# Verquigneul

> commune in Pas-de-Calais, France

**Wikidata**: [Q1442939](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1442939)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Verquigneul)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/verquigneul

## Summary
Verquigneul is a commune located in the Pas-de-Calais department of northern France. It is a small municipality within the arrondissement of Béthune and the canton of Béthune-Est, recognized for its historical significance during World War I, as evidenced by its receipt of the Croix de guerre 1914–1918 military decoration.

## Key Facts
- **Type**: Commune (municipality) in France.
- **Location**: Pas-de-Calais department, Hauts-de-France region, France.
- **Coordinates**: 50.504166666667° N, 2.6622222222222° E.
- **Inception**: Officially established as a commune on January 1, 2008.
- **Population**: Recorded populations include 1,951 (2019), 1,904 (2016), 1,919 (2013), and 1,929 (2021).
- **Administrative Division**:
  - **Arrondissement**: Béthune.
  - **Canton**: Béthune-Est.
- **Historical Recognition**: Awarded the *Croix de guerre 1914–1918* on April 2, 1915, for its role during World War I.
- **Wikidata Sitelinks**: 42 sitelinks across various language editions of Wikipedia.
- **Wikipedia Title**: "Verquigneul" (English).

## FAQs

**Where is Verquigneul located?**
Verquigneul is situated in the Pas-de-Calais department of northern France, within the Hauts-de-France region. It lies at coordinates 50.504166666667° N, 2.6622222222222° E, placing it near the city of Béthune.

**What is the administrative structure of Verquigneul?**
Verquigneul is a commune, the smallest administrative division in France. It falls under the arrondissement of Béthune and the canton of Béthune-Est, both of which are part of the Pas-de-Calais department.

**When was Verquigneul officially established?**
The commune was formally established on January 1, 2008. However, its historical roots and administrative existence predate this formalization, as it has been part of France’s municipal system since the French Revolution (post-1789).

**What is the population of Verquigneul?**
Population figures vary slightly by year:
- 1,951 (2019)
- 1,904 (2016)
- 1,919 (2013)
- 1,929 (2021)
These numbers reflect a stable, small community typical of rural French communes.

**Why was Verquigneul awarded the Croix de guerre 1914–1918?**
The commune was honored with the *Croix de guerre 1914–1918* on April 2, 1915, for its contributions and sacrifices during World War I. This decoration is awarded to municipalities that demonstrated exceptional bravery or endured significant hardship during the war.

**What is the significance of the Pas-de-Calais department?**
Pas-de-Calais is a historic department in northern France, created on March 4, 1790, during the French Revolution. It is known for its role in both World Wars, its industrial heritage, and its proximity to the English Channel.

## Why It Matters
Verquigneul matters as a microcosm of France’s rural and historical identity. As a commune in Pas-de-Calais, it represents the administrative and cultural fabric of small-town France, where local governance and community life are deeply intertwined. Its recognition with the *Croix de guerre 1914–1918* underscores its place in the collective memory of World War I, reflecting the broader sacrifices of French villages during the conflict. Additionally, its stable population and administrative structure highlight the resilience and continuity of rural communities in modern France. For historians, genealogists, and regional planners, Verquigneul serves as a case study of how small municipalities adapt and endure over time.

## Notable For
- **Historical Recognition**: One of the communes awarded the *Croix de guerre 1914–1918* for its role in World War I.
- **Stable Population**: Maintains a consistent population of around 1,900–1,950 residents, reflecting rural demographic stability.
- **Administrative Longevity**: Part of France’s commune system since the French Revolution, with formal establishment in 2008.
- **Geographic Location**: Strategically located near Béthune, a historic town in the Pas-de-Calais department.
- **Cultural Heritage**: Represents the traditional structure of French rural life and local governance.

## Body

### Geography and Location
Verquigneul is located in the Pas-de-Calais department of the Hauts-de-France region in northern France. Its geographic coordinates are 50.504166666667° N latitude and 2.6622222222222° E longitude, placing it in close proximity to the town of Béthune. The commune is part of the broader landscape of northern France, characterized by rolling hills, agricultural fields, and a temperate maritime climate influenced by the English Channel.

### Administrative Structure
Verquigneul is classified as a *commune*, the basic administrative division in France. It operates under the following hierarchical structure:
- **Department**: Pas-de-Calais (created March 4, 1790).
- **Arrondissement**: Béthune.
- **Canton**: Béthune-Est.

This structure integrates Verquigneul into the broader governance framework of France, where communes are responsible for local services such as schools, roads, and public safety.

### Historical Context
The commune system in France was established during the French Revolution (post-1789), replacing the earlier feudal and ecclesiastical divisions. Verquigneul’s formal establishment as a modern commune occurred on January 1, 2008, though its existence as a settlement predates this formalization.

During World War I, Verquigneul, like many communities in Pas-de-Calais, was directly affected by the conflict due to its proximity to the Western Front. In recognition of its contributions and suffering, the commune was awarded the *Croix de guerre 1914–1918* on April 2, 1915. This decoration is a testament to the resilience and sacrifices of its inhabitants during the war.

### Demographics
Verquigneul has a small but stable population, with recorded figures as follows:
- **2019**: 1,951 inhabitants.
- **2016**: 1,904 inhabitants.
- **2013**: 1,919 inhabitants.
- **2021**: 1,929 inhabitants.

These numbers indicate a slight fluctuation but overall stability, typical of rural communes in France. The population density is low, reflecting the agricultural and residential nature of the area.

### Related Administrative Entities
Verquigneul is connected to several higher-level administrative and historical entities:
1. **Pas-de-Calais Department**: One of the original 83 departments created in 1790, Pas-de-Calais is known for its industrial history, coal mining, and its role in both World Wars.
2. **Arrondissement of Béthune**: An administrative division overseeing multiple cantons and communes, including Verquigneul. Béthune is a historic town with medieval origins and significant industrial heritage.
3. **Canton of Béthune-Est**: A smaller administrative division within the arrondissement, grouping several communes for electoral and administrative purposes.

### Awards and Recognition
The *Croix de guerre 1914–1918* is a French military decoration created on April 2, 1915, to honor individuals and communities that demonstrated exceptional bravery or endured significant hardship during World War I. Verquigneul’s receipt of this award highlights its role in the war effort and the impact of the conflict on its community. The decoration is symbolized by a bronze cross with crossed swords, often displayed on municipal flags or memorials.

### Cultural and Historical Significance
As a rural commune in northern France, Verquigneul embodies the traditions and challenges of small-town life. Its history is intertwined with broader national events, particularly World War I, which left a lasting mark on the region. The commune’s administrative structure and demographic stability reflect the enduring nature of France’s rural communities, which continue to play a vital role in the country’s cultural and economic landscape.

### Modern Context
Today, Verquigneul remains a quiet, agricultural community within the Pas-de-Calais department. Its proximity to Béthune provides access to urban amenities while retaining a distinct rural identity. The commune’s history, particularly its World War I recognition, is preserved through local memorials and historical records, ensuring that its contributions are remembered by future generations.

### Connections to Broader French Systems
Verquigneul is part of France’s decentralized administrative system, where communes are the foundation of local governance. This system allows for localized decision-making while integrating into the national framework. The commune’s relationship with higher-level entities such as the arrondissement of Béthune and the canton of Béthune-Est ensures coordination in areas like infrastructure, education, and public services.

### Data and Documentation
Verquigneul is documented in various databases and Wikipedia editions, with 42 sitelinks across different languages. Its Wikidata entry provides structured information, including population figures, coordinates, and administrative relationships, making it accessible for research and reference.

### Conclusion
Verquigneul is a prime example of France’s rural communes, blending historical significance with modern administrative functions. Its recognition during World War I, stable population, and integration into the Pas-de-Calais department highlight its role in both local and national contexts. For those studying French municipal systems, rural demographics, or the impact of World War I on small communities, Verquigneul offers valuable insights into the resilience and continuity of rural life in France.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. dataset of postal codes in France. 2018
3. INSEE code
4. [Journal officiel de la République française. 2007](https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/jorf/id/JORFTEXT000000158404)
5. répertoire géographique des communes
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
7. Recensement de la population 2015. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies. 2017
8. Populations légales 2016
9. Populations légales 2017
10. Populations légales 2018
11. Populations légales 2019
12. Populations légales 2020
13. Populations légales 2021
14. Populations de référence 2022
15. Populations de référence 2023
16. [Code officiel géographique](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/3363419)
17. GeoNames
18. [répertoire géographique des communes. 2015](https://wxs-telechargement.ign.fr/83edtfdyqte031y0ra49d2e3/telechargement/inspire/RGC-2015-01$RGC2015/file/RGC2015.7z)
19. [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)
20. [Code officiel géographique. 2017](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2560698)