St Gallen

Canton in northeastern Switzerland; area 2,014 sq km/778 sq mi; population (2001 est) 476,100. It is mountainous in the south, near its border with Graubünden, but has gentler hills in the northern region around Lake Constance. It entirely surrounds the demi-cantons of Appenzell Ausser-Rhoden and Appenzell Inner-Rhoden. The capital is St Gallen. The chief industry is the manufacture of textiles. The main farming activity is dairying, supplemented by cattle-rearing on the Alpine pastures. There are numerous health and winter-sports resorts.

Textiles made here include cotton, lace, nylon, woollens, linen, and embroidery. The population is predominantly German-speaking and Roman Catholic.