# Kolbsheim

> commune in Bas-Rhin, France

**Wikidata**: [Q21270](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q21270)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kolbsheim)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kolbsheim

## Summary

Kolbsheim is a commune located in the Bas-Rhin department in the Alsace region of northeastern France, situated at coordinates 48.560833333333°N latitude and 7.5883333333333°E longitude. The commune falls within the arrondissement of Strasbourg and is part of the Eurometropolis of Strasbourg, a French urban community established in 1966. With a population of approximately 1,022 residents, Kolbsheim represents a small but historically significant municipality in the Alsace area, which has undergone various administrative changes throughout its history, including periods under German rule during the German Empire era.

## Key Facts

- **Official Name**: Kolbsheim
- **Type**: Commune in Bas-Rhin, France
- **Country**: France
- **Region**: Alsace (European Collectivity of Alsace)
- **Department**: Bas-Rhin (inception: 1790-03-04)
- **Coordinates**: 48.560833333333°N, 7.5883333333333°E
- **Administrative Status**: Part of arrondissement of Strasbourg (since 2015)
- **Historical Administrative Affiliation**: Formerly part of arrondissement of Strasbourg-Campagne (1800-1879 & 1919-2015)
- **Intercommunal Structure**: Member of Eurometropolis of Strasbourg (inception: 1966-12-31)
- **Historical Context**: Located in Unterelsaß, the central district of the imperial territory of Elsaß-Lothringen (Alsace-Lorraine) in the German Empire from 1871 to 1918
- **Website**: https://kolbsheim.fr
- **Population**: Approximately 1,022 residents (most recent figure from provided data)
- **Administrative Classification**: Commune of France (territorial subdivision for municipalities, inception: 1789)
- **Wikipedia Title**: Kolbsheim
- **Sitelink Count**: 46

## FAQs

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

Kolbsheim is located in the Alsace region of France, specifically in the Bas-Rhin department. The commune is situated in northeastern France near the German border, an area with a rich history of cultural exchange and political changes between French and German governance.

**What is Kolbsheim's administrative structure?**

Kolbsheim is classified as a commune of France, which is the smallest territorial subdivision for municipalities in the French administrative system. It currently belongs to the arrondissement of Strasbourg (since 2015) and is a member of the Eurometropolis of Strasbourg, an urban community that coordinates local development across multiple municipalities in the Strasbourg area.

**What is the population of Kolbsheim?**

According to the historical population data provided, Kolbsheim has grown from 853 residents to 1,022 residents over the recorded period, showing a general trend of population increase throughout its recent history.

**What historical administrative changes has Kolbsheim experienced?**

Kolbsheim has undergone several significant administrative changes throughout its history. During the period of the German Empire (1871-1918), the area was part of Unterelsaß, the central district of Elsaß-Lothringen (Alsace-Lorraine). Administratively, it was part of the arrondissement of Strasbourg-Campagne from 1800-1879 and again from 1919-2015, before being reassigned to the new arrondissement of Strasbourg in 2015.

**What intercommunal body is Kolbsheim part of?**

Kolbsheim is a member of the Eurometropolis of Strasbourg, a French urban community (intercommunal structure) established on December 31, 1966. This organization coordinates various aspects of local governance, including urban planning, transportation, and economic development for the Strasbourg metropolitan area.

## Why It Matters

Kolbsheim matters as a representative example of the small communes that form the backbone of French territorial administration. Located in the strategically significant Alsace region, which has historically been a focal point of Franco-German relations, Kolbsheim embodies the complex historical and cultural tapestry of eastern France. The commune's membership in the Eurometropolis of Strasbourg highlights its integration into a major European metropolitan area that serves as a symbol of Franco-German reconciliation and cooperation within the European Union.

The administrative history of Kolbsheim reflects the broader geopolitical shifts in Europe, particularly the contested nature of the Alsace-Lorraine region between France and Germany. Understanding municipalities like Kolbsheim provides insight into how local communities navigate and adapt to changing political boundaries and national identities. Additionally, as part of the Strasbourg metropolitan area, Kolbsheim contributes to and benefits from the economic, cultural, and institutional resources of one of Europe's important regional centers, home to key European institutions including the European Parliament.

## Notable For

- **Historical Significance**: Located in the historic region of Alsace-Lorraine, an area that has changed hands between France and Germany multiple times throughout history
- **European Integration**: Part of the Eurometropolis of Strasbourg, a symbol of Franco-German reconciliation and European cooperation
- **Proximity to European Institutions**: Situated near Strasbourg, which hosts the European Parliament, the Council of Europe, and the European Court of Human Rights
- **Administrative Evolution**: Demonstrates the dynamic nature of French administrative divisions, having transitioned from the former arrondissement of Strasbourg-Campagne to the new arrondissement of Strasbourg in 2015

## Body

### Geography and Location

Kolbsheim is situated in northeastern France at coordinates 48.560833333333°N latitude and 7.5883333333333°E longitude. The commune is located in the Bas-Rhin department, which corresponds to the northern part of the Alsace region. This positioning places Kolbsheim in close proximity to the German border, reflecting the historical and cultural connections between Alsace and neighboring Germany. The terrain and landscape of Kolbsheim are characteristic of the Alsatian plain, an area known for its fertile agricultural lands and rolling hills.

### Administrative History

The administrative status of Kolbsheim has evolved significantly over time, reflecting the complex political history of the Alsace region. As a commune of France, Kolbsheim operates as the smallest administrative unit in the French territorial organization system, a structure that dates back to 1789 during the French Revolution.

During the period of German rule from 1871 to 1918, Kolbsheim was part of Unterelsaß (Lower Alsace), which was the central district of the imperial territory of Elsaß-Lothringen (Alsace-Lorraine) within the German Empire. This period followed the Franco-Prussian War and the annexation of Alsace-Lorraine by Germany. After World War I, the region returned to French control, and Kolbsheim became part of the arrondissement of Strasbourg-Campagne, a designation it held from 1919 until the administrative reorganization of 2015.

In 2015, France underwent a significant administrative reorganization that affected the arrondissement structure. The arrondissement of Strasbourg-Campagne was dissolved, and Kolbsheim was transferred to the newly configured arrondissement of Strasbourg, which now serves as the administrative framework for the Strasbourg metropolitan area.

### Intercommunal Structure

Kolbsheim is a member of the Eurometropolis of Strasbourg (Eurométropole de Strasbourg), a French urban community established on December 31, 1966. This intercommunal structure brings together numerous municipalities in the Strasbourg area to coordinate various local government functions, including urban planning, transportation, economic development, and environmental protection.

The Eurometropolis of Strasbourg represents one of the most significant examples of intercommunal cooperation in France. With its headquarters in Strasbourg, the organization plays a crucial role in managing the development of the metropolitan area and representing its interests at regional and national levels. As a member of this structure, Kolbsheim participates in collective decision-making processes that affect the entire Strasbourg urban area.

### Demographic Profile

Based on the population data provided, Kolbsheim has experienced population growth over the recorded period, increasing from 853 residents to 1,022 residents. This growth pattern is consistent with many communes in the Strasbourg metropolitan area, which has attracted residents seeking to live in a region with strong economic opportunities, high quality of life, and access to European institutions.

The population figure of approximately 1,022 residents places Kolbsheim among the smaller communes in the Bas-Rhin department, but such communes are essential components of the French territorial system, providing residential communities with access to the services and amenities of the larger metropolitan area.

### Regional Context

Kolbsheim is part of the Bas-Rhin department, one of the two departments (along with Haut-Rhin) that comprise the Alsace region. The Bas-Rhin department was established on March 4, 1790, during the French Revolution, as part of the initial division of France into departments. The department capital is Strasbourg, which also serves as the prefecture of the Bas-Rhin department.

The Alsace region holds significant historical and cultural importance in France. Known for its distinctive dialect (Alsatian), unique cuisine (including flammekueche and baeckeoffe), and wine production, Alsace represents a blend of French and German cultural influences. The region has been the subject of territorial disputes between France and Germany, with control changing hands multiple times throughout history, most notably after the Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871), World War I (1918), and World War II (1944-1945).

### Contemporary Significance

Today, Kolbsheim benefits from its location within the Strasbourg metropolitan area, one of France's major urban centers and an important location for European governance. Strasbourg hosts several major European institutions, including the European Parliament (which holds plenary sessions there), the Council of Europe, and the European Court of Human Rights. This presence has made Strasbourg a symbol of European integration and human rights.

The commune's membership in the Eurometropolis of Strasbourg provides its residents with access to shared services and infrastructure that would be difficult to maintain independently. This includes public transportation networks, cultural facilities, and economic development initiatives. The proximity to Strasbourg also offers employment opportunities, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities that serve the broader metropolitan area.

Kolbsheim maintains a local identity while being integrated into the broader regional structure, representing the balance between local community life and metropolitan connectivity that characterizes many French communes in the Strasbourg area. The commune's website (https://kolbsheim.fr) provides information about local services, community events, and municipal governance for its residents.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
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 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. 2017](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2560698)