# Larnage

> commune in Drôme, France

**Wikidata**: [Q655387](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q655387)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larnage)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/larnage

## Summary
Larnage is a commune located in the Drôme department of France, within the arrondissement of Valence. It is a small municipal subdivision with a population that has fluctuated between 526 and 1,102 residents over recorded years, situated at coordinates 45.0969°N, 4.8639°E.

## Key Facts
- **Type**: Commune (municipality) in France.
- **Location**: Drôme department, Valence arrondissement, France.
- **Coordinates**: 45.0969°N, 4.8639°E.
- **Population**: Recorded figures include 1,039 (201X), 1,071 (201X), 1,102 (201X), 1,078 (201X), 1,067 (201X), 526 (historical), 566 (historical), 631 (historical), 663 (historical), 770 (historical), 965 (historical), 1,002 (historical), 1,057 (historical), 1,046 (historical), 1,044 (historical), 1,029 (historical), and 1,009 (historical).
- **Inception of Drôme Department**: March 4, 1790.
- **Inception of French Communes**: 1789 (post-French Revolution).
- **Website**: [www.larnage.fr](http://www.larnage.fr).
- **Wikidata Sitelinks**: 41 references across languages.
- **Administrative Hierarchy**:
  - **Country**: France.
  - **Department**: Drôme (created 1790).
  - **Arrondissement**: Valence.
- **Classification**: Territorial subdivision for municipalities in France.

## FAQs

**Where is Larnage located?**
Larnage is situated in the Drôme department of France, within the arrondissement of Valence. Its precise coordinates are 45.0969°N latitude and 4.8639°E longitude, placing it in the southeastern part of the country.

**What is the population of Larnage?**
The population of Larnage has varied over time, with recorded figures ranging from 526 to 1,102 residents. Recent data points include 1,039, 1,071, and 1,102 inhabitants, reflecting fluctuations typical of small rural communes.

**When was the Drôme department created?**
The Drôme department, where Larnage is located, was established on March 4, 1790, during the early phases of the French Revolution as part of the administrative reorganization of France.

**What type of administrative unit is Larnage?**
Larnage is a *commune*, the smallest administrative division in France, equivalent to a municipality. Communes were introduced in 1789 to replace the pre-revolutionary parish system and remain the fundamental unit of local governance.

**Is Larnage part of a larger administrative region?**
Yes, Larnage is part of the Valence arrondissement, which is a subdivision of the Drôme department. The arrondissement of Valence oversees multiple communes, including Larnage, and is one of three arrondissements in Drôme.

## Why It Matters
Larnage exemplifies the administrative and cultural fabric of rural France, representing the enduring structure of the *commune* system established during the French Revolution. As one of over 35,000 communes in France, it plays a role in local governance, preserving regional identity, and maintaining services for its residents. Its location in Drôme—a department known for its agricultural heritage, historic villages, and proximity to the Rhône Valley—highlights the diversity of France’s territorial organization. While small in population, communes like Larnage are vital to the decentralized administration of France, ensuring that local needs are addressed within the broader national framework.

## Notable For
- **Historical Continuity**: As a commune, Larnage is part of a system dating back to 1789, reflecting France’s long-standing tradition of local self-governance.
- **Demographic Variability**: Its population has experienced notable fluctuations, illustrating broader trends in rural French demographics.
- **Geographic Position**: Located in Drôme, it is situated in a region known for its scenic landscapes, vineyards, and historical sites, contributing to the cultural and economic life of southeastern France.
- **Administrative Role**: Serves as a basic unit of local government, responsible for services such as schools, waste management, and urban planning within its jurisdiction.

## Body

### Geography and Location
Larnage is located in the Drôme department of France, which is part of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in southeastern France. The commune lies within the arrondissement of Valence, one of the three arrondissements in Drôme. Its geographic coordinates are 45.0969°N latitude and 4.8639°E longitude, placing it in a region characterized by a mix of agricultural land, rolling hills, and proximity to the Rhône River.

The Drôme department is bordered by the departments of Ardèche, Isère, Hautes-Alpes, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, and Vaucluse. It is known for its diverse landscapes, including the Drôme Provençale in the south, which features Mediterranean climates and lavender fields, and the more alpine northern areas near the Vercors massif.

### Administrative Structure
Larnage is classified as a *commune*, the smallest administrative division in France. The commune system was established in 1789 during the French Revolution to replace the pre-existing parish-based local governance. Each commune is an independent entity with its own mayor (*maire*) and municipal council, responsible for local administration, public services, and land-use planning.

The Drôme department, where Larnage is situated, was created on March 4, 1790, as part of the broader administrative reforms following the Revolution. Drôme is divided into three arrondissements—Valence, Die, and Nyons—with Valence being the most populous and economically significant. The arrondissement of Valence includes multiple cantons and communes, with Larnage being one of them.

### Demographics
The population of Larnage has shown variability over time, with recorded figures including:
- 526 (historical)
- 566 (historical)
- 631 (historical)
- 663 (historical)
- 770 (historical)
- 965 (historical)
- 1,002 (historical)
- 1,039 (recent)
- 1,044 (recent)
- 1,046 (recent)
- 1,057 (recent)
- 1,067 (recent)
- 1,071 (recent)
- 1,078 (recent)
- 1,029 (recent)
- 1,009 (recent)
- 1,102 (peak)

These fluctuations reflect broader trends in rural French demographics, including migration to urban areas, economic changes, and shifts in local industry. The commune’s population density and growth rates are typical of small rural municipalities in France, which often face challenges related to aging populations and youth outmigration.

### History and Context
The establishment of Larnage as a commune is tied to the broader history of French administrative reforms. The *commune* system was introduced in 1789 to decentralize power and replace the feudal structures of the *Ancien Régime*. This system was further formalized with the creation of departments in 1790, including Drôme, which was carved out of the former province of Dauphiné.

Drôme’s history is marked by its strategic location along the Rhône River, which facilitated trade and cultural exchange. The department has been influenced by various historical periods, including Roman occupation, medieval feudalism, and the industrialization of the 19th century. Larnage, as part of this department, shares in this historical legacy, though specific details about its early history are not provided in the source material.

### Governance and Services
As a commune, Larnage is governed by a municipal council (*conseil municipal*) led by a mayor. The council is responsible for local affairs, including:
- **Public Services**: Management of schools, waste collection, water supply, and local roads.
- **Urban Planning**: Zoning regulations, building permits, and land-use policies.
- **Cultural and Social Programs**: Local festivals, community centers, and support for associations.
- **Economic Development**: Promotion of local businesses, tourism, and agricultural activities.

The commune operates within the legal and administrative framework of the French Republic, adhering to national laws while retaining autonomy over local matters. It is also subject to oversight by the Drôme department and the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes regional council.

### Related Administrative Entities
Larnage is connected to several higher-level administrative entities:
- **Drôme Department**: Created in 1790, Drôme is one of the original 83 departments of France. It is named after the Drôme River and is known for its agricultural output, including fruits, wine, and truffles.
- **Arrondissement of Valence**: This arrondissement is the most populous in Drôme and includes the city of Valence, a regional hub for commerce, education, and transportation. The arrondissement oversees multiple cantons and communes, providing intermediate-level administration between the department and individual communes.
- **Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region**: Formed in 2016 through the merger of Auvergne and Rhône-Alpes, this region is one of the largest in France by area and population. It is a major economic center, home to cities like Lyon, Grenoble, and Saint-Étienne.

### Online Presence
Larnage maintains an official website at [www.larnage.fr](http://www.larnage.fr), which likely provides information on local services, events, and administrative procedures. The commune’s Wikidata entry includes 41 sitelinks, indicating its presence in multiple language editions of Wikipedia and other Wikimedia projects.

### Cultural and Economic Context
While specific cultural or economic details about Larnage are not provided, its location in Drôme suggests ties to the region’s broader characteristics:
- **Agriculture**: Drôme is known for its production of wine (e.g., Clairette de Die, Crozes-Hermitage), lavender, truffles, and fruits like apricots and cherries.
- **Tourism**: The department attracts visitors to its medieval villages (e.g., Grignan, Mirmande), natural parks (e.g., Vercors Regional Natural Park), and outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling.
- **Industry**: Historically, Drôme had industries related to textiles, paper, and metallurgy, though modern economic activity is more diversified.

### Comparative Significance
As one of thousands of communes in France, Larnage is representative of the country’s commitment to local governance and decentralization. Its small size and rural character contrast with larger urban communes but are essential to maintaining France’s administrative cohesion. The variability in its population reflects broader demographic challenges faced by rural areas, including aging populations and economic shifts.

### Future Outlook
The future of Larnage, like many small French communes, may depend on factors such as:
- **Economic Diversification**: Developing local industries or tourism to sustain the population.
- **Infrastructure Investments**: Improving transportation links to nearby urban centers like Valence.
- **Demographic Policies**: Attracting new residents through housing initiatives or remote work opportunities.
- **Environmental Sustainability**: Leveraging Drôme’s natural assets for eco-tourism or renewable energy projects.

While specific plans for Larnage are not detailed in the source material, its continued existence as a commune ensures its role in the broader administrative and cultural landscape of France.

## 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 communales depuis 1968. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies](https://www.insee.fr/fr/statistiques/2522602)
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)