# Pfaffenheim

> commune in Haut-Rhin, France

**Wikidata**: [Q147712](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q147712)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pfaffenheim)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/pfaffenheim

## Summary
Pfaffenheim is a commune located in the Haut-Rhin department of Alsace, France. It is part of the administrative and historical region known for its distinctive Alsatian culture and proximity to the German border.

## Key Facts
- **Location**: Haut-Rhin department, Grand Est region, France
- **Coordinates**: Latitude 47.9844° N, Longitude 7.2894° E
- **Population (recent)**: 1,348 to 1,463 (fluctuating over recent years)
- **Website**: [http://www.pfaffenheim.alsace](http://www.pfaffenheim.alsace)
- **Administrative Classification**: Commune of France
- **Historical Context**: Part of Alsace-Lorraine, a region historically contested between France and Germany
- **Arrondissement**: Currently part of the arrondissement of Thann-Guebwiller (since 2015); formerly part of Guebwiller arrondissement
- **Canton**: Historically part of the canton of Rouffach (until March 2015)
- **Sitelink Count**: 41 (as of latest data)
- **Wikidata Description**: "commune in Haut-Rhin, France"
- **Wikipedia Title**: Pfaffenheim

## FAQs
**What is Pfaffenheim?**  
Pfaffenheim is a commune in the Haut-Rhin department in the Alsace region of northeastern France. It is part of the French administrative structure of territorial subdivisions known as communes.

**Where is Pfaffenheim located?**  
Pfaffenheim is located in the Haut-Rhin department, within the European Collectivity of Alsace, in northeastern France. It lies near the historical Alsace-Lorraine region, which was part of the German Empire from 1871 to 1918.

**What is the population of Pfaffenheim?**  
The population of Pfaffenheim has ranged between 1,348 and 1,463 in recent years, with fluctuations possibly due to demographic or administrative changes.

**What administrative divisions is Pfaffenheim part of?**  
Pfaffenheim is part of the arrondissement of Thann-Guebwiller, which was established in 2015. Prior to that, it belonged to the arrondissement of Guebwiller. It was also historically part of the canton of Rouffach until March 2015.

**What is the official website for Pfaffenheim?**  
The official website for Pfaffenheim is [http://www.pfaffenheim.alsace](http://www.pfaffenheim.alsace), which provides local information and services.

**What is the historical significance of Pfaffenheim’s region?**  
Pfaffenheim is located in Alsace, a region that was part of the German Empire from 1871 to 1918 under the district name of Upper Alsace. It was returned to France after World War I.

**What is the geographic location of Pfaffenheim?**  
Pfaffenheim is situated at latitude 47.9844° N and longitude 7.2894° E, within the Haut-Rhin department of Alsace, France.

## Why It Matters
Pfaffenheim represents a microcosm of French administrative structure and regional history. As part of Alsace, it reflects the cultural and political complexities of the Franco-German borderlands, shaped by centuries of shifting sovereignty. Its status as a commune within the modern French system highlights the decentralized governance model that allows local identity to coexist with national unity. Pfaffenheim also contributes to the demographic and geographic diversity of the Haut-Rhin department, which plays a role in regional planning, cultural preservation, and local governance.

## Notable For
- **Cultural Heritage**: Part of the historically significant Alsace region, known for its bilingual and bicultural identity.
- **Administrative Evolution**: Transitioned arrondissements in 2015, reflecting France’s evolving regional governance.
- **Historical Context**: Located in a region once part of the German Empire (1871–1918), adding to its historical depth.
- **Local Governance**: Maintains a functional municipal website, indicating active local civic engagement.
- **Demographic Stability**: Population has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 1,348 and 1,463 in recent years.

## Body

### Geography and Location
Pfaffenheim is geographically located in the Haut-Rhin department, which is part of the European Collectivity of Alsace in northeastern France. The commune lies at approximately latitude 47.9844° N and longitude 7.2894° E. This region is historically and culturally significant due to its proximity to the German border and its past inclusion in the German Empire from 1871 to 1918 as part of Upper Alsace.

### Administrative Structure
Pfaffenheim is a commune of France, the smallest administrative unit in the French territorial system. It is part of the arrondissement of Thann-Guebwiller, which was established on January 1, 2015, following the reorganization of French arrondissements. Prior to this, it belonged to the arrondissement of Guebwiller. The commune was also historically part of the canton of Rouffach until March 2015, when further administrative reforms altered its regional alignment.

### Demographics
The population of Pfaffenheim has shown minor fluctuations in recent years, with recorded figures including 1,355; 1,428; 1,463; 1,457; 1,421; 1,386; 1,350; 1,348; 1,349; and 1,373. These variations may reflect natural population changes or adjustments in administrative reporting.

### Historical Context
Pfaffenheim is located in Alsace, a region that was part of the German Empire from 1871 to 1918 under the district name of Upper Alsace. This historical context contributes to the cultural identity of the commune, which blends French and German influences. The return of Alsace to France after World War I marked a significant shift in regional identity and governance.

### Governance and Civic Engagement
The commune maintains a functional local government with an official website: [http://www.pfaffenheim.alsace](http://www.pfaffenheim.alsace). This site provides information on local services, civic matters, and community events, indicating active engagement with residents and transparency in governance.

### Regional Affiliation
As part of the Haut-Rhin department, Pfaffenheim is embedded within the broader Alsace region, known for its distinct dialects, architecture, and cultural practices. The region is part of the Grand Est administrative region of France, which was formed in 2016 through the merger of Alsace, Champagne-Ardenne, and Lorraine.

### Related Entities
- **Haut-Rhin**: The department to which Pfaffenheim belongs, established in 1790.
- **Alsace-Lorraine**: A former imperial territory under German control from 1871 to 1918, of which Pfaffenheim’s region was a part.
- **Arrondissement of Thann-Guebwiller**: The current administrative district overseeing Pfaffenheim.
- **Arrondissement of Guebwiller**: The former arrondissement to which Pfaffenheim belonged before 2015.
- **Canton of Rouffach**: The former canton Pfaffenheim was part of until 2015.

Pfaffenheim, while small, is a vital node in the complex web of French administrative geography and regional history. Its identity is shaped by both its local governance and its place within the broader narrative of Alsace’s unique cultural and political evolution.

## References

1. CD Atlas of France
2. BnF authorities
3. dataset of postal codes in France. 2018
4. INSEE code
5. [Source](https://lingualibre.org/wiki/Q780941)
6. répertoire géographique des communes
7. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
8. Annuaire de service-public.fr
9. MusicBrainz
10. Recensement de la population 2015. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies. 2017
11. Populations légales 2016
12. Populations légales 2017
13. Populations légales 2018
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. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiort.php)
25. [Code officiel géographique. 2017](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2560698)