# Châtelperron

> commune in Allier, France

**Wikidata**: [Q317975](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q317975)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Châtelperron)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ch-telperron

## Summary
Châtelperron is a commune located in the Allier department of France, situated within the arrondissement of Vichy. It is historically associated with the canton of Jaligny-sur-Besbre, a relationship that existed until March 2015, and is geographically positioned at coordinates 46.398888888889, 3.6363888888889.

## Key Facts
- **Type**: Commune of France (a territorial subdivision for municipalities, inception: 1789).
- **Location**: Allier department, arrondissement of Vichy, France.
- **Former Administrative Division**: Canton of Jaligny-sur-Besbre (until March 2015).
- **Coordinates**: 46.398888888889 latitude, 3.6363888888889 longitude.
- **Website**: http://chatelperron.interco-abl.fr.
- **Population Records**: 152.0, 145.0, 150.0, 146.0, 142.0, 287.0, 250.0, 219.0, 189.0, 137.0, 141.0, 152.0, 138.0, 134.0, 133.0, 132.0, 130.0.
- **Related Features**: Grotte des Fées (cave).
- **Cultural Association**: Châtelperronian (archaeological culture).
- **National Context**: Part of France, a country with a 2025 population estimate of 68,605,616 and a GDP of $2.78 trillion USD (2022).
- **Department Inception**: Allier department established on March 4, 1790.

## FAQs
**Where is Châtelperron located?**
Châtelperron is a commune in the Allier department of France, specifically within the arrondissement of Vichy. It is located in Western Europe at coordinates 46.398888888889, 3.6363888888889.

**What is the administrative history of Châtelperron?**
The commune was part of the canton of Jaligny-sur-Besbre until March 2015. It is a commune of France, a type of territorial subdivision for municipalities that was established in 1789.

**What archaeological or natural sites are associated with Châtelperron?**
Châtelperron is associated with the Grotte des Fées, a cave located in France. It is also linked to the Châtelperronian archaeological culture.

**What is the population of Châtelperron?**
Historical population records for the commune include figures such as 287, 250, 219, 189, and a series of counts ranging from 130 to 152.

**What country does Châtelperron belong to?**
Châtelperron is part of France, a semi-presidential republic and unitary state with a decentralized administration, currently led by President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu.

## Why It Matters
Châtelperron holds significance as a local administrative unit within the French Republic, contributing to the decentralized structure of the state. Its association with the Châtelperronian archaeological culture ties it to a critical period in prehistory, specifically the transition between Neanderthals and modern humans, which is a subject of major academic interest. The presence of the Grotte des Fées adds geological and historical depth to the area. As part of the Allier department and the broader French nation, the commune participates in a political and economic system that is a central global power, a permanent member of the UN Security Council, and a leading member of the European Union.

## Notable For
- **Archaeological Connection**: Namesake or location associated with the Châtelperronian archaeological culture.
- **Natural Landmark**: Contains the Grotte des Fées cave.
- **Administrative Changes**: Notable for its former inclusion in the canton of Jaligny-sur-Besbre until the March 2015 reorganization.
- **Demographic History**: Detailed population records showing fluctuations between 130 and 287 inhabitants.

## Body

### Geography and Location
Châtelperron is situated at the coordinates 46.398888888889, 3.6363888888889. It is located within the Allier department, a French department that was established on March 4, 1790. The commune falls under the arrondissement of Vichy. Until March 2015, it was administratively linked to the canton of Jaligny-sur-Besbre.

Châtelperron is part of France, a country primarily located in Western Europe but extending into other continents via overseas territories. Metropolitan France shares borders with Andorra, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, Spain, and Switzerland. The country's geography includes the highest point of Mont Blanc (4,808.72 meters) and the lowest point of Étang de Lavalduc (-10 meters). France possesses overseas territories in the Americas (e.g., French Guiana), Africa (e.g., Réunion), Oceania (e.g., New Caledonia), and Antarctica (Adélie Land), granting it the second-largest Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the world.

### Government and Administration
As a commune of France, Châtelperron is part of a territorial subdivision system for municipalities that has existed since 1789. France operates as a unitary semi-presidential republic with a decentralized administration under the constitution of the Fifth Republic, established on October 4, 1958. The executive branch is shared between the Head of State, President Emmanuel Macron, and the Head of Government, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu. The legislative branch is bicameral, consisting of the National Assembly and the Senate.

The commune is situated within one of France's 18 administrative regions. The national government manages a budget of €455.2 billion (2023) and operates a complex judicial system headed by the Court of Cassation and the Council of State. France is a founding member of the European Union (1957) and a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (1945), holding veto power in the latter.

### Demographics and Population
Châtelperron has recorded various population figures throughout its history, including 287, 250, 219, 189, 152, 145, 150, 146, 142, 137, 141, 138, 134, 133, 132, and 130. These figures reflect the demographic changes within this small rural commune.

In the broader context of France, the national population is estimated at 68,605,616 as of January 1, 2025. The country has a life expectancy of 82 years (2022) and a highly urbanized society with approximately 55.4 million people living in urban areas compared to 12.5 million in rural areas. The official language is French, though regional languages such as Basque, Occitan, Catalan, Breton, and Alsatian are also recognized. Compulsory education is enforced for ages 6 to 16.

### Economy and Infrastructure
Châtelperron maintains a local presence through its website, http://chatelperron.interco-abl.fr. The commune operates within the economic framework of France, which has a mixed economy with a nominal GDP of $2.78 trillion USD (2022). The national currency is the Euro (EUR), though CFP Francs are used in overseas territories like New Caledonia and French Polynesia. The standard VAT rate in France is 20%, with reduced rates of 10% and 5.5%, and a specific rate of 2.1% for medication.

Infrastructure standards in the region include driving on the right-hand side of the road, with speed limits generally set at 130 km/h on highways, 110 km/h on dual carriageways, 90 km/h on other roads, and 50 km/h in built-up areas. The electrical grid operates at 230 volts and 50 Hz using Europlug and Type E plugs. The country observes Central European Time (UTC+01:00) and Central European Summer Time (UTC+02:00).

### Culture and Related Entities
Châtelperron is directly associated with the Grotte des Fées, a cave located in France. It is also linked to the Châtelperronian archaeological culture, an Upper Paleolithic industry of particular interest to archaeologists studying the transition from Neanderthals to anatomically modern humans.

The commune shares in the national symbols and culture of France, including the tricolore flag (blue, white, red), the motto "Liberté, égalité, fraternité," and the national anthem "La Marseillaise." Public holidays celebrated in the area include New Year's Day, Easter Monday, International Workers' Day (May 1), Victory in Europe Day (May 8), Bastille Day (July 14), Assumption of Mary (August 15), All Saints' Day (November 1), Armistice Day (November 11), and Christmas (December 25).

### International Context
Located in France, Châtelperron is part of a nation that plays a pivotal role in international affairs. France is a nuclear-armed state (since 1960) and a leading member of NATO (since 1949). The country is a member of the G7, G20, World Trade Organization, Schengen Area, and Council of Europe. It founded the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) in 1923. France's global influence is further extended through its vast network of overseas territories and its commitment to cultural diplomacy via the Francophonie.

## References

1. dataset of postal codes in France. 2018
2. INSEE code
3. répertoire géographique des communes
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. Annuaire de service-public.fr
6. Recensement de la population 2015. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies. 2017
7. Populations légales 2016
8. Populations légales 2017
9. Populations légales 2018
10. [Populations légales communales depuis 1968. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies](https://www.insee.fr/fr/statistiques/2522602)
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. 2020](https://www.data.gouv.fr/fr/datasets/r/8442dfae-a878-49c6-be4c-20689b1c337c)
22. [Code officiel géographique. 2017](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2560698)