# Oraison

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

**Wikidata**: [Q501501](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q501501)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oraison)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/oraison

## Summary
Oraison is a commune located in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department within the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of southeastern France. It serves as a distinct administrative subdivision of the French Republic, situated at coordinates 43.917222222222° N, 5.9186111111111° E. The entity is historically linked to the canton of Mées (prior to 2015) and currently belongs to the canton of Oraison (established in 2015).

## Key Facts
- **Entity Type**: Commune in France (territorial subdivision for municipalities).
- **Location**: Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department, France.
- **Coordinates**: Latitude 43.917222222222, Longitude 5.9186111111111.
- **Population Data**: Historical and recent estimates include 2,667; 2,702; 2,963; 3,509; 4,114; 4,867; 5,484; 5,716; 5,854; 5,867; 5,882; 5,891; 5,920; 5,981; 6,005; 6,042; and 6,155.
- **Administrative History**: Previously part of the canton of Mées (dissolved in March 2015).
- **Current Administrative Division**: Part of the canton of Oraison (inception: March 22, 2015).
- **Arrondissements**: Located within the arrondissement of Forcalquier and the arrondissement of Digne-les-Bains.
- **Alternative Name**: Aurason.
- **Official Websites**: http://www.oraison.com and http://www.oraison.fr.
- **Wikidata ID**:  (Country context), Sitelink count: 43.
- **Wikipedia Title**: Oraison.
- **Country Context**: France (Inception: 843 AD via Treaty of Verdun; First French Empire: 1804).

## FAQs
**What is the administrative status of Oraison within France?**
Oraison is classified as a commune, which is the lowest level of administrative division in the French Republic. It falls under the jurisdiction of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department and is currently organized within the canton of Oraison.

**How has the population of Oraison changed over time?**
The commune has experienced significant population growth, with recorded figures ranging from a low of 2,667 to a high of 6,155 across various census periods. Recent data points indicate a population hovering around 5,700 to 6,000 residents.

**Which larger administrative regions does Oraison belong to?**
Oraison is situated in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department and is associated with both the arrondissement of Forcalquier and the arrondissement of Digne-les-Bains. Historically, it was part of the canton of Mées before the administrative reorganization in 2015.

**What are the geographic coordinates of Oraison?**
The commune is located at latitude 43.917222222222 and longitude 5.9186111111111. These coordinates place it within the broader territory of France in Western Europe.

**Are there alternative names or online resources for Oraison?**
Yes, the commune is also known by the alias "Aurason." Official information can be accessed through two primary websites: http://www.oraison.com and http://www.oraison.fr.

## Why It Matters
Oraison matters as a specific example of the decentralized administrative structure of the French Republic, illustrating how local governance is organized through communes, cantons, and arrondissements. Its evolution from the canton of Mées to the canton of Oraison in 2015 reflects the ongoing administrative reforms within the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department. As a populated commune with a growing demographic profile, it contributes to the economic and social fabric of southeastern France. The entity serves as a data point for understanding regional demographics, as its population fluctuations from the 2,000s to the 6,000s range provide insight into rural and semi-urban development trends in the region.

## Notable For
- **Administrative Transition**: Successfully transitioned from the canton of Mées to the newly formed canton of Oraison in March 2015.
- **Dual Arrondissement Association**: Uniquely associated with both the arrondissement of Forcalquier and the arrondissement of Digne-les-Bains.
- **Population Growth**: Demonstrated a more than doubling of its population from historical lows (2,667) to recent highs (6,155).
- **Historical Alias**: Retains the historical name "Aurason" alongside its current designation.
- **Digital Presence**: Maintains dual official web presences at .com and .fr domains.
- **Geographic Precision**: Defined by precise coordinates (43.917222222222, 5.9186111111111) within the French territorial grid.

## Body

### Administrative Structure and Governance
Oraison operates as a commune, the fundamental unit of local administration in France. This status was established during the inception of the commune system in 1789. The entity is situated within the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department, which was created on March 4, 1790. Administratively, Oraison is linked to two specific arrondissements: the arrondissement of Forcalquier and the arrondissement of Digne-les-Bains. Historically, the commune was part of the canton of Mées, an administrative division that existed until March 2015. Following the reorganization of French cantons, Oraison became the seat of the canton of Oraison, which was officially established on March 22, 2015. The country of France, under which Oraison falls, is a semi-presidential republic with a unitary state structure.

### Demographics and Population Trends
The population of Oraison has shown a clear trajectory of growth over recorded periods. Data points indicate a starting population of 2,667, rising through stages of 2,702, 2,963, 3,509, 4,114, 4,867, and 5,484. More recent figures show the population reaching 5,716, 5,854, 5,867, 5,882, 5,891, 5,920, 5,981, 6,005, 6,042, and peaking at 6,155 in the provided dataset. This demographic expansion places the commune within the context of the broader French population, which was estimated at 68,605,616 as of January 1, 2025. The commune's growth reflects the dynamic nature of settlement patterns in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence region.

### Geography and Location
Geographically, Oraison is positioned at latitude 43.917222222222 and longitude 5.9186111111111. This location places it within the territory of France, a country primarily located in Western Europe but extending to other continents through overseas territories. The commune is part of the metropolitan France region, which shares borders with countries such as Belgium, Germany, Italy, and Spain. The specific coordinates allow for precise mapping within the French national grid. The entity is distinct from the overseas territories of France, which are located in the Americas, Africa, and Oceania.

### Historical Context and National Framework
The existence of Oraison is framed by the history of the French state. The origins of France trace back to the Treaty of Verdun in 843, which established West Francia. The state has undergone various transformations, including the First French Empire proclaimed in 1804. The commune system itself dates back to 1789. Oraison's administrative history includes its time within the canton of Mées until 2015, followed by the creation of the canton of Oraison. The country operates under the Fifth Republic, established by the constitution of October 4, 1958. The national motto is "Liberté, égalité, fraternité," and the currency used is the Euro (EUR).

### Digital and Informational Presence
Oraison maintains an online presence through two official websites: http://www.oraison.com and http://www.oraison.fr. These digital resources serve as primary information channels for the commune. The entity is cataloged in Wikidata with a sitelink count of 43, indicating its recognition across various language versions of Wikipedia. The Wikipedia title for the entity is "Oraison," and it is described as a commune in Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, France. The alternative name "Aurason" is also recognized in the entity's aliases. The commune's data is integrated into the broader French national database, which includes ISO codes (FR, FRA, 250) and calling codes (+33).

## References

1. [Sandre](https://www.sandre.eaufrance.fr/geo/CoursEau/X---0000)
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. BnF authorities
4. dataset of postal codes in France. 2018
5. INSEE code
6. répertoire géographique des communes
7. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
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. Flickr Shapefiles Public Dataset 2.0
20. [Code officiel géographique. 2017](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2560698)
21. [Code officiel géographique](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/3363419)
22. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies
23. GeoNames
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25. [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)
26. Quora
27. [Code officiel géographique. 2020](https://www.data.gouv.fr/fr/datasets/r/8442dfae-a878-49c6-be4c-20689b1c337c)
28. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File