Sovereign borders
The term «sovereign borders» refers to the national borders as well as cantonal and municipal boundaries.
Every sovereign border (national borders, cantonal, district and municipal boundaries) has to be specified in accordance with the applicable definition – for the national border, for example, in accordance with the relevant international treaties.
There are three hierarchical levels in Switzerland:
- National border
- Cantonal boundaries
- Municipal boundaries
District boundaries are a special case: they are formed from a combination of several sections of municipal boundaries. In some cantons there are no district boundaries at all.
The following bodies are responsible for the specification, marking and measuring of sovereign borders:
- National border: Federal Office of Topography swisstopo
- Cantonal and municipal boundaries: the cantons
The national borders of Switzerland
Switzerland’s national border is formed by the external boundary of its sovereign territory. It is specified, surveyed and maintained in close cooperation with the five neighbouring countries.
Cantonal boundaries and municipal boundaries
The cantons are responsible for cantonal and municipal boundaries. swisstopo manages a data set of all of these boundaries which is updated annually and issued for free.
Federal Office of Topography swisstopo
Seftigenstrasse 264
3084 Wabern