# Semuy

> commune in Ardennes, France

**Wikidata**: [Q421687](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q421687)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semuy)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/semuy

## Summary
Semuy is a commune located in the Ardennes department of France. It is a small administrative division within the arrondissement of Vouziers, known for its rural setting and historical significance, including recognition with the Croix de guerre 1914–1918 for its role during World War I.

## Key Facts
- **Location**: Semuy is situated in the Ardennes department, within the arrondissement of Vouziers, France.
- **Coordinates**: Latitude 49.4875, Longitude 4.6580555555556.
- **Population**: Historical population data includes 84 (earliest record), peaking at 153, and fluctuating to 87 in recent records.
- **Administrative Classification**: A commune, the smallest administrative division in France, established in 1789.
- **Recognition**: Awarded the Croix de guerre 1914–1918, a French military decoration instituted on April 2, 1915.
- **Image**: Depicted in a public domain photograph by Havang(nl), showcasing the local church.
- **Wikidata Sitelinks**: 42 sitelinks, indicating its documented presence across multiple language editions of Wikipedia.

## FAQs
**Where is Semuy located?**
Semuy is located in the Ardennes department of France, within the arrondissement of Vouziers. It is positioned at coordinates 49.4875° N latitude and 4.6580555555556° E longitude.

**What is the historical significance of Semuy?**
Semuy was recognized with the Croix de guerre 1914–1918, a military decoration awarded to communities that demonstrated bravery or suffered significant damage during World War I. This honor reflects its role or impact during the war.

**What is the population of Semuy?**
The population of Semuy has varied over time, with recorded figures including 84, 88, 90, 91, 150, 153, 145, 104, 100, 97, 84, 89, 88, and 87. The fluctuations suggest changes in residency or administrative recording over the years.

**What type of administrative entity is Semuy?**
Semuy is a commune, the smallest administrative subdivision in France, established during the French Revolution in 1789. Communes are responsible for local governance and public services within their boundaries.

## Why It Matters
Semuy matters as a representation of rural French administrative divisions, particularly those with historical significance tied to major events like World War I. Its recognition with the Croix de guerre 1914–1918 highlights the broader impact of the war on small communities, serving as a reminder of the resilience and contributions of such areas during times of conflict. Additionally, as a commune, it plays a role in the decentralized governance structure of France, contributing to local identity and community organization.

## Notable For
- **Croix de guerre 1914–1918**: Awarded for its role or suffering during World War I, distinguishing it among other communes.
- **Historical Population Data**: Documented population fluctuations provide insight into demographic changes over time.
- **Rural Commune**: Represents the administrative and cultural fabric of rural France within the Ardennes department.
- **Public Domain Imagery**: The photograph of its church, available under CC0, offers a visual representation of its local architecture and heritage.

## Body

### Geography and Location
Semuy is situated in the Ardennes department of France, which is part of the Grand Est region. The commune lies within the arrondissement of Vouziers, a sub-prefecture of the Ardennes. Its precise coordinates are 49.4875° N latitude and 4.6580555555556° E longitude, placing it in the northeastern part of France. The Ardennes department is known for its forested landscapes and historical significance, particularly during both World Wars.

### Administrative Structure
As a commune, Semuy is the smallest administrative division in France, a system established in 1789 during the French Revolution. Communes are responsible for local governance, including public services, urban planning, and community welfare. Semuy falls under the broader administrative oversight of the arrondissement of Vouziers, which manages multiple communes within its jurisdiction. The Ardennes department, in turn, is one of the 101 departments of France, each with its own prefecture and administrative roles.

### Historical Significance
Semuy was awarded the Croix de guerre 1914–1918, a military decoration created on April 2, 1915, to honor communities that demonstrated exceptional bravery or suffered significant damage during World War I. This recognition underscores the commune's involvement or impact during the war, reflecting the broader struggles and resilience of rural French communities during the conflict. The Croix de guerre is a symbol of national gratitude and remains a point of pride for the commune.

### Demographics
The population of Semuy has been documented across various years, with figures including:
- 84 (earliest record)
- 88
- 90
- 91
- 150
- 153 (peak)
- 145
- 104
- 100
- 97
- 84
- 89
- 88
- 87 (most recent record)

These fluctuations may be attributed to factors such as migration, economic changes, or administrative adjustments. The data provides a snapshot of the commune's demographic evolution over time.

### Visual Representation
A photograph of Semuy's church, taken by Havang(nl), is available in the public domain under a CC0 license. The image captures the local architecture and serves as a visual representation of the commune's cultural heritage. The photograph is accessible via Wikimedia Commons and has been used in various sitelinks, contributing to the documentation of Semuy's identity.

### Related Entities
- **Ardennes Department**: The broader administrative region in which Semuy is located, known for its historical and geographical significance.
- **Arrondissement of Vouziers**: The sub-prefecture overseeing Semuy and other communes in the area.
- **Croix de guerre 1914–1918**: The military decoration awarded to Semuy, symbolizing its role during World War I.
- **Commune of France**: The administrative classification of Semuy, reflecting its role in local governance.

### Cultural and Historical Context
Semuy's history is intertwined with the broader narrative of rural France, particularly during periods of conflict. The awarding of the Croix de guerre 1914–1918 highlights the commune's contributions or sacrifices during World War I, a period that significantly shaped the region. The Ardennes department, where Semuy is located, was a key area during both World Wars, further emphasizing the historical importance of the commune.

### Modern Relevance
Today, Semuy continues to function as a rural commune within the French administrative system. Its small population and historical recognition contribute to its unique identity within the Ardennes department. The commune's governance and community life reflect the broader values of decentralization and local autonomy that are central to France's administrative structure. The availability of public domain imagery and documented population data further enhances its visibility and historical record.

## References

1. [Sandre](https://www.sandre.eaufrance.fr/geo/CoursEau/H1--0200)
2. dataset of postal codes in France. 2018
3. INSEE code
4. répertoire géographique des communes
5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
6. Annuaire de service-public.fr
7. Recensement de la population 2015. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies. 2017
8. Populations légales 2016
9. Populations légales 2017
10. Populations légales 2018
11. [Populations légales communales depuis 1968. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies](https://www.insee.fr/fr/statistiques/2522602)
12. Populations légales 2019
13. Populations légales 2020
14. Populations légales 2021
15. Populations de référence 2022
16. Populations de référence 2023
17. [Code officiel géographique](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/3363419)
18. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies
19. GeoNames
20. [répertoire géographique des communes. 2015](https://wxs-telechargement.ign.fr/83edtfdyqte031y0ra49d2e3/telechargement/inspire/RGC-2015-01$RGC2015/file/RGC2015.7z)
21. [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)
22. [Code officiel géographique. 2017](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2560698)