# Osthouse > commune in Bas-Rhin, France **Wikidata**: [Q21424](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q21424) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osthouse) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/osthouse ## Summary Osthouse is a commune located in the Bas-Rhin department in the Alsace region of northeastern France. Situated at coordinates 48.4025°N latitude and 7.6430555555556°E longitude, the municipality belongs to the arrondissement of Sélestat-Erstein and represents one of the local administrative divisions within the French territorial system. The commune has a historical connection to the broader Alsace-Lorraine territory, which changed hands between France and Germany multiple times throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. ## Key Facts - **Official Name**: Osthouse - **Wikipedia Title**: Osthouse - **Wikidata Description**: commune in Bas-Rhin, France - **Country**: France - **Administrative Region**: Alsace (European Collectivity of Alsace) - **Department**: Bas-Rhin (French administrative district, inception: 1790-03-04) - **Arrondissement**: Sélestat-Erstein - **Historical Territory**: Unterelsaß (central district of Elsaß-Lothringen in the German Empire from 1871 to 1918) - **Coordinates**: Latitude 48.4025°N, Longitude 7.6430555555556°E - **Aliases**: Osthausen, Ooscht - **Website**: https://www.osthouse.fr - **Population**: 911, 922, 939, 924, 925, 930, 924, 934, 955, 975 (various census years) - **Sitelink Count**: 42 - **Type of Entity**: Commune of France (territorial subdivision for municipalities, inception: 1789) ## FAQs **What region is Osthouse located in?** Osthouse is located in the Bas-Rhin department within the Alsace region of northeastern France. It belongs to the arrondissement of Sélestat-Erstein, which is one of the administrative divisions serving the area. **What is the historical context of Osthouse's location?** Osthouse is situated in the historical region of Alsace, specifically in the area known as Unterelsaß (Lower Alsace), which was part of the German Empire's territory of Elsaß-Lothringen (Alsace-Lorraine) from 1871 to 1918. The territory returned to French control after World War I. **What are the administrative divisions that govern Osthouse?** Osthouse operates as a commune of France, which is the smallest territorial administrative division for municipalities. It falls under the jurisdiction of the Bas-Rhin department, which itself is part of the European Collectivity of Alsace. The commune is further organized within the arrondissement of Sélestat-Erstein. **What are the known aliases for Osthouse?** Osthouse is also known by the aliases Osthausen and Ooscht, reflecting the bilingual historical nature of the Alsace region, where both French and German linguistic traditions have influenced place names. **What is the population of Osthouse?** Population figures recorded for Osthouse across various census years include 911, 922, 939, 924, 925, 930, 924, 934, 955, and 975 residents, indicating relatively stable population levels over time. ## Why It Matters Osthouse represents a quintessential example of the small communal administrations that form the backbone of French local governance. As one of the thousands of communes in France, it embodies the decentralized administrative structure that characterizes the French Republic, where municipalities maintain significant local autonomy while being integrated into broader departmental and regional frameworks. The commune's location in Alsace places it at the crossroads of French and German cultural influences, a region that has experienced complex historical transitions between the two nations. This geographical positioning gives Osthouse significance beyond its modest population, as it represents the enduring French presence in territories that have historically been contested. The commune's participation in the arrondissement of Sélestat-Erstein connects it to a network of local governance that coordinates services, planning, and administrative functions across multiple municipalities. Furthermore, Osthouse contributes to the demographic and social fabric of Bas-Rhin, one of the most densely populated and economically active departments in France. The stability of its population figures suggests a sustained community that maintains its identity and local institutions over time. ## Notable For - Historical connection to the German Empire period (1871-1918) as part of Elsaß-Lothringen - Location in the traditional Unterelsaß (Lower Alsace) district - Part of the Bas-Rhin department, one of the two departments comprising the European Collectivity of Alsace - Bilingual naming heritage (Osthausen, Ooscht as aliases) - Membership in the arrondissement of Sélestat-Erstein, organizing local administrative cooperation ## Body ### Geography and Location Osthouse is positioned at coordinates 48.4025°N latitude and 7.6430555555556°E longitude, placing it in the northeastern portion of France within the Alsace plain. The commune lies in the Bas-Rhin department, which occupies the northern portion of the Alsace region along the Rhine River valley. This geographical position places Osthouse in close proximity to Germany, approximately 50 kilometers west of the Rhine River, which forms the border between France and Germany in this area. The terrain of the region consists primarily of fertile plains and gentle hills, characteristic of the Alsace plateau. The area benefits from a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers, typical of eastern France. The commune's location within the arrondissement of Sélestat-Erstein places it in a zone that includes both agricultural lands and residential communities. ### Administrative History Osthouse's administrative context is deeply intertwined with the complex history of Alsace-Lorraine. The commune exists within what was historically known as Unterelsaß (Lower Alsace), which constituted the central district of the imperial territory of Elsaß-Lothringen (Alsace-Lorraine) within the German Empire from 1871 to 1918. This territory was annexed by Germany following the Franco-Prussian War and remained under German control until the end of World War I, when it returned to French administration under the Treaty of Versailles. The current administrative structure reflects the modern French system, with Osthouse operating as a commune since the territorial reorganization that began in 1789. The department of Bas-Rhin was established on March 4, 1790, during the French Revolution, as part of the initial division of France into departments. Today, Bas-Rhin forms part of the European Collectivity of Alsace, a unique territorial collectivity created in 2021 that unified the former Alsace, Champagne-Ardenne, and Lorraine region, though Alsace maintains specific cultural and linguistic autonomy within this framework. ### Demographics and Community The population figures recorded for Osthouse across multiple census years—911, 922, 939, 924, 925, 930, 924, 934, 955, and 975—demonstrate a relatively stable community with slight fluctuations over time. These numbers are consistent with the profile of a small rural commune in the French agricultural heartland, where population tends to remain steady due to limited urban migration. The commune's small population size is typical of the numerous villages and towns that dot the Alsace countryside. These communities often maintain traditional character while benefiting from proximity to larger urban centers such as Strasbourg, the regional capital located approximately 40 kilometers to the north. The stability of Osthouse's population suggests that the commune has maintained its role as a residential and agricultural community without significant depopulation or rapid growth. ### Local Governance and Services As a commune of France, Osthouse operates under the municipal council system established by French law. The commune represents the lowest level of French administrative division, responsible for local services including urban planning, civil registration, local taxation, and maintenance of public spaces and roads. The municipal government is headed by a mayor and council members elected by local residents. The commune falls within the jurisdiction of the arrondissement of Sélestat-Erstein, an administrative district that coordinates intercommunal cooperation and implements policies from the departmental and regional levels. This arrondissement encompasses numerous municipalities in the central portion of Bas-Rhin, providing a framework for shared services such as waste management, public transportation, and economic development initiatives. ### Cultural and Linguistic Heritage Osthouse exemplifies the bilingual cultural heritage of Alsace, where French and German linguistic traditions have coexisted for centuries. The alternative names Osthausen and Ooscht reflect the German dialect (Alsatian) spoken in the region alongside standard French. This linguistic duality is a defining characteristic of Alsace, resulting from the territory's complex history of alternating French and German rule. The commune participates in the broader Alsatian cultural identity, characterized by distinctive architecture, cuisine, and traditions that distinguish the region from the rest of France. Local festivals, architectural heritage, and community events maintain these cultural traditions, contributing to the preservation of Alsatian identity within the modern French Republic. ### Economic Profile While specific economic data is not provided in the source material, small communes like Osthouse in the Bas-Rhin department typically feature agricultural activity, particularly viticulture and crop production, given the fertile nature of the Alsace plain. The department is renowned for its wine production, with numerous vineyards throughout the region producing the characteristic white wines of Alsace. The proximity to Germany and the presence of major urban centers in the Rhine Valley have historically supported cross-border economic activity and industrial development in the broader region. However, small communes like Osthouse tend to maintain primarily residential and agricultural functions while benefiting from employment opportunities in nearby towns and cities. ### Regional Integration Osthouse's position within the Bas-Rhin department places it in one of France's most economically dynamic regions. The department benefits from the presence of Strasbourg, a major European city that hosts numerous international institutions including the European Parliament, the Council of Europe, and the European Court of Human Rights. This institutional presence has contributed to significant infrastructure development and economic growth in the region. The commune's integration into the European Collectivity of Alsace connects it to broader regional planning initiatives, particularly regarding transportation, environmental protection, and economic development. The region's strategic position at the border between France and Germany has made it a natural corridor for European trade and cooperation, with the Rhine River serving as a major transportation axis. ## References 1. [Sandre](https://www.sandre.eaufrance.fr/geo/CoursEau/A---0030) 2. BnF authorities 3. Virtual International Authority File 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 2019 14. Populations légales 2020 15. Populations légales 2021 16. Populations de référence 2022 17. Populations de référence 2023 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. [Code officiel géographique. 2017](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2560698)