# Moustiers-Sainte-Marie

> commune in Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, France

**Wikidata**: [Q244546](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q244546)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moustiers-Sainte-Marie)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/moustiers-sainte-marie

## Summary
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is a commune located in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department within the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of southeastern France. It is administratively part of the canton of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie and the arrondissement of Digne-les-Bains, serving as a specific territorial subdivision of the French state. The entity is recognized as one of "The Most Beautiful Villages of France," highlighting its cultural and aesthetic significance within the nation.

## Key Facts
- **Entity Type**: Commune in France (territorial subdivision for municipalities).
- **Location**: Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department, France.
- **Administrative Division**: Part of the canton of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.
- **Arrondissement**: Located within the arrondissement of Digne-les-Bains.
- **Coordinates**: Latitude 43.8475, Longitude 6.2211111111111.
- **Population Data**: Historical and recent estimates include 684, 693, 718, 709, 711, 535, 602, 575, 580, 625, 696, 698, 720, 718, 706, 695, and 683.
- **Official Website**: https://www.ville-moustiers-sainte-marie.fr/
- **Wikipedia Title**: Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.
- **Wikidata Description**: Commune in Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, France.
- **Sitelink Count**: 55 (indicating presence across 55 language Wikipedias).
- **Country Context**: France, a semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with overseas territories.
- **Department Inception**: Alpes-de-Haute-Provence established on March 4, 1790.
- **Commune Inception**: The commune status in France dates to 1789.
- **Association Membership**: Member of "The Most Beautiful Villages of France" (founded March 6, 1982).

## FAQs
**What is the administrative hierarchy of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie?**
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie functions as a commune, which is the lowest level of administrative division in France. It falls under the jurisdiction of the arrondissement of Digne-les-Bains and the canton of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, both situated within the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department.

**How does the population of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie fluctuate?**
The population of the commune has varied over time, with recorded figures ranging from a low of 535 to a high of 720. Specific data points include counts of 684, 693, 718, 709, 711, 575, 580, 625, 696, 698, 706, 695, and 683, reflecting demographic shifts in the area.

**What distinguishes Moustiers-Sainte-Marie from other French communes?**
The commune is distinguished by its inclusion in the association "The Most Beautiful Villages of France," an independent organization founded in 1982 to promote villages of high quality and heritage. This designation sets it apart as a location of significant aesthetic and cultural value within the country.

**Where can official information about Moustiers-Sainte-Marie be found?**
Official information regarding the commune is accessible through its dedicated website at https://www.ville-moustiers-sainte-marie.fr/. Additionally, the entity is documented on Wikipedia under the title "Moustiers-Sainte-Marie" and holds a Wikidata entry with 55 language sitelinks.

## Why It Matters
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie matters as a preserved example of French rural heritage and a key component of the national tourism landscape. Its designation as one of "The Most Beautiful Villages of France" underscores its role in maintaining the cultural identity and architectural integrity of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence region. As a commune within a department established during the French Revolution (1790), it represents the continuity of local governance structures that have defined French territorial organization since 1789. The entity's presence in 55 different language Wikipedias highlights its international recognition and importance as a destination for global travelers seeking authentic French experiences.

## Notable For
- **Prestigious Designation**: Recognized as a member of "The Most Beautiful Villages of France," an association established in 1982.
- **Geographic Precision**: Defined by specific coordinates at latitude 43.8475 and longitude 6.2211111111111.
- **Administrative Integration**: Serves as a constituent part of the canton of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie and the arrondissement of Digne-les-Bains.
- **Demographic History**: Maintains a recorded population history with data points spanning from 535 to 720 residents.
- **Digital Presence**: Features a dedicated official website and a robust multilingual Wikipedia presence with 55 sitelinks.
- **Regional Context**: Located in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, a department created on March 4, 1790, during the reorganization of France.

## Body

### Geographic and Administrative Location
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is situated in the southeastern part of France, specifically within the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department. Geographically, it is positioned at latitude 43.8475 and longitude 6.2211111111111. Administratively, the commune is nested within the arrondissement of Digne-les-Bains. It also serves as the namesake and primary component of the canton of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. This commune is a territorial subdivision of the French Republic, a country that operates as a semi-presidential unitary state. The department of Alpes-de-Haute-Provence itself was established on March 4, 1790, as part of the revolutionary reorganization of French territory. The commune status for Moustiers-Sainte-Marie traces its legal inception to 1789, aligning with the broader creation of communes across France.

### Demographics and Population Trends
The population of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie has experienced fluctuations over recorded periods. Data points indicate a range of population figures, including 684, 693, 718, 709, 711, 535, 602, 575, 580, 625, 696, 698, 720, 718, 706, 695, and 683. These figures reflect the dynamic nature of the commune's demographic profile. The population data is part of the broader statistical framework of France, which had an estimated population of 68,605,616 as of January 1, 2025. While specific birth and death rates for the commune are not detailed in the source, the national context includes a birth rate of 10.6 per 1,000 and a death rate of 9.8 per 1,000. The commune's small population size places it within the category of rural municipalities typical of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence region.

### Cultural Recognition and Associations
A defining characteristic of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is its membership in "The Most Beautiful Villages of France." This independent association was founded on March 6, 1982, with the goal of promoting villages that possess high quality and heritage value. The association is headquartered in France and operates within the tourism and cultural heritage industry. Being part of this network distinguishes Moustiers-Sainte-Marie from other communes by highlighting its aesthetic and historical significance. This recognition contributes to the commune's identity as a destination for cultural tourism, leveraging its natural and architectural beauty. The association's inception in 1982 marks a specific era of French efforts to preserve and promote rural heritage sites.

### Digital Presence and Information Resources
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie maintains a significant digital footprint to serve residents and visitors. The official website for the commune is located at https://www.ville-moustiers-sainte-marie.fr/. This platform serves as the primary source for municipal information, services, and news. The entity is also well-documented on Wikipedia under the title "Moustiers-Sainte-Marie," which has generated 55 sitelinks across different language versions. This extensive multilingual presence indicates a high level of international interest and accessibility. The Wikidata entry for the commune provides structured data, including its description as a "commune in Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, France," ensuring consistency across knowledge bases.

### Historical and National Context
The existence of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is deeply rooted in the history of the French state. The commune is part of a nation whose origins can be traced back to the Treaty of Verdun in 843, which established West Francia. The modern French state has evolved through various regimes, including the First French Empire proclaimed in 1804, before settling into the current Fifth Republic established in 1958. The department of Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, where the commune resides, was created during the French Revolution on March 4, 1790. This historical timeline places Moustiers-Sainte-Marie within a continuous administrative framework that has shaped French territorial organization for over two centuries. The commune operates under the national laws and standards of France, including the use of the Euro (in metropolitan France), the French language, and the metric system.

## 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. Czech National Authority Database
8. Annuaire de service-public.fr
9. Recensement de la population 2015. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies. 2017
10. Populations légales 2016
11. Populations légales 2017
12. Populations légales 2018
13. [Populations légales communales depuis 1968. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies](https://www.insee.fr/fr/statistiques/2522602)
14. Populations légales 2019
15. Populations légales 2020
16. Populations légales 2021
17. Populations de référence 2022
18. Populations de référence 2023
19. [Code officiel géographique](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/3363419)
20. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies
21. GeoNames
22. [répertoire géographique des communes. 2015](https://wxs-telechargement.ign.fr/83edtfdyqte031y0ra49d2e3/telechargement/inspire/RGC-2015-01$RGC2015/file/RGC2015.7z)
23. [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)
24. [Mairie de Moustiers-Sainte-Marie: Overview | LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/mairie-de-moustiers-sainte-marie/)
25. [Code officiel géographique. 2017](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2560698)