Charleroi

Belgium

Population structure by age 0 - 19 : 23.0 %
20 - 29 : 14.0 %
30 - 44 : 22.0 %
45 - 59 : 19.0 %
60 - 95 : 22.0 %
Web site Charleroi Web Site

Charleroi is the fifth largest city of Belgium, both in terms of inhabitants as in terms of catchment area. Although the entire area has severely suffered from the downfall of the 'heavy' industry (coal, steel etc...) and therefore almost runs the highest unemployment rate of all Belgium, this area should not be disregarded. Indeed, some strong French retailers have historically always had very satisfactory turnovers here. The downtown retailing has a high street area, which centers around the Rue de la Montagne. But the large schemes currently under development could change this situation.