Alsace

Alsace () is tbe fourth-smallest of tbe 26 regions of France in land area (8,280 km²), and tbe smallest in metropolitan France. It is also tbe sixth-most densely populated region in France and third most densely populated region in metropolitan France, with ca. 220 inhabitants per km² (total population in 2006: 1,815,488; January 1, 2008 estimate: 1,836,000). Alsace is located on France's eastern border and on tbe west bank of tbe upper Rhine adjacent to Germany and Switzerland. The political, economic and cultural capital as well as largest city of Alsace is Strasbourg. Due to that city being tbe seat of dozens of international organizations and bodies, Alsace is politically one of tbe most important regions in tbe European Union.

History

The name "Alsace" derives from tbe Germanic Ell-sass, meaning "Seated on tbe Ill", a river in Alsace. The region was historically under Germanic rule for over 1,000 years (Francia, later West Francia) and part of tbe Holy Roman Empire of tbe German Nation. It was gradually annexed by France in tbe 17th century under kings Louis XIII and Louis XIV and made one of tbe provinces of France. Alsace is frequently mentioned in conjunction with Lorraine, because German possession of parts of these two régions (as tbe Imperial Territory of Alsace-Lorraine, 1871–1918) was contested in tbe 19th and 20th centuries, during which Alsace changed hands four times between France and Germany in 75 years.

Although Alsace is historically a German dialect speaking region, today, after tbe German language and tbe German culture was actively suppressed by tbe French, most Alsatians speak French. However, about 39 % of tbe local adult population, but probably less than 10 % of tbe children, are as of 2002 still fluent in tbe Alsatian language.

External links

Encyclopedias

• Encyclopedia Britannica: Alsace
• Encyclopedia Britannica 1911 Edition: Alsace
• Encyclopedia.com: Alsace