APPENZELL, a canton 'of north-east Switzerland, entirely surrounded by that of St. Gall; both were formed out of the dominions of the prince abbots of St. Gall, whence the name Appenzell (abbatis cella). It belongs to the limestone zone on the north side of the main alpine lines. The culminating point is Santis, 8,216ft., in the south of the canton. It is watered mainly by two streams that descend from Santis, the Sitter and its tribu tary the Urnasch. By the middle of the nth th century the abbots of St. Gall had established their power in the land later called Appenzell. But as early as 1377, this portion of the abbots' do mains formed an alliance with the Swabian free imperial cities and adopted a constitution of its own. In 1411 Appenzell was placed under the "protection" of the Swiss Confederation, of which it became a member in 1513. Religious differences broke up the land after the Reformation into two portions, each called Rhoden, a term said to mean a "clearing." From 1798 to 1803 Appenzell, with the other domains of the abbot of St. Gall, was formed into the canton Santis of the Helvetic Republic, but in 1803, on the creation of the new canton of St. Gall, shrank back within its former boundaries.
The north and west portion (or Ausser Rhoden) has a total area of 93 square m., with a population (1930 census) of 48,977, mainly German-speaking Protestants. Its political capital is Tro gen (q.v.), though the largest town is Herisau (15,20o). Ausser Rhoden is divided into three administrative districts, comprising 20 communes, and manufactures cotton goods, muslins and em broidery. It sends one member (elected by the Landsgemeinde) to the federal Stainderat and three to the federal Nationalrat (elected by a direct popular vote).
The south or more mountainous portion of Appenzell (Inner Rhoden), has a total area of 72sq.m., with a population (1930 cen sus) of 13,988, practically all German speaking Roman Catholics. Its political capital is Appenzell (q.v.). It is largely pastoral with numerous summer pastures (see ALP). Inner Rhoden is extremely conservative, and has the reputation of always rejecting any federal Referendum. For similar reasons it has preserved many old customs and costumes. It sends one member (named by the Landsgemeinde) to the federal Stainderat, and one to the federal Nationalrat, while it forms but a single administrative district, though divided into six communes.
To the outer world the canton of Ap penzell is best known by its institution of Landsgemeinden, or primitive democratic assemblies held in the open air. This institution is of immemorial antiquity, and the meetings in both portions are always held on the last Sunday in April.
The Landsgemeinde is the supreme legis lative authority. Various old-fashioned ceremonies are observed at the meetings and each member appears with his girded sword. The existing constitution of Inner Rhoden dates mainly from 1872, and that of Ausser Rhoden from 1876. The meeting for Inner Rhoden is held at Appenzell, that for Ausser Rhoden alternately at Hundwil (near Herisau) and at Trogen.