# Obernai

> commune in Bas-Rhin, France

**Wikidata**: [Q22727](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q22727)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obernai)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/obernai

## Summary

Obernai is a commune in the Bas-Rhin department in the Grand Est region of northeastern France, located in the historical territory of Alsace. It serves as a subprefecture and the seat of the canton of Obernai, situated within the arrondissement of Sélestat-Erstein. The town, known historically by its German name Oberehnheim, is home to approximately 12,500 residents and features a website at http://www.obernai.fr.

## Key Facts

- **Location**: Obernai is located in northeastern France in the Bas-Rhin department of the Grand Est region
- **Administrative Status**: Subprefecture and seat of the canton of Obernai
- **Arrondissement**: Part of the arrondissement of Sélestat-Erstein
- **Historical Territory**: Situated in Unterelsaß (Lower Alsace), part of the historical region of Alsace-Lorraine
- **Coordinates**: Latitude 48.462222222222°, Longitude 7.4819444444444°
- **Country**: France
- **Population**: Approximately 12,587 residents (most recent figure provided)
- **Alternative Name**: Oberehnheim (German name)
- **Website**: http://www.obernai.fr
- **Wikidata Description**: commune in Bas-Rhin, France
- **Wikipedia Title**: Obernai
- **Sitelink Count**: 58
- **Political Party**: Parti égalité et justice (founded 2015) has its headquarters in Obernai
- **Nearby Castle**: Château de la Leonardsau is situated in the nearby commune of Bœrsch

## FAQs

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

Obernai is located in the Grand Est region of northeastern France, specifically in the Bas-Rhin department. It is part of the arrondissement of Sélestat-Erstein and serves as the seat of the canton of Obernai.

**What is the historical background of Obernai's name?**

Obernai was historically known by its German name Oberehnheim. The town is situated in Unterelsaß (Lower Alsace), which was part of the imperial territory of Elsaß-Lothringen (Alsace-Lorraine) in the German Empire from 1871 to 1918.

**What political organizations are based in Obernai?**

The political party Parti égalité et justice, founded in January 2015, has its headquarters in Obernai. This is the only political party specifically mentioned as being headquartered in the commune.

**What are Obernai's administrative connections?**

Obernai is a commune in the Bas-Rhin department, which is part of the European Collectivity of Alsace. The department was established on March 4, 1790. The commune falls under the arrondissement of Sélestat-Erstein and serves as the seat of the canton of Obernai, which was formally established on March 22, 2015.

**What notable buildings or landmarks are near Obernai?**

The Château de la Leonardsau, a French castle built in 1900, is situated in the nearby commune of Bœrsch, which is in proximity to Obernai.

**What is the population of Obernai?**

The population of Obernai has been recorded at various figures, with the most recent provided figure being approximately 12,587 residents. Historical population figures include 10,932; 10,751; 11,461; 11,279; 11,350; 11,765; 12,015; 12,216; and 12,303.

## Why It Matters

Obernai matters as a significant commune in the Alsace region, representing the cultural and administrative heritage of northeastern France. As a subprefecture and the seat of the canton of Obernai, it serves as an important administrative center for the surrounding area. The town's historical significance is tied to its location in Alsace-Lorraine, a region that has experienced complex territorial changes between France and Germany throughout history. The presence of the political party Parti égalité et justice, founded in 2015 and headquartered in Obernai, demonstrates the commune's continued relevance in contemporary French political life. Additionally, Obernai's position within the Bas-Rhin department and its proximity to the German border makes it strategically important for cross-border relations and cultural exchange between France and Germany.

## Notable For

- **Administrative Center**: Serves as a subprefecture and the seat of the canton of Obernai
- **Historical Significance**: Located in Unterelsaß (Lower Alsace), part of Alsace-Lorraine during German imperial rule (1871-1918)
- **Political Activity**: Headquarters of Parti égalité et justice, a political party founded in 2015
- **Regional Importance**: Part of the arrondissement of Sélestat-Erstein in the Bas-Rhin department
- **Bilingual Heritage**: Known by both its French name (Obernai) and German name (Oberehnheim)

## Body

### Geography and Location

Obernai is a commune situated in northeastern France in the Bas-Rhin department, which is part of the Grand Est region. The town is located at coordinates 48.462222222222° latitude and 7.4819444444444° longitude. Geographically, Obernai lies in the historical region of Alsace, specifically in the area known as Unterelsaß (Lower Alsace). The commune is part of the arrondissement of Sélestat-Erstein, which organizes administrative matters at the sub-departmental level. As a subprefecture, Obernai serves as an important administrative center for the surrounding area, hosting government offices and services that serve the local population.

### Administrative History

The administrative structure of Obernai reflects the complex history of the Alsace region. The Bas-Rhin department was established on March 4, 1790, during the French Revolution, as part of the reorganization of French administrative divisions. Obernai is situated in what was historically known as Unterelsaß, which was the central district (Bezirk) of the imperial territory of Elsaß-Lothringen (Alsace-Lorraine) in the German Empire from 1871 to 1918. This territorial history explains the bilingual nature of many place names in the region, with Obernai also known by its German name Oberehnheim. The current administrative arrangement places Obernai within the European Collectivity of Alsace, a regional structure that was established to preserve and promote the unique cultural identity of the Alsace region.

### Administrative Structure and Governance

Obernai serves as the seat of the canton of Obernai, an administrative division used for elections to the departmental council. The canton of Obernai was formally established on March 22, 2015, as part of a reorganization of French cantonal boundaries. As a subprefecture, Obernai hosts administrative offices that handle various government functions for the surrounding area, including police, administrative services, and other governmental operations. The commune operates under the general framework of French municipal government, with a mayor and municipal council serving as the local governing body. The administrative structure follows the standard French system of communes, which are the lowest-level territorial subdivisions in France, a system that dates back to 1789.

### Demographics and Population

Obernai has a population of approximately 12,587 residents according to the most recent figures provided. The population has shown growth over time, with historical figures showing populations of 10,932; 10,751; 11,461; 11,279; 11,350; 11,765; 12,015; 12,216; and 12,303 at various points in time. This steady population growth reflects Obernai's role as a regional center and its attractiveness as a place to live in the Alsace region. The commune's population size places it among the mid-sized communes in the Bas-Rhin department, which is one of the most densely populated departments in France due to its proximity to Germany and its economic opportunities.

### Political Life

Obernai is notable as the headquarters of Parti égalité et justice (Party for Equality and Justice), a political party founded in January 2015 with its headquarters located in Obernai. This political formation represents the commune's ongoing significance in French political life. The presence of a political party's headquarters in Obernai demonstrates that the commune serves not only as an administrative center but also as a hub for political organization and activity in the region. The party was founded in 2015 and maintains its headquarters in Obernai, indicating the town's relevance in contemporary French politics.

### Regional Connections and Nearby Landmarks

Obernai is connected to various other communes and landmarks in the region. The Château de la Leonardsau, a French castle constructed in 1900, is situated in the nearby commune of Bœrsch. This castle represents the architectural heritage of the Alsace region and is located in proximity to Obernai, making it accessible to residents and visitors of the area. The relationship between Obernai and surrounding communes like Bœrsch reflects the interconnected nature of the Alsace region, where communes share cultural, historical, and administrative ties.

### Cultural and Historical Significance

The bilingual identity of Obernai, known in French as Obernai and in German as Oberehnheim, reflects the complex cultural history of the Alsace region. This region has changed hands multiple times between France and Germany throughout history, most notably during the period when Alsace-Lorraine was part of the German Empire from 1871 to 1918. The town's historical name Oberehnheim is still recognized and used, particularly in historical contexts and by German-speaking populations. This cultural duality is a defining characteristic of Obernai and the broader Alsace region, where French and German influences coexist and create a unique cultural identity.

### Administrative Classification

Obernai is classified as a commune of France, which is the lowest level of territorial organization in the French administrative system. Communes in France are analogous to municipalities in other countries and serve as the basic unit of local government. The commune of Obernai falls under the jurisdiction of the Bas-Rhin department and the Grand Est region, with additional administrative layers provided by the arrondissement of Sélestat-Erstein and the canton of Obernai. This multi-layered administrative structure ensures that local governance is complemented by regional and departmental coordination, allowing for efficient administration of local affairs while maintaining coherence with broader regional and national policies.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. dataset of postal codes in France. 2018
3. INSEE code
4. [Source](https://lingualibre.org/wiki/Q781091)
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. 2017](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2560698)
18. [Code officiel géographique](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/3363419)
19. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies
20. GeoNames
21. [répertoire géographique des communes. 2015](https://wxs-telechargement.ign.fr/83edtfdyqte031y0ra49d2e3/telechargement/inspire/RGC-2015-01$RGC2015/file/RGC2015.7z)
22. [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)
23. Quora
24. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiort.php)