Thurgau

Canton of northeast Switzerland, bordered by Lake Constance to the north, the Rhine to the northwest, St Gallen to the south, and Zürich and Schaffhausen to the west; area 1,013 sq km/391 sq mi; population (1999 est) 227,300. Its capital is Frauenfeld. An agricultural district, it is known for its fruit growing and cider making, and also produces textiles and handicrafts. The town of Romanshorn is an important transportation hub.

Part of the Roman province of Raetia, Thurgau eventually became part of the Habsburg Empire, and was seized by the Swiss confederate states in 1460. A canton of the Helvetic Republic, its constitution dates from 1869.