Bundesland

Bundesland is a German term meaning “federal state” and refers to subnational political units in federal states. The concept denotes a political entity that shares sovereignty with a central government, while maintaining its own institutions and policy powers.

In Germany, the Bundesländer are the 16 federal states that form the Federal Republic of Germany. Each state has its own constitution, parliament (Landtag), and government headed by a minister-president. Länder retain powers in areas such as education, policing, culture, and local administration, while the federal constitution (Grundgesetz) reserves certain competences to the federation. The Länder participate in federal legislation through the Bundesrat, where representation from each state can influence national policy.

In Austria, the analogous units are called Bundesländer, of which there are nine. They possess their own legislatures and governments, led by a Landeshauptmann or Landeshauptfrau, and have constitutional acts within the framework of the federal constitution. Their competencies include education, regional development, culture, and health, with further responsibilities defined by federal law. At the national level, they participate in federal decision-making through bodies like the Federal Council and through joint committees.

In Switzerland, the federation is organized into cantons rather than Bundesländer. Cantons enjoy a high degree of sovereignty and have their own constitutions and governments, but the term Bundesland is not an official designation in Swiss governance.

Overall, Bundesland signifies a constitutionally recognized subunit of a federal state, balancing regional autonomy with national unity.