Valais

Canton of southwest Switzerland, occupying the basin of the upper Rhône; area 5,231 sq km/2,019 sq mi; population (1999 est) 275,600. Its capital is Sion. Valais contains numerous high peaks, including the Matterhorn (4,478 m/14,691 ft), and glaciers; tourism is a major industry, and is catered for by many resorts and winter-sports centres. The canton became part of the Swiss Confederation 1815.

Intensive fruit farming and vine growing are conducted on the steeply terraced slopes of the upper Rhône valley. One-quarter of Switzerland's hydroelectric power is generated by facilities in the canton, including the Grande Dixence dam in the Val d'Herens. Valais is crossed by the Lotschberg and Simplon railways, and roads lead over the Great St Bernard and Simplon passes into Italy. The majority of the population speaks French, but German and Italian are also spoken in some districts.