Aargau

Canton of northern Switzerland; area 1,404 sq km/542 sq mi; population (2000 est) 545,300. Taking its name from the River Aar flowing through it, the canton is bounded on the north by the Rhine and on the south by the canton of Lucerne. The main towns are Aarau (the capital), Baden, and Brugg. The service sector is the largest employer and industry and business are also important. Only a small proportion work in the previously flourishing industry of agriculture and forestry.

In the Middle Ages, Aargau was the seat of the Habsburg royal family, but was surrendered to the Swiss Confederates in 1415. The canton was admitted to the Swiss Confederation in 1803. The castle of Wildegg in the area dates from the 15th century, and parts of it from the 17th century have survived.