The lands of the canton consist of territories acquired by the capital. For that reason the shape of the canton is somewhat irregular and includes two enclaves along the French border which form separate districts of the canton.

Between 1798 and 1803 the canton was part of the Helvetic Republic. In 1803 Solothurn was one of the 19 Swiss cantons that were reconstituted by Napoleon (Mediation). Even though the population was strictly Roman Catholic, Solothurn did not join the catholic separatist movement (Sonderbund) in 1845. Similarly, the federal constitutions of 1848 and 1874 were approved. The current constitution of the canton dates from 1887. In 1895, however, the constitution was thoroughly revised.

Up to the 19th century agriculture was the main economic activity in the canton. Agriculture is still of importance, but manufacturing and the service industry are now more significant. The industries of the canton are specialized in watches, jewellery, textiles, paper, cement and auto parts. Until recently the manufactoring of shoes was an important economic activity, but global competition meant that the Swiss canton was not competitive enough.

There is a nuclear power plant near Gösgen which started operation in 1979.

The population is mostly German speaking. About 60% of the population are Roman Catholic, with most of the remainder being Protestants. The population is 245,500 (2001).

 

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