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Versam
Coat of arms of Versam
Coat of arms
Versam is located in Switzerland
Versam
Versam
Location in Switzerland
Versam is located in Canton of Graubünden
Versam
Versam
Location in Canton of Graubünden
Country Switzerland
Canton Graubünden
District Surselva
Area
 • Total 16.77 km2 (6.47 sq mi)
Elevation
909 m (2,982 ft)
Population
 (Dec 2011)
 • Total 226
 • Density 13.48/km2 (34.90/sq mi)
Postal code
7104
Surrounded by Bonaduz, Flims, Präz, Rhäzüns, Safien, Sagogn, Tenna, Trin, Valendas

Versam was once a small town, also known as a municipality, in Switzerland. It was located in the Graubünden area, which is a canton (like a state) in Switzerland. Versam was part of the Surselva district.

On January 1, 2013, Versam joined with three other towns: Valendas, Safien, and Tenna. They all merged to form a new, larger town called Safiental.

History of Versam

Versam is a very old place. We know it was first mentioned in records way back in the year 1050. Back then, it was called a valle Versamia. This shows that people have lived in this area for a very long time.

Geography and Landscape

Versam is known for its beautiful natural surroundings. In 2006, the area of Versam was about 16.8 square kilometers (about 6.5 square miles).

How the Land is Used

  • A small part, about 16.8%, is used for farming.
  • A large part, about 70.6%, is covered by forests.
  • Only 2% of the land has buildings or roads.
  • The rest, about 10.6%, is made up of rivers, glaciers, or mountains.

Where is Versam Located?

Versam is found above a big river canyon called the Vorderrhein canyon. It sits right at the entrance to the Safien Valley. The town itself is a linear village, meaning its buildings are spread out along a road. It also includes smaller areas called hamlets. These hamlets are Versam-Station, Arezen, Calörtsch, and Sculms.

Hayfield in Heidiruti (ground view)
A field where hay grows in Versam.
Rafting to Versam
People enjoying Rafting on the river near Versam.

People of Versam

In 2011, about 226 people lived in Versam. The number of people living there has changed over many years.

Versam Kirche
The church in Versam village.
Hay farmer in Versam
A farmer working with hay in Versam.

Population Changes Over Time

Here's how the population of Versam has changed:

Year Population
2000 255
1950 354
1900 316
1850 396
1803 357

Languages Spoken

Most people in Versam speak Swiss German. In 2000, about 98% of the people spoke Swiss German. A smaller number of people spoke Romansh (1.6%) and Spanish (0.4%).

Age Groups in Versam

In 2000, the people in Versam were of different ages:

Age Group Number of People  % of Total
Children (0-9 years) 35 13.7%
Teenagers (10-19 years) 33 12.9%
Young Adults (20-29 years) 12 4.7%
Adults (30-39 years) 41 16.1%
Adults (40-49 years) 36 14.1%
Adults (50-59 years) 25 9.8%
Seniors (60-69 years) 29 11.4%
Seniors (70-79 years) 25 9.8%
Seniors (80-89 years) 15 5.9%
Seniors (90-99 years) 4 1.6%

Education in Versam

Many adults in Versam have a good education. About 78.9% of people aged 25-64 have finished either high school or gone on to higher education. This could be a university or a Fachhochschule (a type of applied sciences university). The closest Fachhochschules are in Chur. These include the Chur University of Applied Sciences and Fachhochschule Graubünden.

Economy and Jobs

Versam has a low unemployment rate, meaning most people who want to work can find jobs. In 2005, the unemployment rate was only 0.52%.

Types of Jobs in Versam

Jobs in Versam are divided into three main types:

Sector (Type of Work) People Employed Businesses
Primary (like farming or forestry) 41 17
Secondary (like manufacturing or building) 7 3
Tertiary (like services or tourism) 52 9
Lindner Unitrac 95L in Versam
A truck used for hay in Versam.

Getting Around Versam

Versam has good ways for people to travel.

Train and Bus Connections

The Versam-Safien train station is part of the Rhaetian Railway line. This line connects Chur and Disentis. The station is about 250 meters lower than Versam village. It is also about 3.6 kilometers (2.2 miles) north of the village.

To help people get to the village, there is a special bus service called PostAuto. This bus connects the train station directly to Versam village. It also goes to other places like Thalkirch and Tenna.

Roads and Tunnels

In 1994, a new tunnel called the Aclatobel Tunnel was finished. This tunnel made it much easier to travel between Versam and Tenna.

2011-07-25 11-35-47 Versam Station
The Versam-Safien station down in the valley.
Versam-Safien Train Station
A PostAuto bus leaving the Versam-Safien station.
Acla Road (Tenna to Versam)
The Acla Road, connecting Tenna to Versam.

Gallery

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Versam para niños

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