Basel - Countryside
The canton of Basel-Countryside lies in Northern Switzerland and borders both Germany and France. It used to be part of the historical canton of Basel, together with the city of the same name, but in 1833 they were separated into two administrative units. The landscape is varied but gentle, occupied mainly by the last northernmost stretch of the Jura Mountains and the valleys of the rivers Birs and Ergolz. The canton has retained its traditional agricultural production, namely the dairy industry and cattle breeding, though it's part of a large industrial zone concentrated on chemical and metal production, which comprises the city of Basel and the neighbouring French and German territories. This region boasts an incredibly long and fascinating history, which can be traced back to Roman times. Numerous heritage sites and landmarks attract attention, and the capital, Liestal, is a traditional provincial town with a remarkable Old Town quarter.