# Beauval > commune in Somme, France **Wikidata**: [Q1092270](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1092270) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beauval,_Somme) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/beauval ## Summary Beauval is a commune located in the Somme department in the Hauts-de-France region of northern France. Situated in the arrondissement of Amiens, Beauval serves as a local administrative center within the French territorial system of communes, which are the lowest-level territorial subdivisions in France. The commune lies at coordinates 50.106111111111°N latitude and 2.3294444444444°E longitude, positioning it in the scenic countryside of Picardy. ## Key Facts - **Official Name**: Beauval - **Department**: Somme (inception: March 4, 1790) - **Region**: Hauts-de-France (formerly Picardy) - **Arrondissement**: Amiens - **Country**: France - **Commune Type**: Territorial subdivision for municipalities (inception: 1789) - **Coordinates**: 50.106111111111°N, 2.3294444444444°E - **Population**: 2,114 (most recent), with historical figures of 2,101; 2,126; 2,095; 2,066; 2,036; 2,007; 1,984; 1,953; 1,929 - **Website**: http://www.beauval.fr - **Wikipedia Title**: Beauval, Somme - **Wikidata Description**: commune in Somme, France - **Sitelink Count**: 44 ## FAQs **What region and department is Beauval located in?** Beauval is located in the Somme department, which is situated in the Hauts-de-France region of northern France. The commune falls within the arrondissement of Amiens, which serves as an administrative division within the department. **What type of administrative area is Beauval?** Beauval is a commune, which is the French term for the lowest-level territorial subdivision in France. Communes are analogous to municipalities in other countries and serve as the fundamental unit of local government. The commune system was established in 1789 during the French Revolution. **What are the geographical coordinates of Beauval?** Beauval is positioned at latitude 50.106111111111°N and longitude 2.3294444444444°E, placing it in the Picardy region of northern France, approximately midway between Paris and the Belgian border. **How many people live in Beauval?** The most recent population figure recorded for Beauval is 2,114 residents. Historical population data shows fluctuations between approximately 1,929 and 2,126 inhabitants over the recorded period, indicating a relatively stable small commune population. **What is the administrative history of the Somme department?** The Somme department was created on March 4, 1790, during the French Revolution as part of the initial division of France into departments. It was named after the Somme River, which flows through the region. ## Why It Matters Beauval matters as a representative example of the French commune system, which forms the backbone of local governance in France. With 2,114 residents, it exemplifies the thousands of small communes that collectively define the rural and semi-rural character of the French territory. The commune system, established in 1789, embodies the French revolutionary principle of administrative uniformity, ensuring that every territory in France, regardless of size, has equal standing within the national administrative framework. The commune's location in the Somme department carries significant historical weight. The Somme region is renowned for its role during World War I, particularly the Battle of the Somme (1916), one of the deadliest battles in human history. While Beauval itself may not have been directly involved in the fighting, it lies within a region that bears the scars and memory of this pivotal conflict, making it part of France's broader historical narrative. From an administrative perspective, Beauval's position within the arrondissement of Amiens connects it to a regional administrative center, facilitating access to departmental and regional services for its residents. The commune's website (http://www.beauval.fr) indicates local governance and communication efforts, demonstrating modern municipal administration serving a small but established community. The population figures, ranging from approximately 1,929 to 2,126 residents over time, reflect the demographic patterns common in rural French communes—modest populations that nonetheless maintain the continuity of local traditions, agricultural activity, and community life that characterizes much of rural France. ## Notable For - **Administrative Continuity**: Beauval represents one of France's approximately 35,000 communes, demonstrating the enduring French system of municipal governance established during the Revolution in 1789. - **Historical Region**: Located in Somme, a department with profound World War I significance, Beauval sits within territory that witnessed major historical events that shaped the 20th century. - **Regional Identity**: Part of the Hauts-de-France region (formerly Picardy), known for its agricultural lands, Gothic architecture (including Amiens Cathedral), and distinct cultural heritage. - **Local Governance**: Maintains an official municipal website (beauval.fr), indicating active local administration and communication with residents. - **Stable Population**: Demonstrates relative demographic stability with population figures consistently around 2,000 residents across recorded years. ## Body ### Geography and Location Beauval is situated in the Somme department of the Hauts-de-France region in northern France. The commune's precise coordinates are 50.106111111111°N latitude and 2.3294444444444°E longitude. This location places Beauval in the heart of the Picardy region, characterized by gently rolling agricultural plains and proximity to major historical centers. The commune lies within the arrondissement of Amiens, which serves as the administrative center for the surrounding area. The Somme department itself spans approximately 6,170 square kilometers and is named after the Somme River, which flows through the region from east to west before emptying into the English Channel. ### Administrative Structure Beauval operates as a commune, which is the fundamental territorial subdivision in France. The French commune system dates to December 1789, when the National Constituent Assembly abolished the previous administrative divisions (provinces, bailliages, and parishes) and replaced them with a uniform system of communes. This revolutionary reform aimed to create equal administrative units across the entire French territory. As a commune, Beauval is governed by a municipal council headed by a mayor (maire). The commune falls under the jurisdiction of the Somme department, which itself is part of the Hauts-de-France region. At the arrondissement level, Beauval is administered from Amiens, the prefecture (capital) of the Somme department. The department of Somme was officially created on March 4, 1790, during the early stages of the French Revolution. It was formed from portions of the former province of Picardy, along with some territories from adjacent provinces. The department was one of the original 83 departments created by the revolutionary government. ### Demographics and Population The population of Beauval stands at approximately 2,114 residents according to the most recent data. Historical population figures show variations over time: 2,101; 2,126; 2,095; 2,066; 2,036; 2,007; 1,984; 1,953; and 1,929. These figures represent the commune's population across different census periods, demonstrating demographic stability typical of small rural French communes. The population size of Beauval is consistent with the character of the Somme department, which includes both small rural communes and larger urban centers like Amiens (population approximately 134,000). The commune's population of around 2,000 places it in the category of small to medium-sized communes that form the backbone of rural French society. ### Historical Context The Somme department and the broader Picardy region hold immense historical significance. The region has been the site of numerous conflicts throughout European history due to its strategic position between Paris and the northern borders of France. The Battle of the Somme, fought from July to November 1916, stands as one of the deadliest battles in military history. Fought primarily in the Somme department, the battle resulted in approximately one million casualties between the Allied and Central Powers. The devastation wrought upon the region during World War I left lasting scars on the landscape and communities, many of which were rebuilt in the decades following the war. While Beauval itself may not have been directly in the combat zone, the commune exists within this historically significant territory. The region's villages and towns collectively preserve the memory of the Great War, with numerous memorials, cemeteries, and preserved battlefield sites serving as reminders of the conflict. ### Regional Connections Beauval is part of the Hauts-de-France region, which was formed in 2016 through the merger of the former Nord-Pas-de-Calais and Picardy regions. This is France's most populous northern region and is characterized by diverse landscapes ranging from the industrial zones of the former coal mining areas to the agricultural plains of Picardy. The arrondissement of Amiens serves as the administrative, economic, and cultural center for the surrounding area. Amiens, the prefecture of the Somme department, is home to approximately 134,000 residents and features the famous Amiens Cathedral, one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture. The commune's position within this regional structure connects its residents to departmental services, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and cultural attractions centered in Amiens while maintaining the intimate scale of rural community life. ### Local Infrastructure and Services Beauval maintains an official municipal website (http://www.beauval.fr), indicating active local governance and communication with residents. This digital presence reflects the modern approach to municipal administration in France, where even small communes maintain online resources for their citizens. The commune participates in the broader French public service framework, which includes access to national education systems, healthcare through the French social security system, and local services provided by the municipal council. As part of the European Union and the Schengen Area, Beauval benefits from freedom of movement for residents, allowing travel and settlement throughout the continent. ### Cultural and Social Life Life in Beauval reflects the broader culture of rural Picardy, characterized by strong community ties, agricultural traditions, and regional customs. The Somme department is known for its culinary traditions, including dishes such as flamiche (a cheese pie), ficelle picarde (stuffed crepes), and various dishes featuring the region's agricultural products. The commune's small population size fosters a close-knit community where local events, agricultural activities, and municipal affairs play central roles in daily life. The French tradition of communal governance ensures that residents have direct representation through their municipal council. ### Economic Character The economy of Beauval and the surrounding Somme region is primarily agricultural, with farming playing a significant role in the local economy. The fertile plains of Picardy have long been known for grain production, and the region remains an important agricultural area in France. The broader regional economy has diversified over time to include light manufacturing, services, and tourism, particularly related to the historical sites of World War I. The proximity to major cities like Amiens provides employment opportunities for residents while maintaining the rural character of communities like Beauval. ## 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 2019 12. Populations légales 2020 13. Populations légales 2021 14. Populations de référence 2022 15. Populations de référence 2023 16. [Code officiel géographique](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/3363419) 17. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies 18. GeoNames 19. [répertoire géographique des communes. 2015](https://wxs-telechargement.ign.fr/83edtfdyqte031y0ra49d2e3/telechargement/inspire/RGC-2015-01$RGC2015/file/RGC2015.7z) 20. [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) 21. [Code officiel géographique. 2017](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2560698)