Epsach facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Epsach
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 Epsach
Location in Switzerland
Epsach
Location in Canton of Bern
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| Country | Switzerland | |
| Canton | Bern | |
| District | Seeland | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 3.41 km2 (1.32 sq mi) | |
| Elevation | 465 m (1,526 ft) | |
| Population
(Dec 2020 )
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| • Total | 326 | |
| • Density | 95.60/km2 (247.6/sq mi) | |
| Postal code |
3272
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| Surrounded by | Bühl, Hermrigen, Mörigen, Täuffelen, Walperswil | |
Epsach is a small town, also called a municipality, located in the Seeland area of the canton of Bern in Switzerland. It's a quiet place known for its farming and beautiful views.
Contents
A Look at Epsach's Past
Epsach was first written about in the year 1244. Back then, it was called Ebza.
Early Settlements and Roman Times
People have lived in the Epsach area for a very long time. We know this because tools and other items from the Bronze Age have been found here. There were also signs of a Roman settlement between Epsach and a nearby village called Walperswil. This shows that the area was important even thousands of years ago.
Villages That Disappeared
During the Late Middle Ages, there were other small villages around Epsach. One village, Frenschen, was mentioned in 1233 but was later abandoned in 1377. Another village, Gummen, also disappeared during the Middle Ages.
Becoming Part of Bern
Epsach and its surrounding villages were once part of a larger territory ruled by the Counts of Neuchâtel-Nidau. Between 1388 and 1393, the powerful city of Bern took control of this entire area. Under Bern's rule, Epsach became an important part of the local district. In the 1700s, Epsach was actually the biggest village in its quarter.
Epsach Today: Farming and Commuting
Today, Epsach is still mostly a farming village. It's especially known for growing cherries! However, many people who live in Epsach now travel to nearby towns for work. This means it's a mix of traditional farming life and modern commuting.
Where is Epsach Located?
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Epsach is a small municipality with an area of about 3.4 square kilometers. That's about 1.3 square miles.
Land Use in Epsach
Most of the land in Epsach is used for farming. About 78% of the area is farmland. Forests cover about 14% of the land, and buildings or roads make up about 6.5%. There are also some rivers and lakes, and a tiny bit of land that isn't used for anything.
Farmers in Epsach use their land for growing crops, pastures for animals, and orchards for fruit like cherries.
Epsach's Landscape
The municipality is located in the low hills between Lake Biel and the Seeland region. It includes the main village of Epsach, plus two smaller areas called Klus and Baar.
In 2010, Epsach became part of a new administrative district called Verwaltungskreis Seeland.
What Does Epsach's Coat of Arms Look Like?
A blazon is a special way to describe a coat of arms. Epsach's coat of arms is split down the middle. On one side, there's a red background with a silver Roman column. On the other side, there's a silver background with three red rings stacked on top of each other.
Who Lives in Epsach?
Epsach has a population of about 336 people. Most of the people who live here are Swiss citizens.
Languages Spoken in Epsach
Most people in Epsach speak German as their main language. A smaller number of people speak French, and a very few speak Albanian or Italian.
Population Details
In 2008, a little more than half of the population (53%) was male, and 47% was female. Most people (about 47%) were born in Epsach itself. About 41% were born in the same canton (Bern), and a smaller number were born elsewhere in Switzerland or outside of Switzerland.
Age Groups in Epsach
In 2011, about 20% of the population were children and teenagers (0-19 years old). Adults (20-64 years old) made up the largest group at about 63%. Seniors (over 64 years old) made up about 16%.
Family Life and Homes
In 2000, many people in Epsach were married (171 individuals). There were also single people, widows, and divorced individuals.
Most homes in Epsach are permanently lived in. In 2011, more than half of the homes (53%) were single-family houses.
How Epsach's Population Has Changed
The number of people living in Epsach has changed over time. You can see this in the chart below:
What to See in Epsach
The entire village of Epsach is considered a special historical place. It's part of the Inventory of Swiss Heritage Sites. This means it has important buildings and a layout that tells us about its past.
How People Make a Living in Epsach
In Epsach, people work in different types of jobs.
Jobs in Epsach
In 2008, there were 106 people working in Epsach.
- Most jobs (74 people) were in the primary sector, which means farming. There were about 20 farming businesses.
- A few jobs (4 people) were in the secondary sector, like manufacturing or construction.
- Some jobs (28 people) were in the tertiary sector, which includes services. These jobs could be in sales, science, education, or healthcare.
About 41% of the people working in Epsach were women.
Commuting for Work
Many people who live in Epsach travel to other towns for work. In 2000, 115 people commuted out of Epsach for their jobs, while only 7 people came into Epsach to work. This means Epsach is a "net exporter" of workers. Most people (63.9%) use a private car to get to work, while some (10.3%) use public transportation.
Religion in Epsach
Most people in Epsach belong to the Swiss Reformed Church. A smaller number are Roman Catholic. There are also a few people who belong to other Christian churches, or are Islamic or Buddhist. Some people do not belong to any church.
Learning and Education in Epsach
Education is important in Epsach.
Schooling Levels
About 55% of the adults in Epsach have finished upper secondary education, which is like high school. About 18.7% have gone on to higher education, like a university or a specialized college.
The School System in Bern
The Canton of Bern has a specific school system:
- First, there's one year of optional Kindergarten.
- Then, six years of Primary school.
- After that, three years of mandatory lower Secondary school. Students are grouped by their abilities.
- After lower Secondary, students can choose to continue their schooling or start an apprenticeship (learning a trade on the job).
Students in Epsach
In the 2011-2012 school year, there were 22 students attending primary classes in Epsach. There were no kindergarten classes in the municipality. A small number of primary students (9.1%) had a different first language than the one used in the classroom.
In 2000, 27 students lived and went to school in Epsach. However, 28 students from Epsach went to schools outside the municipality.
See also
In Spanish: Epsach para niños
