Nidwalden

Demi-canton of central Switzerland; area 276 sq km/107 sq mi; population (1999 est) 37,300. It occupies the eastern portion of the former canton of Unterwalden, and its capital is Stans. The Engelberger River flows through it. The Kerns Forest separates the region, and is the basis for the division of the canton into Nidwalden (the lower valley) and Obwalden (the upper valley). In 1291, Nidwalden joined with the cantons of Uri and Schwyz to form the Everlasting League, the forerunner of the Swiss Confederation. Nidwalden is a popular tourist location with approximately a quarter of its residents employed in tourist-related industries, particularly winter sports and health facilities along Lake Lucerne. Industry, manufacturing, and energy supply are also important to the economy. The population is primarily Roman Catholic and German-speaking.