Why is the French department of Seine-Saint-Denis frequently called the 93?

Cultures · Published 9 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Known colloquially as quatre-vingt-treize or neuf trois, Seine-Saint-Denis is a prominent department within the Grand Paris metropolis. While it serves as a vital urban hub, it has also become a focal point for intense national debates regarding poverty, crime rates, and the challenges of social integration in modern France.

Located in the Île-de-France region, Seine-Saint-Denis is officially designated by the administrative number 93, which serves as the origin of its common nicknames. The department is composed of 39 communes, with Saint-Denis standing as the most populous, while the prefecture is located in Bobigny. As of 2023, the department reached a total population of 1,704,316, reflecting its significant density within the Grand Paris area.

The department faces substantial socioeconomic hurdles. In 2018, the poverty rate was recorded at 28%, which is double the national average, while the unemployment rate sat at 12.7%, roughly 3% higher than the rest of the country. These economic conditions are often discussed alongside crime statistics; in 2018, the department held the highest crime rate in metropolitan France. By 2017, it was the site of 18% of all drug offences across the nation. Reports surrounding the 2025 Louvre robbery further highlighted these ongoing challenges, with international media noting the area's persistent struggles with poverty and criminality.

Beyond economic indicators, the department has faced scrutiny regarding educational outcomes and demographic shifts. Studies have tracked a decline in literacy levels, noting that the percentage of pupils making 25 or more errors in assessments rose from 5.4% in 1987 to 19.8% by 2015. Additionally, estimates from 2018 suggested that between 8% and 20% of the local population consisted of illegal immigrants. These complex factors have led to intense public discourse, with some observers describing the area as a ghetto, while recent events like the Olympics have sparked new conversations about urban transformation and the potential displacement of long-term residents.

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