BasRhin

Bas-Rhin is a department of the Grand Est region in north-eastern France. It is named after the Rhine river, which forms its eastern boundary, and is part of the historic region of Alsace. The department has Strasbourg as its prefecture, and includes towns such as Haguenau, Sélestat, and Molsheim. It is one of the two departments that make up Alsace, the other being Haut-Rhin. The department number is 67.

Geography and economy: Bas-Rhin lies largely in the Alsace plain along the Rhine, with western foothills of the Vosges mountains. The area is known for the Alsace wine route, forests, and river channels. Strasbourg, the capital, is a major administrative and transport hub and hosts several European institutions.

History: Bas-Rhin was created during the French Revolution on March 4, 1790, from former provinces of Alsace. It has alternated under German control during 1871–1918 and 1940–44, influencing architecture, law, and culture. Since 2016, it has been part of the Grand Est region following administrative reorganization.

People and culture: The population is around 1.1 million. The region preserves Alsatian culture and bilingual traditions, with German-influenced architecture and place names. The Grande Île in Strasbourg and the Neustadt area form a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Strasbourg Cathedral is a landmark.

Notable points: The department is home to Strasbourg, Haguenau, and Sélestat, and serves as a gateway to the Alsace wine region. The Rhine supports commerce, transport, and cross-border exchange with Germany.