Bernissart

Bernissart
Municipality
Flag Coat of arms
Location of Bernissart
Country	Belgium
Community	French Community
Region	Wallonia
Province	Hainaut
Arrondissement	Ath
Government
• Mayor	Roger Vanderstraeten
• Governing party/ies	PS
Area
• Total	43.81 km2 (16.92 sq mi)
Population  (2018-01-01)
• Total	11,868
• Density	270/km2 (700/sq mi)
Postal codes	7320-7322
NIS code	51009
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 Iguanodon mine

In 1878, dozens of Iguanodon skeletons were discovered in a coal mine, 322 m (1,050 ft) below the ground. Their proximity was the first proof that some dinosaurs were herd animals and, since some were preserved in their natural positions, they also proved that at least some dinosaurs were bipedal. They were mounted by Louis Dollo and set the standard that was followed for over a century. The skeletons are currently on display at the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences.

External links

• "17. The Bernissart Iguanodons, 1884". Linda Hall Library. Paper Dinosaurs, 1824–1969.
• Template:Fr icon Official web site of Bernissart