Urban cluster (France)

In France, a pôle urbain (English: urban cluster) is a statistical area defined by INSEE (France's national statistics office) for the measurement of contiguously built-up areas. It shares the same definition as an "unité urbaine" ("urban unit"), except that a "pôle urbain" is not contained within the "couronne" ("commuter belt") of any other; in other words, a "pôle urbain" is an urban area that is a core of demographic growth.