MEUSE

dpartement, Lorraine rgion, northeastern France, created from parts of historical Lorraine (q.v.) province and a fragment of Champagne. Bounded in the northeast for 8 miles (13 km) by the Belgian frontier, Meuse occupies an oblong area of 2,400 square miles (6,216 square km), which the Meuse River traverses from south-southeast to north-northwest for over 100 miles (160 km). The Meuse flows in a deeply entrenched valley past Commercy and through the ancient fortress city of Verdun (q.v.), the largest centre, in the middle of the dpartement. The Ornain River, a tributary of the Marne, crosses the southwest, passing through Bar-le-Duc (q.v.), the administrative capital. The Canal de la Marne au Rhin passes through the Ornain valley. The Aisne River gathers its headwaters north of Bar-le-Duc in the rugged, forested highlands of Argonne (750900 feet [225275 m]) that extend along the western border. The Aire, a tributary of the Aisne, flows below the eastern escarpment of the Argonne range and is separated from the Meuse by a stretch of hilly, forested country. The Meuse Heights, which rise to more than 1,300 feet [about 400 m] and were the scene of heavy fighting during World War I, follow the east bank of the Meuse. Because of its higher elevation, Meuse has a more severe climate than most other parts of northern France. Forests cover the heights. The economy has traditionally been largely agricultural, featuring cattle raising, cereals, and forage. Many of the vines that once grew on sheltered slopes have been replaced by plum and apricot trees. Industry, now the largest employment sector, was formerly confined to metalworking and food processing at Bar-le-Duc, Commercy, and Verdun, the administrative centres of the three arrondissements and the only sizable towns. Industry is now more widespread but is small-scale and has not altered the rural character of the dpartement. Meuse is in the educational division of Nancy. Pop. (1988 est.) 196,400.