Canton of St. Gallen

Karte Kanton St. Gallen 2010

Teile St Gallen

Gigerwaldsee

Karte Kanton St.Gallen Wahlkreise

Alpabfahrt, Mels. 2019-09-14 13-04-59

Canton of St. Gallen (German: Kanton St. Gallen) is a canton located in the northeastern part of Switzerland. It is one of the 26 cantons that make up the Swiss Confederation. The capital of the canton is the city of St. Gallen, which is also its largest city. The canton is known for its diverse landscapes, ranging from the Alps in the south to the shores of Lake Constance in the north.

History

The Canton of St. Gallen was established in 1803 during the reorganization of the Swiss Confederation by Napoleon Bonaparte. It was formed from the union of territories that had previously belonged to various abbeys, cities, and rural communities. The most significant of these was the Abbey of St. Gall, a Benedictine monastery that played a crucial role in the region's early history.

Geography

The canton covers an area of approximately 2,026 square kilometers, making it one of the mid-sized cantons in Switzerland. Its geography is characterized by the contrast between the mountainous regions in the south, part of the Swiss Alps, and the flatter areas near Lake Constance in the north. The highest point in the canton is the Ringelspitz, standing at 3,247 meters above sea level.

Economy

The economy of the Canton of St. Gallen is diverse, with sectors such as textiles, machinery, and financial services playing significant roles. The canton is also known for its educational institutions, including the University of St. Gallen, which is renowned for its business programs. Agriculture, particularly dairy farming and the production of cheese, is important in the rural areas.

Culture

The Canton of St. Gallen is home to a rich cultural heritage, with the Abbey of St. Gall being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The abbey's library is one of the oldest and most important monastic libraries in the world. The canton also hosts various festivals and events, including the St. Gallen OpenAir, one of Switzerland's largest outdoor music festivals.

Government

The canton operates under a democratic system with a cantonal parliament (Kantonsrat) responsible for legislative functions. The executive body is the Regierungsrat, which consists of seven members elected for a four-year term. The canton is divided into constituencies for the purpose of parliamentary elections, and into municipalities for local administration.

Education

Education in the Canton of St. Gallen is mandatory for all children and is provided by a mix of public and private institutions. The canton offers a range of educational pathways, including vocational training and higher education. The University of St. Gallen is a key institution, attracting students from Switzerland and abroad.

Transport

The canton has a well-developed transport network, including roads, railways, and public transportation systems. It is well connected to the rest of Switzerland and neighboring countries, making it an accessible location for business and tourism.

See Also

• List of cantons of Switzerland
• Swiss Alps
• Lake Constance