If you've ever been to the western suburbs of Paris near Versailles, you might be wondering: What's the population like in a Trappist city? It's no surprise that many people from all over have made controversial comments about the Trappist community. Actor Omar Sy, footballer Nicolas Anelka, and even popular French comedian Jamel Debbouze are all known to be Trappists. Unfortunately, many of the people spreading these accusations have never even set foot in the city.
The monastic movement began in 1664, when Abbot Armand Jean le Bouthillier de Rance made reforms at the Abbey of Gethsemani. After 16 years of living alongside Jersey cows, the monks eventually built a pine board monastery, complete with asbestos shingles. Although the community was small, it was a center for religious reform. This community's modesty made it possible to attract many followers.
While the numbers of Trappist monks and nuns have fallen over the last decade, they remain one of the world's most popular and well-known monasteries. There are about 1,796 monks and nuns worldwide, a fraction of the former numbers. Wikisource lists articles about the Trappists. In 1911, Encyclopedia Britannica had a section on the order.
The town's population was fairly evenly spread out. Twenty-four percent of residents were under the age of 18, while thirty-one percent were aged 25-64. Ten percent were 65-plus, and twelve percent were over eighteen. Overall, males outnumbered females 99.0 to one. It is possible to live comfortably in a Trappist community, but it is important to know where to live.