Meurthe-et-Moselle is a department located in the northeastern part of France, specifically in the
Grand-Est region. The department is named after the two rivers that flow through its territory - the Meurthe and Moselle. Meurthe-et-Moselle was created in 1871, after the Franco-Prussian War, using the parts of the former Moselle and Meurthe departments that remained under French control. The department's current boundary with Moselle served as the border between France and Germany from 1871 to 1919, and again between 1940 and 1944. Meurthe-et-Moselle (number 54) is a relatively small department, covering an area of approximately 5,246 square kilometres. It is part of the larger Lorraine region and is bordered by the departments of Meuse, Vosges, Bas-Rhin, and Moselle, as well as the countries of Luxembourg and Belgium.
The department is known for its diverse landscapes, which range from rolling hills and dense forests to tranquil rivers and meandering canals. Some parts of Meurthe-et-Moselle are within the Lorraine Regional Natural Park, a vast protected area that spans over 2,200 square kilometres.
The population of Meurthe-et-Moselle is estimated to be around 744,000 people, with the largest city and administrative centre being Nancy. The department is home to numerous historic landmarks, including medieval
castles, grand cathedrals, and elegant chateaux.
In 1997, the commune of Han-devant-Pierrepont was incorporated into Meurthe-et-Moselle for administrative reasons. This was the only change to the department's territory since its creation in 1871.