# Saint-Lô

> commune in Manche, France

**Wikidata**: [Q181704](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q181704)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint-Lô)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/saint-l

## Summary
Saint-Lô is a commune located in the Manche department of Normandy, France. It serves as the administrative center of the arrondissement of Saint-Lô and is historically recognized for its role during World War II, earning the Croix de guerre 1939–1945 military decoration.

## Key Facts
- **Location**: Situated in the Manche department of Normandy, France.
- **Population**: Varied over time, with recorded figures including 18,874 (earliest), 19,301, 20,078, 19,116, 19,024, 18,615, 23,221, 23,212, 21,546, 20,090, 19,643, 19,050, 19,206, 19,373, 19,352, and 19,471 (most recent).
- **Coordinates**: Latitude 49.114444444444, Longitude -1.0916666666667.
- **Administrative Role**: Capital of the arrondissement of Saint-Lô.
- **Historical Recognition**: Awarded the Croix de guerre 1939–1945 on September 26, 1939.
- **Transport**: Home to Gare de Saint-Lô, a railway station.
- **Sports**: Hosts FC Saint-Lô Manche, a football club founded on May 26, 1965.
- **Aliases**: Also known as Saint-Lo, Rocher-de-la-Liberté, and St. Ló.
- **Website**: [Official website](https://www.saint-lo.fr/).

## FAQs
**Where is Saint-Lô located?**
Saint-Lô is located in the Manche department of Normandy, France, at coordinates 49.114444444444 latitude and -1.0916666666667 longitude.

**What is the population of Saint-Lô?**
The population of Saint-Lô has fluctuated over time, with recorded figures ranging from 18,874 to 23,221.

**What is the historical significance of Saint-Lô?**
Saint-Lô was awarded the Croix de guerre 1939–1945, a French military decoration, for its role during World War II.

**What are the notable features of Saint-Lô?**
Saint-Lô is the administrative center of the arrondissement of Saint-Lô and is home to Gare de Saint-Lô, a railway station, and FC Saint-Lô Manche, a local football club.

**What are the aliases for Saint-Lô?**
Saint-Lô is also known as Saint-Lo, Rocher-de-la-Liberté, and St. Ló.

## Why It Matters
Saint-Lô matters as a historical and administrative hub in Normandy, France. Its recognition with the Croix de guerre 1939–1945 highlights its significance during World War II. As the capital of the arrondissement of Saint-Lô, it plays a crucial role in local governance and infrastructure, including transportation and sports.

## Notable For
- **Historical Recognition**: Awarded the Croix de guerre 1939–1945.
- **Administrative Center**: Capital of the arrondissement of Saint-Lô.
- **Transportation Hub**: Home to Gare de Saint-Lô, a railway station.
- **Sports**: Hosts FC Saint-Lô Manche, a football club founded in 1965.
- **Population**: Varied population figures over time, reflecting its growth and development.

## Body

### Geography and Location
Saint-Lô is situated in the Manche department of Normandy, France. Its coordinates are 49.114444444444 latitude and -1.0916666666667 longitude. The commune serves as the administrative center of the arrondissement of Saint-Lô, playing a pivotal role in the region's governance.

### Historical Significance
Saint-Lô was awarded the Croix de guerre 1939–1945 on September 26, 1939, a French military decoration that recognizes its contributions during World War II. This honor underscores the commune's historical importance and resilience during the war.

### Population and Demographics
The population of Saint-Lô has varied over time, with recorded figures including 18,874, 19,301, 20,078, 19,116, 19,024, 18,615, 23,221, 23,212, 21,546, 20,090, 19,643, 19,050, 19,206, 19,373, 19,352, and 19,471. These fluctuations reflect the commune's growth and development over the years.

### Transportation
Saint-Lô is home to Gare de Saint-Lô, a railway station that serves as a vital transportation hub for the region. The station facilitates travel and connectivity within Normandy and beyond.

### Sports and Recreation
FC Saint-Lô Manche, a football club founded on May 26, 1965, is based in Saint-Lô. The club contributes to the local sports culture and community engagement.

### Administrative Role
As the capital of the arrondissement of Saint-Lô, the commune plays a crucial role in local governance. It oversees various administrative functions and services for the surrounding area.

### Aliases and Website
Saint-Lô is also known by the aliases Saint-Lo, Rocher-de-la-Liberté, and St. Ló. The official website for the commune is [https://www.saint-lo.fr/](https://www.saint-lo.fr/), providing information and resources for residents and visitors.

### Related Entities
Saint-Lô is part of the Manche department, which was established on March 4, 1790. The commune is also associated with the cantons of Saint-Lô-Est (until March 2015), Saint-Lô-Ouest, Saint-Lô-2 (since March 22, 2015), and Saint-Lô-1 (since March 22, 2015). Additionally, the Solex brand of electric bikes, founded in 1905, has its headquarters in Saint-Lô.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. BnF authorities
3. dataset of postal codes in France. 2018
4. INSEE code
5. [Source](https://www.archives-manche.fr/_depot_ad50/_depot_fonds/medias/inventaires/communes/29_ED_saint_lo.pdf)
6. répertoire géographique des communes
7. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
8. Annuaire de service-public.fr
9. MusicBrainz
10. [Source](http://www.insee.fr/fr/ppp/bases-de-donnees/recensement/populations-legales/commune.asp?annee=2011&depcom=50502)
11. Recensement de la population 2015. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies. 2017
12. Populations légales 2016
13. Populations légales 2017
14. Populations légales 2018
15. [Populations légales communales depuis 1968. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies](https://www.insee.fr/fr/statistiques/2522602)
16. Populations légales 2019
17. Populations légales 2020
18. Populations légales 2021
19. Populations de référence 2022
20. Populations de référence 2023
21. canton of Saint-Lô-Est
22. [Code officiel géographique. 2017](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2560698)
23. canton of Saint-Lô-Ouest
24. [Code officiel géographique](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/3363419)
25. [Source](http://cassini.ehess.fr/cassini/fr/html/fiche.php?select_resultat=32990)
26. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies
27. GeoNames
28. [répertoire géographique des communes. 2015](https://wxs-telechargement.ign.fr/83edtfdyqte031y0ra49d2e3/telechargement/inspire/RGC-2015-01$RGC2015/file/RGC2015.7z)
29. [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)
30. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiort.php)