Canton of Lucerne

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Coordinates: 47°5′N, 8°7′E

Luzern
Coat of arms of the Canton of Lucerne
Map of Switzerland highlighting the Canton of Lucerne
Capital Lucerne
Area 1493 km² (Ranked 9th)
Highest point Brienzer Rothorn 2350 m
Population (2003) 350600 (Ranked 7th)
234 /km²
Joined 1332
Abbreviation LU
Languages German
Executive Regierungsrat (5)
Legislative Grosser Rat (120)
Municipalities 107 municipalities
Districts 5 Ämter
Website www.LU.ch
Map of the Canton of Lucerne

Lucerne (German Luzern) is a canton of Switzerland. It is located in the centre of Switzerland. The population is 350,600 (as of 2001). The cantonal capital is Lucerne.

Contents

[edit] Geography

The canton of Lucerne is located in the centre of Switzerland. It is drained by the river Reuss and the river Kleine Emme. The lands of the canton lie on the northern foothills of the Swiss Alps. The highest elevation of the canton of Lucerne is at the Brienzer Rothorn at 2,350m. The area of the canton is 1,493 km².

[edit] History

See also: Swiss peasant war of 1653

The canton of Lucerne comprises territories acquired by its capital Lucerne, either by treaty, armed occupation or purchase, largely by 1415. Lucerne had already joined the Swiss Confederation in 1332. The canton briefly attempted to pursue a policy of separation from 1841-1847 and joined the Sonderbund, which was dissolved by force by a federal army in 1847.

[edit] Economy

About nine tenths of the total area is productive land. Agriculture is the most significant source of income, but industry is also developed. The most important agricultural products are crops, fruit and cattle breeding. Industry concentrates on textiles, machinery, paper, wood, tobacco and metallurgical goods.

Tourism is of great importance. The canton of Lucerne is a gateway to holiday resorts in the nearby Alps, and much of the transit traffic between Germany and Italy crosses the region.

[edit] Demographics

The population is mainly German speaking and the vast majority is Roman Catholic.

[edit] Districts

Districts of Canton Lucerne
Districts of Canton Lucerne

The Canton of Lucerne is divided into 5 districts termed Ämter:

[edit] Municipalities

There are 99 municipalities in the canton (as of January 2006).


The municipalities are part of districts (Aemter), named after their capital (bolded above), except for Entlebuch, whose capital is Schüpfheim.

See also: Municipalities of Switzerland

[edit] External links

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