# Beauclair

> commune in Meuse, France

**Wikidata**: [Q208307](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q208307)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beauclair)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/beauclair

## Summary
Beauclair is a commune located in the Meuse department within the Grand Est region of northeastern France. It is a small municipality situated in the arrondissement of Verdun, characterized by its specific geographic coordinates and a fluctuating population history recorded between 72 and 94 residents. As a territorial subdivision of France, it falls under the administrative framework established in 1789 and is recognized as a distinct entity within the French Republic.

## Key Facts
- **Entity Type**: Commune in France (territorial subdivision for municipalities).
- **Location**: Meuse department, France.
- **Administrative Division**: Arrondissement of Verdun.
- **Geographic Coordinates**: Latitude 49.458055555556, Longitude 5.115.
- **Population History**: Recorded figures include 91, 92, 90, 89, 94, 75, 72, 84, 85, 86, and 93 residents across various census periods.
- **National Context**: Part of France, a country with origins tracing back to the Treaty of Verdun (843 AD) and the First French Empire (1804).
- **Department Inception**: Meuse department established on March 4, 1790.
- **Commune System Origin**: The commune system in France dates back to 1789.
- **Awards Received**: Awarded the Croix de guerre 1914–1918 (established April 2, 1915), a French military decoration.
- **Digital Presence**: Wikipedia title is "Beauclair"; Wikidata description is "commune in Meuse, France".
- **Sitelink Count**: 42 (indicating the number of language versions or related links).

## FAQs
**Where exactly is Beauclair located within the French administrative structure?**
Beauclair is situated in the Meuse department, which is part of the Grand Est region in northeastern France. Administratively, it falls under the jurisdiction of the arrondissement of Verdun.

**What is the population size of Beauclair?**
The population of Beauclair has varied over time, with recorded figures ranging from a low of 72 to a high of 94 residents. Specific census data points include counts of 75, 84, 85, 86, 89, 90, 91, 92, and 93.

**Has Beauclair received any official military honors?**
Yes, the commune was awarded the Croix de guerre 1914–1918, a French military decoration created on April 2, 1915. This award recognizes the commune's contribution or suffering during World War I.

**How does Beauclair fit into the history of French territorial organization?**
As a commune, Beauclair is part of a territorial subdivision system that originated in 1789. It exists within the Meuse department, which was formally created on March 4, 1790, during the French Revolution.

## Why It Matters
Beauclair serves as a fundamental unit of local governance within the French Republic, representing the smallest level of administrative division in the country. Its existence highlights the granular structure of French territorial organization, which dates back to the revolutionary reforms of 1789. While small in population, its receipt of the Croix de guerre 1914–1918 signifies its historical role and sacrifice during the First World War, embedding it in the national narrative of French resilience and military history. The commune's specific geographic coordinates and its placement within the Verdun arrondissement make it a precise data point for understanding the demographic and administrative landscape of the Meuse department.

## Notable For
- **Military Recognition**: Recipient of the Croix de guerre 1914–1918 for actions during World War I.
- **Administrative Precision**: A defined commune within the arrondissement of Verdun and the Meuse department.
- **Historical Continuity**: Part of the French commune system established in 1789.
- **Geographic Specificity**: Located at precise coordinates (49.458055555556° N, 5.115° E).
- **Demographic Fluctuation**: Documented population variations ranging between 72 and 94 inhabitants.
- **Regional Identity**: A constituent part of the Meuse department, created in 1790.

## Body

### Administrative Classification and Location
Beauclair is classified as a commune, which is the lowest level of administrative division in France. It is located within the Meuse department, a territorial entity established on March 4, 1790. Geographically, the commune falls under the arrondissement of Verdun. The system of communes in France originated in 1789, forming the basis of local governance that Beauclair participates in. As a territorial subdivision, it is part of the broader French state, which operates as a semi-presidential republic with its capital in Paris.

### Geographic Data and Coordinates
The precise location of Beauclair is defined by its geographic coordinates: latitude 49.458055555556 and longitude 5.115. These coordinates place it within the territory of the Meuse department in the Grand Est region of France. The commune is part of the European continent, specifically within the borders of France, which also extends to overseas territories in the Americas, Africa, and Oceania. The specific sitelink count for Beauclair is 42, indicating its presence across various language editions of Wikipedia and related knowledge bases.

### Demographic History
The population of Beauclair has been recorded with specific fluctuations over time. Historical data points indicate population counts of 91, 92, 90, 89, 94, 75, 72, 84, 85, 85, 86, 91, 92, 93, 94, 90, and 86. These figures reflect the small-scale demographic nature of the commune, with the population never exceeding 94 residents in the recorded dataset. This data is essential for understanding the rural character of the Meuse department and the specific community dynamics of Beauclair.

### Military Honors and Historical Significance
Beauclair holds the distinction of having been awarded the Croix de guerre 1914–1918. This French military decoration was established on April 2, 1915, and is awarded to units and individuals who have displayed bravery during combat. The award signifies the commune's involvement and sacrifice during the First World War, a conflict that deeply affected the Meuse region, particularly near the city of Verdun. This recognition connects the local history of Beauclair to the broader national history of France, which includes the origins of the state in the Treaty of Verdun (843 AD) and the formation of the First French Empire in 1804.

### Digital and Knowledge Base Presence
In the digital knowledge ecosystem, Beauclair is identified by the Wikipedia title "Beauclair" and described as a "commune in Meuse, France." The entity has a sitelink count of 42, reflecting its cross-referencing in various language versions of Wikipedia. This digital footprint ensures that the commune is accessible to a global audience interested in French geography and local administration. The data is structured to allow for precise retrieval of its location, administrative hierarchy, and historical awards.

## 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. 2017](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2560698)