Manche - Definition and Overview

Manche
Details
Information
Number	50
Region	Basse-Normandie
Prefecture	Saint-Lô
Subprefecture	Avranches Cherbourg Coutances
Population  - Total (1999)  - Density	Ranked 52nd 481,571 81 /km²
Area	6,412 km²
Arrondissements	4
Cantons	52
Communes	602
President of the general council	XX
Location

Manche is a French département in Normandy named after La Manche ("the sleeve"), which is the French name of the English Channel.

History

Manche was one of the original 83 departments created during the French Revolution on March 4, 1790. It was created from part of the province of Normandie.

The first capital was Coutances until 1796, and it resumed that role after World War II because of the almost complete destruction of Saint-Lô during the D-Day invastion of Normandy. When Saint-Lô was rebuilt, it again became the capital.

Geography

The department includes the Cotentin Peninsula and the islands of Chausey. It is part of the region of Basse-Normandie and is surrounded on three sides by the English Channel and on the other by the departments of Calvados, Orme, Mayenne, and Ille-et-Vilaine.

Demographics

Inhabitants of the department are called Manchots or Manchois.

External links

• Prefecture website (http://www.manche.pref.gouv.fr/) (in French)
• Conseil Général website (http://www.cg50.fr/) (in French)

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