# Roquefère

> commune in Aude, France

**Wikidata**: [Q192178](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q192178)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roquefère)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/roquef-re

## Summary
Roquefère is a commune located in the Aude department of France, within the canton of Mas-Cabardès and the arrondissement of Carcassonne. It is a small territorial subdivision with a historical presence in the Occitanie region, characterized by its rural setting and administrative ties to the broader French governance structure.

## Key Facts
- **Location**: Roquefère is situated in the Aude department, part of the Occitanie region in southern France.
- **Administrative Division**: It is a commune, the smallest territorial subdivision in France, established in 1789.
- **Canton**: Belongs to the canton of Mas-Cabardès, one of the administrative divisions within the Aude department.
- **Arrondissement**: Part of the arrondissement of Carcassonne, which oversees multiple cantons and communes.
- **Coordinates**: Latitude 43.373611111111, Longitude 2.3797222222222.
- **Population Data**: Historical population figures include 68, 75, 80, 79, 80, 50, 39, 44, 57, 56, 80, 69, 80, 77, 74, 71, and 69 residents across various years.
- **Image**: A public domain photograph by Jordi Ràfols is available on Wikimedia Commons, depicting a general view of Roquefère.
- **Wikidata**: Classified as a "commune in Aude, France" with 41 sitelinks across Wikimedia projects.

## FAQs
**Where is Roquefère located?**
Roquefère is located in the Aude department of southern France, within the Occitanie region. It is part of the canton of Mas-Cabardès and the arrondissement of Carcassonne.

**What type of administrative entity is Roquefère?**
Roquefère is a commune, the smallest territorial subdivision in France, established during the French Revolution in 1789. It operates under the administrative framework of the French Republic.

**What is the historical population of Roquefère?**
Population records for Roquefère show fluctuations over time, with figures such as 68, 75, 80, 79, 80, 50, 39, 44, 57, 56, 80, 69, 80, 77, 74, 71, and 69 residents documented in various years.

**What is the significance of Roquefère's coordinates?**
The coordinates 43.373611111111 (latitude) and 2.3797222222222 (longitude) pinpoint Roquefère's location in the Aude department, providing a precise geographic reference for mapping and administrative purposes.

## Why It Matters
Roquefère matters as a representation of France's decentralized administrative structure, where communes serve as the foundational units of local governance. As part of the Aude department and the broader Occitanie region, Roquefère contributes to the cultural and historical fabric of southern France. Its existence reflects the enduring legacy of the French Revolution's administrative reforms, which established communes as key entities for local governance and community organization. Additionally, Roquefère's rural setting and small population highlight the diversity of France's territorial subdivisions, from bustling urban centers to quiet countryside villages.

## Notable For
- **Historical Administrative Role**: As a commune, Roquefère is part of France's decentralized governance system, which has been in place since 1789.
- **Geographic Location**: Situated in the scenic Aude department, Roquefère is part of the Occitanie region, known for its rich history and cultural heritage.
- **Population Dynamics**: The commune's population data provides insights into rural demographic trends in southern France.
- **Public Domain Imagery**: A photograph of Roquefère by Jordi Ràfols is available under a public domain license, offering visual documentation of the commune.

## Body

### Geography and Location
Roquefère is located in the Aude department of France, which is part of the Occitanie region in the southern part of the country. The commune is situated at the coordinates 43.373611111111 (latitude) and 2.3797222222222 (longitude), placing it within the canton of Mas-Cabardès and the arrondissement of Carcassonne. This geographic positioning places Roquefère in a region known for its Mediterranean climate, historic villages, and agricultural landscapes.

### Administrative Structure
Roquefère is classified as a commune, the smallest territorial subdivision in France. Communes were established in 1789 during the French Revolution as part of a broader effort to decentralize governance and create a uniform administrative structure across the country. As a commune, Roquefère is governed by a municipal council and a mayor, who are responsible for local administration, public services, and community development.

The commune is part of the canton of Mas-Cabardès, which is an administrative division within the Aude department. Cantons serve as electoral districts and are used for organizing various administrative functions. Additionally, Roquefère falls under the arrondissement of Carcassonne, which is a larger administrative division overseeing multiple cantons and communes. This hierarchical structure ensures efficient governance and coordination across different levels of local government.

### Demographics
Roquefère has a small and historically fluctuating population. Population records indicate figures such as 68, 75, 80, 79, 80, 50, 39, 44, 57, 56, 80, 69, 80, 77, 74, 71, and 69 residents across various years. These numbers reflect the typical demographic trends of rural communes in France, where populations can vary due to factors such as migration, economic opportunities, and aging communities.

### Visual Documentation
A photograph of Roquefère is available on Wikimedia Commons, taken by Jordi Ràfols and released under a public domain license. The image, titled "Vista general de Rocafera," provides a general view of the commune, offering visual insight into its landscape and built environment. This photograph serves as a valuable resource for understanding the physical characteristics and aesthetic qualities of Roquefère.

### Cultural and Historical Context
As part of the Aude department and the Occitanie region, Roquefère is embedded in a cultural and historical context that dates back to ancient times. The Occitanie region is known for its rich heritage, including Roman and medieval influences, as well as its distinct Occitan language and traditions. Roquefère's existence as a commune contributes to the preservation and continuation of this cultural legacy, reflecting the enduring importance of local governance and community identity in France.

### Related Administrative Entities
Roquefère is connected to several administrative entities that define its governance and geographic context. These include:
- **Aude Department**: Established on March 4, 1790, the Aude department is a key administrative division in southern France, known for its diverse landscapes and historical sites.
- **Canton of Mas-Cabardès**: A canton within the Aude department, Mas-Cabardès serves as an electoral and administrative district, encompassing multiple communes.
- **Arrondissement of Carcassonne**: An arrondissement that oversees several cantons and communes, including Roquefère, ensuring coordinated governance and public services.

### Significance in French Governance
Roquefère's role as a commune highlights the importance of decentralized governance in France. The commune system, established during the French Revolution, was designed to empower local communities and ensure that governance was responsive to the needs of residents. Roquefère's administrative ties to the canton of Mas-Cabardès and the arrondissement of Carcassonne demonstrate the layered structure of French local government, which balances local autonomy with broader regional and national coordination.

### Conclusion
Roquefère is a small but significant commune in the Aude department of France, embodying the principles of local governance and community organization that have been central to French administrative history since 1789. Its geographic location, demographic trends, and administrative connections provide a comprehensive understanding of its role within the broader context of southern France and the Occitanie region.

## 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. 2020](https://www.data.gouv.fr/fr/datasets/r/8442dfae-a878-49c6-be4c-20689b1c337c)
22. [Code officiel géographique. 2017](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2560698)