Nidwalden
Encyclopedia
Nidwalden is a canton
of Switzerland
. It is located in the centre of Switzerland. The population is 40,287 (in 2007) of which 4,046 (or 10%) are foreigners. The capital is Stans
.
with sites found near Stansstad that are from 4000–3100 BC. The same sites, near Stansstad, also contain Late Bronze Age (1400–1100 BC) artifacts, with additional Bronze Age sites near Hergiswil and Ennetmoos. A La Tène
(500–100 BC) grave for a 10 year old girl has been found in Stans. Based on these finds, it appears that the Nidwalden region has been settled since the 1st millennium BC.
During the Roman Empire
Ob and Nidwalden were inhabited by a Gallo-Roman
or Celtic
population. While there are few artifacts from the population, many names of the towns, rivers and mountains have either Celtic or Gallo-Roman roots. By the 8th century the Alemanni entered the valleys of present-day Nidwalden and intermingled. At this time a Roman Catholic church was built in Stans, most likely founded by an Alemanni noble family. The church in Stans would remain until the 10th century when it was replaced by a church in Buochs
.
Initially the land was owned by a number of noble families and abbey
s. But by the late 13th century the major powers in Nidwalden had shrunk to three: the Habsburgs, Murbach Abbey
and Engelberg Abbey
. In 1291 Rudolph of Habsburg
bought Obwalden
from Murbach Abbey. In response the people of Nidwalden (Obwalden
joined shortly before the document was signed, the two halves forming Unterwalden
) joined Uri
and Schwyz
to form an alliance which is considered the foundation of modern Switzerland.
At the time there was no state, but towards the end of the 14th century early forms of government were established. This included institutionalized assemblies and courts. In the 14th and 15th century the people of Nidwalden joined the people of Obwalden to discuss important matters, but the two cantons were never really one. For example, Obwalden did not participate in the annexation of Bellinzona
, Riviera and Blenio
areas (today located in the canton of Ticino
).
Around 1500 many people in Nidwalden worked as mercenary soldiers. Many of these soldiers later emigrated. This helped to lessen the pressure of a growing population. A popular destination was Alsace
.
Under the Helvetic Republic
imposed in 1798 by French Revolution
ary troops, Switzerland became a united country. The ideas of the French Revolution were not popular in some parts of the Swiss nation including Nidwalden. The cantons were accustomed to self-government and many resented the limits on the freedom of worship in particular. When rebel forces threatened the Republic, Nidwalden was attacked by French troops on 9 September 1798. The canton's infrastructure was badly damaged and at least 400 people were killed.
After the end of Napoleonic
rule in 1814, most of the changes were reverted. Only in 1877 did Nidwalden introduce a new constitution. The open assembly (Landsgemeinde
) was abolished in 1997.
Nidwalden is located in the centre of Switzerland. To the north it is bounded by the Lake Lucerne
(Vierwaldstättersee), to all other directions by mountain chains (Urner Alps
). The area of the canton is 276.1 square kilometres (106.6 sq mi) of which about 40% is inhabited or used for farming. Forests occupy about one third of the canton with about one quarter being considered unproductive (mountains or glaciers).
.
, Buochs
, Dallenwil
, Emmetten
, Ennetbürgen
, Ennetmoos
, Hergiswil
, Oberdorf
, Stans
, Stansstad
and Wolfenschiessen
. The capital is Stans
.
. The population density in December 2005 was 144.3 persons per km2. Most of the population speaks German (92.5%) with a small minority speaking Italian (1.4%) or Serbo-Croatian
(1.2%).
. Around 1500 many people in Nidwalden worked as mercenary soldiers.
From the middle of the 19th century onwards, trade, industry and tourism gained momentum. Nevertheless, until the middle of the 20th century, agriculture dominated the canton. Today a great number of small and middle-sized businesses dominate the economy. The largest employer is the airplane constructor Pilatus
. The small and middle-sized businesses work in a wide range of areas. Many specialize in machine construction, medical equipment, international trade, optics and electronics.
Traditional areas such as forestry and agriculture are still of importance. Agriculture is specialized in cattle and dairy farming. The farms are still run by individual families.
In recent years, Nidwalden is becoming an increasingly popular place to live and work. This is caused by its low taxes, its central location between Zürich and Milan, and its beautiful countryside.
Because of its mountainous geography, tourism is important in Nidwalden. The lake and the mountains attract many tourists, both during the winter and the summer. Major resorts include Klewenalp, Stanserhorn
(mountain), the region around Bannalp
, and Bürgenstock
.
Cantons of Switzerland
The 26 cantons of Switzerland are the member states of the federal state of Switzerland. Each canton was a fully sovereign state with its own borders, army and currency from the Treaty of Westphalia until the establishment of the Swiss federal state in 1848...
of Switzerland
Switzerland
Switzerland name of one of the Swiss cantons. ; ; ; or ), in its full name the Swiss Confederation , is a federal republic consisting of 26 cantons, with Bern as the seat of the federal authorities. The country is situated in Western Europe,Or Central Europe depending on the definition....
. It is located in the centre of Switzerland. The population is 40,287 (in 2007) of which 4,046 (or 10%) are foreigners. The capital is Stans
Stans
Stans is the capital of the canton of Nidwalden in Switzerland.-History:Stans is one of the oldest settlements in the entire Nidwalden valley. The first traces of human settlement date to the 2nd Century BC...
.
History
The earliest traces of human settlement date to the NeolithicNeolithic
The Neolithic Age, Era, or Period, or New Stone Age, was a period in the development of human technology, beginning about 9500 BC in some parts of the Middle East, and later in other parts of the world. It is traditionally considered as the last part of the Stone Age...
with sites found near Stansstad that are from 4000–3100 BC. The same sites, near Stansstad, also contain Late Bronze Age (1400–1100 BC) artifacts, with additional Bronze Age sites near Hergiswil and Ennetmoos. A La Tène
La Tène culture
The La Tène culture was a European Iron Age culture named after the archaeological site of La Tène on the north side of Lake Neuchâtel in Switzerland, where a rich cache of artifacts was discovered by Hansli Kopp in 1857....
(500–100 BC) grave for a 10 year old girl has been found in Stans. Based on these finds, it appears that the Nidwalden region has been settled since the 1st millennium BC.
During the Roman Empire
Roman Empire
The Roman Empire was the post-Republican period of the ancient Roman civilization, characterised by an autocratic form of government and large territorial holdings in Europe and around the Mediterranean....
Ob and Nidwalden were inhabited by a Gallo-Roman
Gallo-Roman culture
The term Gallo-Roman describes the Romanized culture of Gaul under the rule of the Roman Empire. This was characterized by the Gaulish adoption or adaptation of Roman mores and way of life in a uniquely Gaulish context...
or Celtic
Celtic nations
The Celtic nations are territories in North-West Europe in which that area's own Celtic languages and some cultural traits have survived.The term "nation" is used in its original sense to mean a people who share a common traditional identity and culture and are identified with a traditional...
population. While there are few artifacts from the population, many names of the towns, rivers and mountains have either Celtic or Gallo-Roman roots. By the 8th century the Alemanni entered the valleys of present-day Nidwalden and intermingled. At this time a Roman Catholic church was built in Stans, most likely founded by an Alemanni noble family. The church in Stans would remain until the 10th century when it was replaced by a church in Buochs
Buochs
Buochs is a municipality in the canton of Nidwalden in Switzerland.-History:Buochs is first mentioned in 1124 as Boches. In 1184 it was mentioned as Buoches in 1210 as Buches, and in 1229 as Buchs.-Geography:...
.
Initially the land was owned by a number of noble families and abbey
Abbey
An abbey is a Catholic monastery or convent, under the authority of an Abbot or an Abbess, who serves as the spiritual father or mother of the community.The term can also refer to an establishment which has long ceased to function as an abbey,...
s. But by the late 13th century the major powers in Nidwalden had shrunk to three: the Habsburgs, Murbach Abbey
Murbach Abbey
Murbach Abbey was a famous Benedictine monastery in Murbach, southern Alsace, in a valley at the foot of the Grand Ballon in the Vosges.The monastery was founded in 727 by Eberhard, Count of Alsace, and established as a Benedictine house by Saint Pirmin. Its territory once comprised 3 towns and 30...
and Engelberg Abbey
Engelberg Abbey
Engelberg Abbey is a Benedictine monastery in Engelberg, Canton of Obwalden, Switzerland. It was formerly in the Diocese of Constance, but now in the Diocese of Chur...
. In 1291 Rudolph of Habsburg
Rudolph I of Germany
Rudolph I was King of the Romans from 1273 until his death. He played a vital role in raising the Habsburg dynasty to a leading position among the Imperial feudal dynasties...
bought Obwalden
Obwalden
Obwalden is a canton of Switzerland. It is located in the centre of Switzerland. The population is 33,997 of which 4,043 are foreigners. Its capital is Sarnen. The canton contains the geographical centre of Switzerland.-History:...
from Murbach Abbey. In response the people of Nidwalden (Obwalden
Obwalden
Obwalden is a canton of Switzerland. It is located in the centre of Switzerland. The population is 33,997 of which 4,043 are foreigners. Its capital is Sarnen. The canton contains the geographical centre of Switzerland.-History:...
joined shortly before the document was signed, the two halves forming Unterwalden
Unterwalden
Unterwalden is the old name of a forest-canton of the Old Swiss Confederacy in central Switzerland, south of Lake Lucerne, consisting of two valleys or Talschaften, now organized as two half-cantons, an upper part, Obwalden, and a lower part, Nidwalden.Unterwalden was one of the three participants...
) joined Uri
Canton of Uri
Uri is one of the 26 cantons of Switzerland and a founding member of the Swiss Confederation. It is located in Central Switzerland. The canton's territory covers the valley of the Reuss River between Lake Lucerne and the St. Gotthard Pass. German is the primary language spoken in Uri...
and Schwyz
Canton of Schwyz
Schwyz is a canton in central Switzerland between the Alps in the south, Lake Lucerne in the east and Lake Zurich in the north, centered around and named after the town of Schwyz....
to form an alliance which is considered the foundation of modern Switzerland.
At the time there was no state, but towards the end of the 14th century early forms of government were established. This included institutionalized assemblies and courts. In the 14th and 15th century the people of Nidwalden joined the people of Obwalden to discuss important matters, but the two cantons were never really one. For example, Obwalden did not participate in the annexation of Bellinzona
Bellinzona
Bellinzona is the administrative capital of the canton Ticino in Switzerland. The city is famous for its three castles that have been UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 2000....
, Riviera and Blenio
Blenio
Blenio is a municipality of the district of Blenio, in the canton of Ticino, Switzerland.Blenio was created on 22 October 2006 when it incorporated the formerly autonomous municipalities of Aquila, Campo Blenio, Ghirone, Olivone and Torre of the upper Blenio valley.A legal challenge to the merger...
areas (today located in the canton of Ticino
Ticino
Canton Ticino or Ticino is the southernmost canton of Switzerland. Named after the Ticino river, it is the only canton in which Italian is the sole official language...
).
Around 1500 many people in Nidwalden worked as mercenary soldiers. Many of these soldiers later emigrated. This helped to lessen the pressure of a growing population. A popular destination was Alsace
Alsace
Alsace is the fifth-smallest of the 27 regions of France in land area , and the smallest in metropolitan France. It is also the seventh-most densely populated region in France and third most densely populated region in metropolitan France, with ca. 220 inhabitants per km²...
.
Under the Helvetic Republic
Helvetic Republic
In Swiss history, the Helvetic Republic represented an early attempt to impose a central authority over Switzerland, which until then consisted mainly of self-governing cantons united by a loose military alliance, and conquered territories such as Vaud...
imposed in 1798 by French Revolution
French Revolution
The French Revolution , sometimes distinguished as the 'Great French Revolution' , was a period of radical social and political upheaval in France and Europe. The absolute monarchy that had ruled France for centuries collapsed in three years...
ary troops, Switzerland became a united country. The ideas of the French Revolution were not popular in some parts of the Swiss nation including Nidwalden. The cantons were accustomed to self-government and many resented the limits on the freedom of worship in particular. When rebel forces threatened the Republic, Nidwalden was attacked by French troops on 9 September 1798. The canton's infrastructure was badly damaged and at least 400 people were killed.
After the end of Napoleonic
Napoleon I of France
Napoleon Bonaparte was a French military and political leader during the latter stages of the French Revolution.As Napoleon I, he was Emperor of the French from 1804 to 1815...
rule in 1814, most of the changes were reverted. Only in 1877 did Nidwalden introduce a new constitution. The open assembly (Landsgemeinde
Landsgemeinde
The Landsgemeinde or "cantonal assembly" is one of the oldest forms of direct democracy. The first historically documented assembly took place in 1294...
) was abolished in 1997.
Geography
Lake Lucerne
Lake Lucerne is a lake in central Switzerland and the fourth largest in the country.The lake has a complicated shape, with bends and arms reaching from the city of Lucerne into the mountains. It has a total area of 114 km² , an elevation of 434 m , and a maximum depth of 214 m . Its volume is 11.8...
(Vierwaldstättersee), to all other directions by mountain chains (Urner Alps
Urner Alps
The Urner Alps are a mountain range in central Switzerland in the western part of the Alps. They extend into the cantons of Obwalden, Valais, Lucerne, Bern, Uri and Nidwalden and are bordered by the Bernese Alps to the west, the Lepontine Alps to the south and the Glarus Alps to the east.The Urner...
). The area of the canton is 276.1 square kilometres (106.6 sq mi) of which about 40% is inhabited or used for farming. Forests occupy about one third of the canton with about one quarter being considered unproductive (mountains or glaciers).
Politics
The cantonal executive (Regierungsrat) is composed of seven members. The local parliament has 60 seats. Nidwalden sends only one deputy to the Swiss Council of StatesSwiss Council of States
The Council of States of Switzerland is the smaller chamber of the Federal Assembly of Switzerland, and is considered the Assembly's upper house. There are 46 Councillors....
.
Municipalities
There are eleven municipalities: BeckenriedBeckenried
Beckenried is a municipality in the canton of Nidwalden in Switzerland.-History:The first settlers in what would become Beckried were from Alamanni tribes that moved into the area over 2000 years ago. During the Middle Ages the region was part of extensive estates that were shared between...
, Buochs
Buochs
Buochs is a municipality in the canton of Nidwalden in Switzerland.-History:Buochs is first mentioned in 1124 as Boches. In 1184 it was mentioned as Buoches in 1210 as Buches, and in 1229 as Buchs.-Geography:...
, Dallenwil
Dallenwil
Dallenwil is a municipality in the canton of Nidwalden in Switzerland.-History:Dallenwil is first mentioned about 1199-1210 as Tellewilare or Telliwilare. In 1850 it was known as Thalwyl and it wasn't until 1913 that it became Dallenwil....
, Emmetten
Emmetten
Emmetten is a municipality in the canton of Nidwalden in Switzerland.-Geography:Emmetten has an area, , of . Of this area, 37.9% is used for agricultural purposes, while 45.8% is forested...
, Ennetbürgen
Ennetbürgen
Ennetbürgen is a municipality in the canton of Nidwalden in Switzerland.-History:Ennetbürgen is first mentioned by 1190 as Burgin. In 1799 it became Enet-Bürgen and in 1836 Ennerbürgen. Since 1850 the official name has been Ennetbürgen....
, Ennetmoos
Ennetmoos
Ennetmoos is a municipality in the canton of Nidwalden in Switzerland.-Geography:Ennetmoos has an area, , of . Of this area, 47.9% is used for agricultural purposes, while 43.9% is forested...
, Hergiswil
Hergiswil
Hergiswil is a municipality in the canton of Nidwalden in Switzerland.-Geography:Hergiswil has an area, , of . Of this area, 29.3% is used for agricultural purposes, while 44.4% is forested...
, Oberdorf
Oberdorf, Nidwalden
Oberdorf is a municipality in the canton of Nidwalden in Switzerland.-History:Oberdorf is first mentioned in 1199 as Obirndorf. In 1275 it was mentioned as Oberndorf.-Geography:...
, Stans
Stans
Stans is the capital of the canton of Nidwalden in Switzerland.-History:Stans is one of the oldest settlements in the entire Nidwalden valley. The first traces of human settlement date to the 2nd Century BC...
, Stansstad
Stansstad
Stansstad is a village in the canton of Nidwalden in Switzerland.-Geography:Stansstad has an area, , of . Of this area, 33.8% is used for agricultural purposes, while 49.9% is forested. Of the rest of the land, 14.9% is settled and the remainder is non-productive .-Demographics:Stansstad has a...
and Wolfenschiessen
Wolfenschiessen
Wolfenschiessen is a municipality in the canton of Nidwalden in Switzerland.-Coat of arms:The municipality's coat of arms is Azure, a Wolf rampant Argent pierced by an Arrow in bend sinister Or. This is an example of canting where the name of the municipality is translated or represented on the...
. The capital is Stans
Stans
Stans is the capital of the canton of Nidwalden in Switzerland.-History:Stans is one of the oldest settlements in the entire Nidwalden valley. The first traces of human settlement date to the 2nd Century BC...
.
Demographics
The population of the canton (as of ) is . , the population included 4,046 foreigners, or about 10% of the total population. By gender the canton is nearly evenly split with 50.9% male and 49.1% female. In 2000, 75.6% of the population was Roman Catholic while 11.9% belong to the Swiss Reformed ChurchSwiss Reformed Church
The Reformed branch of Protestantism in Switzerland was started in Zürich by Huldrych Zwingli and spread within a few years to Basel , Bern , St...
. The population density in December 2005 was 144.3 persons per km2. Most of the population speaks German (92.5%) with a small minority speaking Italian (1.4%) or Serbo-Croatian
Serbo-Croatian language
Serbo-Croatian or Serbo-Croat, less commonly Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian , is a South Slavic language with multiple standards and the primary language of Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro...
(1.2%).
Economy
Up to the 20th century Nidwalden was dominated by agriculture. Cattle and cheese were exported mainly to northern ItalyItaly
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
. Around 1500 many people in Nidwalden worked as mercenary soldiers.
From the middle of the 19th century onwards, trade, industry and tourism gained momentum. Nevertheless, until the middle of the 20th century, agriculture dominated the canton. Today a great number of small and middle-sized businesses dominate the economy. The largest employer is the airplane constructor Pilatus
Pilatus
Pilatus may refer to:* Pilatus , a mountain in Switzerland* Pilatus , an X-ray area detector developed at the Swiss Light Source* Pilatus , a 1917 play by Kaj Munk manufacturer* Pilatus Aircraft, a Swiss aircraft manufacturer...
. The small and middle-sized businesses work in a wide range of areas. Many specialize in machine construction, medical equipment, international trade, optics and electronics.
Traditional areas such as forestry and agriculture are still of importance. Agriculture is specialized in cattle and dairy farming. The farms are still run by individual families.
In recent years, Nidwalden is becoming an increasingly popular place to live and work. This is caused by its low taxes, its central location between Zürich and Milan, and its beautiful countryside.
Tourism
Stanserhorn
Stanserhorn is a mountain located in Switzerland, specifically, in the canton of Nidwalden, at 1898 meters above sea level. In 1893 a cable way was built to transport people from the base of the mountain to the summit. From the top, one can view as far as Elsass, France and The Black Forest in...
(mountain), the region around Bannalp
Bannalp
Bannalp is a mountain region in the Swiss canton of Nidwalden, near Engelberg and a major skiing area. In Bannalp region there are three alpine huts and a small lake, Bannalpsee. There is a cable car from Oberrickenbach, near Wolfenschiessen, to Bannalp....
, and Bürgenstock
Bürgenstock
The Bürgenstock is a mountain above the Lake Lucerne in Switzerland. It is a very famous viewpoint because the mountain is almost completely surrounded by the lake and the summit is accessible by the Hammetschwand Elevator.- External links :*...
.