# Ouessant

> French commune in Finistère, Brittany

**Wikidata**: [Q202378](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q202378)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ushant)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ouessant

## Summary
Ouessant is a French commune located in the Finistère department of Brittany, known for its remote island geography and historical significance as a maritime landmark. It is the westernmost commune of metropolitan France, situated on the Iroise Sea. The area is notable for its lighthouse infrastructure and its role in regional heritage.

## Key Facts
- **Classification**: Ouessant is a commune in the Finistère department of France.
- **Location**: Westernmost point of metropolitan France, in the Brittany region.
- **Notable Infrastructure**: 
  - Stiff Lighthouse (1699), located on the island of Ouessant.
  - Nividic Lighthouse (1936).
  - La Jument Lighthouse (1911).
- **Population**: Historical population data includes 877 (2020), 846 (2019), 862 (2018), and a peak of 1,814 in earlier decades.
- **Geographic Coordinates**: Latitude 48.455277777778, Longitude -5.0975.
- **Airport**: Ushant Airport established in 1954.
- **Related Islands**: Île de Keller is part of the commune’s territory.
- **Website**: [http://www.ouessant.fr/](http://www.ouessant.fr/)
- **Aliases**: Ushant (English name for the commune)
- **Wikidata Description**: French commune in Finistère, Brittany
- **Canton Affiliation**: Formerly part of the canton of Ouessant until March 2015.
- **Arrondissement**: Brest
- **Department**: Finistère (established 1790)
- **Country**: France
- **ISO Country Code**: FR
- **Sitelink Count**: 64

## FAQs
**What is Ouessant?**  
Ouessant is a French commune located in the Finistère department in the Brittany region. It is known for its lighthouses, including the Stiff Lighthouse (1699), Nividic Lighthouse (1936), and La Jument (1911), and is the westernmost commune in metropolitan France.

**What is the population of Ouessant?**  
Ouessant's population has varied over time, with recent figures around 800–900 residents, including historical data such as 877 in 2020 and a peak of 1,814 in earlier decades.

**What is the significance of the lighthouses in Ouessant?**  
Ouessant is home to several historically significant lighthouses, including the Stiff Lighthouse (built in 1699), the Nividic Lighthouse (1936), and La Jument (1911), which have served as vital navigational aids in the Iroise Sea.

**What is the connection between Ouessant and aviation?**  
Ushant Airport, established in 1954, serves the commune, facilitating access to the island for both residents and tourists.

**What is the geographic and administrative location of Ouessant?**  
Ouessant is located in the Finistère department and belongs to the arrondissement of Brest. It is part of the former canton of Ouessant, which was dissolved in March 2015.

## Why It Matters
Ouessant holds historical and geographic significance as the westernmost point of metropolitan France, serving as a sentinel of French maritime heritage. Its lighthouses, including the iconic Stiff Lighthouse and La Jument, have guided maritime navigation for centuries. The commune's role in preserving regional identity, cultural heritage, and its unique geographic position make it a vital part of France's coastal legacy.

## Notable For
- **Westernmost Point**: Ouessant is the westernmost commune of metropolitan France.
- **Historical Lighthouses**: Home to the Stiff Lighthouse (1699), Nividic Lighthouse (1936), and La Jument (1911), all of which are historically and functionally significant.
- **Remote Geographic Location**: Located in the Iroise Sea, it plays a key role in maritime navigation and heritage.
- **Cultural and Tourist Significance**: The commune's lighthouses and coastal location attract historians, tourists, and sailors.
- **Population Resilience**: Despite its small size, Ouessant has maintained a resilient local community with a unique cultural identity.

## Body
### Geography and Location
Ouessant is located in the Finistère department, part of the Brittany region in northwestern France. It is composed of the main island of the same name and several smaller islets, including Île de Keller. The commune is known for its geographic isolation and its role in maritime navigation. It is home to several historically significant lighthouses, including the Stiff Lighthouse (1699), Nividic Lighthouse (1936), and La Jument (1911), which have served as navigational aids for centuries.

### Administrative and Political Structure
Ouessant is part of the Finistère department and was formerly part of the canton of Ouessant, which was dissolved in March 2015. It is part of the arrondissement of Brest. The commune is administered under the broader regional and national frameworks of France, with local governance reflecting its unique geographic and cultural identity.

### Historical Infrastructure
Ouessant is known for its lighthouse infrastructure:
- **Stiff Lighthouse** (1699): A historical beacon on the island of Ouessant, it is one of the oldest structures of its kind in the region.
- **Nividic Lighthouse** (1936): Built in the 20th century, it remains a key part of the island's maritime infrastructure.
- **La Jument Lighthouse** (1911): An iconic structure, central to the island's identity and a symbol of its maritime heritage.

### Demographics and Population Trends
Ouessant's population has fluctuated over time, with historical data showing:
- 877 (2020)
- 846 (2019)
- 862 (2018)
- A peak of 1,814 in earlier decades
These figures reflect the commune's small but historically significant population base.

### Transportation and Access
Ushant Airport, established in 1954, provides essential access to the island, linking it to the mainland for tourism, logistics, and emergency services. The airport plays a critical role in maintaining the commune's connectivity despite its remote location.

### Cultural and Natural Heritage
Île de Keller, a nearby island, is part of Ouessant’s territory and contributes to its unique landscape. The island's heritage is preserved through its lighthouses and its role in French maritime history.

### Governance and National Context
As a French commune, Ouessant is part of the Republic of France, operating under its administrative and legal frameworks. It is subject to national policies and regional governance, with its own mayor and municipal council. The commune's identity is deeply tied to its geographic and historical significance.

### Related Entities and Infrastructure
Ouessant is connected to several key geographic and infrastructural elements:
- **Île de Keller**: A nearby island integral to the commune's territory.
- **Ushant Airport**: Established in 1954, it remains a critical access point for the island.
- **Stiff Lighthouse**: Built in 1699, it is one of the oldest lighthouses in France.
- **Nividic Lighthouse**: Built in 1936, it is a key maritime landmark.
- **La Jument Lighthouse**: Built in 1911, it is a symbol of the island's maritime heritage.
- **Finistère Department**: The administrative region in which Ouessant is located.
- **Arrondissement of Brest**: The larger administrative grouping that includes Ouessant.
- **Canton of Ouessant**: Existed until March 2015, when it was dissolved as part of French administrative reforms.

### Notable Dates and Classifications
- **1699**: Stiff Lighthouse construction
- **1936**: Nividic Lighthouse
- **1911**: La Jument Lighthouse
- **1954**: Ushant Airport
- **1790**: Finistère Department established
- **March 2015**: Canton of Ouessant dissolved
- **1814**: Peak population year

### Related Projects and Cultural Identity
Ouessant's identity is deeply tied to its lighthouses and its role in maritime history. The island is a symbol of French coastal heritage and remains a point of interest for cultural and historical tourism.

## References

1. French National Directory of Representatives
2. BnF authorities
3. dataset of postal codes in France. 2018
4. INSEE code
5. [Source](http://mnesys-viewer.archives-finistere.fr/accounts/mnesys_cg29/datas/medias/collections/edepot_pdf/EDEPOT_Ouessant.pdf)
6. répertoire géographique des communes
7. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
8. Czech National Authority Database
9. Annuaire de service-public.fr
10. MusicBrainz
11. Recensement de la population 2015. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies. 2017
12. Populations légales 2016
13. Populations légales 2017
14. Populations légales 2018
15. [Populations légales communales depuis 1968. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies](https://www.insee.fr/fr/statistiques/2522602)
16. Populations légales 2019
17. Populations légales 2020
18. Populations légales 2021
19. Populations de référence 2022
20. Populations de référence 2023
21. [Code officiel géographique](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/3363419)
22. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies
23. [Source](https://www.habitants.fr/ouessant)
24. GeoNames
25. [répertoire géographique des communes. 2015](https://wxs-telechargement.ign.fr/83edtfdyqte031y0ra49d2e3/telechargement/inspire/RGC-2015-01$RGC2015/file/RGC2015.7z)
26. [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)
27. [Code officiel géographique. 2017](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2560698)