# Appenai-sous-Bellême

> commune in Orne, France

**Wikidata**: [Q367696](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q367696)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Appenai-sous-Bellême)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/appenai-sous-bell-me

## Summary
Appenai-sous-Bellême is a commune located in the Orne department of Normandy, France. It is part of the canton of Bellême and falls within the arrondissement of Mortagne-au-Perche. The commune is a small rural municipality with a population that has ranged between 260 and 281 residents over recent years.

## Key Facts
- **Official Name**: Appenai-sous-Bellême
- **Aliases**: Appenai-sous-Belleme, Appenai
- **Type**: Commune of France — a municipal territorial subdivision
- **Country**: France
- **Region**: Normandy
- **Department**: Orne
- **Canton**: Bellême
- **Arrondissement**: Mortagne-au-Perche
- **Population Estimates**: 260, 267, 277, 276, 280, 281, 278, 275
- **Coordinates**: Latitude 48.344444444444, Longitude 0.55805555555556
- **Wikipedia Title**: Appenai-sous-Bellême
- **Wikidata Description**: Commune in Orne, France
- **Sitelink Count**: 41

## FAQs
**What is Appenai-sous-Bellême?**  
Appenai-sous-Bellême is a commune in the Orne department in the Normandy region of northwestern France. It is a small rural municipality governed as part of the French territorial administrative structure.

**Where is Appenai-sous-Bellême located?**  
It is located in the arrondissement of Mortagne-au-Perche, within the canton of Bellême, in the department of Orne, Normandy, France.

**What is the population of Appenai-sous-Bellême?**  
The population has fluctuated slightly in recent years, with recorded figures including 260, 267, 277, 276, 280, 281, 278, and 275.

**What administrative divisions is Appenai-sous-Bellême part of?**  
It belongs to the commune of France system, is part of the canton of Bellême, the arrondissement of Mortagne-au-Perche, and the Orne department.

**What are the geographic coordinates of Appenai-sous-Bellême?**  
Its coordinates are approximately latitude 48.3444 and longitude 0.5581.

## Why It Matters
Appenai-sous-Bellême represents a small but integral part of the decentralized administrative structure of France. As a commune, it plays a role in local governance, contributing to the cultural and demographic fabric of rural Normandy. Though small in population, it is part of the broader historical and geographic continuity of French localities that preserve regional identity and heritage.

## Notable For
- **Rural Character**: A small, rural commune typical of the Perche region in Normandy.
- **Local Governance Participation**: Functions within the French system of decentralized administration as a commune.
- **Geographic Specificity**: Located in a historically rich region of northwestern France, contributing to the regional identity of Orne.
- **Population Stability**: Maintains a relatively stable, small population indicative of rural French demographics.

## Body

### Geography and Location
Appenai-sous-Bellême is situated in the northwestern region of France, within the department of Orne, which is part of the larger Normandy administrative region. The commune lies within the arrondissement of Mortagne-au-Perche, a historically significant area known for its rural charm and architectural heritage. It is further classified under the canton of Bellême, which groups it with other nearby communes for electoral and administrative purposes.

The geographic coordinates of Appenai-sous-Bellême are approximately latitude 48.3444 and longitude 0.5581, placing it in a rural setting typical of the Perche region. This area is known for its rolling hills, traditional architecture, and preserved natural landscapes.

### Administrative Structure
As a commune, Appenai-sous-Bellême is the smallest administrative unit in France. It is part of the larger system of local governance that includes:
- **Canton**: Bellême — used for electoral purposes within the department.
- **Arrondissement**: Mortagne-au-Perche — an intermediate level of administration between the department and the commune.
- **Department**: Orne — established in 1790, it is one of the original departments of France.
- **Region**: Normandy — a cultural and administrative region in northwestern France.

This structure ensures that Appenai-sous-Bellême, like all French communes, has representation and responsibilities within the national framework while maintaining local autonomy in managing municipal affairs.

### Demographics and Population
The population of Appenai-sous-Bellême has remained relatively stable and small, with recent figures including:
- 260
- 267
- 277
- 276
- 280
- 281
- 278
- 275

This demographic profile is characteristic of many rural communes in the Orne department, where communities are often centered around agriculture and local heritage. The commune contributes to the overall rural population dynamics of Normandy.

### Local Governance and Representation
As a commune, Appenai-sous-Bellême operates under the French municipal system, which includes:
- A mayor and a municipal council elected by local residents.
- Responsibilities for local services, infrastructure, and communal assets.
- Representation in the canton of Bellême for departmental-level elections.
- Participation in the broader governance of the arrondissement of Mortagne-au-Perche.

This structure allows the commune to maintain its local identity while integrating into the national administrative framework.

### Cultural and Regional Identity
Appenai-sous-Bellême, like many communes in the Perche region, is part of a cultural landscape defined by its history, architecture, and traditions. The Perche region is known for its:
- Traditional half-timbered houses and stone buildings.
- Equestrian heritage, including the famous Percheron horse breed.
- Rural lifestyle and preserved natural environments.

These elements contribute to the commune's identity and its role in the broader cultural heritage of Normandy.

### Related Entities and Context
- **Commune of France**: Appenai-sous-Bellême is part of the 36,000+ communes that make up the French Republic, each with its own mayor and council.
- **Canton of Bellême**: A grouping of communes for electoral representation within the department of Orne.
- **Arrondissement of Mortagne-au-Perche**: An administrative division that oversees multiple cantons and communes.
- **Department of Orne**: Established on March 4, 1790, as part of the post-revolutionary administrative reorganization of France.
- **Region of Normandy**: A historically and culturally rich region in northwestern France, known for its role in European history, including the Norman conquests and D-Day landings.

These connections situate Appenai-sous-Bellême within the broader context of French administrative geography and cultural heritage.

## 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 2019
12. Populations légales 2020
13. Populations légales 2021
14. Populations de référence 2022
15. Populations de référence 2023
16. [Code officiel géographique](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/3363419)
17. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies
18. GeoNames
19. [répertoire géographique des communes. 2015](https://wxs-telechargement.ign.fr/83edtfdyqte031y0ra49d2e3/telechargement/inspire/RGC-2015-01$RGC2015/file/RGC2015.7z)
20. [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)
21. [Code officiel géographique. 2017](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2560698)