# Gungwiller > commune in Bas-Rhin, France **Wikidata**: [Q21509](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q21509) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gungwiller) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/gungwiller ## Summary Gungwiller is a commune located in the Bas-Rhin department in the Alsace region of northeastern France. Situated at coordinates 48.881111111111°N latitude and 7.1577777777778°E longitude, this small municipality falls under the administrative jurisdiction of the arrondissement of Saverne. The commune, also known by its alternative spelling Gungweiler, maintains a municipal website at both https://mairie-gungwiller.fr and http://www.gungwiller.fr. ## Key Facts - **Official Name**: Gungwiller (also spelled Gungweiler) - **Location**: Bas-Rhin department, Alsace region, France - **Coordinates**: 48.881111111111°N, 7.1577777777778°E - **Administrative Hierarchy**: Part of the arrondissement of Saverne - **Higher Administrative Division**: Bas-Rhin district, which is part of the European Collectivity of Alsace - **Country**: France - **Population**: Historical figures recorded at 279, 281, 286, 279, 278, 277, 283, 285, 286, and 284 residents across various census periods - **Official Website**: https://mairie-gungwiller.fr and http://www.gungwiller.fr - **Wikipedia Title**: Gungwiller - **Wikidata Description**: commune in Bas-Rhin, France - **Sitelink Count**: 44 ## FAQs **What region is Gungwiller located in?** Gungwiller is located in the Bas-Rhin department within the Alsace region of northeastern France. Alsace is a distinctive region known for its blend of French and German cultural influences, situated along the Rhine River border with Germany. **What administrative structures govern Gungwiller?** Gungwiller operates as a commune, which is the smallest territorial subdivision in France for municipalities. It falls within the arrondissement of Saverne, which itself is part of the Bas-Rhin administrative district. Bas-Rhin is one of the districts comprising the European Collectivity of Alsace. **What is the population of Gungwiller?** Gungwiller is a small commune with population figures recorded at 279, 281, 286, 279, 278, 277, 283, 285, 286, and 284 residents across various census years, indicating relatively stable population levels typical of small rural French municipalities. **What are the geographical coordinates of Gungwiller?** Gungwiller is situated at latitude 48.881111111111°N and longitude 7.1577777777778°E, placing it in the northeastern portion of France near the German border. **What is the historical context of Gungwiller's region?** The Alsace region, where Gungwiller is located, has a complex historical background. The area known as Unterelsaß (Lower Alsace) was part of the German Empire's territory of Elsaß-Lothringen (Alsace-Lorraine) from 1871 to 1918, following the Franco-Prussian War. This historical period contributes to the region's unique bilingual (French and German) character and distinctive architectural heritage. ## Why It Matters Gungwiller represents the quintessential small French commune that forms the backbone of France's territorial organization. As one of the approximately 34,970 communes in France, it embodies the country's decentralized administrative structure where municipalities maintain local governance while being integrated into larger regional frameworks. The commune system, which originated in 1789 during the French Revolution, ensures that even the smallest settlements have a recognized administrative identity and local government representation. For researchers and those interested in French geography, Gungwiller exemplifies the administrative precision of the French system, where every territory—from major cities to small villages—falls within clearly defined hierarchical structures: commune → arrondissement → department → region. Its location in Bas-Rhin places it in one of France's most economically dynamic regions, where the proximity to Germany has fostered significant cross-border cooperation and economic exchange. The stability of Gungwiller's population figures also reflects broader trends in rural Alsace, where small communes maintain their populations through a combination of agricultural activities, local services, and proximity to larger urban centers like Strasbourg. Understanding such communes provides insight into the demographic and social fabric that characterizes rural France. ## Notable For - **Cross-Border Location**: Situated in Alsace, one of France's regions with the strongest historical and cultural connections to Germany - **Administrative Classification**: Part of the arrondissement of Saverne, a significant administrative division in Lower Alsace - **Historical Territory**: Located in what was historically known as Unterelsaß (Lower Alsace) during German imperial rule (1871-1918) - **Digital Presence**: Maintains official municipal websites in both .fr domain format, demonstrating modern local governance - **Departmental Significance**: Part of Bas-Rhin, one of the two departments (with Haut-Rhin) that comprise the Collectivity of Alsace ## Body ### Geography and Location Gungwiller is situated in the northeastern French region of Alsace, specifically within the Bas-Rhin department. The commune's precise coordinates place it at 48.881111111111°N latitude and 7.1577777777778°E longitude. This positioning places Gungwiller in the interior of Alsace, away from the Rhine River that forms the border with Germany, but within the broader geographical context of the Upper Rhine plain. The region of Alsace is distinctive within France for its position as a cultural and linguistic crossroads between French and Germanic traditions. The landscape surrounding Gungwiller is characterized by the rolling hills and fertile plains typical of the Alsatian countryside, interspersed with vineyards and forested areas that define the region's agricultural character. ### Administrative Structure Gungwiller operates within France's hierarchical administrative system. As a commune, it represents the lowest level of territorial administration in France, serving as the fundamental unit for local governance. Each commune has its own mayor and municipal council, responsible for local services, urban planning, and community affairs. At the next level, Gungwiller is part of the arrondissement of Saverne. Arrondissements are administrative divisions within each department, serving as intermediate levels between communes and departments. The arrondissement of Saverne covers a significant portion of northern Alsace and includes numerous communes similar to Gungwiller in size and character. Above the arrondissement level, Gungwiller falls within the department of Bas-Rhin. This department, one of the founding departments created during the French Revolution in 1790, encompasses the northern portion of Alsace. The department capital is Strasbourg, the seat of both departmental administration and the European Parliament's French delegation. The department of Bas-Rhin is part of the European Collectivity of Alsace, a relatively recent administrative innovation that merged the former Alsace-Champagne-Ardenne-Lorraine region with the specific territorial collectivity status. This administrative reorganization reflects the region's distinct identity and facilitates closer coordination of local governance. ### Historical Context The Alsace region, including the area where Gungwiller is located, has a complex historical background that has shaped its contemporary identity. The territory of Unterelsaß (Lower Alsace) was part of the German Empire's imperial territory of Elsaß-Lothringen (Alsace-Lorraine) from 1871 to 1918. This period began following the Franco-Prussian War and the Treaty of Frankfurt, which resulted in France ceding Alsace and parts of Lorraine to the newly formed German Empire. During this period, the region experienced significant German influence in administration, education, and cultural matters. However, following World War I, the territory returned to French control through the Treaty of Versailles in 1919. The region subsequently experienced another brief period of German occupation during World War II before returning to permanent French administration in 1945. This historical trajectory has left lasting marks on the region, including bilingual signage, distinctive architectural styles combining French and German elements, and a cultural identity that embraces both traditions. The commune of Gungwiller, like others in the region, exists within this historical context of cross-border cultural exchange and territorial fluctuation. ### Demographics and Population Gungwiller exemplifies the small commune demographic pattern common throughout rural France. The population figures recorded across various census years—279, 281, 286, 279, 278, 277, 283, 285, 286, and 284—demonstrate relative population stability with minor fluctuations. These numbers are consistent with small agricultural communes in the Alsatian interior, where population tends to remain steady due to limited urban development pressure and the maintenance of agricultural activities. The commune of France system, established in 1789, provides the framework for understanding local governance and demographic tracking in Gungwiller. This system ensures that even the smallest municipalities have official recognition and can participate in national statistical tracking and administrative processes. ### Local Governance and Services As a French commune, Gungwiller is governed by a mayor and municipal council, elected locally to serve the community's needs. The municipal government handles various local affairs, including maintenance of public spaces, local taxation, civil registration (births, marriages, deaths), and coordination of local services. The commune maintains a digital presence through its official website, available at both https://mairie-gungwiller.fr and http://www.gungwiller.fr. This dual web presence reflects the commune's adaptation to modern communication methods and provides residents and visitors with access to municipal information, services, and contact points. ### Regional Connections Gungwiller's location within the Bas-Rhin department places it in one of France's most economically dynamic regions. The Alsace region benefits from significant cross-border trade with Germany and Switzerland, substantial industrial activity, and a strong agricultural sector focused on wine production, cereals, and livestock. The arrondissement of Saverne, to which Gungwiller belongs, serves as an administrative and economic hub for the surrounding communes. The city of Saverne itself, located to the north of Gungwiller, provides regional services, commercial facilities, and cultural amenities that serve the surrounding rural communities. The department of Bas-Rhin, with its capital Strasbourg, provides higher-level administrative services, judicial facilities, and serves as the seat of departmental government. Strasbourg's significance as a European city—hosting institutions including the European Parliament, the Council of Europe, and the European Court of Human Rights—extends administrative influence throughout the department. ### Cultural and Linguistic Identity The Alsace region, including Gungwiller, maintains a distinctive cultural identity that sets it apart from other French regions. The Alsatian dialect, a Germanic language variety, is still spoken by portions of the population, particularly in rural areas and among older generations. This linguistic heritage reflects the region's historical connections to Germanic-speaking territories. The region's architectural heritage includes half-timbered houses, fortified churches, and village layouts that reflect both French and German building traditions. Local cuisine combines elements from both culinary traditions, featuring dishes such as sauerkraut (choucroute), flammekueche (a type of pizza-like tart), and various pork-based preparations alongside classic French cuisine. ### Economic Characteristics While specific economic data for Gungwiller is not provided in the source material, small communes in the Bas-Rhin department typically maintain mixed economies combining agriculture, small-scale manufacturing, and services. The Alsatian economy is notably strong in sectors including automotive manufacturing, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and food processing, with major employers including companies like Bosch, Siemens, and various French industrial concerns. The surrounding agricultural landscape supports grain production, viticulture (particularly the famous Alsace wine route), and livestock farming. Many small communes in the region maintain their economic viability through a combination of agricultural activities and commuting to larger employment centers in Strasbourg, Colmar, and across the border in Germany. ### Infrastructure and Connectivity The French departmental and regional road networks provide connectivity for Gungwiller to larger urban centers and transportation hubs. The department of Bas-Rhin is served by the French national rail network, with TGV (high-speed train) services connecting Strasbourg to Paris and other major French cities, as well as international destinations in Germany and Switzerland. The region's airports, including Strasbourg Entzheim Airport and Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg EuroAirport, provide air connectivity for both domestic and international travel. The proximity to Germany's Baden Airport and the Swiss Basel airport further enhances the region's international accessibility. ### Relationship to Broader French Administration Gungwiller exists within France's comprehensive administrative framework, which divides the national territory into regions, departments, arrondissements, and communes. This system, refined over centuries since the Revolution of 1789, ensures standardized administration while respecting local particularities. The commune of France concept represents the fundamental building block of French territorial organization. With approximately 34,970 communes across the national territory, this system provides local governance capabilities to communities of all sizes, from Paris with its 2.1 million residents to small rural communes like Gungwiller with populations under 300. The Wikipedia and Wikidata presence for Gungwiller, with a sitelink count of 44, indicates moderate digital documentation and visibility for the commune within the broader information ecosystem. This digital presence facilitates research, tourism, and administrative communication for the municipality. ## References 1. BnF authorities 2. dataset of postal codes in France. 2018 3. INSEE code 4. [Source](https://lingualibre.org/wiki//Q442315) 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 2019 13. Populations légales 2020 14. Populations légales 2021 15. Populations de référence 2022 16. Populations de référence 2023 17. [Code officiel géographique](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/3363419) 18. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies 19. GeoNames 20. [répertoire géographique des communes. 2015](https://wxs-telechargement.ign.fr/83edtfdyqte031y0ra49d2e3/telechargement/inspire/RGC-2015-01$RGC2015/file/RGC2015.7z) 21. [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) 22. [Code officiel géographique. 2020](https://www.data.gouv.fr/fr/datasets/r/8442dfae-a878-49c6-be4c-20689b1c337c) 23. [Code officiel géographique. 2017](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2560698)