Romands

Romands are the residents and cultural group associated with Romandy, the French-speaking part of Switzerland. The term also describes people who identify with the French-language region rather than with a single canton. Romandy encompasses most of the western Swiss cantons where daily life, education, media and public administration are conducted in French. The region includes Geneva, Vaud, Neuchâtel, Jura, Fribourg and Valais, as well as the Francophone areas of Bern and smaller communities in other cantons.

French is the common language of the Romands, with regional dialects of Swiss French spoken in daily life. Standard French is used in schools, media and official communications. Distinct local varieties exist, such as Genevois, Vaudois, Neuchâtelois, Fribourgeois and Valaisan dialects.

Romands constitute roughly one-quarter of the Swiss population, numbering about two to two and a half million people. Principal urban centers include Geneva, Lausanne, Neuchâtel, Fribourg and Sion. The Romandie region has a diversified economy, notably in watchmaking, finance, pharmaceuticals, higher education and tourism.

Romand identity is shaped by a common linguistic and cultural heritage within Switzerland's multilingual federation. Politically and culturally, Romandy collaborates with the other language regions on national issues, while maintaining cantonal autonomy.

As a demonym, Romand refers to a person from Romandy; the region is also referred to as Romandie or la Romandie.