# Sainte-Catherine > commune in Pas-de-Calais, France **Wikidata**: [Q380271](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q380271) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sainte-Catherine,_Pas-de-Calais) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/sainte-catherine ## Summary Sainte-Catherine is a commune located in the Pas-de-Calais department in the Hauts-de-France region of northern France. Situated at coordinates 50.307222°N latitude and 2.763056°E longitude, this small municipality operates as part of the arrondissement of Arras and was historically part of the canton of Dainville until March 2015. The commune is a member of the Communauté urbaine d'Arras, an urban community established in 2013, and holds the Croix de guerre 1914–1918 military decoration recognizing its World War I contributions. ## Key Facts - **Location**: Pas-de-Calais department, Hauts-de-France region, France - **Coordinates**: 50.307222°N, 2.763056°E - **Administrative status**: Commune in the arrondissement of Arras - **Former canton**: Dainville (until March 2015) - **Intercommunal structure**: Communauté urbaine d'Arras (urban community, founded January 1, 2013) - **Country**: France - **Administrative division**: Part of the French department of Pas-de-Calais (inception: March 4, 1790) - **Type of entity**: Commune of France (territorial subdivision for municipalities, inception: 1789) - **Population**: Approximately 3,383 to 3,653 residents (varying by year) - **Official website**: https://sainte-catherine.fr/ - **Military recognition**: Croix de guerre 1914–1918 (French military decoration, inception: April 2, 1915) - **Wikipedia title**: Sainte-Catherine, Pas-de-Calais - **Wikidata description**: commune in Pas-de-Calais, France - **Sitelink count**: 52 ## FAQs **What type of administrative area is Sainte-Catherine?** Sainte-Catherine is a commune, which is the smallest territorial subdivision for municipalities in France. It is located in the Pas-de-Calais department in the northern Hauts-de-France region and falls under the administrative jurisdiction of the arrondissement of Arras. **Which intercommunal structures is Sainte-Catherine part of?** Sainte-Catherine is a member of the Communauté urbaine d'Arras, an urban community (intercommunal structure) that was established on January 1, 2013. This organization coordinates local development, public services, and infrastructure across the Arras metropolitan area. **What historical military recognition does Sainte-Catherine hold?** Sainte-Catherine was awarded the Croix de guerre 1914–1918, a French military decoration instituted on April 2, 1915, to recognize valor and service during World War I. This decoration indicates that the commune suffered damage or demonstrated bravery during the conflict. **What is the geographic position of Sainte-Catherine?** The commune is situated at coordinates 50.307222°N latitude and 2.763056°E longitude in the Pas-de-Calais department, which is located in the northern part of France along the English Channel coast. **What administrative changes affected Sainte-Catherine in 2015?** Prior to March 2015, Sainte-Catherine was part of the canton of Dainville. Following French administrative reorganization, the canton system was modified, and the commune's cantonal affiliation changed. ## Why It Matters Sainte-Catherine represents a quintessential French rural commune that embodies the administrative and historical fabric of northern France. While small in population, the commune plays a role in the broader regional dynamics of the Pas-de-Calais area, which has been strategically significant throughout French history due to its proximity to the English Channel and historical border conflicts. The commune's membership in the Communauté urbana d'Arras connects it to a larger metropolitan area that serves as an administrative, economic, and cultural center for the surrounding region. This intercommunal structure allows smaller communes like Sainte-Catherine to benefit from shared resources, coordinated planning, and collective representation in regional affairs. The Croix de guerre 1914–1918 recognition is particularly significant, as Pas-de-Calais was heavily affected by World War I fighting, particularly during the Battle of the Somme and other major engagements that shaped both the landscape and demographics of the region. This decoration serves as a permanent reminder of the commune's wartime experience and the sacrifices made by its residents. From an administrative perspective, Sainte-Catherine exemplifies the French commune system, which dates back to 1789 and forms the foundation of local governance throughout France. With approximately 35,000 communes in the country, these municipalities represent the most granular level of administrative organization and serve as essential building blocks of French civic life. ## Notable For - **World War I recognition**: Holder of the Croix de guerre 1914–1918 for contributions during the Great War - **Intercommunal membership**: Part of the Communauté urbaine d'Arras, established in 2013 - **Historical administrative continuity**: Part of the French commune system since 1789 - **Regional location**: Situated in the historically significant Pas-de-Calais department - **Digital presence**: Maintains an official website at https://sainte-catherine.fr/ ## Body ### Geography and Location Sainte-Catherine is positioned in the Pas-de-Calais department located in the northern French region of Hauts-de-Calais, now part of the larger Hauts-de-France administrative region. The commune sits at coordinates 50.307222°N latitude and 2.763056°E longitude, placing it in the interior of the department rather than along the coastal areas that characterize much of Pas-de-Calais. This inland position places the commune within the traditional agricultural and pastoral lands of northern France, characterized by rolling plains and farmland that have been cultivated for centuries. The commune's geographic position places it within reasonable proximity to major urban centers in the region. Arras, the prefecture of the arrondissement that includes Sainte-Catherine, serves as the primary administrative and economic hub for the surrounding area. The town's location within the arrondissement of Arras connects it to departmental and regional governance structures that coordinate services, infrastructure, and development across the territory. ### Administrative History and Structure Sainte-Catherine operates as a commune, which represents the fundamental territorial subdivision for municipalities in France. The French commune system was established during the French Revolution in 1789, creating a standardized system of local administration that continues to this day. As a commune, Sainte-Catherine possesses its own municipal government, headed by a mayor and municipal council, responsible for local services, urban planning, and community affairs. Historically, the commune was part of the canton of Dainville until March 2015. Cantons in France serve as electoral districts for various elections and also function as administrative divisions for certain governmental purposes. The reorganization of cantonal boundaries in 2015 resulted in changes to the administrative map of Pas-de-Calais, affecting how Sainte-Catherine was classified for electoral and administrative purposes. Currently, Sainte-Catherine falls within the arrondissement of Arras, which is one of the administrative divisions within the Pas-de-Calais department. Arrondissements serve as sub-prefectures and coordinate various state services at a regional level, including courts, social services, and administrative offices. ### Intercommunal Organization A significant aspect of Sainte-Catherine's contemporary administrative structure is its membership in the Communauté urbaine d'Arras. This urban community, also known as a metropolitan area or intercommunal structure, was established on January 1, 2013, bringing together municipalities in the Arras area for coordinated development and shared services. The Communauté urbaine d'Arras serves as a vehicle for regional cooperation, enabling member communes to pool resources for major infrastructure projects, economic development initiatives, environmental planning, and public service delivery. These intercommunal structures have become increasingly important in French local governance, particularly as municipalities seek to address challenges that cross municipal boundaries, such as transportation, economic development, and environmental sustainability. The urban community is headquartered in Arras, the principal city of the area, which serves as the administrative center for the intercommunal structure. This membership connects Sainte-Catherine to a broader regional network that includes multiple municipalities working together on shared objectives. ### Historical Significance The Croix de guerre 1914–1918 awarded to Sainte-Catherine represents the commune's recognition for its role during World War I. This military decoration was established by France on April 2, 1915, to acknowledge military valor, important services, and suffering during the conflict. The decoration could be awarded to individuals, military units, or civilian entities such as communes that demonstrated bravery or suffered significant damage during the war. Pas-de-Calais was among the departments most severely affected by World War I, particularly during the Battle of the Somme in 1916 and the various campaigns that unfolded along the Western Front. Many communes in the region were damaged or destroyed during the conflict, and the Croix de guerre served as recognition of both the suffering endured and the contributions made by local populations. The presence of this decoration in Sainte-Catherine's history indicates that the commune experienced direct impacts from the conflict, whether through military presence, damage to infrastructure, or contributions to the war effort. ### Population and Demographics While specific population figures vary across different years in the available data, Sainte-Catherine appears to have maintained a relatively stable population in the range of approximately 3,400 to 3,600 residents. This population size is typical for rural communes in the Pas-de-Calais department, where many municipalities feature small to medium-sized populations engaged primarily in agriculture, local commerce, and commuting to larger urban centers. The population figures recorded (3,383; 3,486; 3,554; 3,511; 3,503; 3,562; 3,653; 3,594; 3,533; 3,471) suggest some fluctuation over time, which could reflect natural demographic changes, migration patterns, or variations in how population was counted. This demographic stability is characteristic of many rural French communes that maintain their population through a combination of natural growth and attraction of residents seeking quieter rural lifestyles while maintaining access to urban employment centers. ### Departmental Context Sainte-Catherine is located in the Pas-de-Calais department, which was created on March 4, 1790, during the early days of the French Revolution. The department is named after the Strait of Dover (Pas de Calais), the narrowest point of the English Channel, which separates France from England. Pas-de-Calais has historically been a region of significant strategic importance due to its coastal position and its proximity to the English Channel, making it a frequent theater of conflict throughout European history. The department is part of the Hauts-de-France region, which encompasses the northernmost portions of France. This region has historically been characterized by strong industrial activity, agricultural production, and significant historical events, including both World Wars. The departmental capital, Arras, is known for its rich historical heritage, including its belfry and baroque architecture, as well as its role in regional administration. ### Digital Presence Sainte-Catherine maintains an official municipal website at https://sainte-catherine.fr/, providing information about local government, services, events, and community matters. This digital presence reflects the modern approach to municipal communication and provides residents and visitors with access to information about local governance, administrative procedures, and community resources. The website serves as an important tool for civic engagement, allowing the municipal government to communicate with residents, publish official announcements, and provide access to services. This digital infrastructure represents the commune's integration into contemporary administrative practices while maintaining its identity as a traditional French municipality. ### Relationship to Broader French Administrative System As a French commune, Sainte-Catherine operates within a hierarchical administrative system that includes multiple levels of governance. At the local level, the commune is governed by a mayor and municipal council elected by residents. At the departmental level, the prefecture in Arras coordinates state services and administrative functions. At the regional level, the Hauts-de-France regional council handles broader policy matters, and at the national level, the French government maintains overall authority through various ministries and administrative bodies. This multi-layered system allows for both local autonomy and coordinated governance, enabling communes like Sainte-Catherine to manage local affairs while benefiting from support and coordination at higher administrative levels. The intercommunal structure of the Communauté urbaine d'Arras adds another layer of cooperation, allowing municipalities to address regional challenges collectively. ## References 1. BnF authorities 2. Virtual International Authority File 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)