# Croixrault

> commune in Somme, France

**Wikidata**: [Q61785](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q61785)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Croixrault)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/croixrault

## Summary

Croixrault is a commune located in the Somme department in the Hauts-de-France region of northern France. It is a small rural municipality situated in the arrondissement of Amiens, representing one of the numerous communes that form the administrative fabric of France. As a commune of France, Croixrault operates within the country's decentralized unitary system and is subject to French national laws and regulations.

## Key Facts

- **Location**: Croixrault is situated in the Somme department, a territory in northern France established on March 4, 1790
- **Administrative Division**: Part of the arrondissement of Amiens
- **Region**: Hauts-de-France (northern France)
- **Country**: France
- **Commune Type**: Territorial subdivision of France, with commune status dating to 1789
- **Coordinates**: Latitude 49.791111111111, Longitude 1.9911111111111
- **Wikipedia Title**: Croixrault
- **Sitelink Count**: 41 (indicating moderate cross-referencing with other Wikipedia articles)
- **Population**: Historical census data shows figures ranging from 430 to 460 inhabitants across multiple census periods (434, 430, 438, 434, 441, 447, 449, 459, 457, 460)

## FAQs

**What type of administrative area is Croixrault?**

Croixrault is a commune, which is the smallest administrative division in France. Communes are analogous to municipalities or townships in other countries and serve as the fundamental unit of local government in France. There are over 35,000 communes in France, each with its own mayor and municipal council.

**What department and region is Croixrault located in?**

Croixrault is located in the Somme department, which is situated in the Hauts-de-France region of northern France. The department was created on March 4, 1790, during the French Revolution. Croixrault falls under the administrative jurisdiction of the arrondissement of Amiens.

**What are the geographical coordinates of Croixrault?**

Croixrault is located at latitude 49.791111111111 and longitude 1.9911111111111, placing it in the northern part of France, not far from the city of Amiens.

**What is the population of Croixrault?**

Population data from various census years shows Croixrault has historically had between 430 and 460 inhabitants, with recorded figures of 434, 430, 438, 434, 441, 447, 449, 459, 457, and 460 across different census periods, indicating a relatively stable small rural community.

**How does Croixrault fit into France's administrative structure?**

As a commune of France, Croixrault is part of the country's hierarchical administrative system: France (nation) → Hauts-de-France (region) → Somme (department) → arrondissement of Amiens → Croixrault (commune). This structure was formalized with communes established in 1789.

## Why It Matters

Croixrault represents the foundational unit of French local government and embodies the country's commitment to decentralized administration. While small in population, communes like Croixrault are essential to France's political organization, as they form the most local level of democratic representation and public service delivery. The commune system, dating back to the French Revolution, ensures that even the smallest settlements have a formal administrative identity and can participate in national governance through elected officials.

The existence of Croixrault as a distinct commune also reflects France's historical approach to territorial organization, which prioritizes maintaining numerous small administrative units rather than consolidating them into larger municipalities. This preservation allows for local identity, heritage, and community ties to remain intact. For the Somme department specifically, communes like Croixrault contribute to the region's rural character and agricultural economy in northern France.

## Notable For

- **Historical Administrative Status**: One of the oldest forms of local government in France, with the commune system dating to 1789
- **Rural Character**: Represents the traditional small rural commune format typical of northern France
- **Departmental Heritage**: Located in Somme, a department with significant historical importance, including WWI battlefield sites
- **Municipal Autonomy**: Maintains independent local governance despite small population size, consistent with French administrative philosophy

## Body

### Geography and Location

Croixrault is geographically positioned at coordinates 49.791111111111 latitude and 1.9911111111111 longitude, placing it in the northern French department of Somme within the Hauts-de-France region. The commune is located in the arrondissement of Amiens, one of the administrative divisions within the department. This area of France is characterized by relatively flat terrain, agricultural lands, and a temperate climate typical of northern France.

### Administrative Structure

Croixrault operates as a commune, which is the lowest level of administrative territorial organization in France. The French commune system was established in 1789 during the French Revolution and remains the fundamental building block of local government. Each commune is headed by a mayor and governed by a municipal council, providing local services and maintaining local records.

The hierarchical structure places Croixrault within the following administrative framework:
- **National Level**: France, a semi-presidential republic and founding member of the European Union
- **Regional Level**: Hauts-de-France region
- **Departmental Level**: Somme department (established March 4, 1790)
- **Sub-Departmental Level**: Arrondissement of Amiens
- **Local Level**: Croixrault commune

### Demographics and Population

Croixrault maintains a small population typical of rural French communes. Historical census data indicates population figures of 434, 430, 438, 434, 441, 447, 449, 459, 457, and 460 across various census periods. These numbers suggest a relatively stable population size with minor fluctuations over time, characteristic of many rural communes in northern France that have maintained consistent population levels through agricultural activity and local employment.

### Historical Context

The commune of Croixrault exists within the broader historical context of French administrative development. The Somme department was created on March 4, 1790, as part of the revolutionary reorganization of French territorial administration, which replaced the old provinces with departments designed on rational, geometric principles. The commune system itself was formalized in 1789, establishing the framework that still governs Croixrault today.

### Relationship to Surrounding Areas

As part of the arrondissement of Amiens, Croixrault is connected to the departmental capital of Amiens, which serves as the administrative, economic, and cultural center for the surrounding area. The commune participates in the broader Somme department, which is notable for its historical significance, particularly as the site of major battles during World War I, including the Battle of the Somme in 1916.

### Administrative Classification

Croixrault is classified as a commune de France, a status that grants it certain legal powers and responsibilities while remaining part of the unitary French state. This classification distinguishes it from other territorial entities and ensures its representation in the broader French administrative system. The commune maintains its own local government while operating within the frameworks established by the department and national government.

## 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)