Laufen

Laufen is a municipality in the canton of Basel-Landschaft in northwestern Switzerland. It is part of the district of Laufen and is located near the Swiss-German border, in the Jura region to the west of Basel. The area is characterized by hilly farmland and small forests; local terrain includes gentle slopes and the rural landscape typical of the Basel hinterland.

The municipality's name is historically attested from the Middle Ages; the community developed as a rural settlement connected to Basel and the surrounding towns. The local government operates with a town council and a mayor. The population comprises several thousand residents; German is the predominant language spoken at home and in public life, with Swiss German dialects common.

The economy is largely based on agriculture, small and medium-sized enterprises, and services. Many residents commute to Basel or nearby towns for work, reflecting the municipality's role as a residential community within the Basel metropolitan area. Public transport includes regional bus and rail connections linking Laufen with Basel and other parts of the canton.

Culturally, Laufen maintains a historic town center with traditional Swiss architecture and a parish church dating from earlier centuries. Recreational opportunities include hiking and cycling in the surrounding Jura foothills, along with access to nearby nature reserves.