# Villers-Stoncourt

> commune in Moselle, France

**Wikidata**: [Q21926](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q21926)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Villers-Stoncourt)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/villers-stoncourt

## Summary
Villers-Stoncourt is a commune located in the Moselle department of France. It is a small municipality with a population that has fluctuated around 200–250 residents in recent years, situated in the eastern part of the country near the city of Metz.

## Key Facts
- **Location**: Villers-Stoncourt is a commune in the Moselle department, France.
- **Population**: The population has varied between 216 and 249 residents in recent records.
- **Coordinates**: Latitude 49.056666666667, Longitude 6.4169444444444.
- **Administrative History**:
  - Formerly part of the canton of Pange until March 2015.
  - Located in the arrondissement of Metz since January 1, 2015.
  - Previously part of the arrondissement of Metz-Campagne (established in 1919).
  - Historically part of the Bezirk Lothringen (District of Alsace-Lorraine) from May 20, 1871.
- **Department**: Moselle, created on March 4, 1790.
- **Country**: France.
- **Aliases**: Also known as Villers Stoncourt.
- **Wikidata Description**: "commune in Moselle, France."
- **Sitelink Count**: 41 (Wikidata).

## FAQs
**Where is Villers-Stoncourt located?**
Villers-Stoncourt is a commune in the Moselle department of France, situated in the eastern part of the country. Its coordinates are approximately 49.0567° N latitude and 6.4169° E longitude.

**What is the population of Villers-Stoncourt?**
The population of Villers-Stoncourt has fluctuated in recent years, with recorded figures ranging from 216 to 249 residents. This makes it a small, rural municipality.

**What administrative changes has Villers-Stoncourt undergone?**
Villers-Stoncourt was part of the canton of Pange until March 2015. It is now within the arrondissement of Metz, which was established on January 1, 2015. Previously, it was part of the arrondissement of Metz-Campagne (created in 1919) and the Bezirk Lothringen (District of Alsace-Lorraine) from 1871.

**What is the historical context of the Moselle department?**
The Moselle department was created on March 4, 1790, during the French Revolution. It has been part of various administrative divisions over time, including periods under German control, such as the Bezirk Lothringen during the Alsace-Lorraine era (1871–1918).

## Why It Matters
Villers-Stoncourt represents the administrative and historical complexity of the Moselle department, which has been influenced by both French and German governance over the centuries. As a small commune, it reflects the rural and local governance structures that are essential to France's decentralized administrative system. Its historical ties to changing cantons and arrondissements highlight the dynamic nature of French territorial organization, particularly in regions with contested histories like Alsace-Lorraine.

## Notable For
- **Historical Administrative Shifts**: Villers-Stoncourt has been part of multiple administrative divisions, including the canton of Pange, the arrondissement of Metz-Campagne, and the Bezirk Lothringen, reflecting the region's complex history.
- **Small Population**: The commune's population has remained consistently small, typically below 250 residents, making it a representative example of rural French municipalities.
- **Geographic Location**: Situated in the Moselle department, it is part of a region known for its historical significance and border changes between France and Germany.

## Body

### Geography and Location
Villers-Stoncourt is located in the Moselle department of France, in the eastern part of the country. Its geographic coordinates are 49.056666666667° N latitude and 6.4169444444444° E longitude. The commune is situated near the city of Metz, which is a significant urban center in the region.

### Administrative History
Villers-Stoncourt has undergone several administrative changes over the years:
- **Canton of Pange**: The commune was part of the canton of Pange until March 2015. This canton was a territorial subdivision within the Moselle department.
- **Arrondissement of Metz-Campagne**: From 1919 until 2015, Villers-Stoncourt was part of the arrondissement of Metz-Campagne, which was a former administrative division in eastern France.
- **Arrondissement of Metz**: Since January 1, 2015, Villers-Stoncourt has been part of the arrondissement of Metz, which is a larger administrative district encompassing the city of Metz and surrounding areas.
- **Bezirk Lothringen**: During the period of German annexation (1871–1918), Villers-Stoncourt was part of the Bezirk Lothringen (District of Alsace-Lorraine), which was established on May 20, 1871.

### Population
The population of Villers-Stoncourt has experienced minor fluctuations over the years. Recorded population figures include:
- 249 residents
- 242 residents
- 235 residents
- 222 residents
- 219 residents
- 218 residents
- 216 residents

These figures indicate that Villers-Stoncourt is a small, rural commune with a relatively stable population.

### Department and Regional Context
Villers-Stoncourt is located in the Moselle department, which was created on March 4, 1790, during the French Revolution. The Moselle department is known for its historical significance, particularly due to its location on the border between France and Germany. This region has been subject to various territorial changes and administrative reorganizations over the centuries, reflecting its strategic importance.

### Related Administrative Entities
- **Canton of Pange**: A former canton in the Moselle department, to which Villers-Stoncourt belonged until 2015.
- **Arrondissement of Metz**: The current arrondissement that includes Villers-Stoncourt, established in 2015.
- **Arrondissement of Metz-Campagne**: A former arrondissement that included Villers-Stoncourt from 1919 to 2015.
- **Bezirk Lothringen**: A historical district of Alsace-Lorraine that included Villers-Stoncourt during the German annexation period (1871–1918).

### Significance in Local Governance
As a commune, Villers-Stoncourt is a basic administrative division in France, responsible for local governance and public services. Communes are the smallest administrative units in France and play a crucial role in the country's decentralized system of governance. Villers-Stoncourt's administrative history reflects the broader changes in the Moselle department and the region's complex political past.

### Cultural and Historical Context
The Moselle department, where Villers-Stoncourt is located, has a rich cultural and historical heritage. The region has been influenced by both French and German cultures due to its border location. This cultural blend is evident in the architecture, language, and traditions of the area. Villers-Stoncourt, as part of this region, contributes to the diverse cultural landscape of eastern France.

### Conclusion
Villers-Stoncourt is a small but historically significant commune in the Moselle department of France. Its administrative history reflects the broader changes in the region, particularly the shifts between French and German control. As a rural municipality, it represents the local governance structures that are essential to France's administrative system. The commune's population and geographic location further highlight its role within the Moselle department and the broader context of eastern France.

## References

1. BnF authorities
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 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)