# Belmesnil

> commune in Seine-Maritime, France

**Wikidata**: [Q429333](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q429333)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belmesnil)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/belmesnil

## Summary
Belmesnil is a commune located in the Seine-Maritime department of France, within the canton of Longueville-sur-Scie and the arrondissement of Dieppe. It is a small municipality with a population fluctuating around 450–470 residents, situated in the Normandy region of northern France.

## Key Facts
- **Type**: Commune (municipality) in France.
- **Location**: Seine-Maritime department, Normandy, France.
- **Administrative Divisions**:
  - Canton: Longueville-sur-Scie.
  - Arrondissement: Dieppe.
- **Population**: Recorded figures include 471, 462, 463, 457, 455, 452, 450, 451, 446, and 440 residents (various years).
- **Coordinates**: Latitude 49.769444444444, Longitude 1.0483333333333.
- **Inception**: Part of the French commune system established in 1789.
- **Wikidata Description**: "Commune in Seine-Maritime, France."
- **Sitelink Count**: 41 (Wikidata references).

## FAQs

**Where is Belmesnil located?**
Belmesnil is situated in the Seine-Maritime department of France, within the Normandy region. It lies in the canton of Longueville-sur-Scie and the arrondissement of Dieppe, approximately at coordinates 49.7694°N, 1.0483°E.

**What is the population of Belmesnil?**
The population of Belmesnil has varied slightly over recent years, with recorded figures ranging from 440 to 471 residents. This places it among the smaller communes in the Seine-Maritime department.

**What administrative divisions is Belmesnil part of?**
Belmesnil is part of the canton of Longueville-sur-Scie and the arrondissement of Dieppe, both within the Seine-Maritime department. These divisions are part of France's decentralized administrative structure, which includes departments, cantons, and arrondissements.

**When was the commune system in France established?**
The commune system in France was established in 1789, following the French Revolution. Communes like Belmesnil are the smallest administrative divisions in France, functioning as municipalities with local governance.

## Why It Matters
Belmesnil, while small, is a representative example of France's decentralized administrative structure, which empowers local governance through communes. As part of the Seine-Maritime department, it contributes to the cultural and historical fabric of Normandy, a region known for its rich heritage, coastal landscapes, and agricultural traditions. Communes like Belmesnil play a crucial role in maintaining local identity, managing municipal services, and preserving rural life in France. Their existence ensures that even smaller populations have a voice in regional and national governance.

## Notable For
- **Small-Scale Governance**: As a commune, Belmesnil exemplifies France's system of local administration, where even small municipalities have autonomy in managing local affairs.
- **Normandy Heritage**: Located in Seine-Maritime, Belmesnil is part of Normandy, a region renowned for its historical significance, including its role in World War II and its medieval architecture.
- **Rural Character**: With a population under 500, Belmesnil retains a rural character, contributing to the diversity of France's territorial organization.
- **Administrative Longevity**: As part of the commune system established in 1789, Belmesnil reflects the enduring structure of French local governance.

## Body

### Geography and Location
Belmesnil is located in the Seine-Maritime department of France, which is part of the Normandy region in northern France. The commune is situated within the canton of Longueville-sur-Scie and the arrondissement of Dieppe. Its geographic coordinates are approximately 49.7694°N latitude and 1.0483°E longitude. The area is characterized by the rural landscapes typical of Normandy, including rolling hills, farmland, and proximity to the coast.

### Administrative Structure
Belmesnil operates as a commune, the smallest administrative division in France. The commune system was established in 1789 during the French Revolution, replacing the previous system of parishes and local lordships. Communes are responsible for local governance, including municipal services, land use planning, and public facilities. Belmesnil is part of the following administrative layers:
- **Department**: Seine-Maritime (established in 1790).
- **Canton**: Longueville-sur-Scie.
- **Arrondissement**: Dieppe.

### Demographics
The population of Belmesnil has fluctuated slightly over recent years, with recorded figures including 471, 462, 463, 457, 455, 452, 450, 451, 446, and 440 residents. This places it among the smaller communes in Seine-Maritime, reflecting its rural and potentially agricultural character. The population data suggests a stable but modest community, typical of many French communes outside urban centers.

### Historical Context
The commune of Belmesnil is part of France's broader historical and administrative evolution. The commune system was introduced in 1789 as part of the revolutionary reforms aimed at decentralizing power and establishing local self-governance. Seine-Maritime, the department in which Belmesnil is located, was created on March 4, 1790, during the early phases of the French Revolution. This department, like others, was designed to replace the old provincial system with a more rational and uniform administrative structure.

### Role in Local Governance
As a commune, Belmesnil has its own municipal council, led by a mayor, which is responsible for local decision-making. This includes managing public services such as schools, waste collection, and local infrastructure. The commune system ensures that even small populations have representation and autonomy in managing their affairs, contributing to France's decentralized governance model.

### Connection to Normandy
Belmesnil is located in Normandy, a region with a rich historical and cultural heritage. Normandy is known for its medieval architecture, such as the Mont-Saint-Michel, its role in the D-Day landings during World War II, and its agricultural products, including dairy, apples, and cider. The rural character of Belmesnil aligns with Normandy's tradition of small-scale farming and local communities.

### Related Administrative Entities
Belmesnil is connected to several higher-level administrative entities:
- **Canton of Longueville-sur-Scie**: A grouping of communes for electoral and administrative purposes.
- **Arrondissement of Dieppe**: A larger administrative division overseeing multiple cantons.
- **Seine-Maritime Department**: One of France's original 83 departments, established in 1790.

These connections ensure that Belmesnil is integrated into the broader governance and service delivery frameworks of the region and the country.

## 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. 2020](https://www.data.gouv.fr/fr/datasets/r/8442dfae-a878-49c6-be4c-20689b1c337c)
22. [Code officiel géographique. 2017](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2560698)