What is the official name of the canton, and what are its names in other languages mentioned?

The official name of the canton is Obwalden, also known as Obwald. In German, it is called *Kanton Obwalden*, in Romansh *Chantun Sursilvania*, in French *Canton d'Obwald*, and in Italian *Canton Obvaldo*. These various names reflect the linguistic diversity often found in Switzerland, even if German is the primary language of this specific canton.

What is the capital city of the Canton of Obwalden?

The capital of the Canton of Obwalden is Sarnen, which also serves as the seat of its government and parliament.

How many municipalities are there in the Canton of Obwalden?

The Canton of Obwalden is composed of seven municipalities. These local administrative units are crucial for local governance and service provision.

What was the total population of Obwalden as of December 2020?

As of December 2020, the total population of the Canton of Obwalden was 38,108 residents.

What is the total geographical area of the Canton of Obwalden?

The total area of the Canton of Obwalden is 490.58 square kilometers (189.41 square miles), making it one of the smaller cantons in Switzerland.

When did Obwalden officially join the Swiss Confederation?

Obwalden joined the Swiss Confederation in 1291, making it one of the original participants in the foundation of the Old Swiss Confederacy.

What is the primary official language spoken in Obwalden?

The primary official language of the Canton of Obwalden is German.

What are the highest and lowest geographical points within the Canton of Obwalden?

The highest point in Obwalden is Titlis, part of the Urner Alps, at an elevation of 3,238 meters (10,623 feet). The lowest point is Lake Lucerne, at 434 meters (1,424 feet).

What was the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and GDP per capita for Obwalden in 2020?

In 2020, Obwalden's total GDP was CHF 2.564 billion, with a GDP per capita of CHF 67,453. These figures indicate the economic output and average economic prosperity of the canton's residents.

Where is Obwalden geographically located within Switzerland?

Obwalden is situated in Central Switzerland and notably contains the geographical center of the country. It is bordered by the canton of Lucerne to the north, Nidwalden and Uri to the east, and Bern to the south.

What is Obwalden's traditional historical designation within the Swiss Confederation?

Obwalden is traditionally considered a 'half-canton,' with Nidwalden being its other half. This historical designation reflects a shared past and often shared representation in certain federal bodies.

Which cantons share a border with Obwalden?

Obwalden is bordered by the canton of Lucerne to its north, the cantons of Nidwalden and Uri to its east, and the canton of Bern to its south.

What significant geographical feature is located within Obwalden, and what is its main river valley?

Obwalden contains the geographical center of Switzerland and is essentially located in the valley of the Sarner Aa, south of Lake Lucerne. It also includes an exclave around the town of Engelberg.

What was the historical relationship between Obwalden, Nidwalden, and Unterwalden?

Historically, Obwalden and Nidwalden together formed Unterwalden, which was one of the three original participants in the foundation of the Old Swiss Confederacy. The division into two separate territories, Nidwalden and Obwalden, developed over the 14th and 15th centuries.

How did Obwalden's political status change between 1798 and 1999?

Between 1798 and 1803, Obwalden was known as the District of Sarnen within the short-lived Canton of Waldstätten. From 1803 until 1999, it was recognized as the half-canton of Obwalden. In 1999, the new Federal Constitution eliminated the 'half-canton' designation, making Obwalden a full canton, though it still shared representation in the Council of States and had only half a vote.

What is the earliest archaeological evidence of human presence found in Obwalden?

The earliest archaeological trace found in Obwalden is a stone knife dating from the 8th millennium BC, discovered in Brand by Lungern.

What evidence of the Horgen culture has been found in Obwalden?

Two Horgen culture sites from the 4th millennium BC have been identified in Obwalden, including an ax and two bone blades found in Giswil, and a hammer-ax found in Wilen. These findings suggest at least temporary habitation during that period, though no evidence of agriculture or permanent settlements has been found.

What was the significance of the Roman estate unearthed in Alpnach?

A Roman estate was unearthed in Alpnach between 1914 and 1915. It was constructed in the late 1st century AD and remained operational until its main building was destroyed by fire in 270 AD, providing insight into Roman presence in the region.

How did the Alamanni migration impact the demographics and place names in Obwalden?

Around 700 AD, the Alamanni began migrating into Obwalden, initially settling around the lakes while Gallo-Romans inhabited the plateau. The Alamanni influence is evident in place names around Lake Sarnen and the Kerns plateau, which often end in -ingen, -wil, and -hofen. Over time, the two populations intermarried and became Germanized by the 9th century.

Which institutions held significant land control in Obwalden during the Early Middle Ages?

During the Early Middle Ages, much of the land in Obwalden was controlled by monasteries, particularly Murbach-Lucerne and Beromünster Abbey. These religious institutions played a crucial role in the region's development and governance.

How did Engelberg Abbey's authority over Obwalden's parishes evolve?

Engelberg Abbey began acquiring rights over the parishes in Obwalden during the 14th century. By 1415, the Abbey had de facto control over the appointment of parish priests throughout the valley, which became de jure authority by 1460.

What event in 1291 is considered the beginning of the Swiss Confederation, and how was Obwalden involved?

On August 1, 1291, Nidwalden, along with Uri and Schwyz, formed the Eternal Alliance, which is considered the beginning of the Swiss Confederation. Although Obwalden is not explicitly named in the document's text, it is named on the seal appended to it, indicating its participation.

What was the nature of the Eternal Alliance formed by the original cantons?

Initially, the Eternal Alliance was a mutual defense pact between the three founding cantons, Uri, Schwyz, and Unterwalden (which included Obwalden and Nidwalden), each of which was independently ruled.

How did Emperor Henry VII's confirmation of liberties in 1309 affect Unterwalden?

In 1309, Emperor Henry VII confirmed all the liberties granted by his predecessor to Unterwalden, and importantly, granted the valleys imperial immediacy. This placed Unterwalden on an equal political footing with Uri and Schwyz within the nascent Confederation.

What led to the Battle of Morgarten, and what was its outcome for the Confederates?

War broke out in 1314 over a dispute between the Confederates of Schwyz and the Habsburg-protected monastery of Einsiedeln regarding pastures. Unterwalden joined its allies in the Battle of Morgarten, where they decisively drove back a Habsburg invasion of the Brünig Pass, leading to the renewal of the Eternal Alliance in the Pact of Brunnen.

How did the Landsgemeinde contribute to the shift of power from nobility to communities in Obwalden during the 14th century?

During the 14th century, the communities in Obwalden grew more powerful at the expense of the nobility. The Landsgemeinde, a traditional assembly, played a key role by excluding the Hunwil nobles from holding political or court offices in 1382, following conflicts with an organization of wealthy livestock farmers.

What was the 'Amstalden Affair' in 1478?

The Amstalden Affair involved Obwalden's support for Peter Amstalden, who attempted to lead the Entlebuch region away from Lucerne. This rebellion ultimately failed, and Amstalden was arrested, tried, and executed in 1478.

What was the significance of the Stanser Verkommnis in 1481?

Following the Burgundian Wars, internal conflict threatened to tear apart the Old Swiss Confederation due to disputes over war proceeds. The Stanser Verkommnis was a resolution reached in 1481, reportedly after consulting the hermit Niklaus von der Flüe from Obwalden, which calmed tensions and led to the admission of Fribourg and Solothurn into the confederation.

What was Obwalden's stance during the Protestant Reformation, and how did it act on this stance?

The Landsgemeinde of Obwalden stood firmly against the Protestant Reformation. In 1528, it sent troops over the Brünig Pass in an attempt to force the Bernese Oberhasli region to maintain the old Catholic faith, contributing to the unrest that led to the First War of Kappel.

What was the outcome of the First and Second Wars of Kappel for the Catholic cantons, including Obwalden?

The First War of Kappel in 1529 ended in a peace treaty without loss of life. However, the Second War of Kappel two years later resulted in a victory for the Catholic side and the death of reformer Huldrych Zwingli. This led Catholic cantons, including Obwalden, to form alliances with neighboring Catholic leaders like France and Spain.

How did Obwalden initially react to the 1798 French invasion and the establishment of the Helvetic Republic?

Despite having a strongly pro-French government at the time, Obwalden initially became the first of the original Swiss cantons to accept the Helvetic Republic on April 1, 1798. However, it was subsequently pressured by its neighbors to reject the Republic and resist the French forces.

What changes were implemented in Obwalden following the Act of Mediation in 1803?

After the collapse of the Helvetic Republic, the Act of Mediation in 1803 dissolved the Canton of Waldstätten and divided Unterwalden into the half-cantons 'ob dem Wald' (Obwalden) and 'nid dem Wald' (Nidwalden). Key changes included granting equal rights to all residents (eliminating distinctions between citizens and resident aliens), raising the voting age from 14 to 20, and requiring military service at age 20.

When did Engelberg become part of Obwalden, and how was its integration handled constitutionally?

The monastery and municipality of Engelberg joined Obwalden in 1815. The cantonal constitution documents of 19 and 24 November 1815 partially guaranteed the traditional rights of the Abbey and its surrounding community, and the constitution was altered in 1816 to formally include Engelberg as a municipality.

What was the Sonderbund, and why did Obwalden join it?

The Sonderbund was a separate alliance formed in 1843 by Catholic and conservative cantons, including Obwalden. It was a response to a coalition of liberals and radicals gaining a majority in the Federal Diet in 1840, who introduced reforms and proposed a new constitution with radical changes that the conservative cantons opposed.

What was the outcome of the Sonderbund War for Obwalden and its government?

Obwalden participated in the Sonderbund War in 1847, but the Sonderbund council surrendered before the Federal army reached the canton. Afterward, the old government was replaced with a liberal one, and reforms were enacted, including eliminating some government levels and introducing term limits for the Landammann, leading to the removal of Landammann Nikodem Spichtig from office.

What significant changes did the 1867 cantonal constitution introduce in Obwalden?

The 1867 cantonal constitution was completely rewritten, changing the organization of the government. It also granted some rights to Reformed churches, including the right to operate their own schools, and weakened many of the special privileges previously held by the Landmann.

How did constitutional revisions in 1902 and 1922 affect citizen participation and the Landsgemeinde in Obwalden?

The 1902 constitutional revision allowed citizens to demand a referendum on any law. Further weakening the Landsgemeinde's power, the 1922 revision introduced secret ballots for constitutional, legal, and tax laws, shifting decision-making from open assembly to private voting.

When were women granted voting rights and the voting age lowered in Obwalden?

Women were first allowed to vote in cantonal elections in Obwalden in 1972, and the voting age was subsequently lowered to eighteen in 1983.

When was the traditional Landsgemeinde assembly abolished in Obwalden?

The traditional Landsgemeinde, an open-air assembly where citizens voted on laws and elected officials, was finally abolished in Obwalden in 1998.

What is the primary difference in political representation for Obwalden as a half-canton within the Swiss Confederation?

As a half-canton, Obwalden holds all the rights and duties of full cantons, with the specific exception that it can only send one deputy to the Council of States, whereas full cantons typically send two.

Which political party was the most popular in Obwalden during the 2011 federal election?

In the 2011 federal election, the Christian Social Party of Obwalden (CSP OW) was the most popular party, receiving 56.9% of the vote.

What was the outcome for the Christian Democrats in the 2010 Cantonal Council election?

In the Cantonal Council election on March 7, 2010, the Christian Democrats lost three seats but still remained the largest party, holding 20 seats.

What percentage of Obwalden's population were resident foreign nationals in 2010?

As of 2010, 12.9% of Obwalden's population were resident foreign nationals.

What were the main factors contributing to Obwalden's population change between 2000 and 2010?

Between 2000 and 2010, Obwalden's population changed at a rate of 8.7%. Migration accounted for 5.7% of this change, while births and deaths contributed 2.5%.

According to the 2000 census, what were the three most common first languages spoken in Obwalden?

Based on the 2000 census, the three most common first languages spoken in Obwalden were German (92.3%), Albanian (1.4%), and Serbo-Croatian (1.2%).

What percentage of Obwalden's population was born outside of Switzerland as of 2000?

As of 2000, 12.3% of Obwalden's population was born outside of Switzerland, while 45.8% were born in Obwalden itself.

What types of businesses primarily drive Obwalden's economy?

Obwalden's economy is predominantly driven by small and middle-sized businesses, many of which specialize in niche areas such as miniature engines, synthetics, medical equipment, and nanotechnology.

What traditional industries are still significant to Obwalden's economy?

Traditional industries such as forestry and related businesses, as well as agriculture, remain of great importance to Obwalden's economy. Agriculture in the canton is specialized in integrated dairy and meat farming, typically managed by family-run farms.

What change did Obwalden implement regarding its income tax system in 2007?

In 2007, Obwalden replaced its former regressive income tax system (where higher incomes faced lower tax rates) with a flat 1.8% income tax, which is noted as the lowest in the country. This cantonal tax is applied in addition to federal and local taxes.

What was the unemployment rate in Obwalden in 2010?

In 2010, the Canton of Obwalden had an unemployment rate of 1.5%.

How many full-time equivalent jobs were there in Obwalden in 2008, and how were they distributed across economic sectors?

In 2008, there were 15,215 full-time equivalent jobs in Obwalden. Of these, 1,157 were in the primary sector (agriculture, forestry), 6,008 in the secondary sector (manufacturing, construction), and 8,050 in the tertiary sector (services like sales, hospitality, healthcare, education, and technical professions).

Obwalden Wiki: Obwalden: Alpine Heritage and Modern Governance

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

When you are ready...
🎮 Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game🎮

Canton Overview

A Central Swiss Canton

Obwalden, also known as Obwald, is one of the 26 cantons that constitute the Swiss Confederation. Situated in Central Switzerland, it holds the distinction of containing the geographical center of the nation. The canton is primarily defined by the valley of the Sarner Aa, extending south from Lake Lucerne, and includes an exclave around the municipality of Engelberg. Its capital, Sarnen, serves as the seat of both the government and parliament. Obwalden is traditionally recognized as a "half-canton," sharing historical ties and certain representational aspects with its counterpart, Nidwalden.^[5]

Geographical Context

Bordered by the canton of Lucerne to the north, Nidwalden and Uri to the east, and Bern to the south, Obwalden is one of Switzerland's smaller cantons. Its landscape is characterized by significant natural features, including parts of Lake Lucerne, Lake Sarnen, and Lake Lungern. The highest point within the canton is Titlis, reaching an elevation of 3,238 meters (10,623 feet), while its lowest point is found at Lake Lucerne, at 434 meters (1,424 feet).^[5]

Municipal Structure

The canton is comprised of seven municipalities: Sarnen, Kerns, Sachseln, Alpnach, Giswil, Lungern, and Engelberg. The capital, Sarnen, is further subdivided into Sarnen-Dorfschaft, Kägiswil, Schwendi/Wilen, and Ramersberg. A notable feature of Obwalden's governance is the substantial autonomy granted to its municipalities, which manage a significant portion of tax revenue and fund essential services like education without direct cantonal grants.^[5]

Historical Trajectory

Ancient Roots and Early Settlements

Archaeological evidence suggests human presence in Obwalden dating back to the 8th millennium BC, with findings such as a stone knife near Lungern. Sites from the Horgen culture (4th millennium BC) indicate temporary habitation, though permanent agricultural settlements are not yet confirmed for this period. Bronze Age graves and settlements, including high alpine herding camps, point to more established communities between 2000 and 1100 BC. The region also bears linguistic traces of Celtic and Gallo-Roman influence in its place names.^[5]

A Roman estate, discovered in Alpnach and active from the late 1st century AD until its destruction by fire in 270 AD, provides concrete evidence of Roman presence. Around 700 AD, the Alamanni began migrating into Obwalden, initially settling around the lakes, while Gallo-Romans inhabited the plateaus. Over centuries, these populations intermarried and became Germanized. By the 9th century, Obwalden was part of the Second Kingdom of Burgundy, later incorporated into the Holy Roman Empire in 1032-33 under Emperor Conrad II. Control was subsequently granted to the Counts of Lenzburg, who established a castle on Landenberg hill to assert their authority.^[5]

Formation of the Confederacy

During the Early Middle Ages, monastic institutions, particularly Murbach-Lucerne and Beromünster Abbey, held significant land and ecclesiastical authority in Obwalden. By the 12th century, several local churches had become parish churches, with Engelberg Abbey gaining de facto control over priestly appointments by the 14th century. The political community of Sarnen was first mentioned in a Papal bull in 1247. A pivotal moment occurred on April 16, 1291, when Rudolph I of Habsburg acquired Unterwalden (comprising Obwalden and Nidwalden), consolidating his power. Fearing a loss of their freedoms, Nidwalden, along with Uri and Schwyz, formed the Eternal Alliance on August 1, 1291, marking the genesis of the Old Swiss Confederacy. Obwalden, though not explicitly named in the document, was represented by its seal.^[6]

In 1304, Obwalden and Nidwalden were united under a single local deputy. Emperor Henry VII granted Unterwalden imperial immediacy in 1309, elevating its political standing. Obwalden played a role in the Battle of Morgarten (1315) and subsequently renewed the Eternal Alliance in the Pact of Brunnen. Throughout the 14th century, local communities gained power at the expense of the nobility, culminating in the exclusion of the Hunwil nobles from political office by the Landsgemeinde in 1382. Obwalden participated in various conflicts, including the Battle of Sempach (1386) and the Gugler War (1375), and expanded its territory by acquiring Alpnach (1368) and Hergiswil (1378). Despite participating in conquests of other regions, Obwalden was unable to permanently incorporate new territories. The Stanser Verkommnis of 1481, influenced by local hermit Niklaus von der Flüe, resolved internal conflicts within the Confederation.^[5]^[6]^[7]^[8]^[9]^[10]

Republic to Modernity

Obwalden staunchly opposed the Protestant Reformation, adopting a pro-Catholic stance and even attempting to enforce the old faith in the Bernese Oberhasli region in 1528, contributing to the Kappel Wars. During the 1798 French invasion, Obwalden initially accepted the Helvetic Republic but was later compelled to resist. Following the French victory, it was merged into the short-lived Canton of Waldstätten as the district of Sarnen. The Act of Mediation in 1803 dissolved Waldstätten and re-established Obwalden as a half-canton, granting equal rights to all residents. In 1815, Engelberg and its monastery joined Obwalden. The Restoration period saw attempts to roll back reforms, leading to the formation of the Sonderbund (separate alliance) by Catholic cantons, including Obwalden, which resulted in the Sonderbund War in 1847. After the war, a liberal government introduced reforms, weakening the power of the Landammann and establishing term limits.^[5]

The 1850 constitution recognized the Catholic Church as the sole cantonal religion, but the 1867 revision granted rights to Reformed churches and further limited the Landmann's privileges. The 1902 constitution introduced referendums, and secret ballots for constitutional, legal, and tax laws were adopted in 1922, further diminishing the direct power of the Landsgemeinde. Women gained suffrage in cantonal elections in 1972, and the voting age was lowered to eighteen in 1983. The Landsgemeinde, a traditional open-air assembly, was finally abolished in 1998, marking a significant shift towards modern democratic processes.^[5]^[11]

Geographical Features

Mountains and Peaks

Obwalden's landscape is dominated by the majestic Swiss Alps. The highest point within the canton is Mount Titlis, part of the Urner Alps, which soars to an elevation of 3,238 meters (10,623 feet). Other notable mountains, such as Pilatus, contribute to the canton's dramatic topography and serve as significant tourist attractions. These peaks offer breathtaking vistas and are central to the region's identity and recreational opportunities.^[5]

Lakes and Waterways

The canton is home to several picturesque lakes, enhancing its natural beauty and providing vital resources. These include portions of Lake Lucerne (Vierwaldstättersee), the entirety of Lake Sarnen (Sarnersee), and Lake Lungern (Lungerersee). Smaller lakes such as Wichelsee, Tannensee, and Melchsee also dot the landscape. These bodies of water are integral to the canton's ecosystem, economy, and tourism sector.^[5]

Land Use and Environment

With a total area of 490.58 square kilometers (189.41 square miles), Obwalden exhibits a diverse land-use pattern. As of 2006, approximately 40.2% of the canton was wooded, while 37.9% was dedicated to agriculture. Developed areas, including structures and roads, accounted for 3.2%, and a significant 18.7% was classified as unproductive land, encompassing rivers, mountains, and glaciers. This distribution highlights the canton's blend of natural preservation and human activity.^[1]^[5]

Political Structure

Half-Canton Status

Within the Swiss Confederation, Obwalden operates as a "half-canton." This designation grants it all the rights and responsibilities of full cantons, with one key exception: it sends only one deputy to the Council of States, the upper house of the Swiss Federal Assembly. The canton's relatively small size facilitates a streamlined government, comprising only five members in its executive council.^[5]

Federal Election Dynamics

Federal elections in Obwalden demonstrate shifts in political alignment. In the 2011 federal election, the Christian Social Party of Obwalden (CSP OW) emerged as the most popular party, securing 56.9% of the vote. The Swiss People's Party (SVP) followed with 43.1%. This marked a significant change from 2007, where the CSP OW had no candidate, indicating a dynamic political landscape within the canton.^[12]^[13]

The following table illustrates the percentage of the total vote per party in Obwalden during federal elections from 1971 to 2015:

Party	Ideology	1971	1975	1979	1983	1987	1991	1995	2003	2007	2011	2015
FDP.The Liberals	Classical liberalism	32.5	*	*	*	30.4	*	*	*	*	*	*
CVP/PDC/PPD/PCD	Christian democracy	67.0	97.1	95.7	91.0	51.7	95.3	94.2	66.4	32.5	*	*
SP/PS	Social democracy	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	11.6	*	*
SVP/UDC	Swiss nationalism	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	33.6	32.9	43.1	34.5
FPS/PSL	Right-wing populism	*	*	*	*	*	*	3.8	*	*	*	*
Other (incl. CSP OW)		0.5	2.9	4.3	9.0	17.8	4.7	2.1	0.0	23.0	56.9	65.5
Voter participation %		53.7	21.2	42.3	30.9	50.9	26.7	31.9	45.7	59.7	64.3	59.5

Note: "*" indicates that the party was not on the ballot in this canton. "0.0" indicates no election was held or no votes were recorded for that party.^[14]

Cantonal Council Elections

In the Cantonal Council election held on March 7, 2010, the political center maintained its influence. The Christian Democrats, despite losing three seats, remained the largest party with 20 seats. The Swiss People's Party gained five seats, becoming the second-largest, while FDP.The Liberals retained 10 seats but dropped to third. The Social Democratic Party held steady with 6 seats, and the Christian Social Party of Obwalden saw a reduction of two seats, holding 8.^[15]

Demographic Insights

Population Trends

As of December 2020, Obwalden had a total population of 38,108 residents.^[2] Over the decade from 2000 to 2010, the population experienced an 8.7% growth rate, with migration accounting for 5.7% and natural changes (births minus deaths) for 2.5%. This indicates a steady increase in the canton's populace, driven by both internal growth and external influx.^[16]

Linguistic Diversity

German is the predominant language spoken in Obwalden, with 92.3% of the population (29,920 individuals as of 2000) identifying it as their first language. While German is primary, the canton exhibits a degree of linguistic diversity. Albanian is the second most common language (1.4%, 452 speakers), followed by Serbo-Croatian (1.2%, 399 speakers). Smaller communities speak French (144), Italian (329), and Romansh (32).^[17]

Household and Residency

In 2000, 45.8% of the canton's population (14,867 individuals) were born in Obwalden and continued to reside there. Another 13.5% (4,374) were born in other parts of the same canton, while 25.4% (8,228) originated from other Swiss cantons, and 12.3% (4,000) were born outside Switzerland. The canton had 12,445 private households with an average of 2.5 persons per household. In 2009, the housing construction rate was 8.8 new units per 1000 residents, with a vacancy rate of 0.8% in 2010.^[16]^[17]

Historic Population Data

The population of Obwalden has seen various fluctuations throughout its history, influenced by factors such as natural increase and migration. Understanding these trends provides valuable context for the canton's development.

The following table presents a detailed overview of Obwalden's historic population, including demographic changes, linguistic distribution, and religious affiliations over various census years.

Year	Total Population	Total population change ‰	Rate of natural increase ‰	Net migration rate ‰	% population over 59	German Speaking	Italian Speaking	French Speaking	Romansh Speaking	Other Languages	Roman Catholic	Protestant	Christian Catholic	Other	Other - not member	Other - Islamic	Other - Jewish	Swiss	Resident Foreigner	% resident foreigner
1850	13,799	-2.9‰	-0.7‰	-2.2‰	0.00%						13,783	16						13,779	20	0.10%
1860	13,376	7.7‰	9.1‰	-1.4‰	8.30%															0.70%
1870	14,443	6.3‰	9.5‰	-3.2‰	8.80%															0.80%
1880	15,329	-2.4‰	4.7‰	-7.1‰	10.90%	15,254	88	9	4	1	15,078	277		1			1	15,207	122	0.80%
1888	15,043	1.2‰	6.7‰	-5.5‰	12.00%															3.00%
1900	15,260	11.8‰	11.9‰	-0.1‰	12.50%	14,958	254	33	12	3	15,009	249		2				14,788	472	3.10%
1910	17,161	2.3‰	9.2‰	-6.9‰	11.50%															4.70%
1920	17,567	10.0‰	10.1‰	-0.1‰	9.90%															3.60%
1930	19,401	4.3‰	10.1‰	-5.8‰	10.20%															5.40%
1940	20,340	9.4‰	14.3‰	-4.9‰	12.20%															2.60%
1950	22,125	4.5‰	12.6‰	-8.1‰	12.30%	21,676	239	113	28	69	21,256	827	18	24			6	21,450	675	3.10%
1960	23,135	5.8‰	11.8‰	-6.0‰	13.00%															5.30%
1970	24,509	5.4‰	6.7‰	-1.3‰	16.50%	23,224	773	117	29	366	23,382	1,018	4	105	18	51		22,912	1,597	6.50%
1980	25,865	11.5‰	6.7‰	4.8‰	18.20%															6.80%
1990	29,025	10.8‰	4.4‰	6.4‰	18.10%															8.60%
2000	32,427				18.20%	29,920	329	144	32	2,002	25,992	2,492	14	3,929	1,212	985	5	28,573	3,854	11.90%

Note: "‰" indicates per mille (per thousand). Empty cells indicate data not available for that specific category in that year.^[5]

Economic Landscape

Diverse Business Sectors

Obwalden's economy is characterized by a strong presence of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). These businesses often specialize in niche, high-value areas such as miniature engines, synthetics, medical equipment, and nanotechnology, contributing to a dynamic and innovative economic environment. This specialization allows the canton to maintain a competitive edge in various advanced industries.^[16]

Traditional Industries

Alongside modern specialized businesses, traditional industries continue to play a vital role in Obwalden's economy. Forestry and related enterprises are significant, reflecting the canton's extensive wooded areas. Agriculture, particularly integrated dairy and meat farming, remains a cornerstone, with family-run farms preserving traditional practices while adapting to modern demands. These sectors provide stability and contribute to the canton's unique character.^[16]

Employment and Taxation

As of 2010, Obwalden reported a low unemployment rate of 1.5%. In 2008, the canton had 1,871 individuals employed in the primary economic sector (agriculture, forestry), 6,499 in the secondary sector (manufacturing, construction), and 10,037 in the tertiary sector (services). The total number of full-time equivalent jobs in 2008 was 15,215, with significant contributions from manufacturing (60.7% of secondary sector jobs), construction (35.6%), and various tertiary services like sales, hospitality, and healthcare. In 2007, Obwalden implemented a flat income tax rate of 1.8%, one of the lowest in Switzerland, aiming to attract businesses and residents.^[3]^[16]^[18]^[19]

Tourism & Culture

A Tourist Destination

Tourism is a major economic driver in Obwalden, benefiting significantly from its central location within the Swiss Alps. The canton established itself as a prominent tourist destination in the 19th century, with many facilities built for tourism now also serving local industries and residents. Key attractions include the mountains Pilatus and Titlis, which draw visitors year-round. Winter sports, such as skiing and snowboarding, are popular, with main resorts located in Engelberg, Melchsee-Frutt, Lungern-Schönbüel, Mörelialp, and Langis. During the summer months, hiking and mountaineering become the primary draws. Approximately one-quarter of the canton's population is directly or indirectly employed in the tourism sector.^[5]

Preserving Traditions

Traditional culture in Obwalden is actively preserved and celebrated through numerous local organizations. These groups keep alive a rich heritage of traditional music, vibrant carnival festivities, folk dances, distinctive costumes, local theatre productions, and various festivals. These cultural expressions are integral to the canton's identity and community life, offering a glimpse into its enduring customs and communal spirit.

Modern Artistic Contributions

Beyond its traditional roots, Obwalden also fosters a community of modern artists who contribute to its cultural landscape. Notable figures include Josef Garovi (composer), Caspar Diethelm (composer), Julian Dillier (poet), Franz Bucher (painter), Kurt Sigrist (sculptor), and Alois Spichtig (sculptor). Their works reflect contemporary artistic expressions while often drawing inspiration from the canton's unique environment and heritage, showcasing a blend of tradition and innovation.^[5]

Religious Landscape

Faith in Obwalden

According to the 2000 census, Roman Catholicism is the dominant religion in Obwalden, with 80.2% of the population (25,992 individuals) identifying as Roman Catholic. The Swiss Reformed Church constitutes the second-largest religious group, accounting for 7.0% (2,255 individuals). Other Christian denominations, including Orthodox churches (1.43%) and the Christian Catholic Church (0.04%), also have a presence.^[17]

Diverse Beliefs

Beyond the primary Christian affiliations, Obwalden's population includes adherents of various other faiths. Islam is practiced by 3.04% of the population (985 individuals), while smaller communities include Buddhists (41), Hindus (82), and Jewish individuals (5). A significant portion of the population, 3.74% (1,212 individuals), reported no religious affiliation, identifying as agnostic or atheist, reflecting a growing trend of secularism. An additional 3.42% did not specify their religious beliefs.^[17]

Educational Attainment

Academic Profile

Education levels in Obwalden reflect a well-educated populace. As of the 2000 census, approximately 35.8% of the population (11,601 individuals) had completed non-mandatory upper secondary education. Furthermore, 10.0% of residents (3,241 individuals) had pursued and completed additional higher education, encompassing university degrees or qualifications from a Fachhochschule (university of applied sciences).^[17]

Gender and Nationality in Higher Education

Among those who completed tertiary schooling, Swiss men constituted the largest group at 66.0%, followed by Swiss women at 22.0%. Non-Swiss men accounted for 7.3% of higher education graduates, and non-Swiss women for 4.8%. These statistics highlight the participation of both national and international individuals in the canton's advanced educational landscape, with a notable majority being Swiss men.^[17]

Notable Figures

Dorothea Wyss

One prominent historical figure associated with Obwalden is Dorothea Wyss, born around 1430/32 and passing away after 1487. She is notably recognized as the wife of Niklaus von Flüe, who is revered as the patron saint of Switzerland. Her life and connection to such a significant national figure underscore the rich human history embedded within the canton.^[20]

Teacher's Corner

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Edit and Print Materials from this study in the wiki2web studio

Click here to open the "Obwalden" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit

Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Learn about obwalden while playing the wiki2web Clarity Challenge game.

Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!

Play now

Explore More Topics

Discover other topics to study!

list of aragonese royal consorts

fk slavija sarajevo

stateless society

emiratis

References

(in German) Cantonal Council of Obwalden official website

A full list of references for this article are available at the Obwalden Wikipedia page

Feedback & Support

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not official government or historical documentation. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for consulting official cantonal records, historical archives, or expert academic research. Always refer to primary sources and consult with qualified historians, political scientists, or economists for specific research or policy analysis. Never disregard professional academic advice because of something you have read on this website.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Obwalden: Alpine Heritage and Modern Governance

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Canton Overview ℹ️

🇨🇭 A Central Swiss Canton

🗺️ Geographical Context

🏘️ Municipal Structure

Historical Trajectory 📜

🕰️ Ancient Roots and Early Settlements

🤝 Formation of the Confederacy

🔄 Republic to Modernity

Geographical Features 🏞️

⛰️ Mountains and Peaks

💧 Lakes and Waterways

🌳 Land Use and Environment

Political Structure 🏛️

⚖️ Half-Canton Status

🗳️ Federal Election Dynamics

🏛️ Cantonal Council Elections

Demographic Insights 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

📈 Population Trends

🗣️ Linguistic Diversity

🏡 Household and Residency

📊 Historic Population Data

Economic Landscape 💰

💼 Diverse Business Sectors

🚜 Traditional Industries

📊 Employment and Taxation

Tourism & Culture 🎭

⛷️ A Tourist Destination

🎶 Preserving Traditions

🎨 Modern Artistic Contributions

Religious Landscape ⛪

🙏 Faith in Obwalden

🌍 Diverse Beliefs

Educational Attainment 🎓

📚 Academic Profile

🌐 Gender and Nationality in Higher Education

Notable Figures 🌟

👤 Dorothea Wyss

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

True or False? 🤔

❓ Test Your Knowledge! ❓

Gamer's Corner 🎮

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Explore More Topics

📜 Discover other topics to study!

References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Canton Overview

A Central Swiss Canton

Geographical Context

Municipal Structure

Historical Trajectory

Ancient Roots and Early Settlements

Formation of the Confederacy

Republic to Modernity

Geographical Features

Mountains and Peaks

Lakes and Waterways

Land Use and Environment

Political Structure

Half-Canton Status

Federal Election Dynamics

Cantonal Council Elections

Demographic Insights

Population Trends

Linguistic Diversity

Household and Residency

Historic Population Data

Economic Landscape

Diverse Business Sectors

Traditional Industries

Employment and Taxation

Tourism & Culture

A Tourist Destination

Preserving Traditions

Modern Artistic Contributions

Religious Landscape

Faith in Obwalden

Diverse Beliefs

Educational Attainment

Academic Profile

Gender and Nationality in Higher Education

Notable Figures

Dorothea Wyss

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice