# Lierval

> commune in Aisne, France

**Wikidata**: [Q784551](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q784551)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lierval)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/lierval

## Summary
Lierval is a commune located in the Aisne department within the Hauts-de-France region of northern France. Situated in the arrondissement of Laon and formerly part of the canton of Craonne, it is a small municipality with a population fluctuating between 75 and 132 residents based on recorded census data. The commune is historically significant for receiving the Croix de guerre 1914–1918, a French military decoration awarded for its role during World War I.

## Key Facts
- **Entity Type**: Commune of France (territorial subdivision for municipalities).
- **Location**: Aisne department, France.
- **Administrative Division**: Arrondissement of Laon.
- **Former Administrative Division**: Canton of Craonne (until March 2015).
- **Geographic Coordinates**: Latitude 49.484166666667, Longitude 3.6166666666667.
- **Population Data**: Recorded figures include 75, 85, 94, 107, 112, 113, 114, 116, 117, 118, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, and 132.
- **Military Honor**: Recipient of the Croix de guerre 1914–1918 (inception: April 2, 1915).
- **Country Context**: Part of France, a semi-presidential republic with its origins in West Francia (843 AD) and the First French Empire (1804).
- **Wikipedia Title**: Lierval.
- **Wikidata Description**: Commune in Aisne, France.
- **Sitelink Count**: 44.

## FAQs
**Where is Lierval located administratively?**
Lierval is a commune situated in the Aisne department of France, falling under the jurisdiction of the arrondissement of Laon. Historically, it was part of the canton of Craonne until administrative reorganization occurred in March 2015.

**What is the population size of Lierval?**
The population of Lierval varies across different census records, with specific data points ranging from a low of 75 residents to a high of 132. These figures reflect the demographic fluctuations of this small municipality over time.

**Why was Lierval awarded the Croix de guerre?**
The commune was decorated with the Croix de guerre 1914–1918, a French military honor established on April 2, 1915, to recognize acts of bravery or service during World War I. This award signifies the commune's contribution or suffering during the conflict.

**How is Lierval classified in French geography?**
Lierval is classified as a "commune of France," which serves as the lowest level of territorial subdivision in the country. This status was established in 1789, making it a fundamental unit of French local administration.

## Why It Matters
Lierval serves as a microcosm of French rural history and administrative structure, representing the thousands of small municipalities that form the backbone of the French Republic. Its significance lies in its preservation of local identity within the broader context of the Aisne department and its historical recognition for wartime sacrifice. The awarding of the Croix de guerre 1914–1918 highlights the commune's direct involvement in the global conflict of the early 20th century, marking it as a site of historical memory. Furthermore, Lierval illustrates the evolution of French administrative geography, having transitioned from the canton of Craonne to its current status, reflecting the ongoing modernization of local governance. As a specific entity with defined coordinates and population metrics, it contributes to the granular data necessary for national planning, historical research, and geographic information systems.

## Notable For
- **Military Distinction**: Recipient of the Croix de guerre 1914–1918, recognizing its role in World War I.
- **Administrative History**: Formerly part of the canton of Craonne prior to the March 2015 reorganization.
- **Geographic Specificity**: Defined by precise coordinates of 49.484166666667° N, 3.6166666666667° E.
- **Demographic Range**: Documented population figures spanning from 75 to 132 inhabitants across various census years.
- **Regional Integration**: A constituent part of the arrondissement of Laon within the Aisne department.
- **Digital Presence**: Maintains a dedicated Wikipedia entry and a Wikidata profile with 44 cross-references.

## Body
### Geographic and Administrative Positioning
Lierval is geographically anchored in the Aisne department of France, a region in the northern part of the country. Its precise location is marked by the coordinates 49.484166666667 latitude and 3.6166666666667 longitude. Administratively, the commune falls under the arrondissement of Laon, which serves as a sub-prefecture for the department. Historically, Lierval was included in the canton of Craonne, a division that existed until March 2015, after which the cantonal boundaries were restructured. As a "commune of France," Lierval represents the foundational tier of French territorial subdivision, a system that originated in 1789. This status places it within the legal and political framework of the French Republic, which is a unitary semi-presidential state.

### Demographic Data and Population Trends
The demographic profile of Lierval is characterized by a small and fluctuating population. Census data and statistical records provide a range of population figures for the commune, including 75, 85, 94, 107, 112, 113, 114, 116, 117, 118, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, and 132. These numbers indicate the variability in resident counts over different reporting periods. The population figures are essential for understanding the scale of the municipality, which remains a small rural entity within the broader context of the Aisne department. The data points reflect the dynamic nature of rural demographics in France, where population shifts can occur due to migration, economic factors, or changes in census methodology.

### Historical Recognition and Military Honors
A defining characteristic of Lierval's history is its receipt of the Croix de guerre 1914–1918. This French military decoration was established on April 2, 1915, to honor acts of heroism during World War I. The awarding of this distinction to the commune signifies that Lierval, or its inhabitants, played a significant role in the conflict, either through direct combat, support, or suffering due to the war's devastation. The Croix de guerre is a prestigious honor that links the commune to the national narrative of French resilience and sacrifice during the Great War. This recognition is a permanent part of the commune's identity, distinguishing it from other municipalities that did not receive such awards.

### National Context and Broader Connections
Lierval exists within the complex framework of the French state, which traces its origins to the Treaty of Verdun in 843 AD and the subsequent establishment of West Francia. The modern French Republic, of which Lierval is a part, operates under the Fifth Republic constitution established in 1958. The country is a founding member of the European Union and a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. While Lierval is a small commune, it benefits from and contributes to the national infrastructure, including the use of the Euro currency, the French language, and the national legal system. The commune is also connected to the global community through France's extensive network of international relations, including membership in NATO, the G7, and the G20. The specific data regarding Lierval, such as its sitelink count of 44 and its Wikipedia title, reflects its integration into the digital knowledge ecosystem, allowing for global access to information about this local entity.

## References

1. dataset of postal codes in France. 2018
2. INSEE code
3. répertoire géographique des communes
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. Annuaire de service-public.fr
6. Recensement de la population 2015. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies. 2017
7. Populations légales 2016
8. Populations légales 2017
9. Populations légales 2018
10. [Populations légales communales depuis 1968. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies](https://www.insee.fr/fr/statistiques/2522602)
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. 2020](https://www.data.gouv.fr/fr/datasets/r/8442dfae-a878-49c6-be4c-20689b1c337c)
22. [Code officiel géographique. 2017](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2560698)