The Canton of Valais is one of the 26 cantons of Switzerland, located in the southwestern part of the country. It is known for its alpine scenery, with the Rhone River running through its length, and its significant mountain ranges including the Pennine Alps and the Bernese Alps. The canton covers an area of 5,224 square kilometers and has a population of approximately 342,000 people.
The region of Valais was inhabited by the Celtic tribe known as the Allobroges before the Roman conquest in the 1st century BC. It became part of the Roman province of Raetia, and the name Valais is derived from the Latin word "Vallis Poenina," meaning the valley of the Pennine Alps.
After the fall of the Roman Empire, Valais was part of the Kingdom of Burgundy and later came under the control of various feudal lords. In the Middle Ages, the region saw conflicts between the House of Savoy and local nobles. Valais joined the Old Swiss Confederacy in 1815, becoming a full canton.
Valais has a rich cultural heritage influenced by both German and French-speaking traditions due to its location on the linguistic border between the two languages. The majority of the population speaks German in the upper part of the valley, while French is prevalent in the lower part. There's also a small population speaking Walser German in isolated mountain communities.
The economy of Valais is traditionally based on agriculture, particularly the cultivation of grapes for wine production, which benefits from the sunny climate. The region is famous for its Valais wine, with varieties like Fendant and Humagne being notable. Additionally, tourism plays a significant role, with ski resorts like Zermatt and Verbier attracting visitors year-round for skiing, hiking, and mountaineering.
Valais is divided into 13 districts, each with its own local administration. The canton's capital is Sion, which also serves as the political and economic hub. The government of Valais is composed of a State Council, which is the executive branch, and a Grand Council, which is the legislative body.