Lucerne, canton, central Switzerland. Lucerne is drained by the Reuss and Kleine Emme rivers and occupies the northern foothills of the Alps, which rise to 7,710 feet (2,350 metres) at the Brienzer Rothorn. Comprising the territories acquired by its capital, the city of Lucerne, it was part of the Helvetic Republic after 1798 and resumed its status as an independent canton in 1803, by Napoleon’s Act of Mediation. After attempting to pursue a separatist policy, which led to its defeat by federal troops, in 1848 Lucerne again entered the Swiss Confederation as a full member.
Of the total surface area, about 90 percent is productive land. The main sources of income are field crops, fruit, cattle, industry, and tourism, the latter concentrated in the area around the capital. Manufactures include machinery, metal goods, paper, wood, and electrical equipment. There is also boatbuilding. Much transit traffic between Germany and Italy crosses the canton. The population is mainly German speaking and Roman Catholic. Area 576 square miles (1,493 square km). Pop. (2007 est.) 359,110.