# Balmaseda

> town in Spain

**Wikidata**: [Q4480](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q4480)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balmaseda)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/balmaseda

## Summary
Balmaseda is a historic town located in the province of Biscay, within the Basque Country region of northern Spain. Founded in 1199, it is one of the oldest municipalities in the area and serves as a cultural and administrative hub in the Enkarterri region. The town is known for its medieval origins, well-preserved architecture, and its role in the broader Basque and Spanish historical context.

## Key Facts
- **Location:** Situated in the province of Biscay, part of the autonomous community of the Basque Country, Spain.
- **Inception:** Founded in 1199, making it one of the oldest towns in the region.
- **Population:** Historical population data shows fluctuations, with recent figures around 7,000–7,800 inhabitants (e.g., 7,833 in one record, 7,174 in another).
- **Coordinates:** Latitude 43.195833333333, Longitude -3.1927777777778.
- **Administrative Status:** A municipality of Spain, part of the Enkarterri region within Biscay.
- **Website:** Official site at [http://www.balmaseda.net/](http://www.balmaseda.net/).
- **Aliases:** Also known as Valmaseda.
- **Wikidata Description:** Classified as a "town in Spain."
- **Sitelink Count:** 46 Wikipedia sitelinks, indicating broad recognition.

## FAQs
**Where is Balmaseda located?**
Balmaseda is located in the province of Biscay, within the Basque Country region of northern Spain. It lies in the Enkarterri area, known for its historical and cultural significance.

**When was Balmaseda founded?**
The town was founded in 1199, making it one of the oldest municipalities in the Basque Country and a site of medieval heritage.

**What is the population of Balmaseda?**
Population records vary, with figures ranging from approximately 7,000 to 7,800 residents in recent years. Historical data shows peaks and declines, such as 7,833 in one record and 7,174 in another.

**What is the significance of Balmaseda in the Basque Country?**
Balmaseda is part of the Enkarterri region, a culturally distinct area within Biscay. Its long history and preservation of medieval elements contribute to its regional importance.

**How is Balmaseda governed?**
As a municipality of Spain, Balmaseda operates under the administrative framework of the Spanish government, with local governance structures typical of Spanish towns.

## Why It Matters
Balmaseda holds historical and cultural significance as one of the oldest towns in the Basque Country, reflecting the region's medieval roots and architectural heritage. Its location in the Enkarterri region underscores its role in preserving Basque traditions and identity. As a municipality, it contributes to the administrative and cultural fabric of Biscay and the broader Basque autonomous community. The town's longevity and well-documented history make it a point of interest for understanding the development of urban centers in northern Spain.

## Notable For
- **Medieval Origins:** Founded in 1199, Balmaseda is one of the oldest towns in the Basque Country.
- **Cultural Heritage:** Part of the Enkarterri region, known for its distinct Basque cultural traditions.
- **Historical Population Data:** Detailed records show population fluctuations over centuries, providing insights into demographic trends.
- **Administrative Role:** Serves as a municipality within the province of Biscay, contributing to local governance.
- **Geographical Coordinates:** Precisely located at latitude 43.195833333333 and longitude -3.1927777777778, marking its place in the Iberian Peninsula.

## Body

### History and Founding
Balmaseda was established in 1199, placing it among the earliest documented towns in the Basque Country. Its founding date aligns with the medieval period, a time of significant urban development in the region. The town's long history is reflected in its architecture and cultural practices, which have been preserved over centuries.

### Location and Geography
Balmaseda is situated in the province of Biscay, within the autonomous community of the Basque Country in northern Spain. It is part of the Enkarterri region, a sub-region of Biscay known for its distinct cultural and historical identity. The town's coordinates are latitude 43.195833333333 and longitude -3.1927777777778, placing it in a strategic location within the Iberian Peninsula.

### Administrative and Political Context
As a municipality of Spain, Balmaseda operates under the administrative divisions of the Spanish government. It is governed locally, with structures typical of Spanish municipalities, and is part of the broader governance framework of the Basque Country. The town's status as a municipality dates back to the 19th century, with the inception of modern municipal structures in Spain around 1842.

### Demographics
Population records for Balmaseda show variability over time, with recent figures ranging from approximately 7,000 to 7,800 residents. Historical data includes peaks such as 7,833 and declines to around 7,174, reflecting broader demographic trends in the region. The town's population dynamics provide insights into the social and economic changes in the Basque Country over the centuries.

### Cultural and Regional Significance
Balmaseda is notable for its cultural heritage, particularly as part of the Enkarterri region. This area is known for its distinct Basque traditions, including language, festivals, and architectural styles. The town's medieval origins contribute to its cultural identity, making it a site of interest for historians and tourists alike.

### Related Entities
Balmaseda is connected to several broader entities, including:
- **Biscay:** The province in which Balmaseda is located, part of the Basque Country.
- **Basque Country:** The autonomous community to which Biscay belongs, known for its unique cultural and political identity within Spain.
- **Enkarterri:** The specific region within Biscay where Balmaseda is situated, characterized by its historical and cultural distinctiveness.
- **Spain:** The country to which Balmaseda belongs, with its complex history of regional autonomy and central governance.

### Identifiers and Classification
Balmaseda is classified under various identifiers, including:
- **Wikidata ID:** Associated with the broader category of towns in Spain.
- **Sitelink Count:** 46 Wikipedia sitelinks, indicating its recognition across multiple language editions.
- **Aliases:** Also known as Valmaseda, reflecting variations in naming conventions.
- **Website:** The official site, [http://www.balmaseda.net/](http://www.balmaseda.net/), serves as a resource for information about the town.

### Historical Population Data
The town's population has been recorded at various points in history, with figures including:
- 7,833
- 7,737
- 7,583
- 7,366
- 7,270
- 7,174
- 7,105
- 7,073
- 7,090
- 7,117
- 7,067
- 7,026
- 7,829
- 7,800
- 7,655
- 7,739
- 7,684
- 7,697
- 7,722
- 7,651
- 7,636
- 7,593
- 7,633
- 7,718
- 7,007
- 7,106
- 7,226
- 7,422
- 5,798
- 4,720
- 4,369
- 4,215
- 3,486
- 7,307
- 7,853
- 3,528
- 3,226

These records illustrate the town's demographic evolution, reflecting broader historical and economic changes in the region.

## References

1. [Source](https://balmaseando.eus/alfonso-san-vicente-nuevo-alcalde-de-balmaseda/)
2. Nomenclátor Geográfico de Municipios y Entidades de Población (20240402 edition)
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. Register of Local Entities
5. OpenStreetMap
6. [Source](https://www.worlddata.info/europe/spain/timezones.php)
7. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
8. MusicBrainz
9. Municipal Register of Spain 2013
10. Municipal Register of Spain 2012
11. Municipal Register of Spain 2011
12. Municipal Register of Spain 2010
13. Municipal Register of Spain 2009
14. Municipal Register of Spain 2008
15. Municipal Register of Spain 2007
16. Municipal Register of Spain 2006
17. Municipal Register of Spain 2005
18. Municipal Register of Spain 2004
19. Municipal Register of Spain 2002
20. Municipal Register of Spain 2001
21. Municipal Register of Spain 2014
22. Municipal Register of Spain 2015
23. Municipal Register of Spain 2016
24. Municipal Register of Spain 2017
25. Municipal Register of Spain 2018
26. [Cifras oficiales de población resultantes de la revisión del Padrón municipal a 1 de enero. National Statistics Institute](http://www.ine.es/dynt3/inebase/index.htm?padre=525)
27. Municipal Register of Spain 2019
28. Municipal Register of Spain 2020
29. Municipal Register of Spain of 2021
30. Municipal Register of Spain of 2022
31. Municipal Register of Spain of 2023
32. Municipal Register of Spain of 2024
33. Municipal Register of Spain of 2025
34. National Statistics Institute
35. [Source](https://www.ine.es/inebaseweb/pdfDispacher.do?td=145064&ext=.pdf)
36. [Source](https://www.ine.es/jaxiT3/Datos.htm?t=3081)
37. List of Municipalities and their Codes by Provinces as of January 1, 2019
38. [Source](https://www.ine.es/dynt3/inebase/es/index.htm?padre=517&capsel=525)
39. GeoNames
40. Límites municipales, provinciales y autonómicos
41. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiort.php)