# Forstfeld

> commune in Bas-Rhin, France

**Wikidata**: [Q21289](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q21289)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forstfeld)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/forstfeld

## Summary
Forstfeld is a commune located in the Bas-Rhin department of France, within the historical region of Alsace. It is part of the arrondissement of Haguenau-Wissembourg and has a population of approximately 729 to 810 residents, depending on the year. The commune is situated at coordinates 48.860277777778°N, 8.0386111111111°E and is governed as a territorial subdivision of France, operating under the broader administrative framework of the European Collectivity of Alsace.

## Key Facts
- **Location**: Forstfeld is a commune in the Bas-Rhin department of France, part of the historical region of Alsace.
- **Administrative Division**: It belongs to the arrondissement of Haguenau-Wissembourg, which was established on January 1, 2015.
- **Population**: The population has varied between 729 and 810 residents across different years, with figures including 729, 731, 733, 737, 745, 754, 772, 793, 810, and 798.
- **Coordinates**: The commune is located at latitude 48.860277777778 and longitude 8.0386111111111.
- **Historical Context**: The Bas-Rhin department was created on March 4, 1790, and was historically part of the Unterelsaß district during the German Empire (1871–1918).
- **Website**: The official website of Forstfeld is https://forstfeld.fr.
- **Wikidata Description**: It is classified as a "commune in Bas-Rhin, France" with a sitelink count of 46.
- **Related Administrative Units**: Formerly part of the arrondissement of Haguenau, which was a separate administrative division before 2015.

## FAQs
**Where is Forstfeld located?**
Forstfeld is located in the Bas-Rhin department of France, within the historical region of Alsace. It is part of the arrondissement of Haguenau-Wissembourg and is situated at coordinates 48.860277777778°N, 8.0386111111111°E.

**What is the population of Forstfeld?**
The population of Forstfeld has fluctuated between 729 and 810 residents over recent years, with specific counts including 729, 731, 733, 737, 745, 754, 772, 793, 810, and 798.

**What is the administrative history of Forstfeld?**
Forstfeld is part of the Bas-Rhin department, which was established on March 4, 1790. Historically, the region was part of the Unterelsaß district during the German Empire from 1871 to 1918. The commune is now within the arrondissement of Haguenau-Wissembourg, created in 2015.

**How is Forstfeld governed?**
As a commune in France, Forstfeld operates under the decentralized administrative framework of the French Republic. It is part of the European Collectivity of Alsace and is governed by local municipal authorities, with oversight from the Bas-Rhin department and the arrondissement of Haguenau-Wissembourg.

## Why It Matters
Forstfeld represents a microcosm of the broader historical and administrative evolution of Alsace, a region that has oscillated between French and German control. As a commune in the Bas-Rhin department, it reflects the decentralized governance structure of France, where local municipalities play a crucial role in regional development and cultural preservation. Its location in Alsace, a region known for its unique bilingual and bicultural heritage, underscores the importance of small communes in maintaining local identity within a larger national framework. Additionally, its inclusion in the arrondissement of Haguenau-Wissembourg highlights the ongoing administrative reforms in France aimed at optimizing regional governance.

## Notable For
- **Historical Significance**: Part of the Unterelsaß district during the German Empire, reflecting the complex history of Alsace.
- **Administrative Evolution**: Located in the Bas-Rhin department, one of the original 83 departments created during the French Revolution in 1790.
- **Population Dynamics**: Exhibits a stable yet slightly fluctuating population, indicative of rural demographic trends in France.
- **Geographical Location**: Situated at a precise coordinate point (48.860277777778°N, 8.0386111111111°E), making it a distinct geographical entity within Alsace.
- **Modern Governance**: Part of the newly formed arrondissement of Haguenau-Wissembourg, showcasing France's ongoing administrative reorganization.

## Body
### Geography and Location
Forstfeld is a commune located in the Bas-Rhin department of France, within the historical and cultural region of Alsace. The commune is situated at coordinates 48.860277777778°N, 8.0386111111111°E, placing it in the northeastern part of the country. The landscape of Forstfeld is characteristic of the Alsace region, which is known for its mix of plains, forests, and agricultural land. The commune is part of the arrondissement of Haguenau-Wissembourg, which was established on January 1, 2015, following administrative reforms in France.

### Administrative History
The Bas-Rhin department, where Forstfeld is located, was created on March 4, 1790, during the French Revolution. This department was part of the broader historical region of Alsace, which has a complex history of shifting between French and German control. During the period of the German Empire (1871–1918), the region was known as Unterelsaß (Lower Alsace), a district within the imperial territory of Elsaß-Lothringen (Alsace-Lorraine). After World War I, the region was returned to France, and the Bas-Rhin department was reintegrated into the French administrative system.

Forstfeld was previously part of the arrondissement of Haguenau, which was a separate administrative division before the 2015 reforms. The merger of the arrondissements of Haguenau and Wissembourg into a single entity reflects France's efforts to streamline local governance and improve administrative efficiency.

### Demographics
The population of Forstfeld has shown slight variations over the years, with recorded figures including 729, 731, 733, 737, 745, 754, 772, 793, 810, and 798 residents. These numbers indicate a relatively stable population, typical of small rural communes in France. The demographic trends in Forstfeld reflect broader patterns in the Alsace region, where rural areas experience slow population growth or stability, in contrast to urban centers.

### Governance and Local Administration
As a commune in France, Forstfeld is governed by a municipal council and a mayor, who are responsible for local administration, public services, and community development. The commune operates within the framework of the Bas-Rhin department and the arrondissement of Haguenau-Wissembourg. The European Collectivity of Alsace, established in 2021, further integrates the region into a broader administrative and political entity, aimed at enhancing regional cooperation and economic development.

### Cultural and Historical Context
Forstfeld is part of the Alsace region, which is renowned for its unique cultural heritage, blending French and German influences. The region's history is marked by periods of conflict and cooperation between France and Germany, which have shaped its linguistic, architectural, and culinary traditions. The commune's location in Bas-Rhin places it within an area known for its traditional half-timbered houses, vineyards, and local festivals that celebrate Alsatian culture.

### Related Administrative Units
Forstfeld is connected to several administrative and historical entities:
- **Bas-Rhin Department**: Created in 1790, it is one of the original departments of France and is part of the European Collectivity of Alsace.
- **Arrondissement of Haguenau-Wissembourg**: Formed in 2015, this administrative division oversees multiple communes, including Forstfeld.
- **Former Arrondissement of Haguenau**: A historical administrative unit that was merged into the new arrondissement in 2015.
- **Unterelsaß**: The historical district of Lower Alsace during the German Empire, which included the area where Forstfeld is located.

### Infrastructure and Services
Forstfeld, like other communes in France, provides essential public services such as education, waste management, and local transportation. The commune is likely served by regional infrastructure, including roads and public transit networks that connect it to larger towns and cities in Alsace. The official website of Forstfeld (https://forstfeld.fr) serves as a platform for local information, administrative services, and community updates.

### Economic Activities
The economy of Forstfeld is primarily based on agriculture, small-scale manufacturing, and local services. The Alsace region is known for its wine production, and while Forstfeld may not be a major wine-producing area, it benefits from the regional agricultural economy. The commune's proximity to larger urban centers in Alsace also provides opportunities for employment and economic collaboration.

### Environmental and Natural Features
The natural environment of Forstfeld includes forests, farmland, and possibly small water bodies typical of the Alsace region. The commune's geographical location contributes to its rural character, with a landscape that supports both agricultural activities and natural habitats. The region's climate, characterized by cold winters and warm summers, influences the types of crops and vegetation found in the area.

### Future Developments
As part of the broader administrative and economic strategies of the Bas-Rhin department and the European Collectivity of Alsace, Forstfeld may see future developments aimed at enhancing local infrastructure, promoting sustainable agriculture, and preserving cultural heritage. The commune's role within the arrondissement of Haguenau-Wissembourg will likely continue to evolve as regional governance structures adapt to new challenges and opportunities.

## 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)