Le Havre, << luh HAH vruh >> (pop. 170,352; met. area pop. 289,134), is the second busiest seaport city in France—after Marseille—and a major industrial center. It lies along the English Channel, in northern France, at the mouth of the Seine River.
Le Havre’s port and downtown area were badly damaged during World War II (1939-1945). After the war, they were rebuilt according to a master plan. The port was equipped with excellent facilities that can accommodate very large vessels. Many modern buildings were constructed in the downtown area. Much of France’s crude petroleum is imported at Le Havre. The city’s many industries include shipbuilding, automobile assembling, and the production of chemicals, electrical goods, machine tools, and petrochemicals.
Le Havre was founded as a seaport in the 1500’s. The city soon became a major French center of international trade and industry. Le Havre has maintained its importance in France’s economy ever since.
