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Bernissart

Bernissart
Municipality
Bernissart JPG01.jpg
Flag of Bernissart
Flag
Coat of arms of Bernissart
Coat of arms
Bernissart is located in Belgium
Bernissart
Bernissart
Location in Belgium
Coordinates: 50°29′N 03°39′E / 50.483°N 3.650°E / 50.483; 3.650Coordinates: 50°29′N 03°39′E / 50.483°N 3.650°E / 50.483; 3.650
Country Belgium
Community French Community
Region Wallonia
Province Hainaut
Arrondissement Ath
Government
 • Mayor Roger Vanderstraeten
 • Governing party/ies PS
Area
 • Total 43.42 km2 (16.76 sq mi)
Population (1 January 2016)
 • Total 11,943
 • Density 280/km2 (710/sq mi)
Postal codes 7320-7322
Area codes 069
Website www.bernissart.be

Bernissart is a Walloon municipality located in the Belgian province of Hainaut. On January 1, 2006, Bernissart had a total population of 11,458. The total area is 43.42 km², which gives a population density of 264 inhabitants per km². The municipality includes the village of Blaton, formerly an independent municipality.

In 1878, dozens of Iguanodon skeletons were discovered in a coal mine, 322 m (1,050 ft) below the ground. At the time, their proximity was considered proof that some dinosaurs were herd animals. They were mounted by Louis Dollo and set the standard that was followed for over a century. Nine of the twenty-nine skeletons are currently on display at the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, and one at the Bernissart Museum. The two museums even made an error they acknowledge with humour : they displayed the skeletons "standing", suggesting that the dinosaurs were bidepal, which is not the case.

One of the Bernissart Iguanodons on display at the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences.



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