# Baraigne

> commune in Aude, France

**Wikidata**: [Q173742](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q173742)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baraigne)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/baraigne

## Summary

Baraigne is a commune located in the Aude department of southern France, situated in the arrondissement of Carcassonne. The small rural municipality sits at coordinates 43.330555555556°N latitude and 1.8236111111111°E longitude, representing a traditional French communal territory within the historical region of Languedoc. As part of the commune system of France—a territorial subdivision that originated in 1789—Baraigne exemplifies the small municipal entities that form the basic administrative units of French local government.

## Key Facts

- **Official Name**: Baraigne
- **Type**: Commune in Aude, France
- **Country**: France
- **Department**: Aude (inception: March 4, 1790)
- **Arrondissement**: Carcassonne
- **Former Canton**: Salles-sur-l'Hers (until March 2015)
- **Coordinates**: 43.330555555556°N, 1.8236111111111°E
- **Territorial Classification**: Commune of France (inception: 1789)
- **Population**: Historical figures include 99, 103, 113, 117, 122, 126, 161, 163, 164, 168, 172, 174, 175, 176 (various census years)
- **Wikipedia Title**: Baraigne
- **Sitelink Count**: 44

## FAQs

**What region is Baraigne located in?**

Baraigne is located in the Aude department, which is situated in the South West of France. The commune falls within the arrondissement of Carcassonne and was historically part of the canton of Salles-sur-l'Hers until administrative reorganizations in March 2015.

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

Baraigne is a commune, which is the smallest territorial administrative division in France. The commune system was established in 1789 following the French Revolution, and it serves as the fundamental unit of local government throughout France, encompassing both urban and rural municipalities.

**What are the geographical coordinates of Baraigne?**

Baraigne is positioned at latitude 43.330555555556°N and longitude 1.8236111111111°E, placing it in the southern region of France within the historical Languedoc area.

**How large is Baraigne's population?**

The commune's population has fluctuated over time, with recorded figures ranging from 99 to 176 residents across various census periods. These population numbers reflect the typical demographic patterns of small rural communes in the Aude department.

**What is the administrative history of Baraigne's canton?**

Baraigne was part of the canton of Salles-sur-l'Hers until March 2015, when French administrative reforms led to the reorganization of cantonal boundaries. These changes consolidated certain cantons to improve administrative efficiency.

## Why It Matters

Baraigne represents the foundational unit of French local governance, embodying the decentralized administrative structure that characterizes the French Republic. As one of the thousands of communes that compose the national territory, Baraigne participates in the democratic and administrative framework established after the French Revolution in 1789, when the commune system replaced the previous feudal administrative divisions.

The commune's location in the Aude department places it within Languedoc, a region known for its Mediterranean climate, viticulture, and historical significance. The area's proximity to Carcassonne—a city famous for its medieval fortified citadel—positions Baraigne within a region of substantial cultural and tourist importance in southern France.

The administrative reorganization of cantons in 2015, which affected Baraigne's relationship with Salles-sur-l'Hers, reflects the ongoing evolution of French local government structures aimed at improving efficiency and adapting to changing demographic patterns in rural areas. Small communes like Baraigne continue to play essential roles in maintaining local services, community identity, and regional cohesion despite population fluctuations that characterize many rural municipalities in contemporary France.

## Notable For

- **Historical Administrative Status**: Part of the canton of Salles-sur-l'Hers until the major cantonal reorganization of March 2015
- **Regional Identity**: Located in Aude, a department known for its vineyards, medieval fortresses, and Mediterranean landscape
- **Coordinate Precision**: Geographic position recorded with high precision (43.330555555556°N, 1.8236111111111°E)
- **Commune System Participation**: Represents the fundamental unit of French territorial administration established in 1789

## Body

### Geography and Location

Baraigne is situated in the southern part of France, specifically in the Aude department within the region historically known as Languedoc. The commune's precise geographic coordinates are 43.330555555556°N latitude and 1.8236111111111°E longitude, positioning it in the Mediterranean climate zone of the country. The terrain in this area of southern France typically features rolling hills, vineyards, and proximity to the Corbières mountain range, though specific topographical details would require additional source material.

The commune lies within the arrondissement of Carcassonne, a territorial division that groups municipalities for administrative and governmental purposes. This placement situates Baraigne within the jurisdiction of Carcassonne's subprefectural administration, which handles local governmental functions that cannot be managed at the municipal level alone.

### Administrative Structure

Baraigne operates as a commune, which represents the lowest level of territorial administration in France. The French commune system traces its origins to the revolutionary period of 1789, when the National Constituent Assembly abolished the previous feudal administrative divisions and established municipalities (communes) as the fundamental units of local government. This system has remained largely intact since its creation, though the number and boundaries of communes have evolved over time.

Prior to March 2015, Baraigne was part of the canton of Salles-sur-l'Hers, an administrative district that grouped multiple communes for purposes of electoral representation and certain governmental functions. The cantonal reform of 2015, implemented under the Law of May 17, 2013, restructured cantonal boundaries throughout France, leading to the dissolution of many smaller cantons and the creation of new electoral districts designed to better reflect contemporary population distributions.

### Departmental and Regional Context

Baraigne belongs to the Aude department, one of the 101 departments that divide the French metropolitan territory. The Aude department was created on March 4, 1790, during the initial administrative reorganization following the French Revolution. Located in the South West of France, Aude is part of the larger Occitanie region and is characterized by its Mediterranean climate, diverse landscapes ranging from coastal plains to mountainous terrain, and significant agricultural production, particularly wine.

The department's name derives from the Aude River, which flows through the region from the Pyrenees to the Mediterranean Sea. Aude is perhaps best internationally known for the fortified city of Carcassonne, which attracts millions of visitors annually to its UNESCO World Heritage-listed medieval citadel. The department's capital, also named Carcassonne, serves as the administrative center for the arrondissement that includes Baraigne.

### Demographics and Population

The population data recorded for Baraigne shows variation across different census periods, with figures including 99, 103, 113, 117, 122, 126, 161, 163, 164, 168, 172, 174, 175, and 176 residents. These numbers reflect the demographic fluctuations common among small rural communes in France, where population can rise and fall based on economic conditions, employment opportunities, and quality of life factors.

Small communes like Baraigne often face challenges related to population decline, as younger residents may relocate to larger urban areas for education and employment opportunities. However, some small communes also experience population growth as individuals and families seek quieter rural lifestyles or more affordable housing options. The population figures available represent snapshots from various census years, demonstrating the dynamic nature of demographic patterns in rural France.

### Historical Context of French Communes

The establishment of communes in 1789 represented a fundamental transformation in French administrative organization. Prior to the Revolution, France was divided into provinces and governed under a feudal system with significant regional variations in law, taxation, and administration. The revolutionary government sought to create a uniform, rational administrative structure based on principles of equality and centralization.

The commune system was designed to bring government closer to the people while maintaining national unity. Each commune was granted a mayor and municipal council, elected by local residents, to handle local affairs. This system has continued for over two centuries, with communes ranging in size from small rural municipalities like Baraigne to major metropolitan cities like Paris and Marseille.

### Relationship to Surrounding Entities

Baraigne exists within a hierarchical system of French territorial organization. At the base level, the commune provides direct services to its residents. Above the commune, cantons group multiple municipalities for electoral and certain administrative purposes. Arrondissements, like Carcassonne, provide intermediate administrative functions. Departments, such as Aude, handle broader governmental services. Finally, regions, currently Occitanie for Aude, coordinate economic development and planning at the largest sub-national level.

This multi-layered system allows for both local autonomy and coordinated governance. Communes maintain significant powers over local matters such as urban planning, local taxes, and community services, while higher levels of government handle matters requiring larger-scale coordination, including transportation infrastructure, education systems, and economic development initiatives.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. dataset of postal codes in France. 2018
3. INSEE code
4. répertoire géographique des communes
5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
6. Annuaire de service-public.fr
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 communales depuis 1968. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies](https://www.insee.fr/fr/statistiques/2522602)
12. Populations légales 2019
13. Populations légales 2020
14. Populations légales 2021
15. Populations de référence 2022
16. Populations de référence 2023
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. 2020](https://www.data.gouv.fr/fr/datasets/r/8442dfae-a878-49c6-be4c-20689b1c337c)
23. [Code officiel géographique. 2017](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2560698)