CHAMPAGNE-ARDENNE

rgion encompassing the northern French dpartements of Haute-Marne, Aube, Marne, and Ardennes and roughly coextensive with the historical province of Champagne. The capital is Chlons-sur-Marne. The region has an area of 9,887 square miles (25,606 square km) and is bounded by the dpartements of Meuse and Vosges to the east, Haute-Sane to the southeast, Cte-d'Or and Yonne to the south, and Seine-et-Marne and Aisne to the west. Belgium lies to the north. The region is drained by the Marne, Aube, and Meuse rivers. The region is sparsely populated; as in much of nonurban France in the 20th century, the population decreased by more than 16 percent between 1901 and 1946, with emigration to Paris and the steel and coal employment of Lorraine accounting for much of the decrease. Since World War II it has continued to grow at a rate below the national average, and with the continued decline of the northern industrial regions in the late 20th century, immediate prospects for change were slim. Emigration continues to deplete the population. Farms in Champagne-Ardenne are large and rely heavily on fertilizers. Viticulture centres on pernay, Reims, and southeastern Aube; large quantities of champagne and table wine are produced annually. Cereals are widely cultivated and account for one-third of the agricultural output. The cultivation of corn (maize) has spread rapidly since 1969. Alfalfa and sugar beets are major crops. Afforestation necessitated by centuries of small-industrial and domestic overcutting was undertaken in the 19th century. Industries must largely import raw materials and energy, and they thus remain underdeveloped. Textiles are produced in the Meuse valley and around Troyes; metalworking is concentrated in Ardennes and Haute-Marne. Investment capital from Germany has helped to establish a number of new industries in Champagne-Ardenne. There is a nuclear power station at Chooz in Ardennes. Hydroelectric power is generated from the Meuse River at Revin (Ardennes). Pop. (1985 est.) 1,352,000.