Graubünden is the most Eastern canton of Switzerland and commands the biggest area of all Swiss cantons. It is the only canton, where three languages are spoken officially, amongst them Rhaeto-romanic (15% of the population) and besides of Ticino is the only Italian-speaking canton. 

Its name derives from one of the three alliances, which were founded in the 16th century to defeat the Habsbuger, namely from the "ligue grise" (literally "grey alliance"). Its flag combines the emblems of these three alliances. The in the Alps located canton borders to Austria, Liechtenstein and Italy. 

Graubünden was special during the 16th century, because it was one of the cantons, which maintained the principle of equality, which meant that the municipalities were allowed to choose their religion, thus the canton became catholic and protestant at the same time. Nowadays about 80% of the population is catholic. 

Winter tourism is utilized in Graubünden since 1865, especially through its internationally known sites Lenzerheide and Davos. The annual event of the Spengler Cup, one of the eldest Icehockey cups other than the Stanley Cup, is taking place in Davos. Additionally, the World Economic Forum is taking place here annually since 1971.