BASIL, a canton of Switzerland, which joined the confederacy in 1501. It is bounded on the south by the canton of Solothurn; on the north by part of the margravate of Baden Dourlach, and the territory of Rheinfelden; on the east by Frickthal; and on the west by part of Solothurn, the diocese of Basil, and the Sundgare; being upwards of 20 miles in length, and about 18 in breadth. It contains 270 square English miles, and had a population of 49,200 in 1815. It is entirely Protestant. The lower parts of it afford corn and wine, and pasture; but the mountains are barren. Here are many medicinal springs and baths, and the air is wholesome and temperate. Both men and women for the most part wear the French dress; but the language commonly spoken is the High Dutch, though the French is also much used. The government is aristocratical;
Basil. critical; and its revenues arise chiefly from secularized abbeys, and imposts on goods carried through the country, to and from France, Italy, and Germany. Besides the military establishment of the city of Basil, there are two provincial regiments, consisting each of ten companies, and a troop of dragoons.—The places of most note are Basil the capital, Wallenburg, St Jacob, Neue-Haus, &c.