BASLE, a canton of north Switzerland (Ger. Basel; Fr. Bale). It is traversed by the Jura, and watered by the Birs and the Ergolz, both tributaries (left) of the Rhine. From 1803 to 1814 the canton was one of the six "directorial" cantons of the con federation. Since 1833 it has been divided into two half cantons, with independent constitutions.
One is that of Basel Stadt or Bale Ville, including the city and some rural districts north of the Rhine. Its area is 14 sq.m., with estimated population (193o) 155,030, mainly German-speaking and Protestant. The cantonal constitution dates from 1889. Since 1875, 1,00o citizens can claim a popular vote (facultative referendum) on all bills, or can exercise the right of initiative whether as to laws or the revision of the cantonal constitution.
The other half canton is that of Basel Land or Bale Campagne, which is divided into four administrative districts and comprises 74 communes, its capital being Liestal. Area, 163 sq.m., with estimated population nearly all German-speaking. The cantonal constitution dates from 1892. The "obligatory refer endum" obtains in the case of all laws, while 1,5oo citizens have the right of "initiative" whether as to laws or the revision of the cantonal constitution. Each canton-division sends one member to the State council. Together they contribute 11 representatives (on the basis of the 192o census) to the national council. These, with the executive, are all elected by a direct popular vote for the term of three years. (For industries and bibliography, see BASLE : Town.)