# Brouchy

> commune in Somme, France

**Wikidata**: [Q1089938](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1089938)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brouchy)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/brouchy

## Summary
Brouchy is a commune located in the Somme department of France, within the arrondissement of Péronne. It is a small municipality with a population fluctuating around 500 residents, recognized as part of France's administrative and territorial structure since the late 18th century.

## Key Facts
- **Type**: Commune in France.
- **Location**: Somme department, arrondissement of Péronne, France.
- **Coordinates**: Latitude 49.716944444444, Longitude 3.1005555555556.
- **Population**: Varied between 482 and 542 residents in recent years (e.g., 536, 522, 542, 512, 504, 497, 491, 485, 482, 495).
- **Inception**: Part of the French commune system established in 1789.
- **Website**: [http://www.brouchy.fr/](http://www.brouchy.fr/).
- **Wikidata Description**: "commune in Somme, France."
- **Sitelink Count**: 41 (Wikidata).
- **Related Administrative Units**:
  - **Somme**: French department created on March 4, 1790.
  - **Arrondissement of Péronne**: Administrative division within Somme.
- **Recognition**: The commune is indirectly associated with the *Croix de guerre 1914–1918*, a French military decoration established on April 2, 1915, awarded to entities (including communes) for valor during World War I.

## FAQs
**What is a commune in France?**
A commune is the smallest administrative division in France, functioning as a municipality with its own local government. Established during the French Revolution in 1789, communes handle local services like schools, roads, and public safety. Brouchy is one of over 35,000 communes in France.

**Where exactly is Brouchy located?**
Brouchy is situated in the Somme department of northern France, within the arrondissement of Péronne. Its geographic coordinates are approximately 49.7169°N latitude and 3.1006°E longitude, placing it in the Hauts-de-France region.

**How large is Brouchy’s population?**
The population of Brouchy has fluctuated slightly in recent years, with recorded figures including 536, 522, 542, 512, 504, 497, 491, 485, 482, and 495 residents. This places it among France’s smaller rural communes.

**What is the historical significance of Brouchy?**
While Brouchy itself does not have widely documented historical events, its location in Somme—a department heavily impacted by World War I—ties it to broader regional history. The *Croix de guerre 1914–1918*, a decoration awarded to communes for wartime bravery, reflects the area’s role during the conflict.

**What administrative structures govern Brouchy?**
Brouchy is governed as part of the French commune system, overseen by a mayor and municipal council. It falls under the arrondissement of Péronne and the Somme department, both of which provide higher-level administrative oversight.

## Why It Matters
Brouchy exemplifies the foundational role of communes in France’s decentralized governance model. As one of thousands of small municipalities, it ensures local representation and service delivery in rural areas, preserving community identity and autonomy. Its location in Somme—a region with deep historical ties to World War I—also connects it to France’s broader narrative of resilience and remembrance. While not a major urban center, communes like Brouchy are vital to maintaining the cultural and administrative fabric of the French countryside.

## Notable For
- **Small-Scale Governance**: Represents the grassroots level of France’s administrative system, where local decisions directly impact residents.
- **Historical Context**: Located in Somme, a department with significant World War I history, including battles like the Somme Offensive.
- **Population Stability**: Maintains a consistent population of around 500 residents, reflecting the demographics of rural northern France.
- **Administrative Longevity**: Part of the commune system established in 1789, demonstrating the endurance of France’s local governance structures.

## Body
### Geography and Location
Brouchy is a rural commune in the Somme department of the Hauts-de-France region in northern France. It lies within the arrondissement of Péronne, an administrative division that includes several other small municipalities. The commune’s coordinates are 49.7169°N, 3.1006°E, placing it in a predominantly agricultural area characterized by the flat landscapes typical of Picardy.

### Administrative Structure
As a French commune, Brouchy operates under the legal framework established during the French Revolution in 1789. It is governed by a municipal council (*conseil municipal*) led by a mayor (*maire*), who is elected by residents. The commune is part of the larger Somme department, created on March 4, 1790, and the arrondissement of Péronne, which provides intermediate-level administration.

### Demographics
Brouchy’s population has remained relatively stable, with recent counts ranging from 482 to 542 residents. This aligns with trends in rural French communes, where populations are often small but tightly knit. The demographic profile likely reflects an aging population, common in non-urban areas, with limited migration due to the lack of major economic hubs.

### Historical Context
While Brouchy itself lacks widely documented historical events, its location in Somme is significant. The department was a major battleground during World War I, particularly the 1916 Battle of the Somme, one of the war’s bloodiest conflicts. The *Croix de guerre 1914–1918*, a military decoration established on April 2, 1915, was awarded to communes and military units for acts of bravery during the war. Though not explicitly stated, Brouchy’s proximity to these events ties it to this broader historical narrative.

### Infrastructure and Services
As a small commune, Brouchy provides essential local services such as waste collection, road maintenance, and primary education. Larger infrastructure, such as healthcare and secondary schools, is typically accessed in nearby towns like Péronne. The commune’s website ([http://www.brouchy.fr/](http://www.brouchy.fr/)) likely serves as a hub for local announcements, administrative procedures, and community events.

### Relationship to Broader French Systems
Brouchy is part of France’s highly decentralized administrative model, where communes are the smallest unit of local government. This system ensures that even the smallest villages have a voice in governance, though they often rely on higher-level departments and regions for funding and resources. The commune’s existence underscores France’s commitment to maintaining local identity and autonomy, even in sparsely populated areas.

### Recognition and Symbols
While Brouchy does not have unique symbols or awards, its association with the *Croix de guerre 1914–1918* (through Somme’s history) highlights the collective recognition of communes in wartime efforts. Such decorations are displayed on municipal flags or memorials, serving as a reminder of the sacrifices made during World War I.

### Modern Role and Challenges
Today, Brouchy faces challenges common to rural French communes, including demographic decline, economic stagnation, and the need to preserve local heritage. Efforts to sustain the commune may include promoting tourism related to World War I history, supporting local agriculture, and leveraging regional development programs. Its continued existence reflects the resilience of France’s rural communities in the face of urbanization.

## 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)