BERN, Writ. Gee. pron. born (Fr. Berne). The second in area and the most populous and important of the cantons of Switzerland. situ ated in the northwestern part of the country, bordering on France on the north and west (Slap: Switzerland, B 1 ). its area is 2657 square miles. The canton belongs geographically to two mountain systems. The Jura ranges cover its northeastern part, while the Alps traverse the southern portion. In the centre the surface is only slightly elevated and is crossed by the fertile valleys along the Aar. Bern belongs to the basin of the Rhine. and is watered chiefly by the Aar and its tributary, the Emmen. The chief lakes are Thun, Brienz, and Menne. Bern is essentially an agricultural canton and is one of the best cultivated portions of Switzerland. In the lower parts grain and fruit are raised, while in the mountain regions more attention is paid to the raising of domestic animals and to dairy industries. The mineral products include iron, granite, gypsum, and turf. Mineral springs are abundant. and there are numerous mountain re sorts in the southern part of the canton. Bern has several well-developed industries, among the most important being the manufacture of tex tiles, watches, and metalware. In spite of the mountainous character of its surface, the canton has good transportation facilities; its railway mileage is one of the largest in Switzerland.
The form of government is purely democratic. The Grand Council, elected by the people at the rate of one member to every 2000 inhabitants. is the sole legislative body, while the Executive Council of nine members, nominated by the Grand Council, is intrusted with the executive part of the administration. Members of both Houses serve four years. Every financial trans action involving more than 500,000 francs must be submitted to a referendum. For administra tive purposes the canton is divided into thirty districts, administered each by a prefect elected by the voters of the respective districts. The Supreme Court of the canton consists of fifteen members appointed by the Grand Council for four years. Primary education is compulsory, and the expenses are borne by the communes. The University of Bern (q.v.), a polytechnical school, and a number of gymnasia and pro gymnasia provide higher and secondary educa tion. Population. in 18titi. 539,305; in 1898, 549, 387. Nearly 90 per cent. of the inhabitants are Protestants, and the remainder Catholics, with the exception of about 1250 Jews. The German language is spoken by over 85 per cent. of the population, and French and Italian by the re mainder. For history, see BERN (city).