Kitamatsuura District: Geography and Administrative History in Nagasaki Prefecture
Located within the scenic landscape of Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan, the Kitamatsuura District represents a unique administrative region defined by its coastal geography and a history of significant municipal restructuring. While the district has undergone various changes due to local government mergers, it remains a distinct part of the prefecture's administrative fabric.
Key Facts
- Location: Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan
- Total Area: 57.76 km²
- Population: Approximately 16,270 (as of August 1, 2011)
- Population Density: 282 persons per km²
- Current Municipalities: Ojika and Saza
Current Municipalities
As of the most recent data, the Kitamatsuura District is composed of two primary administrative areas:
- Ojika
- Saza
Administrative Evolution and Mergers
The composition of the Kitamatsuura District has changed significantly over the last two decades. Through a series of municipal mergers—a process where smaller towns or villages combine to form larger cities to improve administrative efficiency—several former parts of the district have been integrated into neighboring major cities.
Integration into Sasebo City
Sasebo City has expanded its borders by absorbing several towns previously associated with the region through multiple stages of consolidation:
- April 1, 2005: The towns of Sechibaru and Yoshii merged into Sasebo.
- March 31, 2006: The towns of Kosaza and Uku merged into Sasebo.
- March 31, 2010: The towns of Emukae and Shikamachi merged into Sasebo.
Integration into Hirado and Matsuura Cities
Other areas of the district were incorporated into different urban centers to streamline local governance:
- October 1, 2005: The towns of Ikitsuki and Tabira, along with the village of Ōshima, merged into the city of Hirado.
- January 1, 2006: The towns of Fukushima and Takashima merged into the city of Matsuura.
District Statistics Summary
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Area | 57.76 km² |
| Estimated Population | 16,270 |
| Population Density | 282 persons/km² |
Frequently Asked Questions
What towns currently make up Kitamatsuura District?
The district currently consists of the towns of Ojika and Saza.
How large is the Kitamatsuura District?
The total area of the district is 57.76 km².
Which cities absorbed towns from this district?
Several towns from the region were merged into the cities of Sasebo, Hirado, and Matsuura between 2005 and 2010.
What was the population density of the district in 2011?
As of August 1, 2011, the population density was recorded at 282 persons per km².
Where is Kitamatsuura District located?
It is located in Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan.