Charleroi been nicknamed the "Pays Noir" ("Black Country"), part of the larger "sillon industriel". Even though most of the factories have closed since the 1950s, the landscape remains dotted with spoil tips and old industrial buildings. Charleroi lies around south of Brussels. The municipality comprises: and the following former municipalities, merged into Charleroi in 1977: Neighboring municipalities: Similar to the rest of Belgium Charleroi has an oceanic climate as a result of the Gulf Stream influence warming winters, while also moderating summer warmth in spite of its inland position. The Charleroi area was already settled in the prehistoric period, with traces
Royal Oaks Country Club districts (it is immediately west of the Westchase business district), The Galleria, entertainment centers, George Bush Intercontinental Airport, and William P. Hobby Airport (via the Sam Houston Tollway (Beltway 8) which runs about a mile east). Builders that agreed to develop houses in the complex include Abercrombie Custom Homes, Charles R. Martin and Associates, Jonathon Custom Estate Homes, King Residential Group, Masterpiece Homes, and McVaugh Custom Homes. As of September 8, 2000 the community developers sold 204 houses, including 34 of the 43 estate houses. Royal Oaks Country Club is in close proximity to Richmond Avenue and Wilcrest Avenue. The