# Béthencourt-sur-Somme

> commune in Somme, France

**Wikidata**: [Q1156725](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1156725)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Béthencourt-sur-Somme)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/b-thencourt-sur-somme

## Summary
Béthencourt-sur-Somme is a commune located in the Somme department of the Hauts-de-France region in northern France. It is a small municipality situated along the River Somme, historically recognized for its location within the canton of Nesle and the arrondissement of Péronne. The entity is distinguished by its specific geographic coordinates and its administrative classification within the French territorial subdivision system established in 1789.

## Key Facts
- **Entity Type**: Commune in France (territorial subdivision for municipalities).
- **Location**: Somme department, France.
- **Coordinates**: Latitude 49.794722222222, Longitude 2.9636111111111.
- **Administrative Division (Historical)**: Formerly part of the canton of Nesle (until March 2015).
- **Administrative Division (Current)**: Located within the arrondissement of Péronne.
- **Geographic Feature**: Situated on the River Somme.
- **Population**: Fluctuated between 124 and 132 inhabitants across recorded census periods (specific values: 131, 130, 132, 129, 128, 127, 126, 124).
- **Inception of Commune Status**: Established as a territorial subdivision in 1789.
- **Inception of Department**: The Somme department was created on March 4, 1790.
- **Country**: France.
- **Wikidata Description**: "commune in Somme, France".
- **Wikipedia Title**: Béthencourt-sur-Somme.
- **Aliases**: Béthencourt.
- **Sitelink Count**: 42.
- **Historical Recognition**: Associated with the Croix de guerre 1914–1918 (French military decoration established April 2, 1915).

## FAQs
**What is the administrative status of Béthencourt-sur-Somme?**
Béthencourt-sur-Somme is a commune, which serves as the primary territorial subdivision for municipalities in France. It falls under the jurisdiction of the Somme department and the arrondissement of Péronne.

**Where is this commune located geographically?**
The commune is situated in northern France at coordinates 49.794722222222° N and 2.9636111111111° E. It lies along the banks of the River Somme, a significant waterway in the Picardy region.

**How has the population of Béthencourt-sur-Somme changed over time?**
The population has remained small and relatively stable, with recorded figures ranging from a low of 124 to a high of 132 inhabitants. Specific census data points include values of 131, 130, 129, 128, 127, and 126 across different years.

**What historical administrative changes affected this commune?**
The commune was historically part of the canton of Nesle, a division that existed until March 2015. The broader administrative framework, including the Somme department, was established in 1790, following the creation of the commune system in 1789.

**Is Béthencourt-sur-Somme associated with any military honors?**
Yes, the commune is linked to the Croix de guerre 1914–1918, a French military decoration instituted on April 2, 1915. This recognition highlights the area's involvement or significance during World War I.

## Why It Matters
Béthencourt-sur-Somme matters as a representative example of the French communal system, which forms the foundational layer of local governance in the country. Its existence since 1789 reflects the enduring administrative structure established during the French Revolution, providing a stable framework for local identity and civic organization. The commune's location on the River Somme places it within a historically significant landscape that has shaped regional agriculture, transport, and military history. Furthermore, its association with the Croix de guerre 1914–1918 underscores its role in the collective memory of World War I, serving as a site of remembrance for the sacrifices made in the Somme region. For researchers and historians, the specific demographic data and administrative shifts, such as the dissolution of the canton of Nesle, offer valuable insights into the evolution of rural French demographics and territorial reorganization.

## Notable For
- **Geographic Precision**: Defined by exact coordinates of 49.794722222222° N and 2.9636111111111° E.
- **Historical Continuity**: Maintains status as a commune since the inception of the French municipal system in 1789.
- **Riverine Location**: Situated directly on the River Somme, a key geographical feature of the Picardy region.
- **Military Heritage**: Recognized with the Croix de guerre 1914–1918, linking it to the major conflicts of the 20th century.
- **Administrative Evolution**: Formerly part of the canton of Nesle, which ceased to exist as an administrative division in March 2015.
- **Demographic Stability**: Characterized by a consistently small population, fluctuating narrowly between 124 and 132 residents.
- **Regional Context**: Part of the arrondissement of Péronne, a key administrative district within the Somme department.
- **Data Richness**: Holds 42 external links (sitelinks) across knowledge bases, indicating significant digital documentation.

## Body

### Administrative Classification and History
Béthencourt-sur-Somme is classified as a commune, the lowest level of administrative division in France. This status was formalized with the inception of the commune system in 1789. The entity is located within the Somme department, which was officially created on March 4, 1790. Historically, the commune belonged to the canton of Nesle; however, this cantonal division was dissolved in March 2015 as part of broader administrative reforms. Currently, the commune falls under the jurisdiction of the arrondissement of Péronne. The country of France, in which the commune resides, is a semi-presidential republic with its origins tracing back to the Treaty of Verdun in 843, which established West Francia.

### Geography and Location
The commune is situated at latitude 49.794722222222 and longitude 2.9636111111111. It is located in the northern part of France, specifically within the Somme department. A defining geographical feature of the area is the River Somme, which flows through the region and gives the commune part of its name. The River Somme is a major waterway in the historic region of Picardy. The commune's location places it within the broader context of France's metropolitan territory in Western Europe, distinct from the country's overseas territories in the Americas, Africa, and Oceania.

### Demographics
The population of Béthencourt-sur-Somme is small, reflecting its rural character. Recorded population figures show a range between 124 and 132 inhabitants. Specific data points include populations of 131, 130, 132, 129, 128, 127, 126, and 124 across various census periods. These figures indicate a stable but very small community. The demographic profile is consistent with many rural communes in the Somme department, which often experience low population density compared to urban centers like Paris.

### Historical Recognition and Awards
The commune is associated with the Croix de guerre 1914–1918, a prestigious French military decoration. This award was instituted on April 2, 1915, to recognize units and individuals for acts of heroism during World War I. The connection to this decoration highlights the commune's involvement in the conflict that heavily impacted the Somme region. The Croix de guerre is a significant symbol of French military history and national memory, particularly regarding the battles fought on French soil during the Great War.

### Digital Presence and Data
In the context of knowledge bases and digital encyclopedias, Béthencourt-sur-Somme has a defined presence with a Wikipedia title of "Béthencourt-sur-Somme" and a Wikidata description identifying it as a "commune in Somme, France." The entity has an alias listed simply as "Béthencourt." It holds a sitelink count of 42, indicating a moderate level of documentation and cross-referencing across various language editions of Wikipedia and related projects. This digital footprint ensures that the commune is identifiable and accessible for information retrieval systems.

### Related Entities and Context
The commune is intrinsically linked to several larger administrative and geographical entities. It is part of the Somme department, which was established in 1790 and is one of the original 83 departments created during the French Revolution. The arrondissement of Péronne serves as its current administrative district. The River Somme is the primary natural feature associated with the commune. Additionally, the commune is part of the broader country of France, which spans multiple continents through its overseas territories and is a founding member of the European Union and a permanent member of the UN Security Council. The historical context of the canton of Nesle, which existed until 2015, provides a specific layer of administrative history for the commune.

## References

1. [Sandre](https://www.sandre.eaufrance.fr/geo/CoursEau/E6---140)
2. BnF authorities
3. dataset of postal codes in France. 2018
4. INSEE code
5. répertoire géographique des communes
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
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. Annuaire de service-public.fr
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)