rausholten

Rausholten is a fictional municipality in central Europe, created for use in case studies on rural governance and regional development. The town is described as situated in a gently rolling plain with riverine and woodland elements, and it covers roughly 12 square kilometers. The population is described as about 3,500 residents, predominantly German-speaking, with a local dialect.

Its history is imagined as beginning in the late medieval period, with earliest records dating to the 14th century. The settlement grew around agriculture and a small crafts workshop; industrial activity expanded in the 19th century and declined after mid-20th century, followed by diversification into agri-tourism and light manufacturing.

Governance operates on a mayor-council model. The municipal council has a small number of seats and shares certain services with a neighboring district. The town is part of a fictional regional association that coordinates infrastructure, education, and cultural programs.

The economy is mixed, anchored by dairy farming, cereal crops, and small-scale manufacturing. Tourism focuses on countryside recreation, local markets, and heritage sites, including a small museum that documents local history and traditional crafts.

Cultural life centers on seasonal festivals, including a harvest festival and a summer market. Notable features in case studies include sustainable land-use practices, governance reforms, and community-led initiatives to preserve historic buildings, while preserving a neutral profile for teaching purposes.