Medeglia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Medeglia
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Medeglia village
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 Medeglia
Location in Switzerland
Medeglia
Location in Canton of Ticino
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| Country | Switzerland | |
| Canton | Ticino | |
| District | Bellinzona | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 6.27 km2 (2.42 sq mi) | |
| Elevation | 714 m (2,343 ft) | |
| Population | ||
| • Total | 355 | |
| • Density | 56.62/km2 (146.6/sq mi) | |
| Postal code |
6809
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| Surrounded by | Bironico, Cadenazzo, Camignolo, Camorino, Capriasca, Isone, Pianezzo, Ponte Capriasca, Sant'Antonio | |
Medeglia is a village that used to be a separate town (called a municipality) in the Bellinzona area of Ticino, a canton in Switzerland. On November 21, 2010, Medeglia joined with several other towns like Bironico and Rivera to form a new, bigger town called Monteceneri.
Contents
History of Medeglia
How Medeglia Began
Medeglia was first written about in the year 1195. Back in the High Middle Ages, it was likely part of a larger community called Carvina.
Changes Over Time
Around 1501-1503, the area including Medeglia became part of the Bellinzona region. Medeglia was first part of the Agno church area, then it joined the Bironico church area in the 1200s. Later, in 1585, it became its own smaller church area, and by 1888, it was a full church parish. The main church, St. Bartholomew, was first mentioned in 1328. Its oldest parts were built in the Romanesque style and were updated in the 1400s and 1600s.
Life and Work in the Past
For a long time, people in Medeglia made their living by raising animals and working in the forests. From the 1500s, people from Medeglia bought forests and pastures in nearby areas. They also started trading with Bellinzona. In the 1800s, many people from Medeglia moved away, mostly to Argentina and California.
Nature and Modern Life
In 1996, the mountain pastures of Medeglia were recognized as important wetland areas. By the year 2000, most people living in Medeglia worked outside the village.
Geography of Medeglia
Land Use and Nature
Medeglia covers an area of about 6.27 square kilometers (about 2.4 square miles). A small part, about 7.7%, is used for farming. Most of the land, about 79.1%, is covered by forests. About 3.8% of the land has buildings or roads. A tiny bit, 0.2%, is rivers or lakes, and 2.2% is land that can't be used for farming or building.
Village and Surroundings
The village of Medeglia is in the upper Vedeggio valley. It includes the main village and several smaller areas called hamlets, like Drossa. Before 1805, the village of Robasacco (which is now part of Cadenazzo) was also part of Medeglia. Medeglia and its neighboring towns like Bironico and Rivera have now joined together to form the new town of Monteceneri.
Coat of Arms
The coat of arms for Medeglia shows a golden sun shining brightly. Below it are two silver roses growing from a green hill. All of this is set against a blue background.
People of Medeglia (Demographics)
Population and Languages
As of 2004, Medeglia had 355 people living there. In 2008, about 5.7% of the people were from other countries. Over ten years (1997-2007), the population slightly decreased.
Most people in Medeglia speak Italian (about 89.4%). A smaller number speak German (4.8%) or French (2.4%).
Age Groups
In 2009, the population of Medeglia included:
- Children (0-9 years old): 9.7%
- Teenagers (10-19 years old): 6.6%
- Young adults (20-29 years old): 8.3%
- Adults (30-59 years old): 47.4%
- Seniors (60 years and older): 28.2%
Historical Population
The chart below shows how Medeglia's population has changed over many years:
Economy
Jobs and Work
In 2007, Medeglia had a low unemployment rate of 2.8%. Most people worked in different types of jobs:
- Primary sector: This includes jobs like farming and forestry.
- Secondary sector: This includes jobs in manufacturing or building things.
- Tertiary sector: This includes jobs in services, like shops or offices.
In 2000, many people who lived in Medeglia traveled to other towns for work (116 people). Only a few people (4) traveled into Medeglia for work. Most people (79.3%) used a private car to get to work, while a smaller number (7.3%) used public transportation.
Religion
Based on the 2000 census, most people in Medeglia (87.6%) were Roman Catholic. About 3.0% belonged to the Swiss Reformed Church. A small number of people belonged to other churches or did not state their religion.
Education
Schooling in Medeglia
In Switzerland, most people are well-educated. In Medeglia, about 71.7% of adults (aged 25-64) have finished either high school or gone on to higher education like a university.
As of 2009, there were 44 students in Medeglia. The education system in Ticino offers different levels of schooling:
- Kindergarten: There were 12 children in kindergarten.
- Primary School: This program lasts five years. There were 11 students in standard primary schools.
- Lower Secondary School: Students can choose a two-year middle school or a four-year program to prepare for higher education. There were 9 students in middle school and 4 in the advanced program.
- Upper Secondary School: This prepares students for a job or university. Students can do vocational training (learning a trade) or go to a professional program. There were 3 full-time and 4 part-time vocational students, and 1 student in a professional program.
In 2000, 2 students came to Medeglia for school from other towns, while 35 students from Medeglia went to schools outside the town.
Images for kids
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A cow in an alpine pasture near Medeglia
See also
In Spanish: Medeglia para niños
