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"Basel countryside" is a literal translation of the name of the canton Basel-Land.

Since "land" is a valid word in English, it is more often just left as "Basel-Land" in English.

Switzerland is a confederation of 26 semi-independent cantons. A canton is equivalent to what is called a state in English-speaking federal countries.

As many decisions as possible are made at the cantonal level. Each canton has its own constitution, parliament, laws and court system. Most of the cantons were once independent countries, and on many ways continue to act as such.

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12y ago

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