# Bâgé-le-Châtel

> commune in Ain, France

**Wikidata**: [Q202455](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q202455)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bâgé-le-Châtel)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/b-g-le-ch-tel

## Summary
Bâgé-le-Châtel is a commune located in the Ain department of France, within the arrondissement of Bourg-en-Bresse. It is a small municipality with a population that has fluctuated around 800–1,000 residents over recent years, situated at coordinates 46.307777777778° N, 4.9294444444444° E. Historically, it was part of the canton of Bâgé-le-Châtel until March 2015, when administrative reforms in France restructured local governance.

## Key Facts
- **Location**: Commune in the Ain department, France, within the arrondissement of Bourg-en-Bresse.
- **Population**: Recorded populations include 855, 902, 971, 923, 948, 568, 588, 669, 751, 762, 802, 786, 915, 973, 977, 979, 987, and 971 (various years).
- **Coordinates**: Latitude 46.307777777778°, Longitude 4.9294444444444°.
- **Administrative History**: Formerly part of the canton of Bâgé-le-Châtel until March 2015.
- **Department**: Ain, created on March 4, 1790.
- **Arrondissement**: Bourg-en-Bresse.
- **Website**: [https://bagelechatel.fr/](https://bagelechatel.fr/)
- **Aliases**: Also known as Bage-le-Chatel, Bâgé-la-Campagne, or Bâgé.
- **Wikidata Sitelinks**: 59 sitelinks, including a Wikipedia page titled "Bâgé-le-Châtel."

## FAQs
**Where is Bâgé-le-Châtel located?**
Bâgé-le-Châtel is a commune in the Ain department of France, situated within the arrondissement of Bourg-en-Bresse. It lies at coordinates 46.307777777778° N, 4.9294444444444° E.

**What is the population of Bâgé-le-Châtel?**
The population of Bâgé-le-Châtel has varied over time, with recorded figures including 855, 902, 971, 923, 948, 568, 588, 669, 751, 762, 802, 786, 915, 973, 977, 979, 987, and 971 residents across different years.

**What administrative changes has Bâgé-le-Châtel undergone?**
Bâgé-le-Châtel was historically part of the canton of Bâgé-le-Châtel until March 2015, when France's administrative reforms dissolved many cantons as part of broader local governance restructuring.

**What is the significance of the Ain department?**
The Ain department, where Bâgé-le-Châtel is located, was established on March 4, 1790, during the French Revolution. It is one of the original 83 departments created to replace the pre-revolutionary provinces.

**Does Bâgé-le-Châtel have an official website?**
Yes, the commune's official website is [https://bagelechatel.fr/](https://bagelechatel.fr/), providing local information and services.

## Why It Matters
Bâgé-le-Châtel represents the administrative and cultural fabric of rural France, embodying the decentralized governance structure that defines the country's local municipalities. As part of the Ain department, it contributes to the regional identity and historical continuity of the area, which dates back to the French Revolution. The commune's existence and evolution reflect broader trends in French local governance, including the 2015 reforms that reshaped cantons nationwide. Its small but stable population underscores the enduring role of rural communities in France's demographic and cultural landscape.

## Notable For
- **Historical Canton**: Formerly the seat of the canton of Bâgé-le-Châtel until the 2015 administrative reforms.
- **Population Fluctuations**: Demonstrates resilience and stability as a small rural commune with a population consistently around 800–1,000 residents.
- **Geographic Location**: Strategically positioned within the Ain department and the arrondissement of Bourg-en-Bresse.
- **Administrative Longevity**: Part of a department (Ain) established in 1790, reflecting France's long-standing decentralized governance.
- **Cultural Identity**: Known by multiple aliases (Bage-le-Chatel, Bâgé-la-Campagne, Bâgé), indicating local linguistic and historical nuances.

## Body
### Geography and Location
Bâgé-le-Châtel is situated in the Ain department of France, a region known for its diverse landscapes, including plains, rivers, and the foothills of the Jura Mountains. The commune lies at coordinates 46.307777777778° N, 4.9294444444444° E, placing it in the eastern part of the country, near the border with Switzerland. It is part of the arrondissement of Bourg-en-Bresse, the capital of the Ain department, which serves as an administrative and economic hub for the region.

### Administrative Structure
Bâgé-le-Châtel is classified as a commune, the smallest administrative division in France, equivalent to a municipality. Historically, it was the central commune of the canton of Bâgé-le-Châtel, a grouping of communes used for electoral and administrative purposes. However, following the 2015 territorial reform in France, many cantons were dissolved or reorganized, and Bâgé-le-Châtel was integrated into a new administrative framework. The Ain department itself was created on March 4, 1790, during the French Revolution, as part of a broader effort to decentralize governance and replace the old provincial system.

### Demographics
The population of Bâgé-le-Châtel has experienced fluctuations over the years, with recorded figures ranging from 568 to 987 residents. These variations reflect broader demographic trends in rural France, including migration to urban areas and changes in local economic conditions. Despite these shifts, the commune has maintained a relatively stable population, contributing to the cultural and social fabric of the Ain department.

### Historical Context
The creation of the Ain department in 1790 marked a significant shift in French governance, moving away from the feudal provinces to a more centralized and uniform administrative system. Bâgé-le-Châtel, as part of this department, has been shaped by these historical changes, including the 2015 reforms that redefined the role of cantons. The commune's history is intertwined with the broader narrative of French local governance, reflecting both continuity and adaptation over time.

### Related Administrative Entities
- **Ain Department**: Established in 1790, Ain is one of France's original departments, known for its agricultural and industrial activities.
- **Arrondissement of Bourg-en-Bresse**: The administrative division within which Bâgé-le-Châtel is located, centered around the city of Bourg-en-Bresse.
- **Canton of Bâgé-le-Châtel**: A former administrative division that included Bâgé-le-Châtel until its dissolution in 2015.

### Online Presence
Bâgé-le-Châtel maintains an official website at [https://bagelechatel.fr/](https://bagelechatel.fr/), which serves as a resource for residents and visitors, providing information on local services, events, and administrative procedures. The website reflects the commune's commitment to transparency and community engagement.

### Cultural and Linguistic Nuances
The commune is known by several aliases, including Bage-le-Chatel, Bâgé-la-Campagne, and Bâgé. These variations highlight the linguistic diversity and historical evolution of place names in France, often influenced by local dialects and administrative changes. The use of multiple names can also reflect the commune's role in different historical or cultural contexts.

### Role in Local Governance
As a commune, Bâgé-le-Châtel plays a crucial role in local governance, providing essential services such as education, waste management, and infrastructure maintenance. It is also responsible for local planning and development, ensuring that the needs of its residents are met while preserving the commune's historical and cultural heritage. The dissolution of the canton in 2015 has required the commune to adapt to new administrative structures, demonstrating its resilience and flexibility in the face of change.

## References

1. French National Directory of Representatives
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. dataset of postal codes in France. 2018
4. INSEE code
5. répertoire géographique des communes
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
7. Annuaire de service-public.fr
8. Recensement de la population 2015. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies. 2017
9. Populations légales 2016
10. Populations légales 2017
11. Populations légales 2018
12. [Populations légales communales depuis 1968. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies](https://www.insee.fr/fr/statistiques/2522602)
13. Populations légales 2019
14. Populations légales 2020
15. Populations légales 2021
16. Populations de référence 2022
17. Populations de référence 2023
18. [Code officiel géographique](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/3363419)
19. [Source](http://cassini.ehess.fr/cassini/fr/html/fiche.php?select_resultat=2355)
20. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies
21. GeoNames
22. [répertoire géographique des communes. 2015](https://wxs-telechargement.ign.fr/83edtfdyqte031y0ra49d2e3/telechargement/inspire/RGC-2015-01$RGC2015/file/RGC2015.7z)
23. [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)
24. [Code officiel géographique. 2020](https://www.data.gouv.fr/fr/datasets/r/8442dfae-a878-49c6-be4c-20689b1c337c)
25. [Code officiel géographique. 2017](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2560698)
26. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File