# Douai

> commune in Nord, France

**Wikidata**: [Q193826](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q193826)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Douai)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/douai

## Summary
Douai is a commune located in the Nord department of France, within the Hauts-de-France region. Historically significant as the home of the University of Douai (1559–1887), it serves as an administrative and cultural center in northern France, with a population of approximately 40,000 residents.

## Key Facts
- **Location**: Situated in the Nord department, Hauts-de-France, France (coordinates: 50.3708°N, 3.0792°E).
- **Population**: Estimated at 41,189 (various recent figures include 39,989, 40,860, and 39,700).
- **Administrative Role**: Capital of the arrondissement of Douai and part of the canton of Douai (since 2015).
- **Historical Significance**: Home to the University of Douai (founded 1559 by Philip II of Spain, succeeded by the University of Lille in 1887).
- **Transport Hub**: Hosts Douai railway station, a key regional transit point.
- **Website**: [Official city website](https://www.douai.fr).
- **Aliases**: Also known as "Douay" in historical contexts.

## FAQs
### **Where is Douai located?**
Douai is located in the Nord department of France, within the Hauts-de-France region. Its geographic coordinates are approximately 50.3708°N latitude and 3.0792°E longitude.

### **What is the historical significance of Douai?**
Douai was the site of the University of Douai, founded in 1559 by Philip II of Spain. The university operated until 1887, when it was reorganized into the University of Lille, playing a key role in the intellectual and religious history of northern France.

### **What administrative divisions is Douai part of?**
Douai is the capital of the arrondissement of Douai and is part of the canton of Douai, which was established in March 2015. It is also located within the Nord department, created in 1790.

### **What is the population of Douai?**
Recent population estimates for Douai range from approximately 39,700 to 41,189 residents, reflecting its status as a mid-sized French commune.

### **What transportation infrastructure does Douai have?**
Douai is served by Douai railway station, a notable transit hub in the region, facilitating rail connections within northern France.

## Why It Matters
Douai holds historical and administrative importance in northern France. As the former home of the University of Douai, it contributed significantly to education and scholarship during the early modern period, particularly under Spanish rule. Today, it serves as a key administrative center within the Nord department and the Hauts-de-France region, playing a role in regional governance and transportation. Its railway station further underscores its connectivity within the broader French transport network.

## Notable For
- **Historical University**: Hosted the University of Douai (1559–1887), a major academic institution of its time.
- **Administrative Center**: Capital of the arrondissement of Douai and part of the modern canton of Douai.
- **Transportation Hub**: Home to Douai railway station, a critical node in the regional rail system.
- **Cultural Heritage**: Recognized in historical records and encyclopedias, including The Catholic Encyclopedia.
- **Population Size**: A mid-sized commune with a population of around 40,000, making it a significant urban center in Nord.

## Body

### **Geography and Location**
Douai is situated in the Nord department of France, within the Hauts-de-France region. Its coordinates are 50.3708°N latitude and 3.0792°E longitude, placing it in northern France near the Belgian border. The commune is part of the broader metropolitan area of Lille, contributing to its regional significance.

### **Administrative Structure**
Douai serves as the capital of the arrondissement of Douai, one of the administrative divisions within the Nord department. The arrondissement includes multiple cantons, with Douai itself being part of the canton of Douai, established in March 2015. Historically, Douai was divided into multiple cantons (Douai-Nord, Douai-Sud, Douai-Sud-Ouest, and Douai-Nord-Est), which were reorganized in 2015.

### **Historical Significance**
Douai is best known for its association with the University of Douai, founded in 1559 by Philip II of Spain. The university was a center of learning and religious education during the Counter-Reformation and operated until 1887, when it was succeeded by the University of Lille. This transition marked a significant shift in the academic landscape of northern France.

### **Transportation and Infrastructure**
Douai railway station is a key transportation hub, providing rail connections to other parts of France and neighboring countries. The station facilitates both passenger and freight transport, contributing to the economic and logistical importance of the commune.

### **Demographics**
Douai has a population of approximately 40,000 residents, with recent estimates varying between 39,700 and 41,189. The commune is part of a larger urban area, reflecting its role as a regional center within Nord.

### **Related Entities**
- **Nord Department**: Created in 1790, Nord is one of the original departments of France and includes Douai as a significant commune.
- **Hauts-de-France Region**: The broader administrative region in which Douai is located, known for its industrial and cultural heritage.
- **University of Lille**: The successor institution to the University of Douai, continuing its academic legacy.
- **County of Flanders**: A historical territory that once included Douai, reflecting its medieval and early modern significance.

### **Cultural and Academic Legacy**
The University of Douai is documented in major reference works, including The Catholic Encyclopedia, and is recognized in international academic databases (e.g., ISNI, VIAF). Its legacy is preserved through its successor institutions and its inclusion in historical records.

### **Modern Role**
Today, Douai functions as an administrative and transportation center within Nord. Its railway station and status as an arrondissement capital underscore its ongoing relevance in regional governance and connectivity. The commune’s website ([https://www.douai.fr](https://www.douai.fr)) provides further information on its services and initiatives.

## References

1. Frédéric Chéreau a officiellement pris ses fonctions dimanche 6 avril. Malgré son appartenance politique, le maire de Douai s’inscrit dans la continuité et le respect républicain. L'Observateur du Douaisis. 2014
2. Q97496871
3. [Recklinghausen](http://www.ville-douai.fr/index.php/Jumelage?idpage=103&idmetacontenu=4349)
4. BnF authorities
5. dataset of postal codes in France. 2018
6. INSEE code
7. répertoire géographique des communes
8. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
9. Czech National Authority Database
10. Annuaire de service-public.fr
11. MusicBrainz
12. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies
13. Recensement de la population 2015. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies. 2017
14. Populations légales 2016
15. Populations légales 2017
16. Populations légales 2018
17. Populations légales 2019
18. Populations légales 2020
19. Populations légales 2021
20. Populations de référence 2022
21. Populations de référence 2023
22. [Code officiel géographique. 2017](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2560698)
23. [Code officiel géographique](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/3363419)
24. GeoNames
25. [répertoire géographique des communes. 2015](https://wxs-telechargement.ign.fr/83edtfdyqte031y0ra49d2e3/telechargement/inspire/RGC-2015-01$RGC2015/file/RGC2015.7z)
26. [2016](https://data.geopf.fr/telechargement/download/GEOFLA/GEOFLA_2-2_COMMUNE_SHP_LAMB93_FXX_2016-06-28/GEOFLA_2-2_COMMUNE_SHP_LAMB93_FXX_2016-06-28.7z)
27. Virtual International Authority File
28. Quora
29. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiort.php)
30. [Code officiel géographique. 2020](https://www.data.gouv.fr/fr/datasets/r/8442dfae-a878-49c6-be4c-20689b1c337c)
31. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
32. [Bibliography of the History of the Czech Lands](https://biblio.hiu.cas.cz/records/4c6648b7-a28b-466a-88dc-1577a6aeca07)
33. museum-digital