaire statistique du département du Nord |language=fr}}</ref>[[File:Avion-glissoires7.jpg|thumb|[[Lens, Pas-de-Calais|Lens]]]]

===World War I===
When the [[First World War]] started, the region became a strategic target for the [[Allies of World War I|Allies]] and the [[Central Powers]], mostly because of the coal and mining resources. When the German troops launched their [[Schlieffen Plan|attack from Belgium]], the region was one of the first to fall under German occupation. Nevertheless, when the Allies stopped Germany at the [[First Battle of the Marne|Battle of Marne]], the front moved back to the area and stabilized near [[Arras]].
During the next four years, the region was split in two: the German holding the [[French Flanders]] and [[Cambrai]] area, the Allied controlling Arras and the Area of Lens. Nevertheless, the combat did not stop, each side wanting the total control of the area.
[[File:Vimy Memorial (September 2010) cropped.jpg|thumb|[[Canadian National Vimy Memorial]] near Arras]]

The Nord-pas-de-Calais was one of the main theaters of the conflict, with many battles occurring between 1914 and 1918, including the [[Battle of Vimy Ridge]] assault during the [[Battle of Arras (1917)]], the [[Third Battle of Artois|Battle of Artois]], [[Battle of Loos]], and the [[Battle of Cambrai (1918)|Battle of Cambrai]]. By the time the region was finally liberated by the [[Canadian Expeditionary Force]]s, the entire country was devastated, and [[Arras]] had been 90% destroyed. Currently, there are 650 military cemeteries throughout the Nord-Pas-de-Calais, mostly British and Canadian, as well as large memorials such as the [[Canadian National Vimy Memorial]] and [[Notre Dame de Lorette]], the world's largest French military cemetery.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.greatwar.co.uk/french-flanders-artois/memorial-canadian-national-vimy-memorial.htm |title=Canadian National Vimy Memorial, France |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=2015 |website=The Great War UK |access-date=31 March 2017}}</ref>

=== Between the wars ===
After the war, the industrial region of Nord-Pas-de-Calais was devastated, and in 1919 was classified as a [[Zone rouge|red]] or yellow zone for around two-thirds of its surface area.

The reconstruction movement made massive use of immigration, particularly from [[Poland]], to compensate for the decline in population due to the war, and to adapt to the new legislation limiting the working day to eight hours. But the economic crisis of the 1930s soon prevented any real economic or cultural renaissance. It also led to downsizing, with recent immigrants the first to be affected.<ref>{{Harvtxt|Collectif|1988|p=311}}</ref>

The region saw a breakthrough of the extreme right, including the "green shirts" among the peasants,<ref name=":4">{{Harvtxt|Collectif|1988|p=312}}</ref> which prompted Le-Nord-Pas-de-Calais to unite. When the [[Popular Front (France)|Front Populaire]] came to power in France in 1936, three deputies from the Nord were in government, including [[Roger Salengro]].<ref>{{Harvtxt|Collectif|1988|p=314}}</ref> Factories went on strike en masse during the [[Matignon Accords (1936)|Matignon Accords]].<ref name=":4" />

===World War II===

During the [[occupation of France]], it was attached to the [[Military Administration in Belgium and Northern France]], ruled from the [[Wehrmacht]] ''kommandantur'' in [[Brussels]]. The Nord-Pas-de-Calais region was used for [[vengeance weapon]] installations, including extensive [[V-1 flying bomb (facilities)|V-1 "ski sites"]] that launched attacks on England and massive [[bunker]]s for the [[V-2 rocket]] and [[V-3 cannon#Mimoyecques site|V-3 cannon]]. [[Operation Crossbow]] counteroffensive bombing by the Allies devastated many of the region's towns.  Although most of the region was liberated in September 1944, [[Dunkirk]] was the last Franco Nord-Pas-de-Calais German occupation (on 9 May 1945).

===Postwar period===
{| class="wikitable" style="float:right; clear:right; margin-left:1em"
|-
!colspan=4|Presidents of Nord-Pas-de-Calais
|-
!width=150 style="text-align:left;"|President
!width=45 colspan=2 |Party
!width=85 style="text-align:left;"|Term
|- 
|[[Pierre Mauroy]]
| style="background-color:#FFCCCC;"|
| style="text-align:center;" |[[Socialist Party (France)|PS]]
|1974–1981
|- 
|[[Noël Josèphe]]
|style="background-color:#FFCCCC;"|
| style="text-align:center;" |[[Socialist Party (France)|PS]]
|1981–1992
|- 
|[[Marie-Christine Blandin]]
| style="background-color:#77DD77;" |
| style="text-align:center;" |[[The Greens (France)|Green]]
|1992–1998
|- 
|[[Michel Delebarre]]
| style="background-color:#FFCCCC;" |
| style="text-align:center;" |[[Socialist Party (France)|PS]]
|1998–2001
|- 
|[[Daniel Percheron]]
| style="background-color:#FFCCCC;" |
| style="text-align:center;" |[[Socialist Party (France)|PS]]
|2001–
|}
Since the war, the region has suffered from severe economic difficulties (see Economy below) but has benefited from the opening of the [[Channel Tunnel]] and the growth in cross-Channel traffic in general.

=== The Post-War Effort and Economic Expansion ===
Following [[World War II]], France embarked on a significant recovery effort termed "Union sacrée", aiming to rebuild the nation under a managed economy. [[Charles de Gaulle|General de Gaulle]]'s speech in Lille emphasized the state's role in national economic development.<ref>{{Harvtxt|Collectif|1988|p=334}}</ref> In 1946, the nationalization of companies in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region led to the formation of Houillères du Nord-Pas-de-Calais, with miners receiving special privileges. The steel industry also expanded, benefiting from modernization efforts funded by the [[Marshall Plan]].<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Berger |first=Françoise |date=2007 |title=Éléments sur la crise de la sidérurgie en vue d'une approche comparative. Le cas du Nord-Pas-de-Calais et du groupe Usinor |url=https://shs.hal.science/file/index/docid/147282/filename/FB_RevueNord2006-.pdf |journal=Revue du Nord, Histoire & Archéologie |language=fr |issue=21 |pages=43–57}}</ref>

=== Economic Reconstruction and Television ===
By the early 1950s, Nord-Pas-de-Calais had regained its industrial strength, primarily in traditional sectors like textiles, coal, and steel, which were starting to decline.<ref>{{Harvtxt|Collectif|1988|p=339}}</ref> This period also marked the advent of regional television with the creation of Télé-Lille in 1950, the first regional television station in France. Despite technological advancements, the region faced economic challenges due to a lack of [[Diversification  (marketing strategy)|diversification]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Bluteau |first=Marcel |title=Cent ans de vie dans la région |publisher=La Voix du Nord éditions |year=1999 |pages=85 |language=fr |chapter=Les cinq premières minutes de la télé régionale}}</ref>

=== Algerian War and Social Tensions ===
The [[Algerian War]] in the mid-20th century significantly impacted the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region, home to a large population of Algerian immigrants. This led to social tensions and conflicts between French and Algerian communities, exacerbated by internal strife among Algerians supporting different nationalist movements. The war's impact was felt through numerous violent incidents, including attacks and street shootings, resulting in significant casualties and social unrest.<ref name=":6">{{Cite book |last=Genty |first=Jean-René |title=Cent ans de vie dans la région |publisher=La Voix du Nord éditions |year=1999 |pages=14–15 |language=fr |chapter=L'autre guerre d'Algérie ensanglante la terre nordiste}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Vouters |first=Bruno |title=Cent ans de vie dans la région |publisher=La Voix du Nord éditions |year=1999 |edition=4th |pages=4 |language=fr |chapter=Un pied dans le futur, un autre dans l'ancien temps}}</ref>

=== Industrial Decline and Economic Transition ===
From the 1950s to the 1980s, Nord-Pas-de-Calais experienced a gradual decline in coal mining, textiles, and steel industries, resulting in substantial job losses.<ref name=":52">{{Harvtxt|C'artouche|2000|p=55}}</ref> The government attempted to revitalize the region's economy by promoting the [[automotive industry]] and attracting plastics companies, which created new employment opportunities.<ref name=":52"/> Despite these efforts, the transition highlighted the challenges of shifting from traditional industries to more diversified economic activities.<ref>{{Harvtxt|C'artouche|2000|p=57}}</ref>

==Demographics==
{{see also|French Flemish|Religion in Nord-Pas-de-Calais}}
While the region is predominantly French-speaking, it also has two significant [[minority language]] communities: the western [[Flemings]], whose presence is evident in the many Dutch place names in the area and who speak [[West Flemish]], a dialect of Dutch (perhaps 20,000 inhabitants of Nord-Pas-de-Calais use Flemish daily and an estimated 40,000 use it occasionally, both primarily in and around the arrondissement of Dunkirk<ref name=Flemish>{{cite web
 |website= European Commission
 |year        = 2006
 |url         = http://ec.europa.eu/education/policies/lang/languages/langmin/euromosaic/fr6_en.html
 |title       = The Euromosaic study: Flemish in France
 |access-date  = 6 January 2007
 |author-link  = European Commission
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20060919155721/http://www.ec.europa.eu/education/policies/lang/languages/langmin/euromosaic/fr6_en.html
 |archive-date = 19 September 2006}}</ref>); and the Picards, who speak the [[Picard language]], or ''Ch'ti'' (speakers, "''chitimi''", have been working to revive the nearly-extinct regional speech since the 1980s).  Although neighbouring Belgium currently recognizes and fosters both Picard and Dutch, and a few city-level governments within Nord-Pas-de-Calais have introduced initiatives to encourage both languages,{{Citation needed|date=July 2008}} the national French government maintains a [[Language policy in France|policy of linguistic unity]] and generally ignores both languages,<ref>Article 2 of the [[Constitution of France]] states that "French is the language of the Republic"; see [[language policy in France|the article on French linguistic policy]] for more information.</ref> as it does with other regional languages in France.

The region's ethnic diversity has been affected by repeated waves of immigrant workers from abroad: Belgians and Welsh before 1910; Poles and Italians in the 1920s and 1930s; Eastern European groups and Germans since 1945; and North Africans and Portuguese since 1960;<ref>[http://www.insee.fr/fr/themes/document.asp?ref_id=17070&reg_id=19&page=pages_de_profils/P11_89/P11_89.htm Chronologie de l'immigration en Nord-Pas-de-Calais], [[INSEE]]</ref> and large cities like Lille, Calais, and Boulogne-sur-Mer are home to sizable communities of British, Dutch, Scandinavian, Greek and Balkans, Sub-Saharan African, and Latin American immigrants and their descendants.{{Citation needed|date=April 2012}}

The French state has sought to boost the region's relatively neglected culture. In 2004, it was announced that a branch of the [[Louvre]] would be opened in the city of Lens. For decades, the Nord-Pas-de-Calais has been viewed as a conservative region when compared culturally to the rest of France,{{Citation needed|date=April 2010}} but recently the region has at times displayed left-wing tendencies. In the early 2000s, the leftist [[The Greens (France)|Green Party]] won the largest number of votes to nearly carry a majority in regional and local representation. The Greens managed to attract many conservative voters from small towns and farmers moved by the Greens' commitment to boosting agri-industry.{{Citation needed|date=April 2010}}

The region's religious profile is representative of France as a whole, with the majority being [[Roman Catholic]].  Other Christian groups are found in the region: [[Protestants]] have a few churches. North Africans have introduced Islam to the region, and small but growing communities of Buddhists have been established in recent years. Prior to World War&nbsp;II, around 4,000 Jews lived in Nord-Pas-de-Calais.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2016|title=Nord Pas de Calais camps trail |url=http://www.jtrails.org.uk/trails/nord-pas-de-calais-camps-trail/history?page=4 |access-date=1 June 2021 |website=National Anglo-Jewish Heritage Trail}}<!-- #1Lib1Ref --></ref> A small [[History of the Jews in France|Jewish community]] remains active as it has been for hundreds of years.

==Economy==

===General data===
In 2014, the Nord-Pas de Calais GDP reached €140&nbsp;billion making it the 4th biggest French economy, although this figure has to be put in the context of the large population of the region. The region was only in 16th place out of 24 for GDP per capita in 2014 with €34,422.

The [[unemployment rate]] is higher than the national average. About 11% of the population was unemployed in 2014, particularly people aged between 18 and 25.

The economy is essentially led by the [[Tertiary sector of the economy|service sector]], which employs 75% of the working population, followed by manufacturing (23%) and agriculture (2%).

=== Agriculture and fishing ===
Due to its location close to the [[North Sea]], the Nord-Pas de Calais region has a strong [[fishing industry]].

The [[Boulogne-sur-Mer]] harbor is the biggest French port in terms of capacity with more than 150 boats. 45,000 tons of fish were traded there in 2012. The harbor is also a leading European seafood processing center with 380,000 tons of shellfish, fish and [[algae|seaweed]] traded every year.<ref>{{cite web|title=Port du peche|publisher=Port de Boulogne-sur-Mer|url=http://www.portboulogne.com/port-de-peche.html|access-date=7 January 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121220013002/http://www.portboulogne.com/port-de-peche.html|archive-date=20 December 2012}}</ref> Some 140 companies are present in the port.

The agricultural sector comprises 13,800 farm businesses using {{convert|820000|ha|acre}} of farmland. The temperate climate as well as great fertility makes the region a leading production center.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.insee.fr/fr/regions/nord-pas-de-calais/reg-dep.asp?theme=10&suite=1 |title=Insee – Régions |publisher=Insee.fr |access-date=25 February 2016}}</ref> The Nord-Pas de Calais region supplied 26.1&nbsp;million tons of wheat (approximately 7% of the national production) and a third of the French potato production.

=== Industry ===
The region's industry was originally focused on coal and textile production, and was one of the cradles of the [[Industrial Revolution]] on the continent. After the end of the Second World War, migrant workers from all over Europe came to the region, making up for population losses due to the war. In the 1970s, the leading coal and textile industries began to fade away and unemployment rates increased rapidly. The region started a process of restructuring which still continues today. Nowadays, the manufacturing sector is led by the [[automobile industry]].

The [[Nord-Pas de Calais Mining Basin]] was the leading region of coal production in France in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. For its three-hundred-year history of mining and its testimony to the advent of industrialization in France, the mining basin was listed on the [[UNESCO]] [[World Heritage List]] in 2012.<ref name = "unesco">{{cite web |url = https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1360 |title = Nord-Pas-de-Calais |website = UNESCO World Heritage Centre |publisher = United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization |access-date = 4 December 2021}}</ref>

==== Automobile industry ====
In the 1970s, the sector represented a small part of the working population. Some 40 years later, it is the main industry in the region, employing 55,000 people. In terms of productivity, the Nord-Pas de Calais region is ranked second nationwide and is one of the main export areas.

Three main worldwide car manufacturers operate plants in the region: [[Toyota]] produce the [[Toyota Yaris|Yaris]] in [[Valenciennes]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.toyota-valenciennes.com |title=Toyota : Usine Toyota Valenciennes, Fabrication Yaris |publisher=Toyota-valenciennes.com |access-date=25 February 2016}}</ref> [[Renault]] build the [[Renault Scénic|Scénic]] in [[Douai]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.renault.com/fr/groupe/developpement-durable/fiches-sites/pages/douai.aspx |title=Le groupe automobile Renault |publisher=Renault.com |access-date=25 February 2016}}</ref> and [[PSA Peugeot Citroën]] operate a plant in [[Lieu-Saint-Amand]] where [[Peugeot 807]], [[Citroën C8]], [[Fiat Scudo]], [[Peugeot Expert]] and [[Citroën Jumpy]] are fabricated.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sevelnord.psa.fr/index.php?id=536 |title=Les véhicules du site |publisher=Sevelnord.psa.fr |access-date=25 February 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303182735/http://www.sevelnord.psa.fr/index.php?id=536 |archive-date=3 March 2016}}</ref> In addition, automotive equipment manufacturers such as [[Faurecia]] employ 6,200 workers in the region. Small-scale manufacturers have also been based in the region, such as [[microcar]] manufacturers [[Automobiles ERAD|ERAD]], Savel, and Secma.

Nord-Pas de Calais is the second main region for the automotive industry in France after Île de France (Paris region). The sector trade fair, the Forum on European Automotive Industry in Lille Region (FEAL),<ref>{{cite web|title = Autoforumlille|url = http://www.autoforumlille.eu/|website = Autoforumlille|access-date = 12 April 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150427014518/http://www.autoforumlille.eu/|archive-date = 27 April 2015|url-status = dead}}</ref> takes place biennially to showcase the industry of the region and its importance for France and Europe.

==== Food industry ====
The food industry in Nord-Pas de Calais draws on the agricultural sector of the region. By income, this is the most important industry of the region due to strong exports (€3.2bn in 2006). More than 27,000 employees were employed in the sector in 2007. Many global corporations such as [[McCain Foods]], [[Roquette Freres]], [[Bonduelle]], [[Pasquier]] or [[Boulangeries Paul]] are present in the Nord-Pas de Calais region.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.insee.fr/fr/regions/nord-pas-de-calais/default.asp?page=themes/dossiers_de_profils/dp_96/dp_96.htm |title=Insee – Régions |publisher=Insee.fr |access-date=25 February 2016}}</ref>

=== Services ===

==== Mulliez Family ====
The services sector of the Nord-Pas de Calais region is dominated by the multi-billionaire [[Association Familiale Mulliez|Mulliez family]], who own the main superstore chains of the region, some of which are known worldwide: [[Auchan]], [[Decathlon (retailer)|Decathlon]] or [[Leroy Merlin]] as well as the [[Flunch]] [[restaurant chain]]. The family also holds a stake in [[3 Suisses]], [[Norauto]] and many other companies.

==Transport infrastructures==
[[File:Carte ancienne du Nord-Pas-de-Calais.jpg|thumb|right|500px|A map of the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region from the early 1920s, showing the road and railway network of that time]]
As most of its population is urbanized, the region has a dense and complex transport system of highways, railways, airport and [[seaport]]s.

=== Highways ===
Nine highways are passing through the region; most of them are free:
* [[A1 highway (France)|A1]] between [[Lille]] and Paris
* [[A2 autoroute (France)|A2]] towards [[Brussels]]
* [[A16 autoroute|A16]] Between [[Dunkirk]] and Paris
* [[A21 autoroute|A21]] between [[Bouvignies]] and [[Pecquencourt]]
* [[A22 autoroute|A22]] between [[Lille]] and [[Ghent]]
* [[A23 autoroute|A23]] between [[Lesquin]] and [[Valenciennes]]
* [[A25 autoroute|A25]] between [[Dunkirk]] and [[Lille]]
* [[A26 autoroute|A26]] between [[Calais]] and [[Troyes]]
* [[A27 autoroute|A27]] between [[Lille]] and [[Tournai]]

=== Railways ===

==== Eurotunnel ====
Since 1994, the Nord-Pas de Calais region is linked to the United Kingdom by the [[Eurotunnel]]. The structure comprises three tunnels (one single-track railway tunnel each way and a service road tunnel for maintenance and emergency use) and has the longest undersea tunnel section of the world ({{convert|38|km|mi}}).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurotunnelgroup.com/uk/the-channel-tunnel/infrastructure/ |title=The Channel Tunnel infrastructure |publisher=Eurotunnelgroup.com |access-date=25 February 2016}}</ref> The whole structure is {{convert|50|km|mi}} long and connects [[Coquelles|Coquelles, France]] with [[Folkestone|Folkestone, UK]]. Between its official opening and 2012, 300 million passengers have crossed the [[English Channel]] aboard [[Eurostar]] trains.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/eurotunnel-celebrates-300-million-passengers/ |title=Eurotunnel celebrates 300 million passengers &#124; News |publisher=Breaking Travel News |access-date=25 February 2016}}</ref> In addition to Eurostar services, the tunnel is used by trains carrying road vehicles, branded as [[Eurotunnel Shuttle|Le Shuttle]], as well as freight trains.

==== TER-Nord ====
The [[Transport express régional|TER]]-Nord is the regional rail network operated by the [[SNCF]]. It links the major cities and villages throughout Nord-Pas de Calais. The network is controlled by the [[Conseil régional]].

=== Air transportation ===
The main airport of Nord-Pas de Calais is [[Lesquin Airport]] near [[Lille]]. Originally a regional hub, the airport now has several international routes to destinations in Europe and the [[Maghreb]].

=== Inland and international freight transport ===

==== Dunkirk Harbour ====
Dunkirk Harbour is one of the biggest seaports of France. It is the third-largest port nationally in terms of total volume but first in fruit and copper imports. A terminal able to handle [[LNG carrier]]s is built by [[TotalEnergies]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dunkerque-port.fr/fr/presse/actualites/2011-06-02-terminal-methanier-demarrage-des-travaux-preparatoires-fr-14080.html |title=TERMINAL MÉTHANIER : DÉMARRAGE DES TRAVAUX PRÉPARATOIRES – Actualité du port de Dunkerque |publisher=Dunkerque-port.fr |access-date=25 February 2016}}</ref>

==== Canal Seine-Nord ====
The [[Seine–Nord Europe Canal|Canal Seine-Nord]] is a future high-capacity canal between the [[Seine]] and [[Arleux]] to connect the former to the other northern canals in Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. It is due to open in 2016. The project has attracted controversy mostly because of its huge cost (€4.6bn).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://picardie.france3.fr/info/canal-seine-nord-projet-suspendu--75290982.html |title=France 3 Picardie – Actualités |language=fr|publisher=Picardie.france3.fr |access-date=25 February 2016}}</ref>

== Sports and culture ==

=== Training base for the Olympics ===
Before [[London 2012]], the region had been chosen by the [[London 2012 Organising Committee|Organising Committee]] as a training base for the participating delegations. During the months ahead of the Olympics, several countries sent their athletes to the region to prepare for the competitions. Among the teams training in Nord-Pas de Calais were the UK Gymnastics team in [[Arques, Pas-de-Calais|Arques]], the New Zealand [[Rowing (sport)|Rowing]] team in [[Gravelines]] and [[France national basketball team|France's national basketball]] and [[France men's national handball team|handball]] teams.

=== Sports in Nord-Pas de Calais ===
[[association football|Football]] is the most developed sport of the region. More than 145,000 players are members of a football club. Four clubs have professional status and play at the highest levels: [[Lille OSC]] and [[RC Lens]] in [[Ligue 1]] and [[Valenciennes FC]] in [[Ligue 2]] and [[US Boulogne|USBCO]] in the [[Championnat National]]. [[Arras Football]]'s ladies play in [[Division 1 Féminine|Division 1]].

==Major communities==
[[File:Lille - Vue aérienne 02.JPG|thumb|[[Lille]], the largest city in Nord-Pas-de-Calais]]
[[File:Jardins familiaux Tourcoing J1.JPG|thumb|Allotments in [[Tourcoing]] (Nord), France. In the background, the church Notre-Dame de la Marlière]]
* [[Lille]] and surrounding area is home to over 1.5&nbsp;million inhabitants.
* [[Arras, France|Arras]]
* [[Boulogne-sur-Mer|Boulogne]]
* [[Calais]]
* [[Cambrai]]
* [[Douai]]
* [[Dunkirk]]
* [[Lens, Pas-de-Calais|Lens]]
* [[Liévin]]
* [[Marcq-en-Barœul]]
* [[Maubeuge]]
* [[Roubaix]]
* [[Saint-Omer]]
* [[Tourcoing]]
* [[Valenciennes]]
* [[Villeneuve d'Ascq]]
* [[Wattrelos]]

== Education ==
The regional education system of the Académie de Lille includes one million pupils and students. Higher education and research are supported within the [[University of Lille Nord de France|Community of Universities and Institutions (COMUE) Lille Nord de France]] – ([[University of Lille]]).

An [[invitation to tender]] for a school construction and maintenance contract let by the region and the [[Nord (French department)|Département du Nord]] in 1998 included provision for employment generation to be included as an evaluation criterion for the award of the contract. The [[European Court of Justice]] held that the award criterion was illegal, but also ruled that where a contracting authority had to assess two or more economically equivalent bids, they could adopt employment opportunities as an "accessory criterion" as long as the use of this criterion was not discriminatory.<ref>InfoCuria, [https://curia.europa.eu/juris/liste.jsf?language=en&num=C-225/98 C-225/98 – Commission v France], Judgment of the Court of 26 September 2000, accessed 13 June 2022</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|France|Energy}}
* [[List of châteaux in Nord-Pas-de-Calais]]
* [[Cuisine and specialties of Nord-Pas-de-Calais]]
* [[Culture of Nord-Pas-de-Calais]]
* [[Religion in Nord-Pas-de-Calais]]

==Notes and references==
{{reflist}}

== Bibliography ==

* {{Cite book |last=Collectif |title=Le Nord, de la Préhistoire à nos jours |publisher=Bordessoules |year=1988 |isbn=2-903504-28-8 |language=fr}}
* {{Cite book |last=C'artouche |title=Pas-de-Calais : Histoire d'un renouveau |publisher=Librairie Arthème Fayard |year=2000 |isbn=2-213-60733-8 |language=fr}}
* {{Cite book |last1=Desmulliez |first1=Jacqueline |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=16GOGyuChc4C |title=Histoire des provinces françaises du Nord : De la préhistoire à l'An Mil |last2=Milis |first2=L. J. R. |publisher=Artois presses université |year=2008 |isbn=978-2-903077-71-6 |language=fr}}
* {{Cite book |last=Pierrard |first=Pierre |title=Histoire du Nord : Flandre, Artois, Hainaut, Picardie |publisher=Hachette |year=1978 |isbn=2-01-020306-2 |language=fr}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20130317114436/http://www.france.fr/en/regions-and-cities/nord-pas-de-calais-between-yesterdays-resistance-and-todays-hospitality Nord-Pas-de-Calais: between yesterday's resistance and today's hospitality] – Official French website (in English)
* [http://www.nordpasdecalais.fr/ Regional Council of Nord-Pas-de-Calais] {{in lang|fr}}
* [http://www.northernfrance-tourism.com/ Official website: Tourism in Nord-Pas-deCalais]

{{Geographic location
|title     = '''Neighbouring French Region, UK Region, and Belgian Region'''
|Centre    = Nord-Pas-de-Calais
|North     = [[Flemish Region]] (Belgium)
|Northeast = [[Flemish Region]] (Belgium)
|East      = [[Wallonia]] (Belgium)
|Southeast = [[Wallonia]] (Belgium)
|South     = [[Picardy]]
|Southwest = [[Picardy]]
|West      = ''[[English Channel]]''
|Northwest = ''[[North Sea]]''}}

{{Regions of France|former}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Nord-Pas-De-Calais}}
[[Category:Nord-Pas-de-Calais| ]]
[[Category:Coal mining regions in France]]
[[Category:NUTS 1 statistical regions of the European Union]]
[[Category:NUTS 2 statistical regions of the European Union]]
[[Category:Former regions of France]]
[[Category:States and territories established in 1972]]
[[Category:States and territories disestablished in 2016]]
[[Category:Hauts-de-France]]