# Brienne-la-Vieille > commune in Aube, France **Wikidata**: [Q732495](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q732495) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brienne-la-Vieille) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/brienne-la-vieille ## Summary Brienne-la-Vieille is a commune located in the Aube department in the Grand Est region of north-central France. Situated at coordinates 48.374722222222°N, 4.5286111111111°E, this small French municipality falls within the arrondissement of Bar-sur-Aube and represents one of the thousands of communes that form the administrative backbone of France. The commune operates under the French municipal system and is part of the country's extensive network of local governance structures. ## Key Facts - **Entity Type**: Commune in Aube, France - **Wikipedia Title**: Brienne-la-Vieille - **Wikidata Description**: commune in Aube, France - **Country**: France - **Administrative Department**: Aube (inception: March 4, 1790) - **Arrondissement**: Bar-sur-Aube - **Coordinates**: 48.374722222222°N, 4.5286111111111°E - **Commune of France Inception**: 1789 - **Sitelink Count**: 41 - **Population**: Historical figures show numbers ranging from 378 to 486 across multiple recorded years - **Parent Country Population**: 68,605,616 (France, 2025 estimate) - **Parent Country Area**: 643,801 square kilometres - **Parent Country Government**: Semi-presidential republic - **Parent Country Capital**: Paris - **Parent Country Currency**: Euro - **Parent Country Official Language**: French - **Parent Country EU Membership**: Founding member since March 25, 1957 - **Parent Country UN Membership**: Since October 24, 1945 (permanent Security Council member) - **Parent Country NATO Membership**: Since April 4, 1949 ## FAQs **What region and department is Brienne-la-Vieille located in?** Brienne-la-Vieille is located in the Aube department, which is situated in the Grand Est region of north-central France. The department was established on March 4, 1790, during the French Revolution as part of the reorganization of French administrative divisions. **What is the administrative structure of Brienne-la-Vieille?** Brienne-la-Vieille is classified as a commune, which is the lowest-level administrative division in France. It falls under the arrondissement of Bar-sur-Aube, which is itself part of the Aube department. The commune system in France dates back to 1789, following the French Revolution. **What are the geographical coordinates of Brienne-la-Vieille?** Brienne-la-Vieille is situated at latitude 48.374722222222°N and longitude 4.5286111111111°E, placing it in the north-central part of France within the Aube department. **What country is Brienne-la-Vieille part of?** Brienne-la-Vieille is part of France, a country located primarily in Western Europe. France also maintains overseas territories across the Americas, Africa, and Oceania, making it a nation with global reach. France is a founding member of the European Union, a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, and a member of NATO since 1949. **What is the population of Brienne-la-Vieille?** Historical population data for Brienne-la-Vieille shows figures ranging from 378 to 486 residents across various recorded years, indicating a small rural commune typical of the French departmental system. ## Why It Matters Brienne-la-Vieille represents the foundational unit of French local governance. As one of France's approximately 35,000 communes, it embodies the decentralized administrative structure that has governed French territory since the Revolution of 1789. While individually small, these communes collectively form the administrative backbone of France, managing local affairs, maintaining public services, and representing citizens at the most grassroots level of government. The commune's location in the Aube department places it within the Grand Est region, an area of historical significance in France. The department of Aube, created in 1790, is part of the revolutionary reorganization that replaced the old provincial system with rational, uniform administrative divisions. This system allows for consistent governance across the French territory while permitting local adaptation to regional characteristics. From a broader perspective, understanding Brienne-la-Vieille requires understanding France's administrative philosophy. The commune represents the principle that even the smallest settlement has a formal role in national governance. This matters because it ensures local voices are represented in the larger democratic system, and it allows for tailored local administration that responds to specific community needs while remaining integrated into the national framework. ## Notable For - **Administrative Foundation**: Part of the French commune system established in 1789, representing the basic unit of local governance in France - **Departmental Heritage**: Located in Aube, a department created during the French Revolution in 1790 - **Regional Identity**: Situated in the Grand Est region of north-central France - **Arrondissement Membership**: Part of the arrondissement of Bar-sur-Aube, connecting it to a specific administrative sub-division ## Body ### Geography and Location Brienne-la-Vieille is geographically positioned at coordinates 48.374722222222°N latitude and 4.5286111111111°E longitude. This places the commune in the north-central portion of France, within the Aube department of the Grand Est region. The commune's location places it within the administrative framework of the arrondissement of Bar-sur-Aube, a sub-division of the Aube department that organizes local government at an intermediate level between the commune and the department. The commune sits within the broader context of French territory, which encompasses 643,801 square kilometres of metropolitan land plus numerous overseas territories across multiple continents. France's geographical position in Western Europe places it bordered by Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Monaco, Spain, and Andorra, with additional territorial boundaries through its overseas department of French Guiana bordering Brazil and Suriname. ### Administrative Structure Brienne-la-Vieille operates as a commune, which is the French equivalent of a municipality or township. The commune system in France was established in 1789 during the French Revolution, replacing the previous feudal administrative divisions with a uniform system of local governance. This makes the commune structure one of the oldest continuous administrative systems in the modern world. The commune falls within the administrative hierarchy as follows: France (nation) → Grand Est (region) → Aube (department) → Arrondissement of Bar-sur-Aube → Brienne-la-Vieille (commune). This hierarchical structure allows for efficient governance with appropriate levels of authority and responsibility distributed across different administrative tiers. The Aube department itself was created on March 4, 1790, as part of the revolutionary government's reorganization of France into departments, each designed to be roughly equal in size and resources to facilitate uniform administration. The department is named after the Aube River that flows through the region. ### Historical Context The establishment of communes in 1789 marked a fundamental transformation in French local governance. Prior to the Revolution, France was divided into provinces and estates with highly irregular boundaries and varying degrees of local autonomy. The revolutionary government sought to create rational, uniform administrative divisions that would facilitate equality before the law and efficient central governance. The department of Aube, created in 1790, was one of the original 83 departments established by the National Constituent Assembly. This reorganization was based on geographical features, particularly rivers and mountain ranges, rather than historical boundaries. The system was designed to break the power of regional nobles and create a direct connection between citizens and the central government. ### Relationship to Broader French Structures Brienne-la-Vieille exists within the context of France's broader political and administrative systems. France operates as a semi-presidential republic with a unitary state structure, meaning that while power is delegated to local levels, it ultimately derives from national authority. The French system combines presidential and parliamentary elements, with the President serving as head of state and the Prime Minister as head of government. France's administrative divisions reflect a commitment to decentralization while maintaining national coherence. The country is divided into 18 administrative regions, including 12 in metropolitan France and 6 overseas, with the Grand Est region being one of the mainland regions. Each region is further divided into departments, which are then divided into arrondissements, cantons, and communes. As part of France, Brienne-la-Vieille is connected to one of the world's major economies. France has a nominal GDP of approximately $2.78 trillion USD and is a founding member of the European Union, which is the world's largest trading bloc. France's membership in the EU since 1957 has significantly influenced the economic and regulatory environment in which the commune operates. ### Demographic Profile While specific population figures for Brienne-la-Vieille are limited in the source material, historical data indicates populations ranging from 378 to 486 residents across various recorded years. This places Brienne-la-Vieille in the category of small rural communes that characterize much of the French territory outside major urban centers. France as a whole has an estimated population of 68,605,616 as of January 1, 2025, with a highly urbanized society. The national life expectancy is 82 years, and the country maintains a comprehensive social welfare system. The official language is French, though regional languages are recognized in certain areas. ### National and International Context France, the parent nation of Brienne-la-Vieille, holds significant status in international affairs. As one of five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, France holds veto power and plays a critical role in international peacekeeping and diplomatic negotiations. France is also a founding member of the European Union, a member of NATO since 1949, and a participant in the G7 and G20 summits. The French Republic operates under a constitution established on October 4, 1958, which founded the Fifth Republic. The current President is Emmanuel Macron, and the Prime Minister is Sébastien Lecornu. France's government budget for 2023 was €455.2 billion, reflecting the country's substantial economic resources. France possesses nuclear weapons, having developed its nuclear capability since 1960, and maintains one of the largest exclusive economic zones in the world through its overseas territories. The country is known for its cultural contributions to art, philosophy, science, and gastronomy, with values encapsulated in the national motto: "Liberté, égalité, fraternité" (Liberty, equality, fraternity). ### Local Governance Characteristics As a French commune, Brienne-la-Vieille operates under the municipal code that defines the powers and responsibilities of local governments in France. Communes are governed by a municipal council, which elects a mayor and deputy mayors to handle day-to-day administration. The commune is responsible for local services such as civil registration, local planning, maintenance of public spaces, and coordination of local utilities. The French commune system is notable for its uniformity across the entire territory, with all communes regardless of size operating under the same basic legal framework. This ensures that even small communes like Brienne-la-Vieille have access to the same fundamental administrative capabilities as large cities, though the scope of services may vary based on population and resources. ## References 1. Sandre 2. [Source](https://www.sandre.eaufrance.fr/geo/CoursEau/F1--0200) 3. BnF authorities 4. dataset of postal codes in France. 2018 5. INSEE code 6. répertoire géographique des communes 7. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 8. Annuaire de service-public.fr 9. Recensement de la population 2015. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies. 2017 10. Populations légales 2016 11. Populations légales 2017 12. Populations légales 2018 13. [Populations légales communales depuis 1968. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies](https://www.insee.fr/fr/statistiques/2522602) 14. Populations légales 2019 15. Populations légales 2020 16. Populations légales 2021 17. Populations de référence 2022 18. Populations de référence 2023 19. [Code officiel géographique](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/3363419) 20. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies 21. GeoNames 22. [répertoire géographique des communes. 2015](https://wxs-telechargement.ign.fr/83edtfdyqte031y0ra49d2e3/telechargement/inspire/RGC-2015-01$RGC2015/file/RGC2015.7z) 23. [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) 24. [Code officiel géographique. 2017](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2560698)