Saint-Ghislain

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Municipal flag Saint-Ghislain
Saint-Ghislain: the former town hall (1752), the new church, and the tower of the old church (16th century)
 
Location on map of Belgium
Coat of arms Location of Saint-Ghislain in Hainaut
Geography
Country Belgium
Region Flag of Wallonia Wallonia
Community Flag of Wallonia French Community
Province Flag of Hainaut (province) Hainaut
Arrondissement Mons
Coordinates 50°27′N 03°49′E / 50.45, 3.817Coordinates: 50°27′N 03°49′E / 50.45, 3.817
Area 70.18 km²
Population (Source: NIS)
Population
– Males
– Females
- Density
22,466 (January 1, 2006)
47.31%
52.69%
320 inhab./km²
Economy
Unemployment rate 20.73% (January 1, 2006)
Mean annual income 11,999 €/pers. (2003)
Government
Mayor Daniel Olivier
Governing parties PS
Other information
Postal codes 7330-7334
Area codes 065
Web address www.saint-ghislain.be

Saint-Ghislain is a Walloon municipality located in the Belgian province of Hainaut. On 1 January 2006 the municipality had 22,466 inhabitants. The total area is 70.18 km², giving a population density of 320 inhabitants per km².

[edit] History

The town is named after St Ghislain. In the 7th century, with two unknown disciples Ghislain had made a clearing in the vicinity of Castrilocus (now Mons), taking up later his abode at a place called Ursidongus, where he built an oratory or chapel dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul. Ursidongus was later named after him.

[edit] Datacenter

Google has chosen Saint-Ghislain in 2007 to host its new major European datacenter.