Derived from the German word "Gau"(meaning country) and from the river of "Aar", the canton Aargau or "The country of the Aar" was mentioned for the first time in 763, when it was still a part of the kingdom of Franconia. 

The canton Aargau with its now known borders exists since 1815, after it was conquered by the Habsburger in 1415 and became capital of the short-existing Helvetiian Republic in 1789.

Referring to the production industry sector Aargau is the most important canton of Switzerland. But there are also enterprises like Roche, Novartis and Johnson & Johnson located in the canton with a population of 663 300 residents.

It is also outward-facing: 25% of its export is directly shipped to Germany and its thermal baths are very popular amongst tourists.