Population
238 557, of which 28.5% are under 20
population density: 170 inhabitants/km², 6% of the total population of the Nord-Pas de Calais 

Employment
74,862 individuals of working age in work
40,307 private sector employees
18,378 of which are employed in industry and the construction and public works sector (5.7 % of the region's workforce)
and 21,929 of which are employed in the retail trade and services industry (3.4% of the region's workforce) 

Business
4,800 business establishments (5% of the region's business)
of which 910 are industrial businesses, 
1490 are service businesses, 
2400 are retail businesses
250 start-ups per year 

Activities
Over 45% of jobs are in industry

The area has specific competences:
Engineering and metalworking (35% of the workforce)
Automotive (16.6% of the workforce)
Electrical and electronic equipment (8%)
Mineral-based products (glass, ceramics) (8%)