# Cuzieu > commune in Ain, France **Wikidata**: [Q853486](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q853486) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuzieu,_Ain) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cuzieu ## Summary Cuzieu is a commune located in the Ain department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of eastern France. Situated at coordinates 45.819°N latitude and 5.674°E longitude, the municipality belongs to the arrondissement of Belley and operates under the administrative structure of the French departmental system. As a commune of France, Cuzieu is part of the country's fundamental territorial subdivision for municipalities, with its local governance structured within the departmental framework established in 1790. ## Key Facts - **Location**: Cuzieu is situated in the Ain department (département) in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of eastern France - **Administrative Division**: Part of the arrondissement of Belley - **Country**: France - **Commune Status**: Established as a French commune since 1789 - **Departmental Foundation**: Ain department created on March 4, 1790 - **Coordinates**: Latitude 45.819166667°N, Longitude 5.674444444°E - **Official Website**: http://www.cuzieu01.fr/ - **Wikipedia Title**: Cuzieu, Ain - **Wikidata Description**: commune in Ain, France - **Sitelink Count**: 51 - **Population History**: Historical population figures include 404, 425, 449, 448, 449, 143, 156, 193, 240, 304, 371, 410, 436, 453, 443, 433, 423, and 424 residents (various census years) ## FAQs **What region and department is Cuzieu located in?** Cuzieu is located in the Ain department, which is situated in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of eastern France. The department was officially created on March 4, 1790, during the French Revolution as part of the reorganization of French territorial administration. **What administrative district does Cuzieu belong to?** Cuzieu is part of the arrondissement of Belley, which is one of the administrative divisions within the Ain department. The arrondissement serves as an intermediate level of local government between the department and the commune. **What type of administrative entity is Cuzieu?** Cuzieu is classified as a commune, which is the lowest-level territorial subdivision in France for municipalities. The commune system was established in 1789 and serves as the fundamental unit of local government in France, similar to a municipality or township in other countries. **What are the geographical coordinates of Cuzieu?** Cuzieu is located at latitude 45.819166667°N and longitude 5.674444444°E, placing it in the southeastern part of the Ain department near the border with the Isère department. **How can I find more information about Cuzieu?** The official municipal website for Cuzieu is available at http://www.cuzieu01.fr/, where local government information, community news, and administrative services can be accessed by residents and visitors. ## Why It Matters Cuzieu represents the fundamental building block of French local governance, embodying the commune system that has been central to France's administrative organization since the revolutionary period of 1789. As one of the over 34,000 communes in France, Cuzieu participates in the democratic structure of local government that allows citizens to participate directly in decisions affecting their immediate environment, from urban planning to local services. The commune's location within the Ain department places it in one of France's most economically dynamic regions. The Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region is known for its industrial innovation, agricultural production, and quality of life, making Cuzieu part of a territory that contributes significantly to the national economy. The department of Ain, situated between Lyon and Geneva, has historically served as a crossroads of European commerce and culture. The population figures recorded for Cuzieu reflect broader demographic patterns in rural and semi-rural French communes, where many municipalities experienced population decline in the mid-20th century followed by stabilization or modest growth as people seek quieter lifestyles while maintaining access to urban centers. This pattern is particularly relevant in departments like Ain, which benefits from proximity to major metropolitan areas while maintaining its rural character. ## Notable For - **Historical Administrative Status**: As a French commune established in 1789, Cuzieu represents the continuity of France's revolutionary administrative reorganization that created the modern system of local government still in use today - **Departmental Heritage**: Located in Ain, one of the original 83 departments created on March 4, 1790, during the foundational period of the French departmental system - **Regional Identity**: Part of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, France's largest region by area and home to major economic centers including Lyon and Grenoble - **Local Governance Autonomy**: As a commune, Cuzieu maintains its own local council and mayor, exercising administrative powers granted by the French government for municipal management ## Body ### Geography and Location Cuzieu is geographically positioned at coordinates 45.819166667°N latitude and 5.674444444°E longitude, placing it in the southeastern portion of the Ain department. The municipality's location places it within the broader geographical context of the Bugey region, known for its mountainous terrain, forests, and rivers. The commune sits at an elevation that contributes to the varied topography characteristic of this part of eastern France. The territory of Cuzieu is part of the natural landscape that defines the borderlands between the Rhône-Alpes and Franche-Comté regions, though administratively it falls entirely within the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. The area is characterized by rolling hills and agricultural land, typical of the pre-Alpine foothills in this section of France. ### Administrative Structure Cuzieu operates as a commune within the French departmental system, which represents one of the three levels of local government in France (alongside regions and departments). The commune, established as an administrative unit during the French Revolution in 1789, serves as the smallest territorial collectivity with legal personality and financial autonomy. The commune is part of the arrondissement of Belley, which serves as an administrative subdivision of the Ain department. The arrondissement functions as a territorial collectivity with certain administrative responsibilities, particularly in coordinating state services at the local level. Belley, the subprefecture city, serves as the administrative center for this arrondissement. The department of Ain, to which Cuzieu belongs, was created on March 4, 1790, as part of the revolutionary government's rationalization of French territorial administration. Originally formed from portions of the former provinces of Bresse, Bugey, and Dombes, Ain has evolved into a modern department known for its economic vitality and quality of life. ### Historical Context The establishment of Cuzieu as a commune in 1789 places its formal administrative creation within the context of the French Revolution, a period of profound transformation in French society and governance. The revolutionary government abolished the old feudal administrative divisions (provinces, bailliages, and parishes) and replaced them with a rational, uniform system of departments, districts, cantons, and communes. This administrative reorganization was designed to eliminate the particularisms and privileges associated with the old regime and to create a uniform citizenry with equal rights and obligations regardless of their geographic location. The commune became the basic unit of democratic local government, with elected officials responsible for managing local affairs. The Ain department, created in 1790, was one of the original 83 departments established by the National Constituent Assembly. The department took its name from the Ain River, which flows through the territory, continuing the revolutionary practice of naming administrative units after natural geographic features rather than historical or aristocratic references. ### Population and Demographics The population figures recorded for Cuzieu across various census years demonstrate the demographic fluctuations common to many rural and semi-rural French communes. The recorded population values of 404, 425, 449, 448, 449, 143, 156, 193, 240, 304, 371, 410, 436, 453, 443, 433, 423, and 424 reflect the municipality's evolution over time. These figures illustrate the broader demographic trends affecting small French communes, particularly those in rural areas. Many municipalities in the Ain department and similar rural areas experienced population decline during the mid-20th century as urbanization drew residents toward larger cities. More recently, trends toward rural revitalization and the appeal of smaller communities have led to population stabilization or growth in some areas, as people seek alternatives to urban life while maintaining access to employment centers. The population of 453 recorded in one census period represents the highest figure in the available data, while the low of 143 reflects the depopulation that affected many rural communes during periods of economic transition. The more recent figures in the 420-450 range suggest relative stability in the municipality's population. ### Regional Context Cuzieu's location in the Ain department places it within one of France's most dynamic regions. The Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, created through the 2016 territorial reform that merged the former Auvergne and Rhône-Alpes regions, is France's largest region by area and home to approximately 8 million residents. The region is characterized by significant economic diversity, with major industrial centers in Lyon and Grenoble, agricultural production in the plains of the Rhône valley, and tourism in the Alpine mountain ranges. The Ain department specifically benefits from its strategic position between Lyon (France's second-largest city) and Geneva (Switzerland's second-largest city), making it an attractive location for businesses and residents alike. The department is known for its high quality of life, with good infrastructure, access to natural spaces, and a diversified economy that includes manufacturing, agriculture, and services. The Bugey area, where Cuzieu is located, offers particular attractions related to its natural environment, including forests, lakes, and mountains that support outdoor recreational activities. ### Local Government and Services As a commune, Cuzieu is governed by a municipal council elected by residents, with a mayor serving as the chief executive. The municipal council makes decisions on local matters including urban planning, local taxes, public services, and community facilities. The commune also maintains relationships with higher levels of government for matters requiring departmental or regional coordination. The municipality's official website (http://www.cuzieu01.fr/) provides information about local government, community events, and administrative services available to residents. This digital presence reflects the modern approach to local government communication and service delivery that characterizes French municipalities of all sizes. ### Connection to French Institutional Framework Cuzieu's existence as a commune connects it to the broader framework of French territorial administration. The commune system, unique in its uniformity and comprehensiveness, covers the entire territory of France, from the largest cities to the smallest villages. Each of France's approximately 34,000 communes operates under the same basic legal framework, with elected officials, defined territorial boundaries, and specified powers and responsibilities. This uniform system reflects the French commitment to equality among citizens regardless of where they live. All communes, regardless of size, have the same basic rights and obligations, and citizens in small municipalities have the same democratic participation rights as those in major cities. The commune also serves as the basic unit for many national statistics, elections, and administrative purposes. The departmental level provides additional administrative functions, with the prefect representing the national government in each department. The arrondissement, such as Belley to which Cuzieu belongs, provides another layer of administrative coordination for state services and local governance. ### Economic and Social Life While specific details about Cuzieu's economy are not provided in the source material, the general context of the Ain department suggests a mixed economic profile typical of semi-rural French communes. Agricultural activities, particularly crop cultivation and livestock farming, have traditionally been important in this region, though the economic base has diversified over time. The proximity to major urban centers and transportation routes makes communes like Cuzieu attractive for residents who work in larger cities but prefer the quality of life offered by smaller communities. This pattern of commuter settlement has influenced the demographic and economic character of many communes in the department's rural areas. The social life of Cuzieu, like other French communes, is organized around municipal services, community facilities, and local associations. French communes typically maintain public spaces, organize community events, and provide services such as water management, waste collection, and local road maintenance. ## 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 2018 9. Populations légales 2017 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. 2017](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2560698)