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A 'canton' is a territorial subdivision of a country, e.g., region or state. The word is derived from the Latin ''canto'' "section of a country." Cantons are generally relatively small in terms of area and population when compared to areas such as counties, departments or provinces.
The most internationally well-known cantons, which are the most politically important in their country's political system are those of Switzerland. The Swiss cantons are theoretically partially sovereign states.

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Cantons in specific countries

Cantons in specific countries

Cantons exist in the following countries:

★ Cantons of Belgium

★ Cantons of Bosnia and Herzegovina: a subdivision of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina

★ Canada: Canadian French equivalent for the English word "township", since the translation ''municipalité'' is already used for a different level of government (see township).

★ Cantons of Costa Rica

★ Cantons of Ecuador: subdivisions below the provinces of Ecuador

★ Cantons of France: a subdivision of ''arrondissements'' and departments of France, grouping several municipalities (''communes'')

★ Cantons of Luxembourg: a subdivision of the districts of Luxembourg

★ Cantons of Switzerland: each a state within Switzerland

★ subdivisions of vingtaines in Jersey.

★ In the Ottoman Empire, a "kaza" was a district within a province, sometimes called a canton.
In 1873, Cantonalists took over the city of Cartagena, Spain, a haven for the Spanish Navy, and declared the city independent.