As of September 2016, the city has an estimated population of 19,794 and the density of 18 persons per km². The total area is 1119.29 km².
On September 1, 2005, the town of Asahi was merged into Shibetsu.
History
1902: Shibetsu village was founded.
1915: The village became Shibetsu town.
1954: Shibetsu town, Kamishibetsu village, Tayoro village, and Onneppu village were merged to form Shibetsu city.
2005: Asahi town was merged into Shibetsu city.
Geography
Shibetsu is located N of Asahikawa and NNE of Sapporo. It is situated by the Shibetsu River in the north and its valley.
The name comes from the Ainu word for "great river".
Shibetsu is accessed by the Hokkaidō Expressway. The Shibetsu-Kenbuchi Interchange opened on October 4, 2003, connecting the expressway with Route 40. The bypass is not yet planned.
Media related to Shibetsu at Wikimedia Commons
