Canton of Basel

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Basel-City is the smallest and most densely populated canton in Switzerland. It comprises the city of Basel and the municipalities of Riehen and Bettingen. With an area of 37 square kilometers and around 207,000 inhabitants, the canton is characterized by a high population density. The city of Basel is in the border triangle of Switzerland, Germany and France and is an important cultural and economic center.

Basel is considered the cultural capital of Switzerland and is home to an impressive number of museums and cultural institutions. The outstanding sights include:

• Basel Minster: This imposing red sandstone building with its two striking towers dominates the cityscape. Built between 1019 and 1500, it combines Romanesque and Gothic style elements.
• Kunstmuseum Basel: As the oldest publicly accessible art museum in the world, it houses an impressive collection of works from seven centuries, including masterpieces by Holbein, Picasso and van Gogh.
• Museum der Kulturen Basel: With over 320,000 objects, it is one of the most important ethnographic museums in Europe and offers insights into cultures from all over the world.
• Basel Historical Museum: It presents the most comprehensive cultural-historical collection on the Upper Rhine and is located in the Barfüsserkirche in the city center.

In addition to these museums, Basel is also known for its lively cultural scene. The annual Art Basel attracts art lovers from all over the world and is considered one of the most important fairs for modern and contemporary art.

Basel is an important business location, particularly in the pharmaceutical and chemical sectors. Companies such as Novartis and Roche have their headquarters here and make a significant contribution to the economic strength of the region. Basel is also an important financial center and a major trading hub.

In the field of education, Basel is characterized by the University of Basel, which was founded in 1460 and is considered the oldest university in Switzerland. It offers a wide range of degree courses and research facilities and has produced famous thinkers such as Erasmus of Rotterdam and Friedrich Nietzsche.

Basel offers numerous opportunities for leisure activities. The Rhine invites you to linger, and Basel Zoo, affectionately known as the «Zolli», is the oldest zoo in Switzerland and a popular excursion destination for families.

The city is also known for its traditional festivals, such as the Basel Carnival, the largest carnival event in Switzerland, and the Autumn Fair, the oldest and largest fair in the country.

The canton of Basel-Country surrounds the canton of Basel-City and covers an area of 518 square kilometers. With over 290,000 inhabitants, it is the tenth most populous canton in Switzerland. The main town is Liestal, while Allschwil is the largest municipality.

The canton is characterized by a diverse landscape, ranging from urban industrial areas to untouched natural landscapes. It borders Germany and France as well as the cantons of Basel-City, Aargau, Solothurn and Jura. The population is made up of a mixture of rural and urban communities, with the proportion of foreigners at around 25.3%.

Basel-Country is home to many companies, including major international corporations and numerous small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The focus is on life sciences, with the canton occupying a leading position worldwide. In the field of education, the canton, together with Basel-City, is home to the University of Basel and is part of the University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland. It also has several high schools and other educational institutions.

The canton offers a wide range of leisure activities, from hiking in the Jura valleys to cultural events in the small towns. Historic castles bear witness to the region's rich history. Residents also benefit from the proximity to the city of Basel and its cultural offerings.

In summary, it can be said that the Basel region, consisting of the half-cantons of Basel-City and Basel-Country, has different characteristics despite their close connection: While Basel-City is the cultural, economic and educational center with a high population density, Basel-Country impresses with its diverse nature, rural communities and a strong focus on life sciences. Both cantons contribute in their own way to the attractiveness and importance of the region.