Oberwil, Basel-Landschaft facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Oberwil
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Country | Switzerland | |
Canton | Basel-Landschaft | |
District | Arlesheim | |
Area | ||
• Total | 7.89 km2 (3.05 sq mi) | |
Elevation | 316 m (1,037 ft) | |
Population
(Jun 2021 )
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• Total | 11,167 | |
• Density | 1,415.3/km2 (3,665.7/sq mi) | |
Postal code |
4104
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Surrounded by | Allschwil, Biel-Benken, Binningen, Bottmingen, Neuwiller (FR-68), Reinach, Therwil | |
Twin towns | Aschau im Zillertal (Austria) |
Oberwil is a town in Switzerland, located in the Arlesheim district of the canton of Basel-Country. It's a lively place with a mix of nature and settled areas.
Contents
History of Oberwil
Oberwil was first mentioned in old records around the years 1102 and 1103. Back then, it was known as Oberuuilre.
Geography and Nature
Oberwil covers an area of about 7.88 square kilometers (about 3 square miles). A large part of this land, about 44%, is used for farming. Forests cover nearly 20% of the area, providing green spaces and homes for wildlife.
About 36% of Oberwil's land is developed with buildings and roads. A small part, less than 1%, includes rivers or lakes. The town is located in the Arlesheim district, in a valley called the middle Leimen valley.
Oberwil's Coat of Arms
The coat of arms for Oberwil is a special symbol. It shows a wavy silver stripe on a red background. On one side of the stripe, there is a silver sword, and on the other, a silver key. This design represents the town's history and identity.
People and Population
Oberwil is home to over 10,000 people. A small part of the population, about 18%, are people from other countries. Most people in Oberwil speak German, which is the main language. Some also speak English or French.
In 2010, about 6.8% of the population were young children (0-6 years old). Teenagers (7-19 years old) made up about 13.5% of the population. This shows that Oberwil has a good mix of people of all ages.
Most households in Oberwil have about two people living in them. Many homes are single-family houses, but there are also apartment buildings.
Economy and Jobs
Oberwil has a healthy economy with many different types of jobs. In 2005, about 171 people worked in farming. Around 332 people worked in the manufacturing and construction industries.
The largest number of jobs, about 2,296, were in the service industry. This includes jobs in shops, restaurants, and offices. Many people who live in Oberwil also travel to other towns for work.
Religion in Oberwil
In Oberwil, many people belong to different Christian churches. About 34% are Roman Catholic, and about 36% belong to the Swiss Reformed Church. There are also smaller groups of other Christian faiths, as well as people who are Islamic or Jewish.
Some people in Oberwil follow other religions like Buddhism or Hinduism. There are also many people who do not belong to any church.
Education and Schools
Education is important in Oberwil. Many adults have completed high school, and a good number have gone on to higher education at a university or a special technical school (called a Fachhochschule).
In 2000, many students from other towns came to Oberwil for school. Also, some students from Oberwil attended schools outside the town. This shows that Oberwil is part of a larger educational community.
Notable People from Oberwil
Oberwil has been home to some interesting people:
- John Mills (1848 – 1935): An English cricketer who played a professional match in 1870. He lived in Oberwil later in his life.
- Dario Zuffi (born 1964): A former football player for FC Basel. He used to live in Oberwil.
- Roger Federer (born 1981): One of the greatest tennis players of all time. He lived in Oberwil before moving to another town in 2008.
See also
In Spanish: Oberwil para niños