The canton of Neuchâtel was already founded in 1000, but became a member of the Swiss confederation very late (in 1814). It was under the rule of the Prussians until its transformation to a republic in 1848. 

Despite its little population of 178 500 (dated 2015), Neuchâtel is the fourth canton to bring up most of the Swiss Federal Counselors, amongst them Max Petitpierre and Didier Burkhalter.

Besides its wonderful castle, one third of all work places within the Swiss Watchmaking sector are located here, amongst all the city of La Chaux-de-fond, which is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage and known for its “Cityscape of the watchmaking industry”.