# Fourques > commune in Gard, France **Wikidata**: [Q244645](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q244645) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fourques,_Gard) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/fourques ## Summary Fourques is a commune located in the Gard department of southern France, situated in the Occitanie region. It belongs to the arrondissement of Nîmes and lies at coordinates 43.693055555556° latitude and 4.6105555555556° longitude. The commune has a population of approximately 2,700-2,900 residents in recent years and operates under the local government structure of a French commune. ## Key Facts - **Official Name**: Fourques - **Type**: Commune in Gard, France - **Country**: France - **Department**: Gard (inception: March 4, 1790) - **Region**: Occitanie - **Arrondissement**: Nîmes - **Administrative Status**: Commune of France (inception: 1789) - **Coordinates**: 43.693055555556°N, 4.6105555555556°E - **Population**: Approximately 2,700-2,900 residents (recent census data) - **Historical Population Range**: 1,492 to 2,941 residents (spanning multiple census years) - **Alias**: Forcas - **Website**: https://villedefourques.fr/ - **Wikipedia Title**: Fourques, Gard - **Sitelink Count**: 40 ## FAQs **What region and department is Fourques located in?** Fourques is located in the Gard department of southern France, which is part of the Occitanie region. It falls within the administrative jurisdiction of the arrondissement of Nîmes. **What type of administrative area is Fourques?** Fourques is classified as a commune, which is the smallest territorial subdivision for municipalities in France. The French commune system was established in 1789 and serves as the fundamental unit of local government in the country. **What are the geographic coordinates of Fourques?** Fourques is situated at latitude 43.693055555556° north and longitude 4.6105555555556° east, placing it in the southern part of France near the Mediterranean coast. **How many people live in Fourques?** Fourques has a population of approximately 2,700 to 2,900 residents based on recent census data. Historical records show population figures ranging from as low as 1,492 in earlier census years to a peak of 2,941 in another period. **What is the administrative hierarchy of Fourques in France?** Fourques sits within a hierarchical administrative structure: it is a commune (lowest level), which is part of the arrondissement of Nîmes, which is within the department of Gard, which is in the Occitanie region of France, which is the country of France itself. ## Why It Matters Fourques represents a typical yet essential unit of French local governance. As one of the thousands of communes that form the administrative backbone of France, it exemplifies how local municipalities operate within the country's decentralized governmental system. The commune structure allows for proximity between citizens and their local authorities, enabling decisions on matters such as urban planning, local services, and community events to be made at the most local level possible. The commune of Fourques contributes to the broader economic and social fabric of the Gard department, which is known for its Mediterranean climate, historical sites, and agricultural production. Being part of the Nîmes arrondissement connects Fourques to a significant urban center with Roman heritage, including the famous Roman amphitheater and Maison Carrée temple. From a geographic perspective, Fourques's location in southern France places it within one of the country's most visited regions, where tourism, viticulture, and local commerce play vital roles in the local economy. The commune's population of around 2,700-2,900 residents represents a mid-sized French commune, large enough to sustain local businesses and services while maintaining the character of a smaller community. ## Notable For - Part of the historic Gard department, established in 1790 during the French Revolution - Located in the Occitanie region, France's newest regional administrative division - Member of the Nîmes arrondissement, which includes numerous historical and cultural sites - Operating website at https://villedefourques.fr/ for municipal communications - Historical population data spanning multiple decades, showing demographic evolution ## Body ### Geography and Location Fourques is a French commune situated in the southern part of France, specifically in the Gard department which belongs to the Occitanie region. The commune is positioned at coordinates 43.693055555556° north latitude and 4.6105555555556° east longitude. This location places Fourques in the Mediterranean basin, characterized by warm summers and mild winters, typical of the southern French climate. The commune's geographic position within the Nîmes arrondissement connects it to one of the most historically significant areas of France. Nîmes itself is renowned for its exceptionally preserved Roman monuments, including the Arena of Nîmes (a Roman amphitheater) and the Maison Carrée (one of the best-preserved Roman temples in existence). The surrounding region features rolling hills, vineyards, and olive groves that define the landscape of southern Gard. ### Administrative Structure Fourques operates within France's hierarchical administrative system. At the base level, it is a commune, which represents the lowest and most fundamental territorial subdivision in France, created during the French Revolution in 1789. Communes function as municipalities and are governed by a mayor and municipal council. The commune of Fourques is part of the arrondissement of Nîmes, which is an administrative district within the department of Gard. Arrondissements serve as intermediate administrative divisions between communes and departments. The department of Gard was established on March 4, 1790, during the early years of the French Revolution. At the regional level, Fourques belongs to Occitanie, which was formed in 2016 through the merger of the former Languedoc-Roussillon and Midi-Pyrénées regions. This makes Occitanie one of France's newest administrative regions, spanning a vast area from the Mediterranean coast to the Pyrenees mountains. ### Demographics and Population The population of Fourques has fluctuated over the years, with census data showing figures ranging from 1,492 to 2,941 residents across different periods. Recent census data indicates a population of approximately 2,700 to 2,900 inhabitants, suggesting a relatively stable community size. These population figures place Fourques in the category of a medium-sized French commune. In France, communes can range from small rural villages with fewer than 100 residents to large cities with populations exceeding hundreds of thousands. Fourques falls somewhere in the middle, large enough to support local businesses and services while maintaining a close-knit community feel. The demographic history of Fourques reflects broader trends in rural French communes, where populations often peaked in the 19th century before experiencing decline in the early-to-mid 20th century due to urbanization, followed by stabilization or modest growth in more recent decades as people seek smaller, more affordable communities. ### Local Government and Services As a French commune, Fourques is administered by a municipal council headed by a mayor. The municipal council is elected by residents and is responsible for local governance, including urban planning, maintenance of public spaces, local taxation, and provision of municipal services such as water, sanitation, and local roads. The commune maintains a website at https://villedefourques.fr/, providing residents and visitors with information about local services, community events, and municipal decisions. This digital presence reflects the modern approach to local governance and citizen engagement in French municipalities. ### Historical Context The commune system in France was established in 1789 during the French Revolution, replacing the previous system of parishes and jurisdictions. This revolutionary transformation created a uniform administrative structure across all of France, with communes serving as the basic unit of territorial organization. Gard department itself has a rich history, dating back to Roman times when the area was part of the province of Gallia Narbonensis. The region is dotted with Roman ruins and historical sites, testament to its ancient importance. The department's name derives from the Latin word "gard" meaning "watchtower" or "fortified place," reflecting its strategic position along Roman roads and boundaries. ### Connection to Broader France Fourques exists within a complex web of administrative and cultural connections that link it to the broader French state. At the national level, France operates as a semi-presidential republic with a unitary structure, though it has undergone significant decentralization since the 1980s, granting more powers to local and regional authorities. The commune benefits from France's robust infrastructure, including the national education system, healthcare system, and transportation networks. French communes typically have access to national services while maintaining local autonomy over certain matters. At the European level, France is a founding member of the European Union and participates in various EU programs and funding schemes that can benefit local communities like Fourques. The Occitanie region, in particular, has access to EU regional development funds due to its diverse economic profile. ### Cultural and Economic Life While specific details about Fourques's economy are not provided in the source material, communes in the Gard department typically feature a mix of agricultural activity (particularly vineyards and olive groves), small-scale manufacturing, tourism, and service sectors. The proximity to Nîmes and the Mediterranean coast provides opportunities for economic activity related to tourism and hospitality. The Occitanie region is known for its vibrant culture, including festivals, culinary traditions, and artistic heritage. Residents of Fourques have access to the broader cultural offerings of the region, including historical sites, natural parks, and regional cuisine. ### Technical Details From a technical and reference standpoint, Fourques has a sitelink count of 40, indicating its presence across Wikimedia projects. The commune has a Wikipedia article titled "Fourques, Gard" in English, providing additional reference information. The alias "Forcas" appears in some records, possibly representing an older or alternative spelling of the commune's name. The precise geographic coordinates (43.693055555556°N, 4.6105555555556°E) allow for accurate mapping and location services, integrating Fourques into modern digital infrastructure and geographic information systems. ## References 1. [Sandre](https://www.sandre.eaufrance.fr/geo/CoursEau/V---0000) 2. BnF authorities 3. dataset of postal codes in France. 2018 4. INSEE code 5. répertoire géographique des communes 6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 7. Annuaire de service-public.fr 8. Recensement de la population 2015. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies. 2017 9. Populations légales 2016 10. Populations légales 2017 11. Populations légales 2018 12. [Populations légales communales depuis 1968. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies](https://www.insee.fr/fr/statistiques/2522602) 13. Populations légales 2019 14. Populations légales 2020 15. Populations légales 2021 16. Populations de référence 2022 17. Populations de référence 2023 18. [Code officiel géographique](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/3363419) 19. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies 20. GeoNames 21. [répertoire géographique des communes. 2015](https://wxs-telechargement.ign.fr/83edtfdyqte031y0ra49d2e3/telechargement/inspire/RGC-2015-01$RGC2015/file/RGC2015.7z) 22. [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) 23. [Code officiel géographique. 2017](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2560698)