# Vieux-Bourg

> commune in Calvados, France

**Wikidata**: [Q862926](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q862926)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vieux-Bourg)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/vieux-bourg

## Summary
Vieux-Bourg is a commune located in the Calvados department of France. It is a small administrative division within the arrondissement of Lisieux, part of the broader territorial structure of France.

## Key Facts
- **Type**: Commune (municipality) in France.
- **Location**: Calvados department, Normandy region, France.
- **Coordinates**: Latitude 49.3125, Longitude 0.25055555555556.
- **Population**: Historical data points include 73, 74, 76, 77, 78, 79, 84, 86, 87, 90, 91, 104 inhabitants (various years).
- **Administrative Structure**:
  - Part of the Calvados department (established March 4, 1790).
  - Located within the arrondissement of Lisieux.
- **Wikidata**: Sitelink count of 41; described as "commune in Calvados, France."
- **Wikipedia Title**: "Vieux-Bourg."

## FAQs
**What is a commune in France?**
A commune is the smallest administrative division in France, equivalent to a municipality. It functions as a local government unit responsible for public services, urban planning, and community management. Communes like Vieux-Bourg are integral to France's decentralized governance structure.

**Where is Vieux-Bourg located?**
Vieux-Bourg is situated in the Calvados department of Normandy, France. Its geographic coordinates are approximately 49.3125° N latitude and 0.2506° E longitude, placing it within the arrondissement of Lisieux.

**What is the population of Vieux-Bourg?**
Population figures for Vieux-Bourg have varied over time, with recorded numbers including 73, 74, 76, 77, 78, 79, 84, 86, 87, 90, 91, and 104 inhabitants. These fluctuations reflect demographic changes in the commune.

**How is Vieux-Bourg governed?**
As a commune, Vieux-Bourg is governed by a municipal council (*conseil municipal*) led by a mayor (*maire*). It operates under the administrative framework of the Calvados department and the broader Normandy region, adhering to French local governance laws.

## Why It Matters
Vieux-Bourg exemplifies the foundational role of communes in France's administrative and cultural landscape. As one of over 35,000 communes nationwide, it represents the grassroots level of governance, ensuring local representation and tailored public services. Its existence highlights the importance of decentralization in French politics, allowing small communities to maintain autonomy while contributing to regional and national cohesion. Additionally, Vieux-Bourg's historical population data provides insights into rural demographic trends in Normandy, reflecting broader patterns of urbanization and rural sustainability in France.

## Notable For
- **Historical Population Data**: Documented population figures spanning multiple decades, offering a case study in rural demographic shifts.
- **Administrative Role**: Serves as a basic unit of local governance within France's decentralized system.
- **Geographic Precision**: Clearly defined coordinates (49.3125° N, 0.2506° E) for precise location tracking.
- **Wikidata Presence**: Recognized in Wikidata with 41 sitelinks, indicating its documented relevance in open knowledge bases.

## Body

### Geography and Location
Vieux-Bourg is located in the Calvados department of the Normandy region in northwestern France. Its coordinates are 49.3125° N latitude and 0.25055555555556° E longitude, situating it within the arrondissement of Lisieux. The commune is part of France's extensive network of municipalities, which collectively form the backbone of local administration.

### Administrative Structure
Vieux-Bourg operates as a commune, the smallest administrative division in France. It falls under the jurisdiction of the Calvados department, which was established on March 4, 1790, during the French Revolution. The arrondissement of Lisieux, to which Vieux-Bourg belongs, is one of four arrondissements in Calvados, overseeing multiple cantons and communes.

As a commune, Vieux-Bourg is governed by a municipal council elected by local residents. The council is headed by a mayor, who serves as both the executive leader and the representative of the commune in regional and national matters. This structure ensures that local needs—such as infrastructure, education, and public safety—are addressed directly by community leaders.

### Demographics
Population data for Vieux-Bourg shows variability over time, with recorded figures including:
- 73, 74, 76, 77, 78, 79, 84, 86, 87, 90, 91, and 104 inhabitants.
These numbers reflect the commune's small-scale rural character, typical of many French municipalities outside major urban centers. The fluctuations may correlate with broader trends such as migration, economic changes, or administrative adjustments.

### Historical Context
The commune system in France was formalized in 1789, replacing earlier feudal structures with a standardized local governance model. Vieux-Bourg, like all French communes, operates within this historical framework, balancing tradition with modern administrative requirements. Its inclusion in the Calvados department ties it to Normandy's rich cultural and historical heritage, including its role in medieval and post-revolutionary France.

### Relationship to Broader French Governance
Vieux-Bourg is part of a hierarchical administrative system that includes:
1. **Commune**: The local level (e.g., Vieux-Bourg).
2. **Department**: Calvados (intermediate regional authority).
3. **Region**: Normandy (larger territorial unit).
4. **Arrondissement**: Lisieux (sub-departmental division).

This structure ensures efficient governance while preserving local identity. The commune's sitelink count of 41 in Wikidata underscores its documented presence in global knowledge systems, facilitating research and digital visibility.

### Cultural and Economic Role
While specific economic or cultural details about Vieux-Bourg are not provided in the source material, its status as a commune implies typical rural functions:
- **Agriculture**: Likely a primary economic activity, given Normandy's reputation for dairy, apples, and cider production.
- **Local Services**: Basic amenities such as schools, postal services, and small businesses catering to residents.
- **Heritage**: Potential historical sites or traditions tied to Normandy's medieval and wartime history.

### Comparison to Other Communes
Vieux-Bourg's population size aligns with many rural French communes, which often have fewer than 200 inhabitants. Its administrative classification and geographic coordinates distinguish it from larger urban communes or those in other regions. The variability in its population data may also reflect broader rural depopulation trends observed in parts of France, where younger residents migrate to cities for employment opportunities.

### Digital and Academic Presence
The commune is documented in Wikidata with the description "commune in Calvados, France" and a sitelink count of 41, indicating its inclusion in multiple language editions of Wikipedia and other databases. This digital footprint ensures that Vieux-Bourg is accessible for research, tourism, and administrative reference, despite its small size.

### Future Considerations
As with many rural communes, Vieux-Bourg may face challenges related to demographic decline, economic sustainability, and infrastructure maintenance. However, its role in France's decentralized governance system ensures continued relevance, particularly in preserving local identity and participating in regional development initiatives. Potential opportunities include agrotourism, heritage conservation, and digital connectivity improvements to attract residents and visitors.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. dataset of postal codes in France. 2018
3. INSEE code
4. [Source](https://archives.calvados.fr/classificationScheme/11d99609-7d05-4864-9e3e-7f744d9c2753)
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. 2017](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2560698)