# Balma

> commune in Haute-Garonne, France

**Wikidata**: [Q1047171](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1047171)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balma)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/balma

## Summary
Balma is a commune located in the Haute-Garonne department of southern France. It is part of the Toulouse metropolitan area and is known for its proximity to Toulouse–Blagnac Airport and the Balma–Gramont metro station.

## Key Facts
- **Type**: Commune in France
- **Location**: Haute-Garonne department, Occitanie region, France
- **Coordinates**: Latitude: 43.610277777778, Longitude: 1.4986111111111
- **Population (Recent)**: 17,772 (as of latest data)
- **Population (Historical)**: Ranging from 4,276 to 17,772 over multiple years
- **Website**: [http://www.mairie-balma.fr](http://www.mairie-balma.fr)
- **Metro Station**: Balma–Gramont (opened: 2003)
- **Airport Proximity**: Toulouse–Lasbordes Airport
- **Military Presence**: Headquarters of the 11th Parachute Brigade (established: 1999)
- **Administrative Affiliation**: Part of the arrondissement of Toulouse
- **Wikidata Description**: Commune in Haute-Garonne, France
- **Sitelink Count**: 42

## FAQs

**What is Balma?**  
Balma is a commune in the Haute-Garonne department in the Occitanie region of southern France. It is part of the Toulouse metropolitan area and is known for its residential character and proximity to key infrastructure like airports and metro lines.

**Where is Balma located?**  
Balma is located in the Haute-Garonne department in the Occitanie region of France. It lies near Toulouse and is part of the Toulouse arrondissement.

**What is the population of Balma?**  
As of the latest data, Balma has a population of 17,772. Historical population figures range from 4,276 to over 17,000, showing significant growth over time.

**What infrastructure is near Balma?**  
Balma is near Toulouse–Lasbordes Airport and the Balma–Gramont metro station, which opened in December 2003. It is also home to the headquarters of the 11th Parachute Brigade of the French Army.

**What is the administrative structure of Balma?**  
Balma is a commune within the Haute-Garonne department and part of the arrondissement of Toulouse. It is governed locally by a mayor and administratively part of France’s decentralized system.

**What is notable about Balma’s geography?**  
Balma is geographically situated near key transportation hubs, including Toulouse–Blagnac Airport and the Toulouse Metro Line B (Balma–Gramont station). It is also home to military installations, including the 11th Parachute Brigade.

## Why It Matters
Balma plays a significant role in the Toulouse metropolitan area as a growing suburban community with strategic infrastructure connections. Its proximity to Toulouse–Blagnac Airport and the metro system makes it a key node in regional transportation. Additionally, its hosting of the 11th Parachute Brigade underscores its importance in national defense. The commune also contributes to the broader urban and demographic dynamics of the Haute-Garonne region.

## Notable For
- **Proximity to Toulouse**: Located within the greater Toulouse metropolitan area, a major economic and cultural hub in southern France.
- **Transportation Links**: Direct access to the Toulouse Metro via the Balma–Gramont station (opened 2003).
- **Military Significance**: Hosts the headquarters of the 11th Parachute Brigade, a key unit of the French Army since 1999.
- **Population Growth**: Demonstrates significant demographic expansion, from under 5,000 in early records to over 17,000 today.
- **Airport Access**: Located near Toulouse–Lasbordes Airport, facilitating regional and international connectivity.
- **Digital Presence**: Maintains an official municipal website ([mairie-balma.fr](http://www.mairie-balma.fr)) for civic engagement and transparency.

## Body

### Geography and Location
Balma is a commune in the Haute-Garonne department in southern France. It lies within the Occitanie region and is part of the Toulouse arrondissement. Its geographic coordinates are approximately 43.6103°N latitude and 1.4986°E longitude. The commune benefits from its proximity to Toulouse, France’s fourth-largest city, and is integrated into the broader Toulouse metropolitan area.

### Administrative and Political Structure
As a commune of France, Balma is part of the country’s decentralized administrative system. It operates under the broader governance of the Haute-Garonne department and the Occitanie region. The commune is represented locally by a mayor and administratively falls under the arrondissement of Toulouse. It is classified as a territorial subdivision for municipalities, a designation established in 1789.

### Demographics and Population Trends
Balma has experienced significant population growth. Historical data shows population figures ranging from 4,276 to 17,772, indicating rapid urban expansion. This growth reflects broader suburban development trends in the Toulouse metropolitan area. The commune’s population dynamics are influenced by its proximity to Toulouse and its integration into the regional transport network.

### Infrastructure and Transportation
Balma is linked to the Toulouse Metro system via the Balma–Gramont station, which opened on December 20, 2003. This station serves Line B of the Toulouse Metro, enhancing connectivity to central Toulouse and surrounding areas. The commune is also near Toulouse–Lasbordes Airport, which supports both civilian and military aviation activities.

### Military Presence
The commune hosts the headquarters of the 11th Parachute Brigade, a unit of the French Army established in 1999. This brigade plays a critical role in France’s airborne forces and underscores Balma’s strategic importance in national defense.

### Cultural and Digital Presence
Balma maintains a digital presence through its official municipal website, [mairie-balma.fr](http://www.mairie-balma.fr), which provides civic information and services. The commune is also documented in 42 sitelinks, indicating its presence in various cultural and digital repositories.

### Related Entities and Infrastructure
- **Balma–Gramont Metro Station**: Opened in 2003, this station connects Balma to the Toulouse Metro system.
- **Toulouse–Lasbordes Airport**: Located nearby, this airport supports regional aviation.
- **11th Parachute Brigade**: A military unit headquartered in Balma since 1999.
- **Arrondissement of Toulouse**: The administrative district to which Balma belongs.
- **Haute-Garonne Department**: The department in which Balma is located.
- **Commune of France**: Balma is part of the national classification of French communes, established in 1789.

### Historical and Etymological Notes
While the name "Balma" does not have a detailed etymological breakdown in the source material, it is part of the broader toponymic landscape of southern France. Its identity is tied to its administrative and geographic integration with Toulouse and the Haute-Garonne region.

### Notable Connections
Balma is connected to broader French infrastructure and military systems. Its role in hosting the 11th Parachute Brigade and its integration into the Toulouse Metro system highlight its strategic and logistical importance. The commune also contributes to the demographic and urban expansion of the greater Toulouse area.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
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. Annuaire de service-public.fr
8. MusicBrainz
9. Recensement de la population 2015. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies. 2017
10. Populations légales 2016
11. Populations légales 2017
12. Populations légales 2018
13. [Populations légales communales depuis 1968. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies](https://www.insee.fr/fr/statistiques/2522602)
14. Populations légales 2019
15. Populations légales 2020
16. Populations légales 2021
17. Populations de référence 2022
18. Populations de référence 2023
19. [Code officiel géographique](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/3363419)
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. [Mairie de Balma: Overview | LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/mairie-balma/)
25. [Code officiel géographique. 2017](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2560698)
26. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File