Aargau

Aargau

Aargau is one of the 26 cantons of Switzerland, located in the northern part of the country. It is the tenth largest canton in terms of population and the third smallest in terms of area. The capital of Aargau is Aarau.

History

The area of Aargau was inhabited by the Celts until the Romans conquered it in 15 BC. The Romans established a number of settlements in the area, including Vindonissa, which is now the town of Windisch. After the fall of the Roman Empire, Aargau was controlled by the Alemanni, a Germanic tribe.

In the Middle Ages, Aargau was part of the Duchy of Swabia, and later became part of the Holy Roman Empire. In the 14th century, the Habsburgs gained control of the area and built a number of castles, including Habsburg Castle, which is located in the canton.

In 1415, the Swiss Confederation conquered Aargau and it became a subject territory. In 1798, during the French Revolutionary Wars, Aargau became a canton of the Helvetic Republic. In 1803, it became a canton of Switzerland.

Geography

Aargau is located in the northern part of Switzerland, bordered by Germany to the north, and the Swiss cantons of Zurich, Solothurn, Basel-Landschaft, Lucerne, and Zug to the south and west. The canton is mostly flat, with the Jura Mountains in the north and the Swiss Plateau in the south.

The main river in Aargau is the Aare River, which flows through the canton from east to west. Other important rivers include the Reuss River and the Limmat River.

Economy

Aargau has a diverse economy, with industries including machinery, electrical engineering, textiles, and food processing. The canton is also known for its agriculture, particularly its fruit and vegetable production.

Culture

Aargau is known for its rich cultural heritage, with numerous castles, museums, and historical sites. The canton is also home to several festivals and events, including the Aargau Carnival and the Aargau Wine Festival.

See also

• List of municipalities in Aargau
• List of cantons of Switzerland