Vaud

Vaud is a canton in western Switzerland, located on the north shore of Lake Geneva and bordered by the cantons of Fribourg, Neuchâtel, Valais and Geneva, as well as by the country of France to the west. It is a French-speaking region, with Lausanne as its capital and largest city. The canton covers about 3,212 square kilometers and has a population of around 800,000.

Geographically, Vaud features a diverse landscape that includes the lake’s shore, the vineyard terraces of Lavaux, foothills of the Alps and the Jura mountains, and river landscapes shaped by the Rhone, which flows through the canton from its Alpine sources to Lake Geneva. The region combines urban centers with rural areas and wine-producing sites, including areas along the lake and in the Chablais.

Historically, Vaud traces its roots to ancient times and was part of the Roman world. In the Middle Ages it belonged to the Counts of Savoy, later came under Bernese rule, and after a brief period of upheaval during the French Revolutionary era it became a full canton of the Swiss Confederation in 1803 under the Act of Mediation.

Administratively, Vaud is governed from Lausanne and is divided into districts and municipalities. The official language is French.

The economy is diversified, with strengths in services, education, research, and commerce. The canton is home to major institutions such as the University of Lausanne and the nearby École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (in the metropolitan area). Lausanne hosts the International Olympic Committee, reflecting the canton’s prominence in sport and culture. The Lavaux vineyard terraces along Lake Geneva constitute a UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlighting Vaud’s viticultural heritage.