# Raillimont > commune in Aisne, France **Wikidata**: [Q869058](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q869058) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raillimont) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/raillimont ## Summary Raillimont is a commune located in the Aisne department in the Hauts-de-France region of northern France. Situated at coordinates 49.705°N latitude and 4.1538888888889°E longitude, it is a small municipality within the historical and administrative framework of Picardy, part of the arrondissement of Vervins. As a commune of France, Raillimont represents one of the fundamental territorial divisions of the French Republic, serving as the lowest level of administrative organization in the country. ## Key Facts - **Location**: Aisne department, Hauts-de-France region, northern France - **Coordinates**: 49.705°N, 4.1538888888889°E - **Administrative status**: Commune of France (territorial subdivision for municipalities) - **Department**: Aisne (department code 02, inception: March 4, 1790) - **Historical canton**: Rozoy-sur-Serre (until March 2015) - **Arrondissement**: Vervins (primary), also associated with Laon - **Regional context**: Part of Picardy (historical region), now Hauts-de-France - **Country**: France - **Population figures recorded**: 78, 76, 81, 79, 81, 85, 72, 83, 86, 77, 84, 86, 82, 85, 89, 89, 89 (across measurement periods) - **Wikipedia presence**: Dedicated article with 44 sitelinks - **Wikidata description**: "commune in Aisne, France" - **Commune of France inception**: Established December 1789 (during the French Revolution) ## FAQs **What region and department is Raillimont located in?** Raillimont is situated in the Aisne department, which is part of the Hauts-de-France region in northern France. The department was created on March 4, 1790, during the early years of the French Revolution as part of the reorganization of France's administrative divisions. **What administrative divisions does Raillimont belong to?** Raillimont is a commune in the Aisne department, falling under the arrondissement of Vervins. It was historically part of the canton of Rozoy-sur-Serre until March 2015, when French administrative boundaries were reorganized. The commune is also associated with the arrondissement of Laon. **What is a commune in France, and what is Raillimont's status?** A commune is the lowest level of administrative division in France, similar to a municipality or township. The concept was established in December 1789 during the French Revolution, replacing the previous system of parishes and jurisdictions. Raillimont functions as a commune of France, operating as a territorial subdivision with its own local administration while being part of the larger departmental and regional structures. **What are the geographical coordinates of Raillimont?** Raillimont is located at 49.705 degrees north latitude and 4.1538888888889 degrees east longitude, placing it in the northern part of France, relatively close to the Belgian border in the historical region of Picardy. **What is the population of Raillimont?** Population data recorded for Raillimont shows variation across multiple measurement periods: 78, 76, 81, 79, 81, 85, 72, 83, 86, 77, 84, 86, 82, 85, 89, 89, and 89. These figures likely represent annual census or estimate data, indicating a relatively small population consistent with a rural commune in the Aisne department. ## Why It Matters Raillimont matters as an example of the fundamental unit of French local government, representing the democratic and administrative foundation upon which France's decentralized governance structure is built. As one of the over 34,000 communes in France, Raillimont embodies the French commitment to local self-governance and the preservation of small community identities within a centralized state framework. The commune's location in Aisne places it within a department that has significant historical importance. Aisne was the site of major battles during World War I, and the region contains numerous historical monuments and memorials. Raillimont, while a small municipality, contributes to the cultural and demographic fabric of this historically significant area. From an administrative perspective, Raillimont's position within the departmental system of Aisne, the arrondissement of Vervins, and its historical connection to the canton of Rozoy-sur-Serre demonstrates the complex layered governance structure that characterizes French local administration. The reorganization of cantons in March 2015 reflects France's ongoing adaptation of its administrative boundaries to contemporary governance needs. The commune system in France, to which Raillimont belongs, is notable for its uniformity across the entire national territory. Regardless of size—from Paris with over two million inhabitants to small rural communes like Raillimont—all communes operate under the same legal framework, providing consistent administrative structures while allowing for local variation in governance approaches. ## Notable For - **Historical administrative continuity**: Part of the French commune system established during the Revolution in 1789, representing over two centuries of continuous municipal organization - **Departmental heritage**: Located in Aisne, a department created in 1790 with significant historical significance from both World Wars - **Regional identity**: Situated in the historical region of Picardy, now part of Hauts-de-France, maintaining cultural connections to Picard traditions - **Local governance representation**: Example of France's decentralized administrative system operating at the municipal level - **Wikipedia visibility**: Has dedicated article coverage with 44 external site links, indicating moderate digital presence for a small commune ## Body ### Geography and Location Raillimont is positioned in the northern French department of Aisne, located in the Hauts-de-France region. The municipality sits at coordinates 49.705°N latitude and 4.1538888888889°E longitude, placing it in the eastern portion of the department, relatively near the border with the Ardennes department and not far from Belgium. The terrain of this area of Picardy consists largely of agricultural plains and rolling hills, typical of the agricultural heartland of northern France. The commune's geographical position within the arrondissement of Vervins places it in a zone that has historically been important for transportation and commerce between France and neighboring regions. The landscape around Raillimont is characterized by farmland, small forests, and the network of small roads that connect rural communes throughout this portion of northern France. ### Administrative History and Structure Raillimont operates as a commune of France, which represents the fundamental territorial subdivision of the French Republic. The commune system was established in December 1789 during the French Revolution, replacing the previous parochial and jurisdictional divisions of the Ancien Régime. This revolutionary creation established the principle that all municipalities, regardless of size, would have equal legal status within the French administrative framework. The commune is part of the Aisne department, which was created on March 4, 1790, during the initial wave of departmental reorganization following the Revolution. Aisne was formed from portions of the former province of Picardy, along with some territories from Champagne. The department takes its name from the Aisne River, which flows through the region. Prior to March 2015, Raillimont was part of the canton of Rozoy-sur-Serre. The cantonal reorganization of 2015, which reduced the number of cantons in France and restructured their boundaries, resulted in changes to Raillimont's cantonal affiliation. The commune falls within the arrondissement of Vervins, though it is also administratively associated with the arrondissement of Laon, the prefecture of the department. ### Population and Demographics The population data recorded for Raillimont shows figures of 78, 76, 81, 79, 81, 85, 72, 83, 86, 77, 84, 86, 82, 85, 89, 89, and 89 across various measurement periods. These numbers indicate a small rural commune with a population under 100 residents, consistent with the many small municipalities that characterize rural France. The variation in population figures reflects the demographic trends common to rural areas, including factors such as employment opportunities, agricultural consolidation, and the movement of younger populations toward urban centers. Despite its small size, Raillimont maintains the administrative infrastructure expected of a French commune, including local municipal services and governance. ### Regional Context: Aisne Department The Aisne department, to which Raillimont belongs, encompasses a significant portion of historical Picardy. With its prefecture in Laon and sub-prefectures in Château-Thierry, Saint-Quentin, and Soissons, the department covers approximately 7,369 square kilometers. The department is characterized by its agricultural economy, historical sites, and its location along important historical transportation routes. Aisne holds particular historical significance due to its location along the Western Front during World War I. The department saw some of the most intense fighting of the conflict, and numerous towns and villages were either destroyed or heavily damaged during the war. The region contains numerous war memorials, cemeteries, and historical sites commemorating this period. The department is also notable for its architectural heritage, including cathedrals in Laon and Soissons, medieval abbeys, and the characteristic "belfries of Belgium and France," which are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites. The agricultural landscape features the famous "champs de bataille" (battlefields) that have become symbols of both the devastation and the reconstruction of northern France. ### Relationship to French Administrative System As a commune, Raillimont benefits from and participates in France's three-tiered local government structure: commune, department, and region. While the commune handles local matters such as civil registration, local planning, and municipal services, the department manages social services, roads, and secondary education. The region handles broader economic development, transportation planning, and cultural affairs. This administrative structure reflects France's unique approach to governance, which balances centralized state authority with local democratic representation. Each commune, regardless of size, has a directly elected municipal council and mayor, providing local citizens with a voice in their governance while maintaining consistency across the national territory. The commune of France system is notably uniform, applying equally to major cities like Paris, Lyon, and Marseille, and to small rural municipalities like Raillimont. This uniformity ensures that all French citizens, regardless of where they live, have access to similar administrative structures and local governance mechanisms. ### Digital Presence and External References Raillimont has a dedicated Wikipedia article with 44 sitelinks, indicating moderate visibility in the digital encyclopedia. The Wikidata entry describes it simply as "commune in Aisne, France," consistent with the standardized description format used for French municipalities on the platform. This digital presence, while modest compared to larger cities, reflects the comprehensive coverage that Wikipedia provides to all French communes, regardless of population size. The sitelink count of 44 suggests that other Wikipedia language editions and related projects reference the Raillimont article, providing international visibility for the small municipality. ### Historical Context of the Region The region of Picardy, of which Raillimont and Aisne are part, has been inhabited since ancient times. The area was inhabited by Celtic tribes before Roman conquest, and subsequently developed as part of the Roman province of Gallia Belgica. Throughout the Middle Ages, Picardy was a prosperous region known for its textile production, particularly in cities like Saint-Quentin and Amiens. The strategic location of Picardy, between Paris and the Low Countries, made it a frequent battlefield throughout European history. The region saw conflicts during the Hundred Years' War, the Wars of Religion, and most devastatingly, the World Wars of the twentieth century. The Battle of the Somme, one of the largest and deadliest battles in military history, was fought partially in the northern portion of what is now the Somme department, adjacent to Aisne. The reconstruction following World War I, and again after World War II, shaped much of the modern appearance of towns and villages in the region. While Raillimont itself may not have been directly affected by the worst fighting, the broader regional context of reconstruction and recovery influenced the development of communes throughout the area. ### Economic and Social Characteristics As a small rural commune, Raillimont's economy is likely centered on agriculture, with farming being the primary economic activity in the surrounding region. The fertile plains of Picardy have long been known for grain production, and the agricultural sector remains important to the local economy. The commune benefits from France's comprehensive social infrastructure, with departmental-level services providing healthcare, education, and social assistance to residents. The nearby towns of Laon and Vervins serve as administrative and service centers for the surrounding rural areas, providing access to hospitals, secondary schools, and other essential services that may not be available within small communes. The quality of life in rural communes like Raillimont is characterized by access to natural landscapes, community cohesion, and the quiet lifestyle typical of small-town France. However, challenges include limited employment opportunities, particularly for younger residents, and the need to travel to larger centers for specialized services and entertainment. ## References 1. dataset of postal codes in France. 2018 2. INSEE code 3. répertoire géographique des communes 4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 5. Annuaire de service-public.fr 6. Recensement de la population 2015. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies. 2017 7. Populations légales 2016 8. Populations légales 2017 9. Populations légales 2018 10. [Populations légales communales depuis 1968. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies](https://www.insee.fr/fr/statistiques/2522602) 11. Populations légales 2019 12. Populations légales 2020 13. Populations légales 2021 14. Populations de référence 2022 15. Populations de référence 2023 16. [Code officiel géographique](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/3363419) 17. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies 18. GeoNames 19. [répertoire géographique des communes. 2015](https://wxs-telechargement.ign.fr/83edtfdyqte031y0ra49d2e3/telechargement/inspire/RGC-2015-01$RGC2015/file/RGC2015.7z) 20. [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) 21. [Code officiel géographique. 2017](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2560698)