# Hecq

> commune in Nord, France

**Wikidata**: [Q582204](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q582204)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hecq)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/hecq

## Summary
Hecq is a commune located in the Nord department of France, within the administrative region of Hauts-de-France. It is a small rural municipality with historical significance and local cultural identity.

## Key Facts
- **Location**: Nord department, Hauts-de-France region, France.
- **Coordinates**: Latitude 50.181666666667, Longitude 3.6513888888889.
- **Population**: Ranges between 350 and 366 residents based on recent data points.
- **Classification**: Commune of France — a territorial subdivision for municipalities (inception: 1789).
- **Historical Canton**: Hecq was part of the canton of Le Quesnoy-Est until March 2015.
- **Arrondissement**: Part of the arrondissement of Avesnes-sur-Helpe.
- **Website**: [http://mairiedehecq.e-monsite.com/](http://mairiedehecq.e-monsite.com/)
- **Military Recognition**: The commune has been awarded the Croix de guerre 1914–1918, a French military decoration established on April 2, 1915.
- **Wikipedia Title**: Hecq
- **Wikidata Description**: Commune in Nord, France
- **Sitelink Count**: 42

## FAQs
**What is Hecq?**  
Hecq is a commune in the Nord department of northern France. It is a small rural municipality that forms part of the administrative structure of French local governance.

**Where is Hecq located?**  
Hecq is situated in the Nord department, within the Hauts-de-France region of France. Its geographic coordinates are approximately latitude 50.1817 and longitude 3.6514.

**What is the population of Hecq?**  
The population of Hecq has ranged between 350 and 366 inhabitants in recent years, according to available demographic data.

**What historical or cultural recognition has Hecq received?**  
Hecq has been recognized with the Croix de guerre 1914–1918, a military decoration awarded for acts of bravery during World War I.

**What administrative changes has Hecq undergone?**  
Prior to March 2015, Hecq belonged to the canton of Le Quesnoy-Est. It is currently part of the arrondissement of Avesnes-sur-Helpe.

**What type of entity is Hecq in France’s administrative structure?**  
Hecq is classified as a commune, which is the smallest administrative division in France, typically representing a single town or village.

## Why It Matters
Hecq represents a local unit of French governance, embodying the decentralized administrative structure that characterizes France. As a commune, it plays a role in preserving regional identity, managing local affairs, and contributing to the broader socio-political fabric of the Nord department and Hauts-de-France region. Though small, Hecq is part of France’s extensive network of communes that collectively uphold the nation’s tradition of municipal self-governance.

## Notable For
- **Historical Military Recognition**: Recipient of the Croix de guerre 1914–1918, highlighting its involvement in World War I.
- **Local Administrative Identity**: Represents the grassroots level of French governance as a commune.
- **Cultural Preservation**: Maintains rural heritage and local traditions within the Nord department.
- **Geographic Significance**: Located in a historically and culturally rich region of northern France.

## Body

### Geography and Location
Hecq is a commune in the Nord department, which is part of the Hauts-de-France region in northern France. The commune lies at the geographic coordinates of approximately 50.1817°N latitude and 3.6514°E longitude. This places it within the broader historical and cultural landscape of the Nord-Pas-de-Calais area, known for its rural charm and historical significance.

### Administrative Structure
As a commune, Hecq is the most basic level of administrative division in France. It is part of the arrondissement of Avesnes-sur-Helpe and was formerly included in the canton of Le Quesnoy-Est until the reorganization of cantons in March 2015. The commune operates under the broader governance framework of the French Fifth Republic, with local administration typically centered around a mayor and municipal council.

### Demographics and Population
The population of Hecq has fluctuated slightly in recent years, with recorded figures including 350, 351, 352, 353, 354, 356, 360, and 366. These numbers reflect the small size and rural character of the commune, typical of many municipalities in the Nord department.

### Historical and Cultural Recognition
Hecq has been awarded the Croix de guerre 1914–1918, a French military decoration created on April 2, 1915, to honor acts of bravery during World War I. This recognition underscores the commune’s historical participation in national conflicts and its commemorative role in French military history.

### Governance and Local Identity
The commune maintains a local government structure that includes a mayor and municipal council, responsible for local services, infrastructure, and community events. Hecq’s official website, [mairiedehecq.e-monsite.com](http://mairiedehecq.e-monsite.com/), serves as a resource for residents and reflects the commune’s efforts to maintain a digital presence and community engagement.

### Regional Context
Hecq is part of the Nord department, established on March 4, 1790, and is situated within the larger Hauts-de-France administrative region. This region is historically significant for its role in both World Wars and its cultural heritage, which Hecq contributes to through its local traditions and history.

### Related Entities and Context
- **Canton of Le Quesnoy-Est**: Former administrative grouping to which Hecq belonged until 2015.
- **Arrondissement of Avesnes-sur-Helpe**: Current administrative district overseeing Hecq.
- **Croix de guerre 1914–1918**: Military honor received by Hecq for actions during World War I.
- **Commune of France**: Classification of Hecq as a local administrative unit since the French Revolution (1789).

Hecq, while small, is emblematic of the broader French tradition of decentralized governance and local identity, contributing to the nation’s rich tapestry of regional cultures and histories.

## 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)
24. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File