# Saint-Marcel-en-Marcillat

> commune in Allier, France

**Wikidata**: [Q243938](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q243938)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint-Marcel-en-Marcillat)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/saint-marcel-en-marcillat

## Summary
Saint-Marcel-en-Marcillat is a commune located in the Allier department within the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of central France. It is administratively part of the canton of Marcillat-en-Combraille and the arrondissement of Montluçon. The entity is characterized by a small population fluctuating between approximately 125 and 264 residents in recent recorded years.

## Key Facts
- **Entity Type**: Commune in France (territorial subdivision for municipalities).
- **Location**: Allier department, France.
- **Administrative Division**: Part of the canton of Marcillat-en-Combraille.
- **Administrative Division**: Part of the arrondissement of Montluçon.
- **Coordinates**: Latitude 46.145277777778, Longitude 2.5894444444444.
- **Population Data Points**: 149, 151, 148, 136, 129, 264, 234, 186, 188, 138, 143, 150, 128, 127, 125, 128, 130 (historical and recent estimates).
- **Official Website**: https://saintmarcelenmarcillat.fr.
- **Wikidata Description**: Commune in Allier, France.
- **Wikipedia Title**: Saint-Marcel-en-Marcillat.
- **Sitelink Count**: 44 (across various language Wikipedias).
- **Image Subject**: Madonna and child (depicted in the primary image file).
- **Image File**: Saint-Marcel-en-Marcillat Madonna and child 1.jpg.
- **Image License**: Public domain.
- **Image Artist**: Unknown author.
- **Aliases**: Sant Marcel de Marcilhac, Saint-Marcel.
- **Country Context**: France, a semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with overseas territories.
- **Department Inception**: Allier department established on March 4, 1790.
- **Commune Inception**: Communes as a subdivision established in 1789.

## FAQs
**Where exactly is Saint-Marcel-en-Marcillat situated?**
The commune is located in the Allier department of France, specifically within the canton of Marcillat-en-Combraille and the arrondissement of Montluçon. Its precise geographic coordinates are 46.145277777778° N latitude and 2.5894444444444° E longitude.

**What is the population size of this commune?**
The population has varied historically, with recorded figures ranging from a low of 125 to a high of 264 residents. Recent data points include counts of 149, 151, 148, 136, 129, 138, 143, 150, 128, 127, 128, and 130.

**How can one access official information or view images of the commune?**
Official information is available through the commune's website at https://saintmarcelenmarcillat.fr. Visual documentation includes a public domain image of a "Madonna and child" sculpture, which can be viewed on Wikimedia Commons.

**What are the alternative names for this location?**
The commune is also known by the aliases "Sant Marcel de Marcilhac" and the shortened form "Saint-Marcel." These variations appear in linguistic and administrative records alongside the primary name.

## Why It Matters
Saint-Marcel-en-Marcillat serves as a fundamental unit of local governance within the French administrative framework, representing the smallest tier of territorial subdivision in the country. Its existence illustrates the decentralized nature of the French state, where communes manage local affairs under the broader jurisdiction of the Allier department and the national government. While small in population, it contributes to the demographic and cultural fabric of the Auvergne region, maintaining local heritage and providing essential municipal services to its residents. The commune's inclusion in the canton of Marcillat-en-Combraille and the arrondissement of Montluçon highlights its integration into the wider political and electoral structures of central France.

## Notable For
- **Administrative Hierarchy**: Serves as a specific commune within the canton of Marcillat-en-Combraille and the arrondissement of Montluçon.
- **Geographic Precision**: Defined by exact coordinates of 46.145277777778° N, 2.5894444444444° E.
- **Cultural Artifact**: Home to a "Madonna and child" sculpture documented in public domain media.
- **Demographic History**: Exhibits a recorded population history with 17 distinct data points ranging from 125 to 264 inhabitants.
- **Digital Presence**: Maintains an official web presence at https://saintmarcelenmarcillat.fr.
- **Linguistic Variants**: Recognized under multiple names including "Sant Marcel de Marcilhac."
- **Wikidata Integration**: Holds a dedicated entry with 44 international sitelinks, indicating cross-linguistic recognition.

## Body

### Administrative Structure and Location
Saint-Marcel-en-Marcillat functions as a commune, which is the lowest level of administrative division in France. It is situated within the Allier department, a territorial entity established on March 4, 1790. The commune falls under the jurisdiction of the canton of Marcillat-en-Combraille and the arrondissement of Montluçon. These subdivisions place the commune within the broader context of the French Republic, a country that operates as a semi-presidential unitary state. The commune's specific location is defined by the coordinates 46.145277777778° North latitude and 2.5894444444444° East longitude.

### Demographics and Population Trends
The population of Saint-Marcel-en-Marcillat has shown fluctuation over time, with recorded figures including 149, 151, 148, 136, 129, 264, 234, 186, 188, 138, 143, 150, 128, 127, 125, 128, and 130. These numbers reflect the dynamic nature of small rural communes in France, where population shifts can occur due to migration, economic factors, or demographic changes. The data points indicate a community that has experienced both growth, reaching a peak of 264, and decline, dropping to a low of 125. This demographic profile is typical for communes in the Allier department, which often face challenges related to rural depopulation.

### Cultural and Visual Heritage
A notable cultural feature associated with Saint-Marcel-en-Marcillat is a sculpture depicting a "Madonna and child." This artwork is documented in a photograph titled "Saint-Marcel-en-Marcillat Madonna and child 1.jpg," which is hosted on Wikimedia Commons. The image is in the public domain and was created by an unknown author. This visual record serves as a historical and cultural marker for the commune, preserving the artistic heritage found within its boundaries. The presence of such religious art is common in French communes, reflecting the deep historical roots of Catholicism in the region.

### Digital Identity and Information Access
The commune maintains a digital footprint through its official website, located at https://saintmarcelenmarcillat.fr. This platform likely serves as a primary source of information for residents and visitors regarding local services, news, and administrative procedures. Additionally, the entity is well-represented in the Wikidata knowledge base, with a description identifying it as a "commune in Allier, France." The entry has accumulated 44 sitelinks across various language versions of Wikipedia, indicating a level of international interest and documentation. The entity is also known by the aliases "Sant Marcel de Marcilhac" and "Saint-Marcel," which appear in linguistic databases and search indices.

### Context within the French Republic
As a commune in France, Saint-Marcel-en-Marcillat is subject to the national laws and administrative frameworks of the French Republic. France, known officially as the République française, is a country in Western Europe with a population of over 68 million and a capital in Paris. The commune operates within the Fifth Republic, established in 1958, and follows the national standards for infrastructure, such as driving on the right and using the Euro currency. The Allier department, where the commune is located, was created during the French Revolution in 1790, reflecting the historical reorganization of French territory. The commune's existence is a testament to the enduring structure of local governance in France, which has persisted through various regime changes since the inception of the commune system in 1789.

## References

1. [Sandre](https://www.sandre.eaufrance.fr/geo/CoursEau/K---0090)
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. dataset of postal codes in France. 2018
4. INSEE code
5. répertoire géographique des communes
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
7. Annuaire de service-public.fr
8. Recensement de la population 2015. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies. 2017
9. Populations légales 2016
10. Populations légales 2017
11. Populations légales 2018
12. [Populations légales communales depuis 1968. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies](https://www.insee.fr/fr/statistiques/2522602)
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. 2020](https://www.data.gouv.fr/fr/datasets/r/8442dfae-a878-49c6-be4c-20689b1c337c)
24. [Code officiel géographique. 2017](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2560698)