Südwestpfalz, Administrative district in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany.
Südwestpfalz is an administrative district in Rhineland-Palatinate covering roughly 950 square kilometers of forested territory. The Lauter River flows through the region, and Pirmasens serves as the main administrative center for the area.
The district was established in 1818 as Landkommisariat Pirmasens and experienced administrative reorganization over the following centuries. In 1969, it expanded when territory from the Bad Bergzabern district was incorporated.
The coat of arms features three red bars on a golden field, reflecting the heritage of Hanau-Lichtenberg and the Palatinate Electorate. These symbols remain visible throughout the region and connect local people to their shared past.
Most administrative services are centered in Pirmasens and easily accessible to residents. The district is well connected to regional transportation networks, making it straightforward to navigate.
This district has an unusual geographic arrangement where it completely surrounds the independent city of Pirmasens, creating a distinctive administrative relationship. This configuration remains uncommon in the region and shapes how the area operates today.
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