Goumois facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Goumois
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 Goumois
Location in Switzerland
Goumois
Location in Canton of Jura
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| Country | Switzerland |
| Canton | Jura |
| District | Franches-Montagnes |
| Area | |
| • Total | 8.54 km2 (3.30 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 493 m (1,617 ft) |
| Population | |
| • Total | 99 |
| • Density | 11.59/km2 (30.02/sq mi) |
| Postal code |
2354
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| Surrounded by | Les Pommerats, Muriaux, Le Noirmont, Charmauvillers, Goumois(F), Fessevillers(F) |
Goumois (pronounced goo-mwah) was once a small town, known as a municipality, in Switzerland. It was located in a region called the Franches-Montagnes district, which is part of the Jura canton.
On January 1, 2009, Goumois joined with another nearby municipality called Les Pommerats. Together, they became part of a larger municipality named Saignelégier. This means Goumois is no longer an independent town but is now a part of Saignelégier.
What is a Municipality?
A municipality is like a local government area. Think of it as a town or a small group of villages that manage their own local services. These services can include things like schools, roads, and local police. People living in a municipality often share a sense of community.
In Switzerland, municipalities are the smallest level of government. They have a lot of power to make decisions about their local area. This is a big part of Swiss democracy, where people have a say in how their communities are run.
Cantons and Districts
Switzerland is divided into 26 larger areas called cantons. You can think of a canton as being similar to a state or a province in other countries. Each canton has its own government and laws, but they all follow the main laws of Switzerland.
The canton of Jura is where Goumois was located. Within each canton, there are often smaller divisions called districts. The Franches-Montagnes was the district that Goumois belonged to. Districts help organize the many municipalities within a canton.
Why Municipalities Merge
Sometimes, smaller municipalities decide to join together. This is called a merger. There are several reasons why towns might do this:
- Better Services: A larger municipality might have more money and resources. This can help them provide better services like public transport, waste collection, or healthcare for everyone.
- Saving Money: By merging, towns can sometimes save money. They might not need as many separate offices or staff, which can make things more efficient.
- Stronger Voice: A larger municipality can have more influence when dealing with the canton or national government. It can be easier to get things done when more people are represented.
When Goumois and Les Pommerats merged into Saignelégier in 2009, it was to create a stronger, more efficient community. Even though Goumois is no longer independent, its history and identity remain an important part of the Saignelégier area.
