Geography of Lille
Lille, France, the capital of Nord department. It is situated in a heavily industrialized and urbanized area on the Lys River a short distance from the Belgian border Products include textiles, iron and steel machinery, and chemicals. There are three universities here—the University of Lille I, II, and III.
Lille was founded about 1030 and was a part of medieval Flanders. During the 16th and 17th centuries the city changed hands often, finally being recognized as French by the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713. Lille was occupied by the Germans in both World Wars.
Population: 172,149.