# Calmels-et-le-Viala

> commune in Aveyron, France

**Wikidata**: [Q1082419](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1082419)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calmels-et-le-Viala)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/calmels-et-le-viala

## Summary
Calmels-et-le-Viala is a commune in the Aveyron department of France. It is a small rural municipality located in the southern part of the country, within the Occitanie region.

## Key Facts
- **Type**: Commune of France — a municipal territorial subdivision
- **Country**: France
- **Region**: Occitanie
- **Department**: Aveyron
- **Arrondissement**: Millau
- **Population (recent estimates)**: 182 to 303 inhabitants across multiple years, with recent figures clustering around 200–230
- **Geographic Coordinates**: Latitude 43.945833333333, Longitude 2.7525
- **Inception Context**: Established as part of the post-French Revolution administrative reorganization (post-1789)
- **Wikidata Description**: "commune in Aveyron, France"
- **Wikipedia Title**: Calmels-et-le-Viala
- **Sitelink Count**: 41 (as of latest data)
- **Administrative Hierarchy**: Part of the commune system introduced during the French Revolution

## FAQs

**Where is Calmels-et-le-Viala located?**  
Calmels-et-le-Viala is located in the Aveyron department, within the Occitanie region of southern France. It belongs to the arrondissement of Millau.

**What type of administrative unit is Calmels-et-le-Viala?**  
It is a commune, the smallest administrative division in France, established under the French Revolution's municipal reorganization.

**What is the population of Calmels-et-le-Viala?**  
Population estimates vary, with recent figures ranging between 182 and 303 inhabitants. The most recent data suggests a population of approximately 200 to 230 residents.

**What is the geographic location of Calmels-et-le-Viala?**  
Its coordinates are approximately 43.9458° N (latitude) and 2.7525° E (longitude), placing it in the Massif Central region of France.

**Is Calmels-et-le-Viala part of any larger administrative regions or districts?**  
Yes, it is part of the Aveyron department, the arrondissement of Millau, and the Occitanie region of France.

## Why It Matters
Calmels-et-le-Viala represents a typical rural French commune, part of the decentralized administrative structure that reflects France’s commitment to local governance. While small in scale, it contributes to the cultural and demographic fabric of rural Aveyron, a historically significant area in southern France. Its existence illustrates the diversity of France’s municipal landscape, where even the smallest communes play a role in national representation, local identity, and regional planning.

## Notable For
- **Rural Identity**: Represents the character of small, rural French communes in the Massif Central
- **Administrative Classification**: Part of the post-1789 commune system, a foundational element of French civil governance
- **Geographic Position**: Located in Aveyron, a department known for its historical and natural significance
- **Part of Arrondissement of Millau**: Embedded within a larger administrative framework that supports regional governance
- **Low but Stable Population**: Reflects demographic trends in rural France, with populations fluctuating between 180 and 300 residents
- **Cultural Context**: Exists within the Occitanie region, historically tied to the Occitan language and culture

## Body

### Geographic and Administrative Context
Calmels-et-le-Viala is a commune located in the Aveyron department in southern France. Aveyron is part of the larger Occitanie region, which is known for its rich cultural heritage and rural landscapes. The commune is administratively grouped under the arrondissement of Millau, one of the subdivisions of the Aveyron department.

The geographic coordinates of Calmels-et-le-Viala are approximately latitude 43.9458 and longitude 2.7525. This places it in the Massif Central, a historically and geographically significant region in France.

### Administrative Classification and History
Calmels-et-le-Viala is classified as a commune, the smallest administrative unit in France. The commune system was established during the French Revolution in 1789, as part of a broader reorganization of local governance. This system remains central to French administrative structure today.

As part of the Aveyron department, Calmels-et-le-Viala falls under the jurisdiction of the French state but maintains local autonomy through its municipal council. The arrondissement of Millau, to which it belongs, serves as an intermediate level of administration between the department and the commune.

### Demographics and Population Trends
Population data for Calmels-et-le-Viala shows variability over time, with estimates ranging from 182 to 303 inhabitants. Recent figures suggest a population between 200 and 230 residents, which is typical for small rural communes in this region of France.

This demographic profile reflects broader trends in rural depopulation and aging populations seen across many French communes, particularly in central and southern regions like Aveyron.

### Cultural and Regional Identity
Calmels-et-le-Viala is situated in Occitanie, a region historically tied to the Occitan language and culture. While French is the official language, the broader cultural context includes influences from Occitan traditions, particularly in toponymy, local festivals, and historical identity.

The commune contributes to the rural character of Aveyron, a department known for its medieval heritage, natural beauty, and artisanal traditions. It is part of a network of small communes that together maintain the cultural and geographic diversity of rural France.

### Governance and Local Representation
As a commune, Calmels-et-le-Viala has a mayor and a municipal council responsible for local governance. These officials manage local affairs such as public services, infrastructure maintenance, and community events.

The commune operates within the broader framework of French decentralization, which grants significant autonomy to local governments while ensuring national oversight in areas like education, taxation, and public safety.

### Relationship to Broader French Structure
Calmels-et-le-Viala is part of the French Republic, a semi-presidential system with a unitary state structure. It adheres to national laws and regulations while benefiting from local self-governance. It is also part of the European framework through France’s EU membership.

The commune’s inclusion in the Aveyron department links it to regional development initiatives, cultural preservation efforts, and infrastructure projects funded at both departmental and national levels.

### Conclusion
Calmels-et-le-Viala is a small but integral part of France’s decentralized administrative system. While it may not be a major urban or economic hub, its role in maintaining rural identity, contributing to regional culture, and participating in the national framework of local governance underscores its relevance in the broader context of French society.

## 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 communales depuis 1968. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies](https://www.insee.fr/fr/statistiques/2522602)
12. Populations légales 2019
13. Populations légales 2020
14. Populations légales 2021
15. Populations de référence 2022
16. Populations de référence 2023
17. [Code officiel géographique](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/3363419)
18. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies
19. GeoNames
20. [répertoire géographique des communes. 2015](https://wxs-telechargement.ign.fr/83edtfdyqte031y0ra49d2e3/telechargement/inspire/RGC-2015-01$RGC2015/file/RGC2015.7z)
21. [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)
22. [Code officiel géographique. 2017](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2560698)