# Bonifacio

> French commune in Corse-du-Sud, Corsica

**Wikidata**: [Q204051](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q204051)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bonifacio,_Corse-du-Sud)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/bonifacio

## Summary
Bonifacio is a French commune located in the Corse-du-Sud department on the island of Corsica, situated at the southernmost tip of the island. It is renowned for its dramatic limestone cliffs, historic citadel, and proximity to the Strait of Bonifacio which separates Corsica from Sardinia. The commune serves as a significant administrative and cultural hub within the region, encompassing nearby islands like Cavallo and the Lavezzi Islands.

## Key Facts
- **Entity Type**: French commune (territorial subdivision for municipalities).
- **Location**: Corse-du-Sud department, Corsica, France.
- **Coordinates**: Latitude 41.388055555556, Longitude 9.1605555555556.
- **Aliases**: Bunifaziu, Bunifazziu.
- **Official Website**: https://www.bonifacio-mairie.fr/.
- **Population Data Points**: Recorded figures include 2961, 2977, 3101, 2700, 3118, 3189, 2431, 2693, 2736, 2683, 2658, 2831, 2938, 3192, 3204, 3200, 3269, and 3344.
- **Administrative History**: Part of the canton of Bonifacio (disestablished in March 2015).
- **Sub-division**: Located within the arrondissement of Sartène.
- **Language Context**: French is the official language; Corsican is the regional Italo-Dalmatian language.
- **Geographic Feature**: Situated on the Strait of Bonifacio, a French-Italian strait between Corsica and Sardinia.
- **Associated Islands**: Includes the small island of Cavallo and the Lavezzi Islands archipelago.
- **Notable Landmarks**: Capo Pertusato (cape), King of Aragon staircase, Église Sainte-Marie-Majeure de Bonifacio, and Église Saint-Dominique de Bonifacio (founded January 17, 1201).

## FAQs
**Where exactly is Bonifacio located within France?**
Bonifacio is a commune situated in the Corse-du-Sud department on the island of Corsica. It lies at the southern tip of the island, bordering the Strait of Bonifacio which separates it from Sardinia.

**What are the historical and religious landmarks in the commune?**
The commune features significant religious structures such as the Église Sainte-Marie-Majeure de Bonifacio and the Église Saint-Dominique de Bonifacio, the latter of which dates back to January 17, 1201. Additionally, the King of Aragon staircase is a notable historical structure within the area.

**Which islands and geographic features are associated with Bonifacio?**
Bonifacio is geographically linked to the small island of Cavallo and the Lavezzi Islands archipelago. The commune also includes the prominent cape known as Capo Pertusato.

**How has the administrative status of Bonifacio changed over time?**
Bonifacio was formerly part of the canton of Bonifacio, which existed until March 2015. It currently falls under the jurisdiction of the arrondissement of Sartène within the Corse-du-Sud department.

**What languages are spoken in Bonifacio?**
While French is the official language of the commune and the nation, the local regional language is Corsican, an Italo-Dalmatian language.

## Why It Matters
Bonifacio matters as a critical geographic and strategic point in the Mediterranean, serving as the southern gateway to Corsica and a key location on the Strait of Bonifacio. Its unique position connects France and Italy, influencing regional trade, tourism, and maritime navigation between the islands of Corsica and Sardinia. The commune preserves a rich historical legacy through its medieval architecture, such as the 13th-century Église Saint-Dominique and the King of Aragon staircase, making it a vital site for cultural heritage and tourism in the region. Furthermore, its administration of surrounding islands like the Lavezzi Islands and Cavallo highlights its role in managing sensitive marine ecosystems and Exclusive Economic Zones.

## Notable For
- **Strategic Geography**: Located at the southernmost tip of Corsica, overlooking the Strait of Bonifacio.
- **Historic Architecture**: Home to the Église Saint-Dominique, established in 1201, and the King of Aragon staircase.
- **Marine Environment**: Administers the Lavezzi Islands archipelago and the small island of Cavallo.
- **Natural Landmarks**: Features the dramatic Capo Pertusato cape.
- **Administrative History**: Formerly the seat of the canton of Bonifacio until its dissolution in March 2015.
- **Linguistic Heritage**: A center for the Corsican language alongside the official French language.
- **Population Fluctuation**: Exhibits a diverse range of recorded population figures over time, reflecting demographic shifts.

## Body

### Geography and Territory
Bonifacio is a commune located in the Corse-du-Sud department on the island of Corsica, France. Its precise geographic coordinates are latitude 41.388055555556 and longitude 9.1605555555556. The commune is defined by its position on the Strait of Bonifacio, a vital waterway separating Corsica from Sardinia. The territory includes the mainland commune as well as significant maritime extensions. Notable geographic features within its jurisdiction include the Capo Pertusato cape and the Lavezzi Islands archipelago. The small island of Cavallo is also associated with the commune. The area is part of the broader French territory in Western Europe, extending into the Mediterranean Sea.

### Administrative Structure and History
As a commune, Bonifacio functions as a territorial subdivision for municipalities in France, a system established in 1789. Historically, the commune was part of the canton of Bonifacio, an administrative division that existed until March 2015. Currently, it falls under the arrondissement of Sartène. The commune is part of the Corse-du-Sud department, which was established on January 1, 1976. The entity is recognized in the French administrative hierarchy with a sitelink count of 72, indicating its digital presence and documentation. The commune operates within the framework of the French Republic, utilizing French as the official language while maintaining the Corsican language as a regional identifier.

### Demographics and Population
The population of Bonifacio has varied over recorded periods, with specific data points including 2961, 2977, 3101, 2700, 3118, 3189, 2431, 2693, 2736, 2683, 2658, 2831, 2938, 3192, 3204, 3200, 3269, and 3344. These figures reflect the demographic dynamics of the commune over time. The population is part of the broader French demographic profile, which includes a mix of urban and rural settlements. The commune's residents speak French as the primary official language, with Corsican serving as the local Italo-Dalmatian regional language.

### Landmarks and Cultural Heritage
Bonifacio is home to several historically significant structures. The Église Saint-Dominique de Bonifacio is a church located in the commune, with an inception date of January 17, 1201. Another key religious site is the Église Sainte-Marie-Majeure de Bonifacio. The King of Aragon staircase stands as a notable historical feature within the town. These landmarks contribute to the commune's cultural identity and attract visitors interested in medieval history and architecture. The presence of these sites underscores the commune's long-standing history within the Corse-du-Sud region.

### Related Entities and Connections
The commune is intrinsically linked to the broader context of France and Corsica. It is connected to the French language, which is spoken across the nation and its overseas territories. The Corsican language is also a vital part of the local identity. Geographically, the commune is associated with the Strait of Bonifacio, a French-Italian strait. The administrative history includes the former canton of Bonifacio, which was dissolved in 2015. The commune is part of the arrondissement of Sartène and the department of Corse-du-Sud. Nearby entities include the island of Cavallo and the Lavezzi Islands archipelago, which are managed within the commune's sphere. The website https://www.bonifacio-mairie.fr/ serves as the official digital portal for the commune.

## References

1. French National Directory of Representatives
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. BnF authorities
4. dataset of postal codes in France. 2018
5. [Code officiel géographique](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/4316069)
6. répertoire géographique des communes
7. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
8. Czech National Authority Database
9. French Wikivoyage
10. Annuaire de service-public.fr
11. Recensement de la population 2015. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies. 2017
12. Populations légales 2016
13. Populations légales 2017
14. Populations légales 2018
15. [Populations légales communales depuis 1968. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies](https://www.insee.fr/fr/statistiques/2522602)
16. Populations légales 2019
17. Populations légales 2020
18. Populations légales 2021
19. Populations de référence 2022
20. Populations de référence 2023
21. [Code officiel géographique](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/3363419)
22. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies
23. GeoNames
24. BBC Things
25. [Mairie de Bonifacio | Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/mairiedebonifacio/)
26. [répertoire géographique des communes. 2015](https://wxs-telechargement.ign.fr/83edtfdyqte031y0ra49d2e3/telechargement/inspire/RGC-2015-01$RGC2015/file/RGC2015.7z)
27. [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)
28. [Code officiel géographique. 2020](https://www.data.gouv.fr/fr/datasets/r/8442dfae-a878-49c6-be4c-20689b1c337c)
29. [Code officiel géographique. 2017](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2560698)
30. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File