# Balschwiller

> commune in Haut-Rhin, France

**Wikidata**: [Q318113](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q318113)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balschwiller)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/balschwiller

## Summary

Balschwiller is a commune located in the Haut-Rhin department in the Alsace region of northeastern France. Established on October 1, 1972, this small municipality sits at coordinates 47.6686°N latitude and 7.1683°E longitude, near the arrondissement of Altkirch. The commune, historically part of Upper Alsace within the former German Empire territory of Alsace-Lorraine from 1871 to 1918, now operates as part of the French administrative system and maintains a population of approximately 729 to 800 residents across recorded data points.

## Key Facts

- **Official Name**: Balschwiller
- **Alias**: Balschweiler
- **Country**: France
- **Administrative Region**: Alsace (European Collectivity of Alsace)
- **Department**: Haut-Rhin (French administrative district since March 4, 1790)
- **Arrondissement**: Altkirch
- **Historical Territory**: Upper Alsace (southern district of Alsace-Lorraine in the German Empire from 1871 to 1918)
- **Inception Date**: October 1, 1972
- **Coordinates**: 47.668611111111°N, 7.1683333333333°E
- **Website**: http://www.balschwiller.fr
- **Population**: Approximately 729 to 800 residents (multiple recorded figures: 800, 785, 790, 757, 743, 731, 749, 743, 736, 729)
- **Classification**: Commune of France (municipal territorial subdivision established December 1789)
- **Sitelink Count**: 44
- **Wikipedia Title**: Balschwiller
- **Wikidata Description**: commune in Haut-Rhin, France

## FAQs

**What type of administrative area is Balschwiller?**

Balschwiller is a commune, which is the smallest territorial subdivision for municipalities in France. It was officially established on October 1, 1972, and operates under the French administrative system as part of the commune of France territorial structure that originated in December 1789.

**Where is Balschwiller located geographically?**

Balschwiller is situated in northeastern France in the Alsace region, specifically within the Haut-Rhin department. It falls under the arrondissement of Altkirch and is located at coordinates 47.6686°N latitude and 7.1683°E longitude. The commune lies in what is historically known as Upper Alsace.

**What is the historical context of Balschwiller's region?**

The Alsace region, including Haut-Rhin where Balschwiller is located, has a complex history. From 1871 to 1918, the area was part of the German Empire as Alsace-Lorraine (Elsaß-Lothringen), following the Franco-Prussian War. Upper Alsace specifically refers to the southern district of this imperial German territory. The region returned to French control after World War I.

**What is the population of Balschwiller?**

Balschwiller is a small commune with population figures recorded at approximately 729 to 800 residents across multiple data points. The recorded population values include 800, 785, 790, 757, 743, 731, 749, 743, 736, and 729, indicating slight fluctuations over time.

**What administrative divisions does Balschwiller belong to?**

Balschwiller is part of multiple administrative levels: France (country), the European Collectivity of Alsace (regional level), Haut-Rhin department (established March 4, 1790), and the arrondissement of Altkirch. It operates as a commune, which is the French equivalent of a municipality.

## Why It Matters

Balschwiller represents a small but historically significant commune in the Alsace region, an area that has been at the crossroads of French and German history for centuries. The commune's establishment date of October 1972 places its modern formation in the context of post-World War II French administrative reorganization, specifically during a period when France was consolidating its departmental structure.

The significance of Balschwiller extends beyond its size to its geographical position in Upper Alsace, a region that experienced multiple sovereignty changes between France and Germany. This historical context makes it part of the broader narrative of European border regions and the complex relationship between the two neighboring nations. The commune's location within the arrondissement of Altkirch places it in a traditionally rural and picturesque area of Alsace known for its vineyards, half-timbered houses, and cultural heritage.

For those studying French administrative geography or the historical evolution of European borders, Balschwiller serves as an example of how modern French communes were organized following the departmental reorganization that began in 1790 and continued through subsequent reforms. Its presence in the Haut-Rhin department places it in one of France's most economically dynamic regions, close to the German border and the European economic core.

## Notable For

- **Historical Territory**: Part of Upper Alsace, which was under German rule as part of Alsace-Lorraine from 1871 to 1918
- **Modern Establishment**: Officially formed as a commune on October 1, 1972
- **Border Region Location**: Situated in northeastern France near the German border in the Alsace region
- **Administrative Continuity**: Located in the arrondissement of Altkirch, one of the historical administrative divisions of the region
- **Departmental Heritage**: Part of Haut-Rhin, one of the original French departments established during the French Revolution

## Body

### Geography and Location

Balschwiller is positioned at coordinates 47.668611111111°N latitude and 7.1683333333333°E longitude, placing it in the southern portion of the Haut-Rhin department in northeastern France. The commune lies within the Alsace region, a flat and fertile area known for its agricultural productivity and strategic position between France and Germany. The arrondissement of Altkirch encompasses this municipality, which is characterized by the typical landscape of the Alsatian plain, featuring agricultural fields, vineyards, and traditional villages.

### Historical Context

The territory of Balschwiller carries significant historical weight due to its location in Upper Alsace. This region became part of the German Empire following the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871, when the Treaty of Frankfurt ceded Alsace-Lorraine (Elsaß-Lothringen) to Germany. The imperial territory was organized into districts (Bezirke), with Upper Alsace constituting the southern district. This German administration lasted from 1871 until the end of World War I in 1918, when the region returned to French control through the Treaty of Versailles.

The commune of France as an administrative concept originated in December 1789 during the French Revolution, establishing the municipal territorial subdivision system that persists today. Balschwiller's modern existence as a commune dates to October 1, 1972, indicating either a reorganization of existing settlements or the formal establishment of municipal status during the administrative reforms of that period.

### Administrative Structure

Balschwiller operates within the French departmental system, which was established with the creation of the department of Haut-Rhin on March 4, 1790, during the early years of the French Revolution. The department is part of the European Collectivity of Alsace, a regional administrative entity that encompasses the historical Alsace region. At the local level, the commune is governed according to the French municipal system, with the mayor and municipal council handling local affairs.

The arrondissement of Altkirch serves as the administrative district encompassing Balschwiller. This arrondissements system provides an intermediate level of governance between the department and the commune, handling administrative functions such as population registration, electoral organization, and coordination of state services.

### Demographics and Community

As a small French commune, Balschwiller maintains a modest population typically ranging between 700 and 800 residents. The population figures recorded across multiple data points—800, 785, 790, 757, 743, 731, 749, 743, 736, and 729—suggest gradual demographic changes typical of rural communes in the region. These fluctuations may reflect natural population changes, migration patterns, or variations in counting methodologies.

The commune operates under the French municipal system, with local governance focused on maintaining public services, managing municipal property, and representing the interests of residents. The website http://www.balschwiller.fr provides digital access to municipal information and services for residents and visitors.

### Regional Significance

While Balschwiller is a small municipality, it participates in the broader cultural and economic life of the Alsace region. The region is renowned for its distinctive blend of French and German cultural influences, evident in its architecture, cuisine, dialect (Alsatian), and traditions. The area is famous for its vineyards along the Alsace Wine Route, its half-timbered houses, and its major cities including Strasbourg and Mulhouse.

The commune's location near the German border places it within one of Europe's most economically active regions, with significant cross-border trade and cooperation between France and Germany. The TGV high-speed train line connects Alsace to Paris and other major European cities, while the A35 highway provides road connectivity throughout the region.

### Historical Recognition

The Croix de guerre 1914-1918, a French military decoration established on April 2, 1915, represents the broader historical context of the Alsace region during World War I. This decoration was awarded to communities in France that suffered significant damage during the German occupation or military operations. The presence of this recognition in the source material connects Balschwiller to the broader historical narrative of the region during the First World War, when Alsace-Lorraine was under German control and French forces fought to reclaim the territory.

### Connection to Broader Entities

Balschwiller's existence as a commune connects it to the larger framework of French territorial organization. The commune of France system, established in 1789, represents the fundamental unit of local administration in France, with over 35,000 communes covering the entire national territory. Each commune, regardless of size, maintains its own municipal government, budget, and administrative functions.

The department of Haut-Rhin, meaning "Upper Rhine" in French, is one of the two departments comprising the Alsace region (along with Bas-Rhin, meaning "Lower Rhine"). The department takes its name from the Rhine River, which forms part of France's eastern border with Germany. The name reflects the region's geographical identity and its position along this major European waterway.

## References

1. CD Atlas of France
2. BnF authorities
3. dataset of postal codes in France. 2018
4. INSEE code
5. [Source](https://lingualibre.org/wiki/Q781043)
6. répertoire géographique des communes
7. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
8. Annuaire de service-public.fr
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 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. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies
20. GeoNames
21. [répertoire géographique des communes. 2015](https://wxs-telechargement.ign.fr/83edtfdyqte031y0ra49d2e3/telechargement/inspire/RGC-2015-01$RGC2015/file/RGC2015.7z)
22. [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)
23. [Code officiel géographique. 2017](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2560698)