Nord-Pas-de-Calais

Economy

Nord-Pas-de-Calais became a major centre of heavy industry in the 19th century with coal mines, steel mills and traditional textile manufacture. It suffered badly in both World Wars and did less well than other parts of France in the subsequent recoveries. In recent years, it experienced an economic slump as the mines closed, the steel industry declined and the textile industry ran into problems. Between 1975-1984, the region lost over 130,000 jobs and unemployment rose to 14% of the working population, well above the national average. The region has, however, benefitted from major government and European Union investment over the past 20 years. The opening of the Channel Tunnel in 1994 was welcomed in the region as a means of boosting its prosperity. Tourism, particularly in Lille at the apex of the London-Brussels-Paris railway lines, has grown considerably.

Related Topics:
Coal mine - Steel mill - Textile - 1975 - 1984 - European Union - Channel Tunnel - 1994 - Lille

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