Canton of Vaud

The Canton of Vaud is a regional public authority that governs the Vaud region of Switzerland. It exercises legislative, executive and judicial functions delegated to it by the Swiss Federal Constitution. Core responsibilities include cantonal education, healthcare, social welfare, transportation infrastructure and environmental management. The canton provides services to residents, businesses and other public entities operating within its territory. Its administration is organised into departments that oversee specific policy areas such as finance, security and culture.

Vaud is the third most populous canton in Switzerland, with a population exceeding 800,000 inhabitants. It covers an area of roughly 3,200 square kilometres, encompassing the Lake Geneva shoreline, the Jura foothills and the Alpine pre‑Alps. Major urban centres within the canton include Lausanne, which also hosts the cantonal government, and Yverdon‑les‑Bains. The canton’s economy is characterised by a strong service sector, high‑tech industries and a significant tourism sector.

The cantonal parliament, known as the Grand Council, consists of 150 members elected by proportional representation. Executive authority is exercised by the seven‑member State Council, which heads the various cantonal departments. Vaud hosts the Federal Supreme Court of Switzerland, located in Lausanne, as well as the University of Lausanne and the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne. These institutions contribute to the canton’s reputation as a centre of law, education and research.

As a member of the Swiss Confederation, the Canton of Vaud retains sovereignty over matters not reserved to the federal government, guided by its own cantonal constitution. Its relationship with the federal state is defined by the principles of subsidiarity and mutual cooperation enshrined in Swiss federal law.