Basel-Stadt, Swiss canton in Northwestern Switzerland
Basel-Stadt is a city-state canton in northwestern Switzerland that runs along the Rhine and borders both France and Germany. The territory includes the city of Basel and two smaller municipalities, covering roughly 37 square kilometers (14 square miles).
The canton formed in 1833 when it split from Basel-Landschaft after conflicts between urban and rural communities. This division created two separate political entities in the Basel region.
The canton sits at the meeting point of three countries and blends Swiss German traditions with influences from nearby France and Germany. Residents switch between languages and currencies as part of daily life, with border crossings woven into everyday routines.
The canton has several train stations offering connections to Germany, France, and other Swiss cities. The EuroAirport lies a few kilometers outside and serves as an international gateway for the tri-border area.
The pharmaceutical and chemical industry shapes the local economy heavily, with major companies like Novartis and Roche maintaining headquarters here. These firms account for a large share of the canton's exports and influence the cityscape with their research buildings and corporate campuses.
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