Canton of Valais
The Canton of Valais, known in German as Wallis, is one of the 26 cantons that make up Switzerland. It is located in the southwestern part of the country and is renowned for its alpine scenery, with the Rhone River running through its valley.
Geography
The canton extends from the Swiss Alps in the south to the Bernese Alps in the north, featuring some of the highest peaks in Switzerland, including the iconic Matterhorn. Its landscape is characterized by deep valleys, high mountains, and numerous glaciers. The Rhone River valley serves as a natural corridor dividing the canton into two distinct linguistic and cultural regions: the German-speaking upper Valais and the French-speaking lower Valais.
History
- Early History: Valais was originally settled by Celtic tribes, followed by the Romans who named the area Vallis Poenina. The region became an important transit route through the Alps.
- Middle Ages: During the Middle Ages, the area was part of the Holy Roman Empire. In the 10th century, the Bishop of Sion gained significant power, leading to the creation of the Republic of the Seven Tithings, which was a precursor to the modern canton.
- Swiss Confederation: Valais joined the Old Swiss Confederacy in 1815, following the Congress of Vienna after the Napoleonic Wars. It was one of the last cantons to join the Confederation.
Culture
Valais has a rich cultural heritage influenced by its bilingual nature:
- Language: German and French are the official languages, with German predominantly spoken in the upper valley and French in the lower part.
- Traditions: The canton is famous for its traditions like the Carnival of Sion, cow fighting, and the making of traditional Swiss cheese, particularly Raclette and Fondue.
- Vineyards: Valais is one of the most important wine regions in Switzerland, known for its production of Swiss Wine, especially white wines like Fendant and red wines like Dole.
Economy
The economy of Valais is diverse:
- Tourism: Tourism plays a vital role, with attractions like skiing resorts in Zermatt, Verbier, and Crans-Montana.
- Agriculture: The canton's agriculture focuses on fruit orchards, vineyards, and cattle farming.
- Industry: There's a significant presence of light industry, particularly in the chemical and pharmaceutical sectors.
- Energy: Valais has numerous hydroelectric power plants, making it a key player in Switzerland's energy sector.
Politics
Valais has a bicameral parliament, with the Council of State (executive) and the Grand Council (legislature). The canton has a tradition of direct democracy, allowing citizens to influence laws through initiatives and referendums.
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