Questions about Valais

Correct answer: B – The prefect

Each Valais district is represented by a prefect. The prefect links the canton and the municipalities of the district.

Source: vs.ch · Checked October 2026

Correct answer: C – The president of the Grand Council

At cantonal level, the first citizen is the president of the Grand Council. At federal level it is the president of the National Council, who chairs the Federal Assembly.

Source: vs.ch · Checked October 2026

Correct answer: D – 1907

The Valais constitution dates from 8 March 1907. A draft new constitution drawn up by a Constituent Assembly was rejected by the people on 3 March 2024.

Source: vs.ch · Checked October 2026

Correct answer: B – The Council of State, 5 members

Cantonal executive power is exercised by the Council of State, made up of five members. They are elected by the people for a four-year term.

Source: vs.ch · Checked October 2026

Correct answer: D – 1815

Valais, together with Neuchâtel and Geneva, was admitted to the Confederation in 1815, after the Napoleonic period. Before that it had been a French department (Simplon).

Source: vs.ch · Checked October 2026

Correct answer: C – It was rejected by about 68% of voters

The Constituent Assembly, elected in 2018, had prepared a total revision of the 1907 constitution. On 3 March 2024 the draft was rejected with 68.1% no votes (27.2% yes); the 1907 constitution therefore remains in force.

Source: bulletinvalaiswallis.ch · Checked October 2026

Correct answer: D – The Romans

The Martigny amphitheatre dates from Roman times, when the town was called Forum Claudii Vallensium. Today it hosts shows and cow fights (combats de reines).

Source: vs.ch · Checked October 2026

Correct answer: C – Sion

Sion (Sitten) is the capital of Valais and the seat of the Grand Council, the Council of State and the Cantonal Court. The town is dominated by the hills of Valère and Tourbillon.

Source: vs.ch · Checked October 2026

Correct answer: A – 13 districts, like the 13 stars

The Valais flag bears 13 stars representing the 13 districts. The district of Raron is divided into two half-districts (Eastern and Western Raron).

Source: vs.ch · Checked October 2026

Correct answer: B – On the Raspille, near Sierre

The small Raspille river, between Sierre and Salgesch, marks the border between French-speaking Valais and German-speaking Upper Valais. German is spoken to the east, French to the west.

Source: vs.ch · Checked October 2026

Correct answer: D – Montreux

Montreux is in the Canton of Vaud. Valais towns include Monthey, Saint-Maurice, Martigny, Sion, Sierre, Visp, Brig and Naters.

Source: vs.ch · Checked October 2026

Correct answer: A – French and German

Valais is bilingual: French-speaking Lower/Central Valais is the majority, Upper Valais speaks German. Both languages are official at cantonal level.

Source: vs.ch · Checked October 2026

Correct answer: D – Le Nouvelliste

Le Nouvelliste is the daily of French-speaking Valais; in Upper Valais people read the Walliser Bote. La Liberté is Fribourg's daily and 24 Heures that of Vaud.

Source: vs.ch · Checked October 2026

Correct answer: A – About 370,000

At the end of 2024 Valais had 371,288 inhabitants (permanent resident population according to the Federal Statistical Office; latest final figure). Growth is mainly due to immigration.

Source: vs.ch · Checked October 2026

Correct answer: A – The Grand Council

In Valais, ordinary naturalization is a decision of the Grand Council, after a three-level procedure: municipality, canton and Confederation. The municipality first grants municipal citizenship.

Source: vs.ch · Checked October 2026

Correct answer: D – 5 years in the canton and 3 in the municipality

In addition to the 10 years in Switzerland required by the Confederation, applicants must have lived 5 years in Valais and 3 years in the municipality where they apply. A C permit is also required.

Source: vs.ch · Checked October 2026

Correct answer: B – About one third

The Valais guide recommends that one third of the questions cover local or municipal topics, in keeping with federalism. Candidates should therefore also know their municipality and district.

Source: vs.ch · Checked October 2026

Correct answer: A – Grande Dixence

The Grande Dixence, in the Val des Dix, is the highest gravity dam in the world (285 m). Other large Valais dams are Emosson, Mauvoisin and Mattmark. Rossens is in Fribourg, Verzasca in Ticino and Grimsel in Bern.

Source: vs.ch · Checked October 2026

Correct answer: B – Petite Arvine

Valais wines include Fendant, Petite Arvine, Heida, Dôle, Cornalin and Humagne. Valais is Switzerland's largest wine-growing canton.

Source: vs.ch · Checked October 2026

Correct answer: A – The apricot

Valais is known for its apricots, but apples, pears and grapes are also harvested there. Abricotine is an AOP apricot brandy. Cherries are associated more with Zug and Basel-Landschaft.

Source: vs.ch · Checked October 2026

Correct answer: D – Half white, half red (vertical), with 13 stars

The Valais flag is divided vertically: white on the flagpole side, red on the other. The 13 stars are red on the white half and white on the red half.

Source: fr.wikipedia.org · Checked October 2026

Correct answer: C – A fight between two cows of the Hérens breed

Hérens cows fight naturally to establish the herd hierarchy. The cow fights are held in spring and autumn; the cantonal final takes place in Aproz.

Source: vs.ch · Checked October 2026

Correct answer: C – Blacknose sheep

The Valais Blacknose sheep (Walliser Schwarznasenschaf) has white wool and a black face. It is very common in Upper Valais.

Source: vs.ch · Checked October 2026

Correct answer: A – Historic irrigation channels

Bisses are channels that bring water from mountain streams to the crops, in a canton with a dry climate. Many are now followed by hiking trails.

Source: vs.ch · Checked October 2026