# Locon

> commune in Pas-de-Calais, France

**Wikidata**: [Q1025308](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1025308)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Locon)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/locon

## Summary
Locon is a commune (municipality) located in the Pas-de-Calais department of northern France. It is part of the canton of Béthune-Est and the arrondissement of Béthune, situated in the Hauts-de-France region. The commune has a population of approximately 2,300–2,400 residents and is recognized for its historical significance, including being awarded the Croix de guerre 1914–1918 for its role during World War I.

## Key Facts
- **Type**: Commune (municipality) in France.
- **Location**: Pas-de-Calais department, Hauts-de-France region, France.
- **Coordinates**: 50.570277777778° N, 2.6666666666667° E.
- **Population**: Estimated between 2,320 and 2,465 residents (varies by year).
- **Administrative Division**:
  - **Canton**: Béthune-Est.
  - **Arrondissement**: Béthune.
  - **Department**: Pas-de-Calais (created March 4, 1790).
- **Historical Recognition**: Awarded the **Croix de guerre 1914–1918** (established April 2, 1915) for its contributions during World War I.
- **Website**: [https://www.ville-locon.fr/](https://www.ville-locon.fr/)
- **Wikidata Sitelinks**: 45 references across languages.
- **Governance**: Operates under the French municipal system, part of the decentralized administration of the Fifth Republic.

## FAQs

**Where is Locon located?**
Locon is situated in the Pas-de-Calais department of northern France, within the Hauts-de-France region. It lies near the city of Béthune and is part of the Béthune-Est canton and Béthune arrondissement.

**What is the population of Locon?**
The population of Locon fluctuates slightly year-to-year, with estimates ranging from 2,320 to 2,465 residents. Recent figures suggest a slight decline, with counts around 2,324–2,342 in the latest available data.

**What administrative divisions does Locon belong to?**
Locon is part of the **Pas-de-Calais department** (created in 1790), the **canton of Béthune-Est**, and the **arrondissement of Béthune**. These divisions place it within the broader governance structure of the Hauts-de-France region.

**Why was Locon awarded the Croix de guerre 1914–1918?**
The commune was honored with the **Croix de guerre 1914–1918**, a French military decoration established in 1915, for its role and sacrifices during World War I. This award reflects its historical significance in the conflict.

**What is the official website of Locon?**
The commune’s official website is [https://www.ville-locon.fr/](https://www.ville-locon.fr/), providing local information, services, and updates for residents and visitors.

## Why It Matters
Locon matters as a representative example of France’s decentralized municipal system, illustrating how small communes contribute to the nation’s administrative and cultural fabric. Its recognition with the **Croix de guerre 1914–1918** underscores its historical role in World War I, tying it to broader narratives of resilience and sacrifice in French history. As part of the Pas-de-Calais department—a region with deep industrial and agricultural roots—Locon reflects the socio-economic dynamics of northern France. Its modest population and local governance also highlight the importance of rural and semi-urban communities in sustaining France’s regional diversity.

## Notable For
- **Historical Recognition**: One of the communes awarded the **Croix de guerre 1914–1918** for its contributions during World War I.
- **Administrative Structure**: Part of the **Pas-de-Calais department**, a key region in northern France with historical ties to coal mining and textiles.
- **Local Governance**: Operates as a self-governing municipality under France’s decentralized system, managing local services and infrastructure.
- **Geographic Position**: Located in the **Hauts-de-France region**, near Béthune, a city with medieval origins and industrial heritage.
- **Demographic Stability**: Maintains a consistent population of ~2,300–2,400, reflecting the stability of small French communes.

## Body

### Geography and Location
Locon is geographically positioned at **50.570277777778° N, 2.6666666666667° E**, placing it in the northern part of France within the **Pas-de-Calais department**. The commune is part of the **Béthune-Est canton** and the **Béthune arrondissement**, both of which are administrative divisions under the Hauts-de-France regional government. The area is characterized by the flat landscapes typical of northern France, with proximity to urban centers like Béthune and Lens.

### Administrative and Political Structure
As a **commune**, Locon is the smallest administrative division in France, governed by a municipal council (*conseil municipal*) led by a mayor (*maire*). It falls under the jurisdiction of the **Pas-de-Calais department**, which was established on **March 4, 1790**, during the French Revolution. The department is known for its historical role in coal mining and its strategic position near the Belgian border.

Locon is also part of the **canton of Béthune-Est**, a subdivision that groups multiple communes for electoral and administrative purposes. The **arrondissement of Béthune** oversees broader regional coordination, including law enforcement, education, and infrastructure.

### Historical Significance
Locon’s most notable historical distinction is its receipt of the **Croix de guerre 1914–1918**, a military decoration created on **April 2, 1915**, to honor communities that demonstrated exceptional bravery or suffered significant damage during World War I. This award signifies the commune’s direct involvement in the war, likely due to its proximity to the Western Front, where major battles such as the Battle of Artois (1915) took place.

### Demographics
The population of Locon has remained relatively stable over recent years, with recorded figures including:
- 2,465 (peak)
- 2,435
- 2,430
- 2,396
- 2,361
- 2,342
- 2,332
- 2,324 (most recent)

This consistency reflects the demographic trends of small French communes, where migration and birth rates balance to maintain population levels. The commune’s size places it in the lower range of French municipalities, which can vary from a few dozen to over two million residents (e.g., Paris).

### Infrastructure and Services
As a small commune, Locon provides essential local services, including:
- **Education**: Primary schools, with secondary education typically accessed in nearby Béthune.
- **Transport**: Connected via regional roads, with proximity to the A26 autoroute (linking Calais to Troyes).
- **Public Services**: Municipal offices, postal services, and basic healthcare facilities.
- **Digital Presence**: Maintains an official website ([ville-locon.fr](https://www.ville-locon.fr/)) for community updates and administrative information.

### Cultural and Economic Context
Locon’s economy is tied to the broader Pas-de-Calais region, historically dominated by coal mining, textiles, and agriculture. While heavy industry has declined, the area remains a hub for logistics, retail, and light manufacturing. The commune’s rural character is complemented by its proximity to Béthune, a city with medieval architecture and a growing service sector.

### Related Entities
- **Pas-de-Calais Department**: The overarching administrative region, home to over 1.4 million residents and known for its industrial heritage.
- **Béthune**: The nearest major city, serving as an economic and cultural center for the surrounding communes.
- **Croix de guerre 1914–1918**: A symbol of the commune’s historical sacrifices, shared with other French towns and military units.

### Governance and Modern Role
Locon operates under France’s **Fifth Republic** (established 1958), with local governance aligned with national policies on decentralization. The municipal council manages zoning, public works, and local taxes, while higher-level decisions (e.g., education, transportation) are coordinated through the department and region.

The commune’s role in preserving local heritage—such as its World War I recognition—contributes to the collective memory of northern France’s wartime experiences. It also participates in regional initiatives for sustainable development, tourism, and economic revitalization.

## References

1. [Source](https://pastel.diplomatie.gouv.fr/cncdext/dyn/public/atlas/rechercheAtlasFrance.html?criteres.collectiviteId=28064)
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. 2017](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2560698)