# Briceni

> City in Moldova, seat of Briceni District

**Wikidata**: [Q2019727](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2019727)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Briceni)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/briceni

## Summary
Briceni is a city in Moldova and serves as the administrative center of Briceni District. With a population of approximately 5,900 as of 2023, it has historical significance dating back to the 16th century and has transitioned through various governing entities, including the Russian Empire, Romania, and the Soviet Union. The city is recognized for its cultural and administrative role in northern Moldova.

## Key Facts
- **Area**: 10.01 square kilometers.
- **Country**: Moldova (since 1991), previously part of the Soviet Union (1944–1991), Romania (1941–1944, 1918–1940), and the Russian Empire (1812–1917).
- **Population**: 
  - 5,900 (2023 estimate).
  - 5,785 (2024 census).
  - Historical peaks: 11,500 (1989 census), 8,765 (2004 census).
- **Coordinates**: 48.3628° N, 27.085° E.
- **Elevation**: 39 meters above sea level.
- **Website**: http://www.brichen.info/.
- **UN/LOCODE**: MDRCN.
- **Twinned with**: Rădăuți (since 1998) and Brocēni (since 2015).
- **Earliest written record**: 1576 (as Adicăuţi).
- **Administrative status**: City since January 14, 1995.
- **License plate code**: BR.
- **Local dialing code**: 247.
- **Postal code**: MD-4700.

## FAQs
- **Where is Briceni located?**  
  Briceni is situated in northern Moldova, within Briceni District, at coordinates 48.3628° N, 27.085° E.

- **What is Briceni’s population trend?**  
  The population has fluctuated significantly, from 5,233 in 1959 to a peak of 11,500 in 1989, declining to 5,785 by 2024 due to migration and economic factors.

- **What historical regions has Briceni belonged to?**  
  It was part of the Principality of Moldavia, Russian Empire (1812–1917), Romania (1918–1940, 1941–1944), and the Soviet Union (1944–1991) before joining Moldova in 1991.

- **What are Briceni’s key infrastructure codes?**  
  Key codes include UN/LOCODE MDRCN, postal code MD-4700, and local dialing code 247.

- **Is Briceni twinned with other cities?**  
  Yes, it is twinned with Rădăuți (Romania) since 1998 and Brocēni (Latvia) since 2015.

## Why It Matters
Briceni holds significance as a historical and administrative hub in northern Moldova. Its shifting governance reflects broader regional conflicts and alliances, from the Russian Empire to modern Moldova. As a district seat, it serves as a local governance and cultural center, maintaining ties with European cities through twinning agreements. Its demographic trends also illustrate post-Soviet migration patterns, contributing to discussions on rural development in Eastern Europe.

## Notable For
- **Historical Transition**: Governed by eight different political entities since 1576.
- **Twinning Partnerships**: One of Moldova’s cities with longstanding international municipal ties.
- **Census Documentation**: Detailed population records from 1959 to 2024, including gender breakdowns (2,587 male, 3,198 female in 2024).
- **Early Written Record**: Documented in 1576 as Adicăuţi in the Principality of Moldavia.

## Body

### Geography & Location
Briceni is located at 48.3628° N, 27.085° E in northern Moldova, covering 10.01 km² with an elevation of 39 meters. It is part of Briceni District and serves as its administrative capital.

### History
- **Earliest Record**: Mentioned on August 7, 1576, as Adicăuţi in the Principality of Moldavia.
- **Governance Shifts**: Transitioned from the Russian Empire (1812–1917) to Romania (1918–1940, 1941–1944), the Soviet Union (1944–1991), and finally Moldova (since 1991).
- **City Status**: Officially designated a city on January 14, 1995, under Moldovan law.

### Demographics
- **2023 Estimate**: 5,900 residents.
- **2024 Census**: 5,785 total, with 2,587 males and 3,198 females.
- **Historical Data**:
  - 1959: 5,233
  - 1970: 5,781
  - 1979: 7,680
  - 1989: 11,500 (peak)
  - 2004: 8,765
  - 2014: 7,314

### Administration
- **Website**: http://www.brichen.info/.
- **Codes**: Postal MD-4700, UN/LOCODE MDRCN, license plate BR.
- **Dialing Code**: +247.

### Symbols & Culture
- **Flag**: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Flag_of_Briceni.svg.
- **Coat of Arms**: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Stema_Briceni.jpg.
- **Twinned Cities**: Rădăuți (Romania, 1998) and Brocēni (Latvia, 2015).

### Infrastructure & Economy
- **Elevation**: 39 meters above sea level.
- **Geonames ID**: 618510.
- **OpenStreetMap ID**: 96967811.

### Documentation & References
- **SNARC ID**: Nationalism.
- **Yale LUX ID**: place/9b24c573-45eb-4f13-a50b-53621c6b96d2.
- **Census Sources**: 2024 data from Q125359842 (published 2025), 1989–2014 from Q12739149 and Q30015101.

### International Relations
- **Twinning Significance**: Partnerships with Rădăuți and Brocēni reflect cultural and economic ties beyond Moldova’s borders.

### Legal & Academic References
- **City Status Law**: LEGE Nr. 306 din 07-12-1994, published January 14, 1995.
- **Historical Documents**: 1576 reference in *Documente privind istoria României. Veacul XVI* (1951).

## References

1. [LEGE Nr. 306 din 07-12-1994 privind organizarea administrativ-teritorială a Republicii Moldova. 1995](https://www.legis.md/cautare/getResults?doc_id=127655&lang=ro)
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. 2014 Moldovan census
4. [Cities in Moldova](http://pop-stat.mashke.org/moldova-cities.htm)
5. 2024 Moldovan census. 2025
6. Q113254021
7. Documente privind istoria României. Veacul XVI, A. Moldova. Volumul 3 (1571-1590). Romanian Academy's Publishing House. 1951
8. GeoNames
9. [Source](https://service.unece.org/trade/locode/md.htm)
10. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
11. CUATM