# Meurchin

> commune in Pas-de-Calais, France

**Wikidata**: [Q1025125](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1025125)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meurchin)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/meurchin

## Summary
Meurchin is a commune located in the Pas-de-Calais department of northern France, within the arrondissement of Lens. It is a small municipality with a population of approximately 3,700 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
- **Location**: Meurchin is situated in the Pas-de-Calais department, part of the Hauts-de-France region in northern France.
- **Administrative Division**: It belongs to the arrondissement of Lens, which was established on January 12, 1962.
- **Population**: The commune has a population of around 3,700–3,800 residents, with recorded figures including 3,787, 3,810, 3,836, 3,786, 3,767, 3,748, 3,728, 3,717, 3,715, and 3,691 in recent years.
- **Coordinates**: The geographic coordinates of Meurchin are 50.497222222222° N latitude and 2.8897222222222° E longitude.
- **Historical Recognition**: Meurchin was awarded the Croix de guerre 1914–1918, a French military decoration established on April 2, 1915, for its contributions during World War I.
- **Governance**: As a commune of France, Meurchin operates under the French municipal system established in 1789.
- **Website**: The official website of Meurchin is http://www.meurchin.fr.
- **Wikidata and Wikipedia**: The commune has a Wikidata entry with 47 sitelinks and a Wikipedia page titled "Meurchin."

## FAQs
**Where is Meurchin located?**
Meurchin is located in the Pas-de-Calais department of northern France, within the arrondissement of Lens. It is part of the Hauts-de-France region and lies at coordinates 50.497222222222° N, 2.8897222222222° E.

**What is the population of Meurchin?**
The population of Meurchin fluctuates around 3,700–3,800 residents. Recent figures include 3,787, 3,810, 3,836, 3,786, 3,767, 3,748, 3,728, 3,717, 3,715, and 3,691, reflecting minor variations over time.

**What historical significance does Meurchin hold?**
Meurchin was awarded the Croix de guerre 1914–1918, a military decoration established in 1915 to honor communities that demonstrated bravery and sacrifice during World War I. This recognition highlights the commune's role in the war effort.

**What administrative structure does Meurchin follow?**
Meurchin is a commune, the smallest administrative division in France, governed under the municipal system introduced in 1789. It is part of the arrondissement of Lens, which was created in 1962, and falls under the broader governance of the Pas-de-Calais department and the Hauts-de-France region.

## Why It Matters
Meurchin matters as a representative example of the small but historically significant communes that form the backbone of France's local governance and cultural heritage. Its recognition with the Croix de guerre 1914–1918 underscores its contributions during one of the most pivotal periods in modern European history, reflecting the resilience and sacrifice of its residents. As part of the Pas-de-Calais department, Meurchin contributes to the regional identity and economic fabric of northern France, playing a role in the broader narrative of the Hauts-de-France region. Its status as a commune also highlights the importance of decentralized administration in France, where local municipalities retain a degree of autonomy while contributing to national cohesion.

## Notable For
- **Croix de guerre 1914–1918**: Awarded for its bravery and contributions during World War I, this decoration distinguishes Meurchin as a commune with a notable historical legacy.
- **Location in Pas-de-Calais**: As part of the Pas-de-Calais department, Meurchin is situated in a region known for its industrial heritage, particularly in mining and manufacturing, which has shaped its economic and social development.
- **Arrondissement of Lens**: Meurchin's inclusion in the arrondissement of Lens, established in 1962, ties it to a broader administrative and economic network in northern France.
- **Stable Population**: The commune maintains a relatively stable population of around 3,700–3,800 residents, reflecting its role as a small but enduring community within the region.

## Body
### Geography and Location
Meurchin is located in the Pas-de-Calais department of northern France, within the arrondissement of Lens. The commune is situated at coordinates 50.497222222222° N latitude and 2.8897222222222° E longitude. It is part of the Hauts-de-France region, which is known for its industrial history, particularly in coal mining and textile manufacturing. The geographic location places Meurchin in proximity to major urban centers such as Lens, which has historically been a hub for mining and industry in the region.

### Historical Significance
Meurchin holds historical significance due to its role during World War I, for which it was awarded the Croix de guerre 1914–1918. This military decoration, established on April 2, 1915, was bestowed upon communities that demonstrated exceptional bravery and sacrifice during the war. The award reflects the commune's contributions to the war effort and its resilience in the face of the conflict's challenges. This historical recognition is a point of pride for the commune and contributes to its identity within the broader narrative of northern France's wartime experiences.

### Administrative Structure
Meurchin is classified as a commune, the smallest administrative division in France, governed under the municipal system introduced in 1789. As a commune, it operates with a degree of local autonomy while being part of the larger administrative framework of the Pas-de-Calais department and the Hauts-de-France region. The commune is also part of the arrondissement of Lens, which was established on January 12, 1962. This administrative structure ensures that Meurchin is integrated into the regional governance system while maintaining its local identity and governance.

### Demographics
The population of Meurchin has remained relatively stable, with recent figures ranging from 3,691 to 3,836 residents. This stability reflects the commune's role as a small but enduring community within the Pas-de-Calais department. The population figures indicate a slight fluctuation over time, which is typical for small municipalities in France. The demographic profile of Meurchin is representative of many rural and semi-rural communes in northern France, where population changes are often gradual and influenced by broader regional economic trends.

### Governance and Local Administration
As a commune, Meurchin is governed by a municipal council and a mayor, following the standard administrative structure for French municipalities. The commune's local government is responsible for managing local services, infrastructure, and community development. The official website of Meurchin, http://www.meurchin.fr, serves as a platform for communication between the local government and residents, providing information on services, events, and administrative procedures. This digital presence is an important aspect of modern governance in French communes, facilitating transparency and accessibility.

### Cultural and Historical Heritage
Meurchin's cultural and historical heritage is closely tied to its role in World War I and its broader regional context within Pas-de-Calais. The Croix de guerre 1914–1918 award is a key element of this heritage, symbolizing the commune's contributions to the national effort during the war. Additionally, Meurchin's location in the Hauts-de-France region places it within a cultural landscape shaped by industrial history, particularly the coal mining industry that was once a major economic driver in the area. This heritage is reflected in local traditions, historical sites, and community identity.

### Related Entities and Connections
Meurchin is connected to several broader administrative and historical entities. It is part of the Pas-de-Calais department, which was established on March 4, 1790, and is one of the original departments created during the French Revolution. The commune is also part of the arrondissement of Lens, which was created in 1962 to streamline administrative divisions in the region. Additionally, Meurchin's historical recognition through the Croix de guerre 1914–1918 ties it to the broader narrative of France's wartime history and the national memory of World War I.

### Digital Presence and Information
Meurchin maintains an official website at http://www.meurchin.fr, which serves as a central hub for information related to the commune. The website provides residents and visitors with access to local news, administrative services, and community events. This digital presence is an important tool for modern governance, ensuring that the commune remains connected and accessible in an increasingly digital world. The website also reflects the commune's commitment to transparency and engagement with its residents.

### Conclusion
Meurchin is a small but historically significant commune in the Pas-de-Calais department of northern France. Its recognition with the Croix de guerre 1914–1918 highlights its contributions during World War I, while its administrative structure and demographic stability reflect its role as a enduring community within the region. As part of the arrondissement of Lens and the broader Hauts-de-France region, Meurchin contributes to the cultural and historical heritage of northern France, embodying the resilience and identity of small French municipalities.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. dataset of postal codes in France. 2018
3. INSEE code
4. répertoire géographique des communes
5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
6. Czech National Authority Database
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)