Explanation: Calais's primary geographical significance stems from its position overlooking the Strait of Dover, which is the narrowest point of the English Channel, not the widest.

Explanation: The name "Calais" originates from the Latin "Caletum," derived from the Gaulish term "Caletoi," meaning "the hard ones" or "the tough ones," rather than a Latin term signifying "the beautiful city."

Explanation: Calais is situated across the Strait of Dover, which measures approximately 34 kilometers (21 miles) at its narrowest point, establishing it as the closest French town to England.

Explanation: Calais is classified under the Köppen climate system as having a temperate oceanic climate (Cfb), characterized by moderate temperatures and precipitation throughout the year.

Explanation: Calais is located at an elevation ranging from 0 to 18 meters (0 to 59 feet) above sea level, consistent with its coastal geography.

Explanation: The name "Calais" is believed to derive from the Gaulish ethnonym "Caletoi," associated with the Caletes tribe, who were inhabitants of the Pays de Caux region.

Explanation: Calais is situated within the Côte d'Opale (Opal Coast) of northern France, characterized by a temperate oceanic climate, not the Mediterranean climate associated with the Côte d'Azur.

Explanation: The canals connecting Saint-Omer to coastal towns such as Calais were primarily constructed to facilitate trade and transport, especially after the estuary silted up, rather than for military defense.

Explanation: Calais's primary geographical significance lies in its strategic location overlooking the Strait of Dover, the narrowest point of the English Channel, establishing it as a crucial gateway between France and England.

Explanation: The name "Calais" is believed to originate from the Gaulish (Celtic) ethnonym "Caletoi," signifying "the hard ones" or "the tough ones."

Explanation: The Strait of Dover, separating Calais from England, measures approximately 34 kilometers (21 miles) at its narrowest point.

Explanation: Calais is characterized by a temperate oceanic climate, designated as Cfb under the Köppen climate classification system.

Explanation: The Gaulish term "*kaletos*," from which the name "Calais" is thought to originate, translates to "the hard ones" or "the tough ones."

Explanation: The name "Calais" first appears in historical records in the late twelfth century, with early spellings such as "Kaleeis," "Kalais," "Calays," and Latin forms like "Calesium" and "Calasium." The modern spelling "Calais" emerged in 1331.

Explanation: Following its capture by Edward III in 1347, Calais formally became English territory via treaty in 1360 and was subsequently recaptured by France in 1558, marking a period of English rule lasting approximately two centuries.

Explanation: Calais was referred to as the "brightest jewel in the English crown" primarily due to its critical role as a gateway port facilitating the export of key English trade goods, most notably wool, which significantly contributed to the English economy and royal revenue.

Explanation: The "Pale of Calais" designated the territory surrounding the city, including Guînes and Marck, which was formally assigned to English rule in perpetuity by the Treaty of Brétigny in 1360, although its implementation was not fully realized.

Explanation: The "Pays Reconquis" (Reconquered Country) refers to the region around Calais after its recapture by France in 1558, signifying its return to French control, not a cession to England.

Explanation: In 1363, Calais was designated a staple port, mandating that specific commodities, notably wool, be traded exclusively through this location, thereby reinforcing its economic ties to England.

Explanation: The name "Calais" first appears in historical records in the late twelfth century, with "Calesium" being one of the common Latin-based spellings used during that period.

Explanation: Following its capture in 1347, Calais formally became English territory through a treaty in 1360 and remained under English control until its recapture by France in 1558.

Explanation: Calais was esteemed as the "brightest jewel in the English crown" due to its vital function as a port facilitating the export of significant English commodities, particularly wool, which was crucial for the national economy.

Explanation: The designation "Pays Reconquis" (Reconquered Country) pertains to the region surrounding Calais following its recapture by French forces in 1558.

Explanation: A historical claim suggests that the Romans referred to the settlement as 'Caletum' and that it served as Julius Caesar's departure point for his invasion of Britain, although "Caletum" does not appear in Caesar's own accounts.

Explanation: Designating Calais as a staple port in 1363 meant that specific trade goods, most notably wool, were required to be transacted exclusively through this port, thereby solidifying its economic importance.

Explanation: The siege of Calais in 1558 concluded with the recapture of the city by France, marking the end of English rule.

Explanation: Rodin's "The Burghers of Calais" commemorates the 1347 event where six leading citizens surrendered to King Edward III of England to spare the city, a moment later influenced by Queen Philippa's plea for their pardon.

Explanation: During the period of English rule (1347-1558), the Place d'Armes, a significant square adjacent to the watchtower, was known as Market Square, not "Tower Square."

Explanation: The Hôtel de Ville in Calais, constructed between 1911 and 1925, is indeed designed in the Flemish Renaissance style and is distinguished by its 74-meter-high clock tower and belfry.

Explanation: While the Église Notre-Dame incorporates elements of the English perpendicular style, reflecting its construction during English occupancy, it is not built entirely in this style and features influences from various periods.

Explanation: The Tour du Guet functioned as a lighthouse from the late 17th century until 1848, when a new lighthouse was established near the port.

Explanation: The Cité internationale de la Dentelle et de la Mode de Calais is dedicated specifically to lace and fashion, celebrating the town's heritage in lace-making, rather than general historical fashion trends.

Explanation: Calais RUFC reached the final of the Coupe de France in the 1999/2000 season but did not win it, losing to Nantes.

Explanation: The Tour du Guet ceased its function as a lighthouse in 1848, well before the early 20th century.

Explanation: The "Monument des Sauveteurs" commemorates rescuers in general. The "Monument Le Pluviôse" specifically commemorates the sinking of the submarine Pluviôse.

Explanation: The "Monument Jacquard" in Calais honors Joseph Marie Jacquard for his pivotal invention of the Jacquard loom, which revolutionized textile pattern weaving and significantly impacted the local lace industry.

Explanation: The Hôtel d'Angleterre (Dessin's) closed in 1860, earlier than the early 20th century, due to the advent of railway travel reducing the necessity for travelers to stop in Calais.

Explanation: The Tour du Guet served as a crucial observation point during the Anglo-French Survey (1784–1790), facilitating a trigonometric link between the Paris Observatory and the Royal Greenwich Observatory.

Explanation: During a Zeppelin bombardment on January 15, 1915, the stained glass windows of the Église Notre-Dame were shattered and fell through the roof, causing significant damage.

Explanation: Auguste Rodin's sculpture "The Burghers of Calais" commemorates the historical event in 1347 when six prominent citizens surrendered to King Edward III, ultimately receiving a pardon through the intervention of Queen Philippa.

Explanation: During the period of English rule in Calais, the Place d'Armes functioned as the city's primary Market Square.

Explanation: The Hôtel de Ville in Calais is architecturally notable for its Flemish Renaissance style, complemented by a UNESCO-protected belfry.

Explanation: The Église Notre-Dame in Calais exhibits the English perpendicular architectural style, a characteristic reflecting its construction during the period of English occupation.

Explanation: The Tour du Guet functioned as a lighthouse until 1848, when its role was superseded by a new lighthouse constructed near the port.

Explanation: The Cité internationale de la Dentelle et de la Mode de Calais, situated in a former factory, is the museum dedicated to lace and fashion, celebrating the town's heritage in these industries.

Explanation: The most notable achievement of Calais RUFC was reaching the final of the Coupe de France during the 1999/2000 season, although they were ultimately defeated in the match.

Explanation: The "Monument Le Pluviôse" is dedicated to commemorating the tragic accidental sinking of the submarine Pluviôse in May 1910, which resulted in the loss of 27 lives.

Explanation: The Anglo-French Survey utilized the Tour du Guet as a critical observation point to establish a trigonometric connection between the observatories in Paris and Greenwich.

Explanation: During a Zeppelin bombardment in 1915, the stained glass of the Église Notre-Dame was shattered, causing it to fall through the church's roof.

Explanation: Calais's economy is significantly supported by its function as a major port, particularly for ferry services, its status as a notable fishing port, and the enduring importance of its lace industry.

Explanation: While P&O Ferries operates from Calais, DFDS Seaways also provides services. SeaFrance previously operated but is currently in liquidation.

Explanation: The French terminal for the Channel Tunnel, a vital rail link between France and England, is situated near Calais in Coquelles, reinforcing the city's role as a key transportation nexus.

Explanation: Gare de Calais-Fréthun serves as the primary station for Eurostar services connecting to London, being the first stop on mainland Europe for the high-speed rail link.

Explanation: In 2018, the ferry route between Dover and Calais facilitated the transport of 9,168,000 passengers, underscoring its significance in cross-channel travel.

Explanation: While Calais is a significant port and has a notable fishing and lace industry, tourism is not explicitly listed as a primary economic driver in the provided information.

Explanation: The source indicates that SeaFrance operated ferry services from Calais, although it is noted as currently being in liquidation.

Explanation: The French terminal for the Channel Tunnel is situated near Calais, specifically in Coquelles, approximately 6.4 kilometers (4 miles) west of the city.

Explanation: Gare de Calais-Fréthun holds significance as the initial station on mainland Europe for the Eurostar service, connecting passengers to London and other European destinations via the Channel Tunnel.

Explanation: The average annual value of Calais's exports during the period of 1901 to 1905 was £8,388,000.

Explanation: Principal imports into Calais during the early 20th century included commodities such as cotton and silk goods, coal, iron and steel, petroleum, timber, raw wool, and cotton yarn.

Explanation: Contrary to being spared, Calais was virtually destroyed during World War II due to extensive bombing and shelling, particularly during the German occupation and anticipation of Allied invasion.

Explanation: The determined defense of Calais by British and French troops in May 1940 against the German 10th Panzer Division occupied German forces for several days, potentially contributing to the success of the Allied evacuation at Dunkirk by diverting resources.

Explanation: The Citadel of Calais was constructed between 1560 and 1571, primarily to serve as a defensive fortification for the city, rather than as a royal palace.

Explanation: Fort Risban was initially constructed by the English in 1346 to restrict sea access to Calais during a siege, before being rebuilt by the French in 1640.

Explanation: Calais does host a museum dedicated to World War II history, known as the Musée de la Seconde Guerre Mondiale.

Explanation: The 3rd Canadian Infantry Division liberated Calais between September 25 and October 1, 1944, not in May 1940.

Explanation: During World War II, Calais suffered extensive destruction from bombing and shelling, particularly during the German occupation and the anticipation of Allied landings.

Explanation: The resistance put up by defending forces in Calais during May 1940 diverted German military units, which may have provided crucial assistance to the Allied evacuation efforts at Dunkirk.

Explanation: Fort Risban was initially constructed by the English in 1346 to control sea access to Calais during a siege.

Explanation: The 3rd Canadian Infantry Division liberated Calais between September 25 and October 1, 1944, following a siege of the largely ruined city.

Explanation: During World War I, Calais functioned as a vital port for the British Expeditionary Force, serving as a critical conduit for supplying arms and reinforcements to the Western Front.

Explanation: The "Calais jungle" was the colloquial designation for makeshift camps housing migrants attempting to reach the United Kingdom, not a medieval market square.

Explanation: The population of Calais has experienced a decrease, with the city proper recorded at 73,911 in 2017, representing a 4.4% decline from 1999. The population in 2022 was recorded as 67,585.

Explanation: The unification of Saint-Pierre-lèslès-Calais with Calais in 1885 resulted in a substantial population increase, elevating the city's population from 13,529 in 1881 to 58,969 in 1886, a growth of 335.9%.

Explanation: Natacha Bouchart has served as the mayor of Calais since 2008, but she initially represented the Union for a Popular Movement (UMP) and subsequently The Republicans (LR), not the French Communist Party.

Explanation: The mayoralty of Calais was indeed held by members of the French Communist Party without interruption from 1971 through 2008.

Explanation: The "Calais migrant crisis" in 2015 primarily generated tensions between France and the United Kingdom concerning border control and migration policies.

Explanation: The fencing provided by the UK government to Calais was intended to enhance security and deter migrants from attempting unauthorized passage into the United Kingdom through the Eurotunnel.

Explanation: The "Calais jungle" camps were primarily occupied by migrants aiming to reach the United Kingdom, often by attempting to stow away on transports departing from Calais.

Explanation: The merger of Saint-Pierre-lèslès-Calais with Calais in 1885 led to a substantial increase in the city's population, which grew by 335.9% between 1881 and 1886.

Explanation: Natacha Bouchart has held the position of mayor of Calais since 2008, representing The Republicans (LR) party.

Explanation: Calais has been twinned with Dover, Kent, United Kingdom, since June 1973, reflecting the strong historical and geographical connections between the two port cities.

Explanation: The "Calais migrant crisis" of 2015 primarily generated tensions between the United Kingdom and France concerning border security and immigration policies.

Explanation: The fencing provided by the UK government to Calais was specifically intended to deter migrants from attempting unauthorized passage into the United Kingdom via the Eurotunnel.

Explanation: The "Authority control" section lists standardized databases and identifiers (e.g., VIAF, GND, LoC) used for consistent cataloging and retrieval of information pertaining to Calais.