Vétroz facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Vétroz
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 Vétroz
Location in Switzerland
Vétroz
Location in Canton of Valais
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| Country | Switzerland | |
| Canton | Valais | |
| District | Conthey | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 10.43 km2 (4.03 sq mi) | |
| Elevation | 483 m (1,585 ft) | |
| Population
(Dec 2020 )
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| • Total | 6,397 | |
| • Density | 613.3/km2 (1,588.5/sq mi) | |
| Postal code |
1963
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| Surrounded by | Ardon, Conthey, Nendaz | |
| Twin towns | Beaumont-lès-Valence (France) | |
Vétroz is a town, also known as a municipality, located in the Conthey district. It is part of the canton of Valais in Switzerland.
Contents
Exploring Vétroz: Its Land and Location
Vétroz covers an area of about 10.5 square kilometers (4 square miles). Imagine a map of the town: almost half of its land (47.6%) is used for farming. This includes fields for crops and vineyards.
About one-fifth of Vétroz (19.7%) is covered by forests. These are important natural areas. Another big part (18.3%) is made up of buildings and roads, where people live and move around. A small amount (2.4%) is rivers or lakes. The remaining land (11.5%) is unproductive, meaning it's too rocky or has too little vegetation to be used for farming or building.
How Vétroz Uses Its Land
Most of the built-up areas are homes and other buildings (8.2%). Roads and transportation make up 6.3%. Some land is also used for industrial buildings (2.0%) and for power and water systems (1.1%).
For farming, a large portion (26.9%) is used for orchards and vineyards. This means Vétroz is known for its fruit and grape growing.
Vétroz's History
Vétroz became its own independent municipality in 1880. Before that, it was part of the nearby town of Conthey. This separation allowed Vétroz to manage its own local affairs.
Understanding the Vétroz Coat of Arms
A coat of arms is like a special symbol or emblem for a town or family. It often tells a story about the place. The coat of arms for Vétroz has a red background. On it, you can see a green vine branch with golden grapes. Above this, there is a blue section with two golden stars and a golden cross. This design likely represents the importance of vineyards and perhaps the town's history or beliefs.
Who Lives in Vétroz: Population Facts
Vétroz is home to over 4,000 people. In recent years, the number of people living here has grown quite a bit. This growth is mostly because new people have moved to Vétroz.
Languages Spoken in Vétroz
Most people in Vétroz speak French as their main language. This is common in the Valais canton. Some people also speak German or Portuguese. A smaller number of residents speak Italian.
Age Groups in Vétroz
Looking at the different age groups in Vétroz:
- Children and teenagers (ages 0-19) make up about 26.4% of the population.
- Adults (ages 20-64) are the largest group, making up 60.7%.
- Seniors (over 64 years old) make up 13% of the population.
Homes in Vétroz
In Vétroz, there are many private homes. On average, about 2.7 people live in each household. Most of the buildings where people live are single-family homes. There are also some buildings with multiple apartments.
How Vétroz's Population Has Grown
The population of Vétroz has changed a lot over time. Here's a look at how it has grown:
Vétroz's Economy: How People Work
Vétroz has a healthy economy with many different types of jobs. In 2010, the unemployment rate was 5.4%. This means most people who wanted to work had a job.
Main Job Sectors
Jobs in Vétroz are divided into three main groups:
- Primary Sector: This includes jobs related to natural resources, like farming. About 196 people work in this sector, mainly in agriculture.
- Secondary Sector: These jobs involve making things, like in factories or construction. Around 348 people work here, with many in construction (67.5%) and manufacturing (24.5%).
- Tertiary Sector: This is the service sector, including jobs in shops, restaurants, and healthcare. About 655 people work in this sector.
Daily Commute for Workers
Many people who live in Vétroz travel to other towns for work. About 1,299 residents commute out of the municipality each day. Only 381 workers come into Vétroz for their jobs. Most people (74.5%) use a private car to get to work, while a smaller number (8.3%) use public transportation.
Religion in Vétroz
Most people in Vétroz are Roman Catholic. A smaller number belong to the Swiss Reformed Church or other Christian churches. There are also some people who follow Islam or other religions like Buddhism and Hinduism. Some residents do not belong to any church.
Education in Vétroz
Education is important in Vétroz. Many people have finished their basic schooling. About 32.2% of the population has completed upper secondary education. This is like high school.
About 11.5% of the population has gone on to higher education, such as university or a specialized college (a Fachhochschule).
Local Library
Vétroz has its own library called the Bibliothèque de Vétroz-Magnot. In 2008, the library had over 8,200 books and other media. It loaned out more than 20,000 items that year, showing it's a popular place for reading and learning.
Images for kids
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Aerial view of Vétroz in 1949.
