When deciding to study abroad in Switzerland, as an international student, you cannot lack everything guideline about this country, right? This article will provide you with all the necessary information about the 26 cantons of this beautiful country.

Let’s find out together!

What is Canton?

First, let’s find out what a canton is: A canton is a type of administrative division of a country. In the history of Switzerland, each canton had its own army and currency. However, this changed in 1848 when the civil war in Switzerland ended and the country was transformed into the current federal system.

Each state, therefore, has its own government, laws, and constitution.

There are a total of 20 states and 6 half cantons in this country. The difference between the state and the half-state lies in the number of seats on the State Council. Half the state has only one seat, the other has two.

26 cantons of Switzerland

Berne

It is said that Bern was named by Duke Brechtold V. von Zähringen. This canton has a great cultural heritage. The city of Bern, which is also the capital of Switzerland, is the most populous area in this canton. Besides being the main economic center of the whole canton, the Swiss Parliament is also located in the city of Bern, in the Federal Palace.

In addition, Berne is also home to a dreamlike landscape with the Finsteraarhorn mountain.

Zurich

Zurich is known as one of the busiest urban areas of the world, it is also the largest canton of Switzerland. Zurich’s population is about 1,408,000 people. The canton of Zurich is located on the central plateau of Switzerland, with Lake Zurich being the largest lake in the region. Standing from the mountains of Zurich, one can enjoy a panoramic view of the great city and its lakes, with its vibrant nightlife and unique cultural scene that attracts tourists from all over the world.

Lucerne

When it comes to Switzerland or studying in Switzerland, you must have heard about Lucerne and its city. Lucerne is a fully German-speaking canton.

With the magnificent shores of Lake Lucerne, and where you can see Mount Rigi and Pilatus, Lucerne is known as a magnet for international tourists from all over the world. The famous Chapel Bridge from the 14th century is one of the most famous. There’s also the city of Lucerne, with its colorful and picturesque old town, 14th-century city walls, and covered bridges, as well as the 17th-century art icon Kapellbrücke.

Uri

The canton of Uri is located in the center of Switzerland, between Lake Lucerne and the Gotthard Pass. The most famous city of the state of Uri is Altdorf. Uri has a population density of 36,000, with most people living in the lower reaches of the Reuss Plateau because Uri’s area is mostly mountainous.

The Uri is also the most important canton because it was one of the founding cantons of the Swiss Confederation.

State Solothurn

The canton of Solothurn is located in the German section of Switzerland and is part of the Espace Mittelland area. The state is considered a hotbed of medical technology. As a pioneer in this area, the canton of Solothurn has easy access to the mechanical and handcrafted know-how of the Swiss watch industry. The city of Solothurn is the cantonal capital and is considered the most elegant Baroque town in Switzerland. If you are a coffee addict, then you should visit the Jura coffee museum. You will get great insights into how coffee is made and how coffee machines work by the artisans here.

Schwyz

This canton is also located in the center of Switzerland, between Lake Zurich and Lucerne. This canton is also part of the Swiss Alps. And of course, we can see the importance of this canton when the name and flag of Switzerland – Switzerland are derived from it.

Obwalden

Obwalden has a total population of 37,841. As of 2010, 12.9% of the total population are resident foreign nationals. Most of the population here speaks German, and Albanian is the second most common language here. Obwalden is a half canton. Obwalden’s famous lakes include Sarnen, Lungern, Wichelsee, Tannensee and Melchsee.

In the next post, we will learn about 10 more Swiss cantons!

Once you have decided to study in Switzerland, having basic knowledge about the host country is a must! Follow SIMI news for more interesting facts about Switzerland!