Nord - Industrial Decline

Region in Industrial DeclineEx: Nord in FranceBackground Nord is located in Northwest France Very important in the 1800's Had large amounts of coal Successful industries Coal mining / Steel making / Textiles 1950's - Decline Coal was almost exhausted after 1950 Oil & gas were more in demand / better energy source Textiles declined.....competition from Asia (Hong Kong & Taiwan)...Cheaper labour costs Aluminium & plastic began to take over from steel as a popular material Unemployment rose to 16% in Nord Brain drain.....outward migration of young people to cities like Paris Area became known as a 'rust belt'.....scarring & disused machinery Redevelopment of Nord French government - Taken major steps Workers upskilled - Retrained in modern skills Car assembly plants set up - Tradition in France (Ex: Peugot / Renault) Lille City - Attracted many healthcare & IT jobs Lille is on the TGV line - Linked up with London via Channel Tunnel - Major Boost for the area Lille has been given a makeover As you can see, Nord is an area that has suffered economic decline but has recovered and is currently diversifying into new modern industries.

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