# Saint-Quentin

> commune in Aisne, France

**Wikidata**: [Q182744](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q182744)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint-Quentin,_Aisne)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/saint-quentin

## Summary
Saint-Quentin is a commune located in the Aisne department of the Hauts-de-France region in northern France. Historically significant as a major industrial and textile center, it is also known for its Roman Catholic heritage, including the Basilica of Saint-Quentin, and its administrative evolution through various cantons and arrondissements. The entity is distinct from the town of Saint-Quentin in New Brunswick, Canada, and the Gallo-Roman saint after whom it is named.

## Key Facts
- **Entity Type**: Commune in Aisne, France.
- **Location Coordinates**: Latitude 49.847777777778, Longitude 3.2855555555556.
- **Administrative Division**: Part of the arrondissement of Saint-Quentin and the department of Aisne (established March 4, 1790).
- **Population Data**: Historical and recent estimates include 56,217; 55,649; 55,940; 53,816; 53,856; 64,196; 67,243; 63,567; 60,644; 59,066; 56,792; 56,278; 53,570; 53,100; 52,958; 52,995; and 52,813.
- **Historical Aliases**: Égalité-sur-Somme, Somme-Libre, Linon-sur-Somme, St. Quentin.
- **Official Website**: https://www.saint-quentin.fr/
- **Wikipedia Title**: Saint-Quentin, Aisne.
- **Sitelink Count**: 80.
- **Related Administrative Units**:
  - Canton of Saint-Quentin-Centre (active until March 2015; inception July 23, 1973).
  - Canton of Saint-Quentin-Nord (active until March 2015).
  - Canton of Saint-Quentin-Sud (active until March 2015).
  - Canton of Saint-Quentin-1 (inception March 22, 2015).
  - Canton of Saint-Quentin-2 (inception March 22, 2015).
- **Key Infrastructure**: Gare de Saint-Quentin (railway station).
- **Religious Landmark**: Basilica of Saint-Quentin (located in Aisne, France).
- **Sports Organizations**:
  - Olympique Saint-Quentin (football club, founded 1920).
  - Saint-Quentin Basket-Ball (basketball club, founded 1973).
- **Industrial History**: Motobécane (former motor manufacturer, founded 1923, headquartered in Saint-Quentin).
- **Notable Person**: Liévin-Bonaventure Proyart (French minister and writer, affiliated with the entity).
- **Awards Received**: Croix de guerre 1914–1918 (French military decoration, established April 2, 1915).
- **Distinguishing Entities**:
  - Saint Quentin (Gallo-Roman saint, citizenship in the region).
  - Saint-Quentin (town in New Brunswick, Canada).

## FAQs
**What is the administrative status and location of Saint-Quentin?**
Saint-Quentin is a commune situated in the Aisne department within the Hauts-de-France region of northern France. It serves as a sub-prefecture and is part of the arrondissement of Saint-Quentin, with its geographic center located at approximately 49.85°N latitude and 3.29°E longitude.

**How has the population of Saint-Quentin changed over time?**
The commune has experienced fluctuating population figures, with recorded estimates ranging from a low of 52,813 to a high of 67,243 across various census periods. Recent data points include figures such as 56,217, 55,649, and 55,940, reflecting demographic shifts over the decades.

**What are the historical names used for this commune?**
Throughout its history, the commune has been known by several aliases, including Égalité-sur-Somme, Somme-Libre, and Linon-sur-Somme. These names reflect different historical periods, including the French Revolution era, before settling on the current designation of Saint-Quentin.

**Which sports and cultural organizations are based in Saint-Quentin?**
The commune is home to several notable organizations, including the football club Olympique Saint-Quentin, established in 1920, and the basketball club Saint-Quentin Basket-Ball, founded in 1973. Additionally, the former motor manufacturer Motobécane was headquartered here starting in 1923, contributing to the town's industrial heritage.

**What awards has Saint-Quentin received for its historical contributions?**
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 distinguishes the town for its resilience and contribution to the war effort.

## Why It Matters
Saint-Quentin matters as a historically significant urban center in northern France that bridges ancient Roman heritage with modern industrial and administrative functions. Its recognition with the Croix de guerre 1914–1918 highlights its critical role in national defense and history, making it a site of remembrance and cultural importance. The town serves as a hub for regional administration, housing key infrastructure like the Gare de Saint-Quentin railway station and acting as the seat for multiple cantons, which underscores its logistical and political relevance in the Aisne department. Furthermore, its legacy as the headquarters of Motobécane and the home of active sports clubs demonstrates its enduring capacity to foster community identity and economic activity.

## Notable For
- **Military Honor**: Recipient of the Croix de guerre 1914–1918 for valor during World War I.
- **Industrial Heritage**: Former headquarters of Motobécane, a prominent motor manufacturer founded in 1923.
- **Administrative Hub**: Seat of the arrondissement of Saint-Quentin and home to multiple cantons (Centre, Nord, Sud, 1, and 2).
- **Religious Significance**: Location of the Basilica of Saint-Quentin, a major religious landmark in the region.
- **Sports Tradition**: Home to Olympique Saint-Quentin (football, est. 1920) and Saint-Quentin Basket-Ball (basketball, est. 1973).
- **Historical Identity**: Known by revolutionary aliases such as Égalité-sur-Somme and Somme-Libre.
- **Geographic Precision**: Defined by specific coordinates (49.847777777778, 3.2855555555556) within the Aisne department.
- **Demographic Variance**: Exhibits a wide range of historical population counts, from 52,813 to 67,243.

## Body

### Geography and Administration
Saint-Quentin is a commune located in the Aisne department of France, with precise geographic coordinates at latitude 49.847777777778 and longitude 3.2855555555556. It functions as a key territorial subdivision within the French administrative system, specifically serving as the seat of the arrondissement of Saint-Quentin. The commune's administrative boundaries have evolved over time, encompassing various cantonal divisions. Historically, it included the cantons of Saint-Quentin-Centre, Saint-Quentin-Nord, and Saint-Quentin-Sud, all of which existed until March 2015. Following a reorganization, the commune is now associated with the cantons of Saint-Quentin-1 and Saint-Quentin-2, both established on March 22, 2015. The department of Aisne itself was created on March 4, 1790, providing the broader regional context for the commune.

### Demographics and Historical Names
The population of Saint-Quentin has varied significantly over recorded history, with data points ranging from 52,813 to 67,243. Specific recorded figures include 56,217, 55,649, 55,940, 53,816, 53,856, 64,196, 63,567, 60,644, 59,066, 56,792, 56,278, 53,570, 53,100, 52,958, 52,995, and 52,813. These fluctuations reflect the town's economic cycles and migration patterns. The commune has also undergone name changes throughout its history, particularly during the French Revolution. It was known as Égalité-sur-Somme, Somme-Libre, and Linon-sur-Somme before reverting to or adopting the name Saint-Quentin. These aliases are documented as historical identifiers for the entity.

### Infrastructure and Connectivity
The commune is well-connected through its infrastructure, most notably the Gare de Saint-Quentin, a railway station that serves as a vital transport link for the region. This station facilitates travel within the Aisne department and connects the town to the broader French rail network. The presence of such infrastructure supports the town's role as a commercial and administrative center. The official website for the commune is https://www.saint-quentin.fr/, providing digital access to local services and information.

### Industry and Economy
Saint-Quentin has a rich industrial history, highlighted by the presence of Motobécane, a former motor manufacturer. Motobécane was founded in 1923 and established its headquarters in Saint-Quentin, contributing to the local economy and industrial landscape for decades. This legacy underscores the town's capacity for manufacturing and innovation. The economic profile of the commune is further supported by its status as a sub-prefecture, which attracts administrative and service-sector employment.

### Culture, Religion, and Sports
The cultural and religious life of Saint-Quentin is anchored by the Basilica of Saint-Quentin, a significant basilica located in Aisne, France. This landmark serves as a focal point for religious activities and historical tourism. The town also boasts a vibrant sports culture, with Olympique Saint-Quentin, a football club founded in 1920, and Saint-Quentin Basket-Ball, a basketball club established in 1973. These organizations foster community engagement and athletic excellence. Additionally, the commune is associated with Liévin-Bonaventure Proyart, a French minister and writer, further enriching its cultural tapestry.

### Recognition and Awards
Saint-Quentin has been recognized for its historical contributions, particularly during times of conflict. The commune was awarded the Croix de guerre 1914–1918, a French military decoration established on April 2, 1915. This award honors the town's bravery and sacrifice during World War I. The citation of this award is a permanent part of the commune's identity, distinguishing it from other municipalities in the region.

### Distinctions and Related Entities
It is crucial to distinguish Saint-Quentin, Aisne, from other entities with similar names. There is a town named Saint-Quentin in New Brunswick, Canada, which is a separate entity with its own country code. Additionally, the name is derived from Saint Quentin, a Gallo-Roman saint, whose citizenship is linked to the region. The commune is also distinct from the various cantons that have existed within it, such as the former cantons of Centre, Nord, and Sud, and the current cantons of 1 and 2. The entity has a high sitelink count of 80 on Wikipedia, indicating its prominence in digital knowledge bases.

## References

1. [Sandre](https://www.sandre.eaufrance.fr/geo/CoursEau/E6---140)
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. BnF authorities
4. dataset of postal codes in France. 2018
5. INSEE code
6. répertoire géographique des communes
7. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
8. Czech National Authority Database
9. Annuaire de service-public.fr
10. [Source](http://open-data.saint-quentin-numerique.fr/datasets/2204750c97344c4da25e88ae9dacae6c_0)
11. MusicBrainz
12. Recensement de la population 2015. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies. 2017
13. Populations légales 2016
14. Populations légales 2017
15. Populations légales 2018
16. [Populations légales communales depuis 1968. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies](https://www.insee.fr/fr/statistiques/2522602)
17. Populations légales 2019
18. Populations légales 2020
19. Populations légales 2021
20. Populations de référence 2022
21. Populations de référence 2023
22. [Code officiel géographique. 2017](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2560698)
23. [Code officiel géographique](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/3363419)
24. [Source](http://cassini.ehess.fr/cassini/fr/html/fiche.php?select_resultat=34360)
25. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies
26. GeoNames
27. [répertoire géographique des communes. 2015](https://wxs-telechargement.ign.fr/83edtfdyqte031y0ra49d2e3/telechargement/inspire/RGC-2015-01$RGC2015/file/RGC2015.7z)
28. [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)
29. YouTube API
30. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiort.php)
31. museum-digital