The Canton Grisons was created through the union of three alliances, the "grauer Bund Gotteshausbund and Zehngerichtebund". In the Middle Ages the 'Bündner' held power as far south as Lake Como and occupied the Veltlin area which they lost to Italy during Napoleon's reign. To begin with, the population of the Grisons refused to join Switzerland. It was not until 1803 that this came about following a decree from Napoleon. Despite being integrated into Switzerland, the Grisons still retain their independent character.

The uniqueness of the Grisons is mirrored in its diversity of language. The following three languages are spoken:

German 68%, Rhaeto-Romanic 14%, Italian 11% , others 7%





Further information about the land and population can be found under:
www.graubuenden.ch