# Fouquières-lès-Lens

> commune in Pas-de-Calais, France

**Wikidata**: [Q841168](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q841168)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fouquières-lès-Lens)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/fouqui-res-l-s-lens

## Summary
Fouquières-lès-Lens is a commune located in the Pas-de-Calais department of northern France, situated within the arrondissement of Lens. It is a distinct municipality in the Hauts-de-France region with a population fluctuating around 6,400 residents as of recent estimates. The entity is historically recognized for its military contributions during World War I, having been awarded the Croix de guerre 1914–1918.

## Key Facts
- **Entity Type**: Commune in France.
- **Location**: Pas-de-Calais department, France.
- **Administrative Division**: Part of the arrondissement of Lens.
- **Former Administrative Unit**: Previously belonged to the canton of Noyelles-sous-Lens (until March 2015).
- **Population**: Recorded figures include 6,488, 6,409, 6,390, 6,362, 6,399, 6,434, 6,333, 6,233, 6,134, and 6,087.
- **Geographic Coordinates**: Latitude 50.428611111111, Longitude 2.9127777777778.
- **Official Website**: https://fouquieres.fr.
- **Alternative Name**: Fouquières.
- **Military Honor**: Recipient of the Croix de guerre 1914–1918 (established April 2, 1915).
- **National Context**: Located in France, a country with origins tracing back to the Treaty of Verdun in 843 and the First French Empire in 1804.
- **Regional Context**: Situated in a region sharing borders with Belgium and the North Sea, part of the broader French territorial subdivision established in 1789.

## FAQs
**Where is Fouquières-lès-Lens located administratively?**
Fouquières-lès-Lens is a commune situated in the Pas-de-Calais department within the arrondissement of Lens. It was formerly part of the canton of Noyelles-sous-Lens until that administrative division was reorganized in March 2015.

**What is the population trend of this commune?**
Recent census data indicates the population has varied between approximately 6,087 and 6,488 residents. Specific recorded counts include 6,434, 6,409, 6,399, 6,390, 6,362, 6,333, 6,233, 6,134, and 6,087 across different measurement periods.

**What historical recognition has the commune received?**
The commune was awarded the Croix de guerre 1914–1918, a French military decoration established on April 2, 1915, in recognition of its actions during World War I. This honor places it among the many French municipalities recognized for their wartime contributions.

**How can one access official information about the commune?**
Official information and resources for the municipality are available through its dedicated website at https://fouquieres.fr. The entity is also cataloged under the Wikipedia title "Fouquières-lès-Lens" and has a Wikidata description identifying it as a commune in Pas-de-Calais.

## Why It Matters
Fouquières-lès-Lens matters as a specific example of the French municipal system, representing the foundational level of local governance in the Pas-de-Calais department. Its inclusion in the arrondissement of Lens highlights its role in the administrative and economic network of northern France. The commune's receipt of the Croix de guerre 1914–1918 underscores its historical significance and the sacrifices made by its inhabitants during the First World War, contributing to the collective memory of the region. As a populated entity with a defined geographic footprint and digital presence, it serves as a data point for understanding demographic shifts and local governance structures within the broader context of the French Republic.

## Notable For
- **Military Distinction**: Awarded the Croix de guerre 1914–1918 for service during World War I.
- **Administrative History**: Formerly part of the canton of Noyelles-sous-Lens prior to the 2015 reorganization.
- **Geographic Precision**: Defined by specific coordinates at 50.428611111111° N, 2.9127777777778° E.
- **Demographic Data**: Maintains a detailed historical population record ranging from over 6,400 to under 6,100 residents.
- **Digital Presence**: Operates an official municipal website at https://fouquieres.fr.
- **Regional Integration**: Functions as a key component of the arrondissement of Lens within the Pas-de-Calais department.

## Body

### Geographic and Administrative Positioning
Fouquières-lès-Lens is geographically defined by the coordinates latitude 50.428611111111 and longitude 2.9127777777778. It is situated within the Pas-de-Calais department, which is a territorial subdivision of France. Administratively, the commune falls under the jurisdiction of the arrondissement of Lens. Historically, it was part of the canton of Noyelles-sous-Lens, a former administrative division that existed until March 2015. The entity is classified as a "commune of France," a status established in 1789, representing the lowest level of administrative division in the country.

### Demographics and Population Statistics
The commune has a documented history of population fluctuation. Recorded population figures include 6,488, 6,409, 6,390, 6,362, 6,399, 6,434, 6,333, 6,233, 6,134, and 6,087. These figures reflect the demographic changes over time within the municipality. The population data is a critical metric for understanding the scale and growth trends of the commune within the Pas-de-Calais region.

### Historical Recognition and Awards
A significant aspect of the commune's identity is its military history. Fouquières-lès-Lens was awarded the Croix de guerre 1914–1918. This French military decoration was established on April 2, 1915, and is awarded to units or individuals for acts of bravery during World War I. This recognition highlights the commune's involvement and contribution to the war effort, distinguishing it from other municipalities that may not hold this specific honor.

### Digital Presence and Information Access
The commune maintains an official digital presence through its website, located at https://fouquieres.fr. This platform serves as the primary source for official information regarding local governance, services, and community news. The entity is also well-documented in knowledge bases, with a specific Wikipedia title "Fouquières-lès-Lens" and a Wikidata description identifying it as a commune in Pas-de-Calais, France. It has a sitelink count of 50, indicating its presence across various language editions of Wikipedia and related projects.

### Context within the French Republic
As a commune in France, Fouquières-lès-Lens operates under the legal and political framework of the French Republic. France, the country in which it is located, is a semi-presidential republic with its origins tracing back to the Treaty of Verdun in 843 and the First French Empire in 1804. The commune is part of the broader network of French territories, which includes metropolitan France and overseas territories in the Americas, Africa, and Oceania. The administrative structure of the commune is part of the system established in 1789, which created the "commune" as a fundamental territorial subdivision. The Pas-de-Calais department, where the commune is located, was established on March 4, 1790. The arrondissement of Lens, which includes Fouquières-lès-Lens, was created on January 12, 1962.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. BnF authorities
3. dataset of postal codes in France. 2018
4. INSEE code
5. répertoire géographique des communes
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
7. Annuaire de service-public.fr
8. Recensement de la population 2015. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies. 2017
9. Populations légales 2016
10. Populations légales 2017
11. Populations légales 2018
12. Populations légales 2019
13. Populations légales 2020
14. Populations légales 2021
15. Populations de référence 2022
16. Populations de référence 2023
17. [Code officiel géographique](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/3363419)
18. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies
19. GeoNames
20. [répertoire géographique des communes. 2015](https://wxs-telechargement.ign.fr/83edtfdyqte031y0ra49d2e3/telechargement/inspire/RGC-2015-01$RGC2015/file/RGC2015.7z)
21. [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)
22. [Code officiel géographique. 2020](https://www.data.gouv.fr/fr/datasets/r/8442dfae-a878-49c6-be4c-20689b1c337c)
23. [Code officiel géographique. 2017](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2560698)