Porrentruy, 08.07.2012
Tour de France
Canton of Jura
The canton of Jura is as big as … New York!
The area it covers of course, which amounts to 838 km2. Because with its 69,000 inhabitants the canton of Jura is far less populated than the Big Apple. This is why it can offer much more space to its inhabitants. The Jura is the youngest of the Swiss cantons. It was founded in 1979 from the unshakeable determination for liberty on the part of its inhabitants. Its capital is Delémont, and it includes 64 communes attached to 3 districts: Delémont, Porrentruy and the Franches-Montagnes. Its frontier with France is 121 kilometres long and stretches for 111 kilometres alongside the neighbouring cantons of Basel-Campagne, Soleure, Berne and Neuchâtel.
History
Although the canton of Jura is only recent, its beginnings go back to the year 999 when the last king of Burgundy, Rudolph III, gave the Bishop of Basel the abbey of Moutier-Grandval together with its dependencies. After the departure of the last bishop-prince of Basel, who was chased out of his residence at Porrentruy by the French Revolution in 1792, the Jura then became part of the canton of Berne in 1815 through the Congress of Vienna.
The frequent disagreements and tensions between the French-speaking population and the German-speaking canton of Berne led in 1947 to the constitution of the autonomous Jura movement and to its fight for Independence.
On the 23 June 1974, the majority of the Jura population declared that they were in favour of the creation of the canton of Jura. Successive votes led to the breakdown of the former historical region of Jura. On the 24 September 1978, the Swiss people and the cantons welcomed the new state, which assumed sovereignty on the 1st of January 1979. A further aim is to integrate the three districts which still remain Bernese.
Tourism
Contrary to certain preconceptions, the Jura is not a mountain canton. Apart from the Franches-Montagnes which are 1,000 metres above sea level, the districts of Delémont and Porrentruy are situated on the plain and enjoy a mild climate. Boncourt, in the far north, is even the lowest point in French-speaking Switzerland, at an altitude of 364 metres. In these orchards the famous Damassine is cultivated.
On the High Plateau of the Franches-Montagnes, wild horses, majestic pines and large-roofed farmhouses combine to form a characteristic landscape that is unique in Switzerland. The country of the horse merits its name, for the Franches-Montagnes breed is the only one that is native to Switzerland.
The omnipresent and unspoilt natural surroundings are ideal for all types of open-air sports, at no matter which season, with each person being able to practice sport at their own pace. From golf to rock and mountain climbing, not to mention canoeing, horse riding, cross-country skiing or mountain biking, the Jura offers every opportunity for discovery and unexpected amazement.
The choice of activities also extends to the cultural domain, which reflects the identity and the diversity of the people of the Jura. In particular, the astonishing museums, modern or classical art galleries, open-air exhibitions or several classical or modern music festivals held in beautiful spots (for instance, at Saint-Ursanne) are there to discover.
Economy
The Jura has a long industrial tradition and excels in state-of-the-art sectors such as watchmaking, microtechnology or automation. Over 40% of the active population works in Jura industry, and the region employs more than 4,000 persons from over the border. Jura industry relies on small- and medium-sized companies which are particularly flexible and innovative, which also focus on services to companies, life sciences and the leisure industry. With the Basel economic centre in close proximity, the Jura offers unique know-how and the skills of men and women dedicated to quality and to innovation. A large proportion of the production of Jura companies is destined for export. Per capita, the Jura exports more than the canton of Zurich.
The Jura Office for Economic Promotion offers a wide range of services to companies wishing to set up their activities in the Jura.
The main raw material of the Jura is its grey matter! The authorities and professional circles attach great importance to educational establishments and vocational training.
The canton offers a vast choice in this regard. In particular, it has its own famous school of watchmaking and microtechnology, a high school, commercial and technical schools, and a computer school. The Jura is one of the partners of the BEJUNE Educational College, situated in Porrentruy, of the ARC College, and of the HES-SO, the university for professional training, the administrative centres of which are located in this canton. A pioneer in the field, the Jura has created an innovative ‘‘Sports-Arts-Studies’’ structure that has been recognised by Swiss Olympic. The Boncourt Basket Club, twice Swiss Champion, is one of the partners of this structure, together with the other leading clubs of the region. Per capita, the Jura is the canton which has the most teams that are part of the national league in the major sports
