FrenchSwiss

FrenchSwiss is a term used to describe Swiss residents whose primary language is French or, more loosely, the French-speaking part of Switzerland. In many contexts the people are referred to as Romands, and the region they inhabit as Romandy.

Geography and language: Romandy encompasses the western cantons of Geneva, Vaud, Neuchâtel, Jura, and parts of Fribourg, Valais, and Bern. French is the dominant language in daily life, schools, government, and media. Standard French is used officially, while local dialects of Swiss French are spoken informally. In the bilingual cantons of Fribourg and Valais, French coexists with other languages in some communities; the Bernese Jura represents a French-speaking area within the canton of Bern.

History and identity: The French-speaking communities have been part of the Swiss Confederation since the Middle Ages, and they have developed a distinct regional culture within Switzerland. The region is one of the four language communities officially recognized in the Swiss federal system.

Culture and economy: Major cities include Geneva, Lausanne, Neuchâtel, and Sion. The Romandy region is a center for diplomacy, higher education, finance, watchmaking, wine production, and tourism. It has a vibrant cultural scene with literature, cinema, theatre, and gastronomy, including regional cheeses and wines.

See also: Romandy; Romand; French language in Switzerland.