# Amel-sur-l'Étang

> commune in Meuse, France

**Wikidata**: [Q59688](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q59688)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amel-sur-l'Étang)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/amel-sur-l-tang

## Summary
Amel-sur-l'Étang is a commune located in the Meuse department of France, within the arrondissement of Verdun and the canton of Spincourt. It is a small rural municipality in northeastern France, recognized for its historical significance during World War I, as evidenced by its receipt of the Croix de guerre 1914–1918 military decoration.

## Key Facts
- **Location**: Situated in the Meuse department, Grand Est region, France.
- **Administrative Division**: Part of the canton of Spincourt and the arrondissement of Verdun.
- **Population**: Fluctuates between 132 and 227 residents across historical records.
- **Coordinates**: 49.266388888889° N, 5.6483333333333° E.
- **Historical Recognition**: Awarded the Croix de guerre 1914–1918 on April 2, 1915, for its role during World War I.
- **Type of Settlement**: Classified as a commune, the smallest administrative division in France.
- **Image**: Featured photograph of the local church, licensed under CC0 (public domain), taken by Havang(nl).

## FAQs
**Where is Amel-sur-l'Étang located?**
Amel-sur-l'Étang is located in the Meuse department of France, within the Grand Est region. It lies at coordinates 49.266388888889° N, 5.6483333333333° E, in the northeastern part of the country.

**What is the administrative structure of Amel-sur-l'Étang?**
The commune is part of the canton of Spincourt and the arrondissement of Verdun. As a commune, it represents the smallest territorial subdivision in France, governed by local municipal authorities.

**What is the historical significance of Amel-sur-l'Étang?**
Amel-sur-l'Étang was awarded the Croix de guerre 1914–1918, a French military decoration, on April 2, 1915, recognizing its contributions and sacrifices during World War I.

**How has the population of Amel-sur-l'Étang changed over time?**
Historical population records show fluctuations, with counts ranging from 132 to 227 residents. Recent data points include 174, 167, 164, and 151 inhabitants in various years.

**What visual representations exist of Amel-sur-l'Étang?**
A notable image of the commune features its local church, available under a CC0 (public domain) license. The photograph is attributed to Havang(nl) and can be accessed via Wikimedia Commons.

## Why It Matters
Amel-sur-l'Étang serves as a microcosm of rural French life and resilience, particularly in its historical context during World War I. Its recognition with the Croix de guerre 1914–1918 underscores its role in the broader narrative of French military history and the collective memory of the Great War. As a commune, it represents the foundational administrative units that shape local governance and community identity in France. The preservation of its historical and architectural heritage, such as its church, contributes to the cultural and historical tapestry of the Meuse department and the Grand Est region.

## Notable For
- **Croix de guerre 1914–1918**: One of the communes in France to receive this military decoration for its contributions during World War I.
- **Rural Commune**: Exemplifies the small-scale administrative divisions that are integral to France's local governance structure.
- **Historical Population Data**: Provides a longitudinal view of demographic changes in a rural French setting over time.
- **Architectural Heritage**: Home to a notable church, documented in public domain imagery, reflecting the cultural and historical identity of the commune.

## Body

### Geography and Location
Amel-sur-l'Étang is situated in the Meuse department of France, which is part of the Grand Est region in the northeastern part of the country. The commune is located at coordinates 49.266388888889° N, 5.6483333333333° E. It is part of the canton of Spincourt and the arrondissement of Verdun, which are administrative divisions within the Meuse department.

### Administrative Structure
As a commune, Amel-sur-l'Étang is the smallest administrative division in France, governed by a municipal council and a mayor. It falls under the jurisdiction of the canton of Spincourt, which groups multiple communes for electoral and administrative purposes. The arrondissement of Verdun, a larger administrative division, oversees several cantons, including Spincourt.

### Historical Significance
Amel-sur-l'Étang holds historical importance due to its role during World War I. The commune was awarded the Croix de guerre 1914–1918 on April 2, 1915. This military decoration was established to recognize the bravery and sacrifices of individuals and communities during the war. The award highlights the commune's contributions to the war effort and its resilience in the face of adversity.

### Demographics
The population of Amel-sur-l'Étang has varied over time, with recorded counts including 174, 167, 164, 151, 149, 227, 192, 168, 132, 150, 164, 175, 146, 144, 147, 150, and 153 residents. These fluctuations reflect the demographic changes typical of rural French communes, influenced by factors such as migration, economic conditions, and historical events.

### Architectural and Cultural Heritage
A notable feature of Amel-sur-l'Étang is its local church, which is documented in a photograph available under a CC0 (public domain) license. The image, taken by Havang(nl), provides a visual representation of the commune's architectural heritage. The church serves as a cultural and historical landmark, reflecting the religious and community life of the commune.

### Visual Representation
The photograph of the church in Amel-sur-l'Étang is accessible via Wikimedia Commons. The image is licensed under CC0, making it freely available for public use. This visual documentation contributes to the preservation and dissemination of the commune's cultural heritage.

### Related Entities
Amel-sur-l'Étang is connected to several administrative and historical entities. The canton of Spincourt and the arrondissement of Verdun are key administrative divisions that oversee the commune. The Croix de guerre 1914–1918 links the commune to the broader historical context of World War I and the recognition of French communities' contributions during the war.

### Conclusion
Amel-sur-l'Étang is a small but historically significant commune in the Meuse department of France. Its administrative structure, historical recognition, demographic changes, and architectural heritage collectively contribute to its identity and importance within the broader context of French rural life and history.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. dataset of postal codes in France. 2018
3. INSEE code
4. répertoire géographique des communes
5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
6. Annuaire de service-public.fr
7. Recensement de la population 2015. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies. 2017
8. Populations légales 2016
9. Populations légales 2017
10. Populations légales 2018
11. [Populations légales communales depuis 1968. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies](https://www.insee.fr/fr/statistiques/2522602)
12. Populations légales 2019
13. Populations légales 2020
14. Populations légales 2021
15. Populations de référence 2022
16. Populations de référence 2023
17. [Code officiel géographique](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/3363419)
18. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies
19. GeoNames
20. [répertoire géographique des communes. 2015](https://wxs-telechargement.ign.fr/83edtfdyqte031y0ra49d2e3/telechargement/inspire/RGC-2015-01$RGC2015/file/RGC2015.7z)
21. [2016](https://data.geopf.fr/telechargement/download/GEOFLA/GEOFLA_2-2_COMMUNE_SHP_LAMB93_FXX_2016-06-28/GEOFLA_2-2_COMMUNE_SHP_LAMB93_FXX_2016-06-28.7z)
22. [Code officiel géographique. 2017](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2560698)
23. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File