Haut-Rhin is a department in the
Grand-Est region of France, named after the river Rhine. Its name means Upper Rhine. Haut-Rhin is the smaller and less populated of the two departments of the former administrative Alsace region, the other being the Bas-Rhin (Lower Rhine). Especially after the 1871 cession of the southern territory known since 1922 as Territoire de Belfort, although it is still densely populated compared to the rest of metropolitan France. On 1 January 2021, the departments of Bas-Rhin and Haut-Rhin will merge into the European Collectivity of Alsace. Haut-Rhin (department number 68) is bordered by the Territoire de Belfort and Vosges départements and the Vosges Mountains to the west, the Bas-Rhin to the North, Switzerland to the south and its eastern border with Germany is also the Rhine. In the centre of the département lies a fertile plain. The climate is semi-continental with cold winters and hot, usually dry summers. The countryside is marked by hills.
Cultural and Historical Significance
Haut-Rhin is one of the richest départements of
France, its
préfecture city is Colmar which is renowned for its well-preserved old town, its numerous architectural landmarks, and its museums, among which is the Unterlinden Museum. Colmar is situated on the Alsatian Wine Route and considers itself to be the "capital of Alsatian wine".
Economic Landscape
Mulhouse is the home of a Peugeot automobile factory, manufacturing the 106 and 206 models. Many Haut-Rhinois work in Switzerland, especially in the chemical industries of Basel, but commute from France where living costs are lower.
Key Information about Haut-Rhin
- Main City/Prefecture: Colmar
- Nearest Airport: EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg (approx. 60 km)
- Population: Around 770,000 (as of the latest census)
- Area: 3,525 sq. kilometres and 1,361 sq. miles
- Landmark: Petite Venise in Colmar, a picturesque canal district with colourful houses.
- Number of Tourists/Year: Approx. 3 million, drawn by its Alsace Wine Route, medieval villages and Christmas markets.
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