Which is the most intriguing town in the world, and why? Rochefourchat France. This tiny town even deceives Google. How? Read on.
Since the census of 1999, this town has had only one inhabitant, making it the least populated commune in France and the world, excluding those destroyed in World War I that now have zero inhabitants (List of French villages destroyed in World War I – Wikipedia).
In 1793, Rochefourchat had 220 inhabitants. That was its peak, and since then, the population has steadily declined.
Between 1990 and 1999, another inhabitant died. Did the remaining resident handle the funeral?
If you’re tired of noisy neighbors, early morning visits from Jehovah’s Witnesses, and annoying telemarketers, this town is perfect for you!
If the resident were to marry (with whom?), the population would double. If a pregnancy occurred, it would triple (or more). However, if the resident were to die, the mortality rate would be 100%, making it the most violent town of all time!
The Wikipedia page for this town is simply hilarious. It provides a summary of how the town ended up like this and includes information about elections there. Take a look, but in French, as the English and Portuguese versions have fewer details: Rochefourchat — Wikipédia.
Covering 12.74 square kilometers with a population density of 0.1 people per square kilometer, this town boasts an old church, six stone houses, and a disused telephone booth. Fun for the whole family!
This French news article attempts to find the sole “Rochefourchatian”: A la recherche de l’unique habitant de Rochefourchat.
Also, this report talks with the mayor of the town: Municipales 2020: bienvenue à Rochefourchat, la ville qui ne compte qu’un seul habitant. Interestingly, he doesn’t actually live there, but those who elected him don’t seem to mind.
The previous mayor, who also didn’t live there, held office for 25 years (1983–2008). The current mayor, a lawyer by profession, bought a second house in the commune in 2006 and was unanimously elected two years later.
It is not known whether the inhabitant is a man or a woman, as they have chosen to keep their identity a secret.
If you search for “towns with the smallest populations in the world” on Google, this one doesn’t appear. It makes you wonder if it has enough to be considered a town. Does it? Who knows. For this reason, there is a strong possibility that it will be merged with another commune, as is common in France.
Well, until that happens, if you want to spend some time alone and reflect on life, I think I know just the town for you.
IMAGES:
– 6 strips of “Forever Alone” comics in Portuguese – Meme | Meme forever alone, Alone, Tirinhas
– Municipales 2020: bienvenue à Rochefourchat, la ville qui ne compte qu’un seul habitant
– CEMETERY of ROCHEFOURCHAT