Switzerland has 26 cantons (federal states) like states in the US, each with its own constitution, parliament, and government, forming the Swiss Confederation, with examples including Zurich, Bern, Geneva, and the half-cantons of Basel and Appenzell, with Jura being the newest (1979). These cantons vary greatly in size, culture, and language, functioning as autonomous entities within the federal structure, handling their own taxes, education, and police.
