THE CANTON OF AARGAU: ECONOMY AND EMPLOYMENT The Canton of Aargau is situated in Switzerland’s strongest economic area. Some 340 000 people are employed here in around 40 000 companies. An above-average proportion of these workers are active in the field of research and development. In fact, this is more than twice the national average. Our economic, tax and financial policies make the Canton of Aargau an attractive place of business for international corporations as well as for small and medium-sized businesses. The innovative Robotec Solutions AG known as a leading enterprise in robot applications. Standard & Poor’s has awarded the Canton of Aargau the rating AA+. And it’s no wonder. After all, we have a low unemployment rate, a moderate taxation rate, a strong economy and a high standard of living. These factors appeal to many well-known companies operating here in a wide range of industries – including ABB, GE, Franke, Syngenta and Roche. Our media landscape is equally diverse. In addition to AZ Medien, the canton boasts numerous other well-positioned local media companies.
THE CANTON OF AARGAU: LIFE AND LIVING SINA
SINGER The Canton of Aargau is currently home to some 670 000 people. That makes us the fourth-largest canton in Switzerland. Aargau is an urban area, yet also modest in size. The Canton of Aargau is within reasonable distance of anywhere – whether by car or public transport. However, for those who prefer to stay and be part of the local scene, Aargau has well-established communities and a wealth of vibrant traditions. It also offers a number of societies to get involved in – be it drama clubs, Guggenmusik (carnival bands) or sports clubs. And speaking of sports: the Canton of Aargau offers countless routes and opportunities to participate in a wide variety of sporting activities.
THE CANTON OF AARGAU: EDUCATION AND RESEARCH The Canton of Aargau invests around one-third of its expenditures in the fields of education and research. After all, we value the development of «head, heart and hand». This was also the motto of educator Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi, who – like Albert Einstein – spent several years living and working in the Canton of Aargau. Today, in addition to schools for elementary education, Aargau is home to six cantonal schools, the Aargauische Maturitätsschule für Erwachsene (AME, a school for adult education) as well as numerous vocational and higher professional colleges. Researchers need support and networking, sufficient financing, involvement in the university scene and cooperation with the economy. Aargau is a leading high-tech canton thanks to Hightech Aargau, a programme promoting research and commerce. It supports several important projects: Hightech Zentrum Aargau, Technopark Aargau, X-ray free-electron laser (SwissFEL) at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI), and networking with several private research institutes, such as the research labs of ABB, Novartis and Syngenta. Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI)
Aargau is home to Switzerland’s largest research institute: the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI).
Around 1500 staff at PSI undertake cutting-edge research in the fields of matter and materials, humans and health, energy and the environment.
PSI develops, constructs and operates complex large-scale research installations.
2500 and more scientists come to PSI each year to perform experiments that use the unique systems available here and which would not be possible at other facilities. SWISS NANOSCIENCE INSTITUTE
In addition to the PSI, the Canton of Aargau supports further national research institutes, such as the Swiss Nanoscience Institute of the University of Basel, the Competence Center Energy and Mobility (CCEM) at the PSI, and the Zentrum für Demokratie Aarau (ZDA).
Our involvement bundles the research potential of North-Western Switzerland, particularly in the fields of fundamental research and applied research. HIGHTECH ZENTRUM AARGAU
Centre of excellenc e for the promotion of innovation, nano and energy technology.
Business-friendly, independent point of contact for companies in the innovation consulting field.
A hub for companies seeking knowledge and technology transfer between academia and business.
Company support and consulting for feasibility studies and access to funding. CAMPUS
Since 2013, the Campus has served to consolidate all Aargau university of applied sciences locations in Brugg-Windisch.
The Campus is also the base of the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW), a university supported by four cantons.
The result is a single university campus for 3000 students and more than 1000 faculty members in the academic fields of technology, pedagogy and economics.
For our students, this means: favourable conditions for studying and synergies with other research institutes in the economy.
THE CANTON OF AARGAU: CULTURE AND ART SOL GABETTA
CELLIST ANDCellistin FOUNDER und Gründerin OF THE Solsberg SOLSBERG-Festival FESTIVAL The Canton of Aargau holds a wealth of culture and history. It has over 80 museums where the public can learn about works of art, historical artefacts and contemporary issues. Lenzburg Wildegg Hallwyl Habsburg Königsfelden Vindonissa Castle Castle Castle Castle Monastery Legionary Trail
Museum Aargau is one of Switzerland’s most visited historical museums. We have a strong theatre culture. And an equally great range of music – from baroque to contemporary – both indoors and outdoors. The Canton of Aargau supports and promotes its artists, cultural institutions and organisers of cultural events – on a broad scale and with a focus on various specific themes. MUSEUMS
Museum Aargau is composed of six historical places to discover.
The Vindonissa Legionary Trail, the Lenzburg, Hallwyl, Wildegg and Habsburg castles and the Königsfelden Monastery serve as historical stages that bring history to life.
The Aargauer Kunsthaus in Aarau enjoys international acclaim with its collection of contemporary Swiss art.
Thanks to its exhibits, the Stapferhaus cultural centre in Lenzburg is a leading institution for contemporary issues.
The Naturama in Aarau, the Swiss Children’s Museum in Baden, the Sauriermuseum in Frick and the Villa Langmatt in Baden are fascinating places offering many things for both old and young to discover. AARGAUER KUNSTHAUS
The Aargauer Kunsthaus offers an outstanding programme of exhibitions. Its exceptional collection of Swiss art makes it a museum of both national and international renown.
Even the art museum itself is a work of art; the building extension in Aarau, designed by architects Herzog & de Meuron, is an impressive example of urban development. THEATRE AND FILM
The Canton of Aargau has a thriving theatre culture, as evident in its numerous small theatres and in the Kurtheater Baden, a listed building.
tanz&kunst königsfelden is highly regarded for its own productions that combine dance, music and contemporary art.
Every year, the Fantoche International Animation Film Festival draws film aficionados from around the world to Aargau. LITERATURE
Today’s literary work in Aargau builds on a long tradition. In the 19th century, society’s prominent figures included cultural and educational reformers such as Heinrich Zschokke, educator Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi and publisher Heinrich Sauerländer.
Aargau was and still is a source of inspiration for a number of renowned writers, such as Klaus Merz, Hermann Burger, Silvio Blatter, Erika Burkart, Paul Haller, Margrit Schriber, Christian Haller and Claudia Storz.
The Aargauer Literaturhaus, located in Lenzburg’s historical Müllerhaus, is home to literary works by writers from Switzerland and around the world. MUSIC
The Aargau symphony orchestra argovia philharmonic offers an extensive repertoire of music ranging from the 18th century to the present.
The Künstlerhaus Boswil has established itself as a centre of excellence in the field of music, offering chamber music of international rank and training programmes for musicians of all levels.
With its open-air operas Hallwyl Castle and Schenkenberg, Aargau also has plenty to offer for musical theatre enthusiasts. Operettas have a long tradition and draw thousands of spectators.
Rock and pop can be experienced at numerous open-air festivals as well as in various bars and cultural venues.
Countless amateur choirs, orchestras and chamber music ensembles ensure a diverse selection of concerts throughout the season.
THE CANTON OF AARGAU: NATURE AND LANDSCAPE ESTHER SÜSS
MOUNTAIN BIKER Water holds particular significance for the Canton of Aargau. Water makes Aargau a canton of energy. The area where the Aare, Reuss and Limmat rivers merge is known as the moated heart of Switzerland – and with good reason. Aargau is home to scenic riverscapes, exceptional pasturelands, countless ponds, moorlands and lakes. Lake Hallwil, for example, is the main recreational area within easy reach. However, Aargau is not just a water canton in the geographic sense, but also in the historical sense. The region has a spa culture extending back to the time of the Romans. This resulted in the establishment of countless thermal baths, such as Bad Schinznach and Bad Zurzach. And water is also used in the production of distilled spirits, such as those available at Käsers Schloss in Elfingen and Spezialitätenbrennerei Humbel in Stetten. AGRICULTURE
Aargau has a strong tradition of agriculture.
So it’s no wonder that national organisations such as the Swiss Farmers’ Union and the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture have their headquarters here.
The canton is active in the areas of agriculture, animal husbandry, fruit and vegetable cultivation and viticulture.
And many of the canton’s profitable niche products enjoy great popularity. NATURE
Jurapark Aargau is an important recreational area in the region.
While close to the cities, the park conveys a distinct sense of seclusion.
We take great pride in our pastureland.
As well as in our gardens, parks and zoos. SPORTS
Hiking? Biking? Skating? Climbing? Golfing?
Aargau offers a wide range of possibilities for everyone to get out and exercise on a daily basis – young and old, families with children, competitive athletes and those seeking leisure- time sports activities.
Whether in the various towns’ sport and recreational facilities, in the canton’s dense network of cycling, biking, skating, hiking and canoeing routes, or just out in the middle of nature. DINING
Aargau is home to several wine regions in prime locations – and, hence, offers several outstanding wines.
And we have just as many distinguished dining establishments where these wines can be savoured.
THE CANTON OF AARGAU: POLITICS AND LEGISLATION PENELOPE KÜHNIS
JOURNALIST Napoleon established the Canton of Aargau in 1803. He essentially designed the canton on a drawing board, joining three separate territories into a political unit. The three territories had different religious affiliations. As time went by, the territories overcame their religious differences and expanded their democratic rights. Today, the people of Aargau can decide on revisions to their constitution and propose new laws themselves. The Aargau parliament is a militia parliament, with members performing their parliamentary duties in a part-time capacity. More than one third of the parliament’s 140 members are women. The Swiss People’s Party (SVP) currently holds the most seats. The Aargau Government is composed of five members representing four political parties. Two members belong to the Swiss People’s Party (SVP), the Social Democratic Party (SP), the Christian Democratic People’s Party (CVP) and the Liberals (FDP) are each represented by one member. The picture shows the Government 2021 (without the State Chancellor Joana Filippi). The people elect the members for a four-year term. Each year, the government itself appoints its president, who goes by the title of Herr or Frau Landammann. The court of Aargau acts independently of the government and parliament, and is bound solely to the law. The Canton of Aargau is represented in Bern by 16 members of the National Council, 2 members of the Council of States and a Federal Chancellor.