The canton of Vaud, which has the slogan „Freedom and Home“, was conquered 1536 from Savoyen by Bern, it gained independence in 1798 and became member of the Swiss confederation in 1803. Measured by the population, which was counted in 2015, the canton of Valais is the biggest Western-Swiss canton and the third biggest Swiss canton, with a population of 784 700.

The canton of Vaud reaches from Jura in Northwest Switzerland to the Alps in East Switzerland and surrounds the bigger part of Lake Geneva. 

Moreover, it accommodates the famous vineyards of the growing area Lavaux, which became a world cultural heritage in 2007. 

Its capital, Lausanne, hosted the International Olympic Committee during World War I.  Its relocation from France was organized in 1915, aiming to create a political protectorate, guaranteed by the Swiss neutrality, for the cantone. The Olympic Museum of Lausanne is one of the most visited museums of Switzerland and demonstrated the importance of sporting events. A prominent example is the Athletissima.