BASEL-LANDSCHAFT

( (German), ) French Ble-campagne, Halbkanton (demicanton), northern Switzerland, traversed by the Jura Mountains and drained by the Ergolz and Birs rivers. It was formed in 1833 by the division of Basel canton into two half cantons, or demicantons, and its early history is linked with Basel (q.v.) city. Its present constitution dates from 1892, and its capital is Liestal (q.v.). Approximately one-third of its 165 square miles (428 square km) is forested. Fruit growing, dairy farming, and cattle breeding are important; textiles, metal products, and chemicals are manufactured. Watches are made in the Jura. The population is predominantly German speaking and Protestant. Pop. (1988 est.) 227,126.