# Brieux

> commune in Orne, France

**Wikidata**: [Q1095295](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1095295)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brieux)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/brieux

## Summary
Brieux is a commune located in the Orne department of Normandy, France. It is part of the canton of Trun and the arrondissement of Argentan, serving as a local administrative unit within the French territorial system.

## Key Facts
- **Type**: Commune (municipality) in France
- **Location**: Orne department, Normandy region, France
- **Coordinates**: Latitude 48.836944444444, Longitude -0.091666666666667
- **Population**: Historical data shows fluctuations between 82 and 92 inhabitants
- **Administrative Division**:
  - Canton: Trun
  - Arrondissement: Argentan
  - Department: Orne (established March 4, 1790)
- **Country**: France
- **Wikidata Description**: "commune in Orne, France"
- **Wikipedia Title**: "Brieux"
- **Sitelink Count**: 41 (Wikidata)

## FAQs
**Where is Brieux located?**
Brieux is situated in the Orne department of Normandy, France. It lies within the canton of Trun and the arrondissement of Argentan, with geographic coordinates at approximately 48.8369°N, 0.0917°W.

**What is the administrative structure of Brieux?**
As a commune, Brieux is the smallest administrative division in France. It falls under the canton of Trun, which groups multiple communes, and the arrondissement of Argentan, which oversees several cantons. The Orne department, created in 1790, governs the broader region.

**How does Brieux fit into France’s territorial system?**
Brieux is part of France’s decentralized administrative structure, where communes serve as the basic local government units. It operates within the framework of the Orne department and the Normandy region, adhering to national laws while managing local affairs.

**What is known about Brieux’s population?**
Population records for Brieux show variability, with figures ranging from 82 to 92 inhabitants across different years. This reflects its status as a small rural commune typical of the Normandy countryside.

## Why It Matters
Brieux represents the foundational unit of French local governance, embodying the country’s commitment to decentralization and community-level administration. As a commune in Normandy, it contributes to the cultural and historical fabric of rural France, preserving traditions and local identity within the broader national framework. Its existence highlights the importance of small municipalities in maintaining regional diversity and ensuring equitable representation in France’s political system.

## Notable For
- **Small-Scale Governance**: Exemplifies France’s commune system, the smallest administrative division in the country.
- **Normandy Heritage**: Located in the historic Orne department, part of the culturally rich Normandy region.
- **Administrative Layers**: Demonstrates the multi-tiered French governance structure (commune → canton → arrondissement → department).
- **Rural Representation**: Serves as a model for how small populations are integrated into national administrative systems.

## Body
### Geography and Location
Brieux is geographically positioned at coordinates 48.836944444444°N, -0.091666666666667°W, placing it in the Orne department of Normandy, France. The commune is part of the canton of Trun, which includes multiple nearby municipalities, and the arrondissement of Argentan, a larger administrative district overseeing several cantons. The Orne department itself was established on March 4, 1790, during the French Revolution, as part of the reorganization of France’s territorial divisions.

### Administrative Structure
As a commune, Brieux operates as the most local level of government in France. Communes are responsible for managing local services such as schools, roads, and public facilities, while higher-level administrations (cantons, arrondissements, and departments) handle broader regional governance. The canton of Trun groups Brieux with other nearby communes for electoral and administrative purposes, while the arrondissement of Argentan provides oversight for multiple cantons within Orne.

### Demographics
Population data for Brieux indicates a small, stable community, with recorded figures fluctuating between 82 and 92 inhabitants. This aligns with the characteristics of many rural communes in Normandy, where populations tend to be modest but deeply rooted in local traditions. The demographic profile reflects the broader trends of rural France, where small municipalities play a crucial role in preserving cultural heritage and community cohesion.

### Historical Context
The Orne department, where Brieux is located, was created in 1790 as part of the post-Revolutionary administrative reforms. These reforms aimed to replace the old provincial system with a more rational and centralized structure, dividing France into departments, arrondissements, cantons, and communes. Brieux, as a commune, is a direct product of this system, which has endured with minor modifications to the present day.

### Related Administrative Entities
- **Canton of Trun**: The immediate administrative grouping that includes Brieux and other nearby communes. Cantons serve as electoral districts and intermediate administrative units.
- **Arrondissement of Argentan**: A larger district that oversees multiple cantons, including Trun, within the Orne department.
- **Orne Department**: The broader regional administration responsible for governance across all communes and cantons in the area. Orne is part of the Normandy region, known for its historical significance and cultural heritage.

### Role in French Governance
Brieux’s existence underscores the importance of communes in France’s decentralized governance model. While larger cities and departments often dominate national discussions, small communes like Brieux ensure that rural and local voices are represented in the political system. This structure allows for tailored local policies while maintaining national unity and administrative efficiency.

### Cultural and Regional Significance
As part of Normandy, Brieux contributes to the region’s cultural identity, which is marked by its historical ties to the Duchy of Normandy, the Viking era, and the D-Day landings of World War II. The commune’s small size and rural setting reflect the traditional way of life that has persisted in Normandy for centuries, offering a contrast to the urban centers of France.

### Comparative Context
Compared to larger communes or cities, Brieux’s small population and rural setting highlight the diversity of France’s administrative landscape. While major cities like Paris or Lyon drive national economics and politics, communes like Brieux ensure that the needs and identities of rural populations are not overlooked. This balance is a defining feature of France’s governance system.

## 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)