Jura (canton) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jura
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| Capital | Delémont | |
| Subdivisions | 83 municipalities, 3 districts | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 838 km2 (324 sq mi) | |
| Area rank | 14th | |
| Population
(2003)
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| • Total | 69,100 | |
| • Rank | 20th | |
| • Density | 82.46/km2 (213.57/sq mi) | |
| Highest point | 1,302 m (4,272 ft) - Mont Raimeux | |
| Joined | 1979 | |
| Abbreviation | JU | |
| Languages | French | |
| Website | JU.ch | |
The canton of Jura is one of the Cantons of Switzerland. It is the newest of the 26 Swiss cantons, created in 1979. You can find it in the northwestern part of Switzerland. The capital is Delémont.
Jura shares its borders with other Swiss cantons like Basel-Landschaft and the Canton of Bern. It also borders the French region called Jura.
This canton is located in northwest Switzerland. It includes parts of the Jura mountains in the south. The northern part has a hilly plateau made mostly of limestone. The River Doubs and the Birs river flow through this area.
Farming is a very important activity in Canton Jura. People raise cattle and also breed horses. The main industries here are making watches, clothing, and tobacco products. More and more small and medium-sized businesses are starting up. Most people in Jura speak French. The majority of them are also Roman Catholic.
A Look at Jura's Past
The story of Canton Jura began a long time ago. In 999, the king of Burgundy gave a lot of land, which is now Canton Jura, to the Bishop of Basel. This area was like its own country within the Holy Roman Empire for over 800 years.
After a big agreement called the Treaty of Westphalia in 1648, Jura became closer to the Swiss Confederation. But then, in 1815, at the Congress of Vienna, Jura was given to the Canton of Bern. This caused many problems.
The people of Jura spoke French and were Roman Catholic. However, the Canton of Bern was mostly German-speaking and Protestant. These differences led to many disagreements.
The people of Jura wanted to be independent. After a long fight, they finally agreed on a new set of rules for their government in 1977. In 1978, the split from Bern became official when the Swiss people voted for it. Then, in 1979, Jura joined the Swiss Confederation as a new, full member.
However, not all parts of the Jura region joined the new canton. The southern part decided to stay with Bern. This area is now known as Bernese Jura. So, when you hear the word "Jura," it can mean either the Canton of Jura or the combined area of Canton Jura and Bernese Jura.
Districts of Jura
Jura is divided into three main areas called districts. Each district has its own main town:
- Delémont - Its capital is Delémont.
- Porrentruy - Its capital is Porrentruy.
- Franches-Montagnes - Its capital is Saignelégier.
Related pages
Images for kids
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Old city of Porrentruy
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The coat of arms of the canton has been added to the side of the dome in the Federal Palace in Bern, which features the arms of the other cantons, after its foundation in 1978
See also
In Spanish: Cantón del Jura para niños
