Seaport on the N coast of France, in Nord
departement, on the Strait of Dover;
population (1983) 83,760, conurbation
196,000. Its harbour is one of the foremost
in France, and it has widespread canal links
with the rest of France and Belgium; ferry
service to Ramsgate, England. Industries
include oil refining, fishing, and the
manufacture of textiles, machinery, and soap.
It was close to the front line during much of
World War I, and in World War II, 337,131
Allied troops (including about 110,000
French) were evacuated from the beaches as
German forces approached.