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Coordinates: 46°32′N 8°57′E / 46.533°N 8.950°E / 46.533; 8.950
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{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
{{Infobox Swiss town
{{Infobox Swiss town
| subject_name = Blenio
| subject_name = Blenio
| municipality_name = Blenio
⚫
| municipality_type = municipality
⚫
| imagepath_coa = Blenio-coat of arms.svg|pixel_coa=
| image_photo = Aquila TI.jpg
| image_photo = Aquila TI.jpg
⚫
| municipality_type = municipality
⚫
| imagepath_coa = CHE Blenio COA.svg
| imagepath_flag = CHE Blenio Flag.svg
| image_caption =
| image_caption =
| snow_image =
| snow_image =
| snow_imagecaption =
| snow_imagecaption =
| map = Karte Gemeinde Blenio 2007.png
| languages = Italian
| canton = Ticino
| canton = Ticino
| iso-code-region = CH-TI
| iso-code-region = CH-TI
| district = [[Blenio (district)|Blenio]]
| district = [[Blenio (district)|Blenio]]
|coordinates = {{coord|46|32|N|8|57|E|display=inline,title}}
| lat_d=46|lat_m=32|lat_NS=N|long_d=8|long_m=57|long_EW=E
| postal_code = 6718
| postal_code = 6718
| municipality_code = 5049
| municipality_code = 5049
Line 19: Line 18:
| elevation = 902|elevation_description=
| elevation = 902|elevation_description=
| population = 1844|populationof = December 2006 | popofyear = 2006
| population = 1844|populationof = December 2006 | popofyear = 2006
| website =
| website = http://www.comuneblenio.ch/
| mayor = |mayor_asof=|mayor_party=
| mayor = |mayor_asof=|mayor_party=
| mayor_title = |list_of_mayors =
| mayor_title = Claudia Boschetti Staub
| places = [[Aquila, Switzerland|Aquila]], [[Campo Blenio]], [[Ghirone]], [[Olivone]] and [[Torre, Switzerland|Torre]]
| places = [[Aquila, Switzerland|Aquila]], [[Campo Blenio]], [[Dandrio]], [[Ghirone]], [[Olivone]] and [[Torre, Switzerland|Torre]]
| demonym =
| demonym =
| neighboring_municipalities = [[Malvaglia]], [[Acquarossa, Switzerland|Acquarossa]], [[Faido]], [[Campello TI|Campello]], [[Calpiogna]], [[Mairengo]], [[Osco]], [[Quinto TI|Quinto]], [[Medel (Lucmagn)]] (GR), [[Vrin]] (GR), [[Vals, SwitzerlandR|Vals]] (GR), [[Hinterrhein, Switzerland|Hinterrhein]] (GR)
| neighboring_municipalities = [[Malvaglia]], [[Acquarossa, Switzerland|Acquarossa]], [[Faido]], [[Campello TI|Campello]], [[Calpiogna]], [[Mairengo]], [[Osco]], [[Quinto TI|Quinto]], [[Medel (Lucmagn)]] (GR), [[Vrin]] (GR), [[Vals, SwitzerlandR|Vals]] (GR), [[Hinterrhein, Switzerland|Hinterrhein]] (GR)
| twintowns =
| twintowns =
|}}
|}}
'''Blenio''' is a [[Municipalities of Switzerland|municipality]] of the [[Blenio (district)|district of Blenio]], in the [[Cantons of Switzerland|canton]] of [[Ticino]], [[Switzerland]].
'''Blenio''' is a [[Municipalities of Switzerland|municipality]] of the [[Blenio (district)|district of Blenio]], in the [[Cantons of Switzerland|canton]] of [[Ticino]], [[Switzerland]].


Blenio was created on 22 October 2006 when it incorporated the formerly autonomous municipalities of [[Aquila, Switzerland|Aquila]], [[Campo Blenio]], [[Ghirone]], [[Olivone]] and [[Torre, Switzerland|Torre]] of the upper Blenio valley.
Blenio was created on 22 October 2006 when it incorporated the formerly autonomous municipalities of [[Aquila, Switzerland|Aquila]], [[Campo Blenio]], [[Ghirone]], [[Olivone]] and [[Torre, Switzerland|Torre]] of the upper Blenio valley.


A legal challenge to the merger was raised by Aquila, but was rejected by the Federal Court on 18 April 2006.<ref>[http://jumpcgi.bger.ch/cgi-bin/JumpCGI?id=18.04.2006_1P.242/2005 Ricorso di diritto pubblico contro il decreto legislativo del 25 gennaio 2005 del Gran Consiglio del Cantone Ticino.]</ref>
A legal challenge to the merger was raised by Aquila, but was rejected by the Federal Court on 18 April 2006.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://jumpcgi.bger.ch/cgi-bin/JumpCGI?id=18.04.2006_1P.242%2F2005 |title=Ricorso di diritto pubblico contro il decreto legislativo del 25 gennaio 2005 del Gran Consiglio del Cantone Ticino. |access-date=11 June 2019 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120713220559/http://jumpcgi.bger.ch/cgi-bin/JumpCGI?id=18.04.2006_1P.242/2005 |archive-date=13 July 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


==History==
==History==
Aquila is first mentioned in 1196 as ''Aquili''.<ref name=HDS_Aquila>{{HDS|2048|Aquila}}</ref> Ghirone is first mentioned in 1200 as ''Agairono''.<ref name=HDS_Ghirone>{{HDS|2053|Ghirone}}</ref> Olivone is first mentioned in 1193 as ''Alivoni'', then in 1205 it was mentioned as ''Orivono'. In [[Romansh language|Romansh]] it was known as ''Luorscha''.<ref name=HDS_Olivone>{{HDS|2060|Olivone}}</ref>
Aquila is first mentioned in 1196 as ''Aquili''.<ref name=HDS_Aquila>{{HDS|2048|Aquila}}</ref> Ghirone is first mentioned in 1200 as ''Agairono''.<ref name=HDS_Ghirone>{{HDS|2053|Ghirone}}</ref> Olivone is first mentioned in 1193 as ''Alivoni'', then in 1205 it was mentioned as ''Orivono''. In [[Romansh language|Romansh]] it was known as ''Luorscha''.<ref name=HDS_Olivone>{{HDS|2060|Olivone}}</ref>


===Aquila===
===Aquila===
Around 1200, the settlement of Ghirone belonged Aquila. The present borders were established in 1853 with the final separation of the two municipalities. The parish church of San Vittore was built in 1213. It was rebuilt in 1728-30. One important source of income for the village came from money sent back by emigrants from the village to other European countries (often as chocolate makers, waiters, servants). Starting in 1914 many of the inhabitants of Aquila worked in the chocolate factory Cima-Norma in Torre Arbeit. In addition the residents also often farmed land and raised livestock. The closure of the factory in 1968 led to a large population decline. In 1990, about 39% of the population worked in manufacturing, while 49% worked in the services sector. About 60% of the worker commuted out of the village.<ref name=HDS_Aquila/>
Around 1200, the settlement of Ghirone belonged Aquila. The present borders were established in 1853 with the final separation of the two municipalities. The parish church of San Vittore was built in 1213. It was rebuilt in 1728–30. One important source of income for the village came from money sent back by emigrants from the village to other European countries (often as chocolate makers, waiters, servants). Starting in 1914 many of the inhabitants of Aquila worked in the chocolate factory Cima-Norma in Torre Arbeit. In addition the residents also often farmed land and raised livestock. The closure of the factory in 1968 led to a large population decline. In 1990, about 39% of the population worked in manufacturing, while 49% worked in the services sector. About 60% of the worker commuted out of the village.<ref name=HDS_Aquila/>


===Ghirone===
===Ghirone===
In 1334, [[Disentis Abbey]] acquired rights over all the land in Ghirone. The village was part of the community of Aquila, and in 1803 it merged with the municipality of Ghirone. Then, in 1836, Buttino and Ghirone separated from Aquila and together founded their own community. Buttino was inhabited until the late 19th Century and was an autonomous village as far back as the 13th Century. The two municipalities rejoined Aquila in 1842 and 1846 and finally separated in 1853. The Citizens Community (''[[Bürgergemeinde|Patriziato]]''), which still bears the name of Ghirone-Buttino was founded in 1914.
In 1334, [[Disentis Abbey]] acquired rights over all the land in Ghirone. The village was part of the community of Aquila, and in 1803 it merged with the municipality of Ghirone. Then, in 1836, Buttino and Ghirone separated from Aquila and together founded their own community. Buttino was inhabited until the late 19th century and was an autonomous village as far back as the 13th century. The two municipalities rejoined Aquila in 1842 and 1846 and finally separated in 1853. The Citizens Community (''[[Bürgergemeinde|Patriziato]]''), which still bears the name of Ghirone-Buttino was founded in 1914.


The Church of SS Martino e Giorgio was first mentioned in 1215 and was rebuilt around 1700. The [[parish]] separated from Aquila in 1758 and became independent. As with the other municipalities of the Blenio Valley, much of the population emigrated to other European countries (often as chestnut roaster, servants and waiters). While this was a major source of revenue, it led to a steady population decline. In the late 1950s the Luzzone Dam (1995 and 1999 expanded) was built between the municipalities of Ghirone and Aquila. The dam is used to generate [[hydroelectric]] power. The large-scale construction of the dam and the new road tunnel at Toira in 1958, improved the local economy. The new tunnel allowed winter and summer tourism, and the development of a winter sports center (with Campo Blenio) gave the economy a definite boost. Livestock farming, which was for centuries had been the main occupation, however, fell sharply.<ref name=HDS_Ghirone/>
The Church of SS Martino e Giorgio was first mentioned in 1215 and was rebuilt around 1700. The [[parish]] separated from Aquila in 1758 and became independent. As with the other municipalities of the Blenio Valley, much of the population emigrated to other European countries (often as chestnut roaster, servants and waiters). While this was a major source of revenue, it led to a steady population decline. In the late 1950s the Luzzone Dam (1995 and 1999 expanded) was built between the municipalities of Ghirone and Aquila. The dam is used to generate [[hydroelectric]] power. The large-scale construction of the dam and the new road tunnel at Toira in 1958, improved the local economy. The new tunnel allowed winter and summer tourism, and the development of a winter sports center (with Campo Blenio) gave the economy a definite boost. Livestock farming, which was for centuries had been the main occupation, however, fell sharply.<ref name=HDS_Ghirone/>


===Olivone===
===Olivone===
[[File:Valle di Blenio Olivone.jpg|thumb|Olivone at the feet of [[Sosto]] ({{m to ft|2221|abbr=yes}})]]
[[File:Valle di Blenio Olivone.jpg|thumb|Olivone at the feet of [[Sosto]] ({{convert|2221|m|ft|abbr=on}})]]
The political power in the upper Blenio valley was in the hands of a branch of the De Torre family. They owned land in Olivone and possessed the patronage rights in the [[parish church]] until the oath of Torre in 1182 ended their supremacy. In 1213 the villages of Olivone and Aquila revolted and united against the Da Locarno family, who had been given power over the valley by [[Canon (priest)|canons]] of [[Milan]]. They were able to drive out the Da Locarno's and return to the previous situation, where they were ruled by a governor out of [[Lombardy]]. The ''L'assemblea di uomini liberi'' (The Assembly of the Free), which is first mentioned in 1136, provided for the management of common forests, alpine pastures and helped maintain the [[Lukmanier pass|Lukmanier]] and [[Greina]] passes. By the end of the 14th Century the ''L'assemblea di uomini liberi'' took advantage of Olivone's lease on the Santa Maria alpine pasture, which belonged to the abbey of Disentis. The village customary law was written down in the statutes of 1237 and 1474.<ref name=HDS_Olivone/>
The political power in the upper Blenio valley was in the hands of a branch of the De Torre family. They owned land in Olivone and possessed the patronage rights in the [[parish church]] until the oath of Torre in 1182 ended their supremacy. In 1213 the villages of Olivone and Aquila revolted and united against the Da Locarno family, who had been given power over the valley by [[Canon (priest)|canons]] of [[Milan]]. They were able to drive out the Da Locarno's and return to the previous situation, where they were ruled by a governor out of [[Lombardy]]. The ''assemblea di uomini liberi'' (The Assembly of the Free), which is first mentioned in 1136, provided for the management of common forests, alpine pastures and helped maintain the [[Lukmanier pass|Lukmanier]] and [[Greina]] passes. By the end of the 14th century the ''assemblea di uomini liberi'' took advantage of Olivone's lease on the Santa Maria alpine pasture, which belonged to the abbey of Disentis. The village customary law was written down in the statutes of 1237 and 1474.<ref name=HDS_Olivone/>


During the [[Early Middle Ages]], Olivone was probably the center of a [[parish]] that was over the whole valley. Starting in the [[High Middle Ages|High]] and [[Late Middle Ages]], the village's history follows the course of the entire valley. The [[Parish Church]] of S. Martino was built before 1136, and in the 17th century, was rebuilt, followed by renovations in 1974 and 1984-91. The church contains [[fresco]]s from the 17th and 18th Centuries. Valuable furnishings and vestments on display in the ''Cà da Rivöi'' (Rivöi means Olivone in the local dialect), a building from the 15th Century.
During the [[Early Middle Ages]], Olivone was probably the center of a [[parish]] that was over the whole valley. Starting in the [[High Middle Ages|High]] and [[Late Middle Ages]], the village's history follows the course of the entire valley. The [[Parish Church]] of S. Martino was built before 1136, and in the 17th century, was rebuilt, followed by renovations in 1974 and 1984–91. The church contains [[fresco]]s from the 17th and 18th centuries. Valuable furnishings and vestments on display in the ''Cà da Rivöi'' (Rivöi means Olivone in the local dialect), a building from the 15th century.


On Lukmanier street the hospice of SS Sepolcro e Barnaba at Casaccia, was built in 1104. This was followed by the Hospice of S. Defendente in Camperio, built in 1254. The noble families of da Torre and da Lodrino probably founded these two hospices. They were later managed by the neighborhood and had until the 15th Century, were of major social and economic importance.
On Lukmanier street the hospice of SS Sepolcro e Barnaba at Casaccia, was built in 1104. This was followed by the Hospice of S. Defendente in Camperio, built in 1254. The noble families of da Torre and da Lodrino probably founded these two hospices. They were later managed by the neighborhood and had until the 15th century, were of major social and economic importance.


Much of the local economy was based on agriculture (dairy farming and livestock). However, between the 15th Century and the 19th Century, much of the economy depended on money sent back home from emigrants to Italy, France and England as well as other cities in Switzerland.<ref name=HDS_Olivone/> The chocolate makers from Olivone enjoyed a good reputation in Italy and France starting in the 17th Century. In the last decades of the 19th Century, tourism became important. In the 20th Century, tourism grew in importance and initiatives for nature and heritage protection were further promoted. At the beginning of the 21st Century the village was known for its winter and summer tourism. Olivone retained its agricultural character, but in 1956 it became home to the Blenio Kraftwerke AG power plant and certain construction companies. It houses the Alpine Institute of Chemistry and Toxicology (2006) of the Alpine Foundation for Life Sciences. In 2005, 22% of jobs in Olivone were in agriculture.<ref name=HDS_Olivone/>
Much of the local economy was based on agriculture (dairy farming and livestock). However, between the 15th century and the 19th century, much of the economy depended on money sent back home from emigrants to Italy, France and England as well as other cities in Switzerland.<ref name=HDS_Olivone/> The chocolate makers from Olivone enjoyed a good reputation in Italy and France starting in the 17th century. In the last decades of the 19th century, tourism became important. In the 20th century, tourism grew in importance and initiatives for nature and heritage protection were further promoted. At the beginning of the 21st century the village was known for its winter and summer tourism. Olivone retained its agricultural character, but in 1956 it became home to the Blenio Kraftwerke AG power plant and certain construction companies. It houses the Alpine Institute of Chemistry and Toxicology (2006) of the Alpine Foundation for Life Sciences. In 2005, 22% of jobs in Olivone were in agriculture.<ref name=HDS_Olivone/>
[[File:ETH-BIB-Valentino, Val Blenio-LBS H1-016372-AL.tif|thumb|Aerial view (1954)]]

==Coat of arms==
The [[coat of arms]] of the new municipality was adopted in November 2009 after a public competition won by a graphic design student. The design is a stylised representation of the Blenio valley and the five constituent former municipalities.<ref>[http://www.vallediblenio.ch/vdbi_storiebleniesi.php?blen_id=4 Vallediblenio.com: reproduction of an interview with the winning contestant in the coat of arms design competition, in "Tre Valli", February 2010, p. 12] {{in lang|it}}</ref>


==Geography==
==Geography==
[[File:Dangio.jpg|thumb|Dangio (Blenio)]]
[[File:Torre TI, Dangio frazione, air view.jpg|thumb|Dangio (Blenio)]]
Blenio has an area, {{as of|2006|lc=on}}, of {{km2 to mi2|202.2}}. Of this area, 22.6% is used for agricultural purposes, while 27.6% is forested. Of the rest of the land, 1.4% is settled (buildings or roads) and 48.4% is unproductive land.<ref name=SFSO/>
Blenio has an area, {{as of|2006|lc=on}}, of {{convert|202.2|km2|sqmi|sp=us}}. Of this area, 22.6% is used for agricultural purposes, while 27.6% is forested. Of the rest of the land, 1.4% is settled (buildings or roads) and 48.4% is unproductive land.<ref name=SFSO/>


In 2006 the municipality was created with the fusion of Aquila, Campo (Blenio), Ghirone, Olivone and Torre.<ref name=Fusion>[http://www.bfs.admin.ch/bfs/portal/de/index/infothek/nomenklaturen/blank/blank/gem_liste/03.html Amtliches Gemeindeverzeichnis der Schweiz] published by the Swiss Federal Statistical Office {{de icon}} accessed 14 January 2010</ref>
In 2006 the municipality was created with the fusion of Aquila, Campo (Blenio), Ghirone, Olivone and Torre.<ref name=Fusion>[http://www.bfs.admin.ch/bfs/portal/de/index/infothek/nomenklaturen/blank/blank/gem_liste/03.html Amtliches Gemeindeverzeichnis der Schweiz] published by the Swiss Federal Statistical Office {{in lang|de}} accessed 14 January 2010</ref>


The municipality occupies much of the Blenio valley. It consists of the villages of Aquila, Campo (Blenio), Ghirone, Olivone and Torre. In addition to the villages, the [[hamlet (place)|hamlets]] of Dangio, Grumarone, Pinaderio, Ponto Aquilesco, Comprovasco, Scona, Sommascona and Lavorceno.
The municipality occupies much of the Blenio valley. It consists of the villages of Aquila, Campo (Blenio), Ghirone, Olivone and Torre. In addition to the villages, the [[hamlet (place)|hamlets]] of Dangio, Grumarone, Pinaderio, Ponto Aquilesco, Comprovasco, Scona, Sommascona and Lavorceno.


==Demographics==
==Demographics==
Blenio has a population ({{as of|{{Swiss populations YM|CH-TI}}|lc=on}}) of {{Swiss populations|CH-TI|5049}}.{{Swiss populations ref|CH-TI}} {{as of|2008}}, 6.6% of the population are foreign nationals.<ref name=HDS_superweb>[http://www.bfs.admin.ch/bfs/portal/de/index/infothek/onlinedb/superweb/login.html Swiss Federal Statistical Office - Superweb database - Gemeinde Statistics 1981-2008] {{de icon}} accessed 19 June 2010</ref>
Blenio has a population ({{as of|{{Swiss populations YM|CH-TI}}|lc=on}}) of {{Swiss populations|CH-TI|5049}}.{{Swiss populations ref|CH-TI}} {{as of|2008}}, 6.6% of the population are foreign nationals.<ref name=HDS_superweb>[http://www.bfs.admin.ch/bfs/portal/de/index/infothek/onlinedb/superweb/login.html Swiss Federal Statistical Office - Superweb database - Gemeinde Statistics 1981-2008] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100628151016/http://www.bfs.admin.ch/bfs/portal/de/index/infothek/onlinedb/superweb/login.html |date=28 June 2010 }} {{in lang|de}} accessed 19 June 2010</ref>


Most of the population ({{as of|2000|lc=on}}) speaks [[Italian language|Italian]] (90.5%), with [[German language|German]] being second most common ( 4.1%) and [[Albanian language|Albanian]] being third ( 1.7%).<ref name=SFSO>[http://www.bfs.admin.ch/bfs/portal/en/index/regionen/regionalportraets/gemeindesuche.html Swiss Federal Statistical Office] accessed 03-November-2010</ref>
Most of the population ({{as of|2000|lc=on}}) speaks [[Italian language|Italian]] (90.5%), with [[German language|German]] being second most common ( 4.1%) and [[Albanian language|Albanian]] being third (1.7%).<ref name=SFSO>[http://www.bfs.admin.ch/bfs/portal/en/index/regionen/02/key.html Swiss Federal Statistical Office] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105172441/http://www.bfs.admin.ch/bfs/portal/en/index/regionen/02/key.html |date=5 January 2016 }} accessed 3 November 2010</ref>


{{as of|2008}}, the gender distribution of the population was 49.9% male and 50.1% female. The population was made up of 828 Swiss men (46.2% of the population), and 66 (3.7%) non-Swiss men. There were 845 Swiss women (47.2%), and 53 (3.0%) non-Swiss women.<ref name=Resident/>
{{as of|2008}}, the gender distribution of the population was 49.9% male and 50.1% female. The population was made up of 828 Swiss men (46.2% of the population), and 66 (3.7%) non-Swiss men. There were 845 Swiss women (47.2%), and 53 (3.0%) non-Swiss women.<ref name=Resident/>
In {{as of|2008|alt=2008}} there were 22 live births to Swiss citizens and births to non-Swiss citizens, and in same time span there were 25 deaths of Swiss citizens. Ignoring immigration and emigration, the population of Swiss citizens decreased by 3 while the foreign population remained the same. There was 1 Swiss man and 1 Swiss woman who immigrated back to Switzerland. At the same time, there were 5 non-Swiss men and 5 non-Swiss women who immigrated from another country to Switzerland. The total Swiss population change in 2008 (from all sources) was an increase of 9 and the non-Swiss population change was an increase of 3 people. This represents a [[Population growth#Population growth rate|population growth rate]] of 0.7%.<ref name=HDS_superweb/>
In {{as of|2008|alt=2008}} there were 22 live births to Swiss citizens and births to non-Swiss citizens, and in same time span there were 25 deaths of Swiss citizens. Ignoring immigration and emigration, the population of Swiss citizens decreased by 3 while the foreign population remained the same. There was 1 Swiss man and 1 Swiss woman who immigrated back to Switzerland. At the same time, there were 5 non-Swiss men and 5 non-Swiss women who immigrated from another country to Switzerland. The total Swiss population change in 2008 (from all sources) was an increase of 9 and the non-Swiss population change was an increase of 3 people. This represents a [[Population growth#Population growth rate|population growth rate]] of 0.7%.<ref name=HDS_superweb/>


The age distribution, {{as of|2009|lc=on}}, in Blenio is; 135 children or 7.5% of the population are between 0 and 9 years old and 171 teenagers or 9.5% are between 10 and 19. Of the adult population, 166 people or 9.3% of the population are between 20 and 29 years old. 217 people or 12.1% are between 30 and 39, 269 people or 15.0% are between 40 and 49, and 250 people or 14.0% are between 50 and 59. The senior population distribution is 222 people or 12.4% of the population are between 60 and 69 years old, 215 people or 12.0% are between 70 and 79, there are 147 people or 8.2% who are over 80.<ref name=Resident>[http://www.ti.ch/DFE/USTAT/DATI_RIEPILOGHI/default_x.asp?menu=01&key1_testo=Popolazione&key1=01&key2=02&key3=03 01.02.03 Popolazione residente permanente] {{it icon}} accessed 23 November 2010</ref>
The age distribution, {{as of|2009|lc=on}}, in Blenio is; 135 children or 7.5% of the population are between 0 and 9 years old and 171 teenagers or 9.5% are between 10 and 19. Of the adult population, 166 people or 9.3% of the population are between 20 and 29 years old. 217 people or 12.1% are between 30 and 39, 269 people or 15.0% are between 40 and 49, and 250 people or 14.0% are between 50 and 59. The senior population distribution is 222 people or 12.4% of the population are between 60 and 69 years old, 215 people or 12.0% are between 70 and 79, there are 147 people or 8.2% who are over 80.<ref name=Resident>[http://www.ti.ch/DFE/USTAT/DATI_RIEPILOGHI/default_x.asp?menu=01&key1_testo=Popolazione&key1=01&key2=02&key3=03 01.02.03 Popolazione residente permanente] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707003757/http://www.ti.ch/DFE/USTAT/DATI_RIEPILOGHI/default_x.asp?menu=01&key1_testo=Popolazione&key1=01&key2=02&key3=03 |date=7 July 2011 }} {{in lang|it}} accessed 23 November 2010</ref>


==Historical Population==
==Historical population==
The historical population is given in the following table:
The historical population is given in the following table:
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
! Year
! Year
! Population </br>Aquila<ref name=HDS_Aquila/>
! Population <br />Aquila<ref name=HDS_Aquila/>
! Population </br>Ghirone<ref name=HDS_Ghirone/>
! Population <br />Ghirone<ref name=HDS_Ghirone/>
! Population </br>Olivone<ref name=HDS_Olivone/>
! Population <br />Olivone<ref name=HDS_Olivone/>
|-
|-
| 1602
| 1602
Line 137: Line 140:
==Heritage sites of national significance==
==Heritage sites of national significance==
[[File:Olivone San Martino.jpg|thumb|upright|parish church of S. Martino]]
[[File:Olivone San Martino.jpg|thumb|upright|parish church of S. Martino]]
The [[parish church]] of S. Martino is listed as a Swiss [[Swiss inventory of cultural property of national and regional significance|heritage site of national significance]]. The villages of Dangio and Olivone Chiesa-Solario are listed in the [[Inventory of Swiss Heritage Sites]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bevoelkerungsschutz.admin.ch/internet/bs/de/home/themen/kgs/kgs_inventar/a-objekte.parsys.000117.DownloadFile.tmp/ti.pdf |title=Kantonsliste A-Objekte:Ticino|year=2009|work=[http://www.bevoelkerungsschutz.admin.ch/internet/bs/de/home/themen/kgs/kgs_inventar.html KGS Inventar]|publisher=Federal Office of Civil Protection|language=German|accessdate=12 July 2010}}</ref>[[Category:Cultural property of national significance in the canton of Ticino]]
The [[parish church]] of S. Martino is listed as a Swiss [[Swiss inventory of cultural property of national and regional significance|heritage site of national significance]]. The villages of Dangio and Olivone Chiesa-Solario are listed in the [[Inventory of Swiss Heritage Sites]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bevoelkerungsschutz.admin.ch/internet/bs/de/home/themen/kgs/kgs_inventar/a-objekte.parsys.000117.DownloadFile.tmp/ti.pdf |title=Kantonsliste A-Objekte:Ticino |year=2009 |work=KGS Inventar |publisher=Federal Office of Civil Protection |language=German |accessdate=12 July 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706221155/http://www.bevoelkerungsschutz.admin.ch/internet/bs/de/home/themen/kgs/kgs_inventar/a-objekte.parsys.000117.DownloadFile.tmp/ti.pdf |archive-date=6 July 2011 }}</ref>


==Politics==
==Politics==
In the 2007 [[Swiss federal election, 2007|federal election]] the most popular party was the [[FDP.The Liberals|FDP]] which received 34.3% of the vote. The next three most popular parties were the [[Christian Democratic People's Party of Switzerland|CVP]] (22.03%), the [[Social Democratic Party of Switzerland|SP]] (18.21%) and the [[Ticino League]] (14.82%). In the federal election, a total of 634 votes were cast, and the [[voter turnout]] was 44.0%.<ref>[http://www.bfs.admin.ch/bfs/portal/de/index/themen/17/02/blank/data/04/03.html Swiss Federal Statistical Office, ''Nationalratswahlen 2007: Stärke der Parteien und Wahlbeteiligung, nach Gemeinden/Bezirk/Canton''] {{de icon}} accessed 28 May 2010</ref>
In the [[2007 Swiss federal election|2007 federal election]] the most popular party was the [[FDP.The Liberals|FDP]] which received 34.3% of the vote. The next three most popular parties were the [[Christian Democratic People's Party of Switzerland|CVP]] (22.03%), the [[Social Democratic Party of Switzerland|SP]] (18.21%) and the [[Ticino League]] (14.82%). In the federal election, a total of 634 votes were cast, and the [[voter turnout]] was 44.0%.<ref>[http://www.bfs.admin.ch/bfs/portal/de/index/themen/17/02/blank/data/04/03.html Swiss Federal Statistical Office, ''Nationalratswahlen 2007: Stärke der Parteien und Wahlbeteiligung, nach Gemeinden/Bezirk/Canton''] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150514211354/http://www.bfs.admin.ch/bfs/portal/de/index/themen/17/02/blank/data/04/03.html |date=14 May 2015 }} {{in lang|de}} accessed 28 May 2010</ref>


In the {{as of|2007|alt=2007}} ''[[Ticino#Government|Gran Consiglio]]'' election, there were a total of 1,496 registered voters in Blenio, of which 924 or 61.8% voted. 20 blank ballots and 2 null ballots were cast, leaving 902 valid ballots in the election. The most popular party was the [[FDP.The Liberals|PLRT]] which received 257 or 28.5% of the vote. The next three most popular parties were; the [[Social Democratic Party of Switzerland|PS]] (with 164 or 18.2%), the SSI (with 158 or 17.5%) and the [[Christian Democratic People's Party of Switzerland|PPD]]+GenGiova (with 119 or 13.2%).<ref name=Election>[http://www.ti.ch/DFE/USTAT/DATI_RIEPILOGHI/default_x.asp?menu=17&key1_testo=Politica&key1=17&key2=02&key3=02 Elezioni cantonali: Gran Consiglio, Consiglio di Stato] {{it icon}} accessed 23 November 2010</ref>
In the {{as of|2007|alt=2007}} ''[[Ticino#Government|Gran Consiglio]]'' election, there were a total of 1,496 registered voters in Blenio, of which 924 or 61.8% voted. 20 blank ballots and 2 null ballots were cast, leaving 902 valid ballots in the election. The most popular party was the [[FDP.The Liberals|PLRT]] which received 257 or 28.5% of the vote. The next three most popular parties were; the [[Social Democratic Party of Switzerland|PS]] (with 164 or 18.2%), the SSI (with 158 or 17.5%) and the [[Christian Democratic People's Party of Switzerland|PPD]]+GenGiova (with 119 or 13.2%).<ref name=Election>[http://www.ti.ch/DFE/USTAT/DATI_RIEPILOGHI/default_x.asp?menu=17&key1_testo=Politica&key1=17&key2=02&key3=02 Elezioni cantonali: Gran Consiglio, Consiglio di Stato] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707003818/http://www.ti.ch/DFE/USTAT/DATI_RIEPILOGHI/default_x.asp?menu=17&key1_testo=Politica&key1=17&key2=02&key3=02 |date=7 July 2011 }} {{in lang|it}} accessed 23 November 2010</ref>


In the {{as of|2007|alt=2007}} ''Consiglio di Stato'' election, there were 11 blank ballots and 3 null ballots, which left 910 valid ballots in the election. The most popular party was the PLRT which received 238 or 26.2% of the vote. The next three most popular parties were; the PS (with 183 or 20.1%), the LEGA (with 181 or 19.9%) and the SSI (with 141 or 15.5%).<ref name=Election/>
In the {{as of|2007|alt=2007}} ''Consiglio di Stato'' election, there were 11 blank ballots and 3 null ballots, which left 910 valid ballots in the election. The most popular party was the PLRT which received 238 or 26.2% of the vote. The next three most popular parties were; the PS (with 183 or 20.1%), the LEGA (with 181 or 19.9%) and the SSI (with 141 or 15.5%).<ref name=Election/>


==Education==
==Education==
The entire Swiss population is generally well educated. In Blenio about 60.4% of the population (between age 25-64) have completed either non-mandatory [[Education in Switzerland#Secondary|upper secondary education]] or additional higher education (either University or a ''[[Fachhochschule]]'').<ref name=SFSO/>
The entire Swiss population is generally well educated. In Blenio about 60.4% of the population (between age 25 and 64) have completed either non-mandatory [[Education in Switzerland#Secondary|upper secondary education]] or additional higher education (either university or a ''[[Fachhochschule]]'').<ref name=SFSO/>


In Blenio there are a total of 239 students ({{as of|2009|lc=on}}). The Ticino [[Education in Switzerland|education system]] provides up to three years of non-mandatory [[kindergarten]] and in Blenio there are 33 children in kindergarten. The primary school program lasts for five years and includes both a standard school and a special school. In the municipality, 60 students attend the standard primary schools and 6 students attend the special school. In the lower secondary school system, students either attend a two year middle school followed by a two year pre-apprenticeship or they attend a four year program to prepare for higher education. There are 71 students in the two year middle school and 0 in their pre-apprenticeship, while 11 students are in the four year advanced program.
In Blenio there are a total of 239 students ({{as of|2009|lc=on}}). The Ticino [[Education in Switzerland|education system]] provides up to three years of non-mandatory [[kindergarten]] and in Blenio there are 33 children in kindergarten. The primary school program lasts for five years and includes both a standard school and a special school. In the municipality, 60 students attend the standard primary schools and 6 students attend the special school. In the lower secondary school system, students either attend a two-year middle school followed by a two-year pre-apprenticeship or they attend a four-year program to prepare for higher education. There are 71 students in the two-year middle school and 0 in their pre-apprenticeship, while 11 students are in the four-year advanced program.


The upper secondary school includes several options, but at the end of the upper secondary program, a student will be prepared to enter a trade or to continue on to a university or college. In Ticino, vocational students may either attend school while working on their internship or apprenticeship (which takes three or four years) or may attend school followed by an internship or apprenticeship (which takes one year as a full-time student or one and a half to two years as a part-time student).<ref>{{Cite report |title=KANTONALE SCHULSTRUKTUREN IN DER SCHWEIZ UND IM FÜRSTENTUM LIECHTENSTEIN / STRUCTURES SCOLAIRES CANTONALES EN SUISSE ET DANS LA PRINCIPAUTÉ DU LIECHTENSTEIN |url= http://edudoc.ch/record/35128/files/Schulsystem_alle.pdf |author= EDK/CDIP/IDES |year= 2010 |accessdate= 24 June 2010 }}</ref> There are 17 vocational students who are attending school full-time and 36 who attend part-time.
The upper secondary school includes several options, but at the end of the upper secondary program, a student will be prepared to enter a trade or to continue on to a university or college. In Ticino, vocational students may either attend school while working on their internship or apprenticeship (which takes three or four years) or may attend school followed by an internship or apprenticeship (which takes one year as a full-time student or one and a half to two years as a part-time student).<ref>{{Cite report |title=KANTONALE SCHULSTRUKTUREN IN DER SCHWEIZ UND IM FÜRSTENTUM LIECHTENSTEIN / STRUCTURES SCOLAIRES CANTONALES EN SUISSE ET DANS LA PRINCIPAUTÉ DU LIECHTENSTEIN |url= http://edudoc.ch/record/35128/files/Schulsystem_alle.pdf |author= EDK/CDIP/IDES |year= 2010 |accessdate= 24 June 2010 }}</ref> There are 17 vocational students who are attending school full-time and 36 who attend part-time.


The professional program lasts three years and prepares a student for a job in engineering, nursing, computer science, business, tourism and similar fields. There are 5 students in the professional program.<ref>[http://www.ti.ch/DFE/USTAT/DATI_RIEPILOGHI/default_x.asp?menu=15&key1_testo=Formazione%20e%20scienza&key1=15&key2=02&key3=01 Allievi e studenti, secondo il genere di scuola, anno scolastico 2009/2010] {{it icon}} accessed 23 November 2010</ref>
The professional program lasts three years and prepares a student for a job in engineering, nursing, computer science, business, tourism and similar fields. There are 5 students in the professional program.<ref>[http://www.ti.ch/DFE/USTAT/DATI_RIEPILOGHI/default_x.asp?menu=15&key1_testo=Formazione%20e%20scienza&key1=15&key2=02&key3=01 Allievi e studenti, secondo il genere di scuola, anno scolastico 2009/2010] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707003844/http://www.ti.ch/DFE/USTAT/DATI_RIEPILOGHI/default_x.asp?menu=15&key1_testo=Formazione%20e%20scienza&key1=15&key2=02&key3=01 |date=7 July 2011 }} {{in lang|it}} accessed 23 November 2010</ref>


==Economy==
==Economy==
{{as of|2007|In 2007}}, Blenio had an unemployment rate of 1.52%. {{as of|2005}}, there were 135 people employed in the [[Primary sector of the economy|primary economic sector]] and about 49 businesses involved in this sector. 194 people are employed in the [[Secondary sector of the economy|secondary sector]] and there are 33 businesses in this sector. 193 people are employed in the [[Tertiary sector of the economy|tertiary sector]], with 56 businesses in this sector.<ref name=SFSO/>
{{as of|2007|In 2007}}, Blenio had an unemployment rate of 1.52%. {{as of|2005}}, there were 135 people employed in the [[Primary sector of the economy|primary economic sector]] and about 49 businesses involved in this sector. 194 people are employed in the [[Secondary sector of the economy|secondary sector]] and there are 33 businesses in this sector. 193 people are employed in the [[Tertiary sector of the economy|tertiary sector]], with 56 businesses in this sector.<ref name=SFSO/>


Of the working population, 3% used public transportation to get to work, and 62.1% used a private car.<ref name=SFSO/>
Of the working population, 3% used public transportation to get to work, and 62.1% used a private car.<ref name=SFSO/>


{{as of|2009}}, there were 7 hotels in Blenio with a total of 88 rooms and 188 beds.<ref>[http://www.ti.ch/DFE/USTAT/DATI_RIEPILOGHI/default_x.asp?menu=10&key1_testo=Turismo&key1=10&key2=03&key3=01 Settori alberghiero e paralberghiero] {{it icon}} accessed 23 November 2010</ref>
{{as of|2009}}, there were 7 hotels in Blenio with a total of 88 rooms and 188 beds.<ref>[http://www.ti.ch/DFE/USTAT/DATI_RIEPILOGHI/default_x.asp?menu=10&key1_testo=Turismo&key1=10&key2=03&key3=01 Settori alberghiero e paralberghiero] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707003852/http://www.ti.ch/DFE/USTAT/DATI_RIEPILOGHI/default_x.asp?menu=10&key1_testo=Turismo&key1=10&key2=03&key3=01 |date=7 July 2011 }} {{in lang|it}} accessed 23 November 2010</ref>


==Housing==
==Housing==
{{as of|2000}} the average number of residents per living room was 0.54 which is less people per room than the cantonal average of 0.6 per room. In this case, a room is defined as space of a housing unit of at least {{m2 to ft2|4|abbr=yes|precision=-1}} as normal bedrooms, dining rooms, living rooms, kitchens and habitable cellars and attics.<ref>{{cite manual | author = Eurostat| title = Urban Audit Glossary| section = Housing (SA1)| version = 2007| url = http://www.bfs.admin.ch/bfs/portal/en/index/international/22/lexi.Document.116365.pdf |format = pdf | page= 18| accessdate = 12 February 2010 }}</ref> About 66.8% of the total households were owner occupied, or in other words did not pay rent (though they may have a [[Mortgage loan|mortgage]] or a [[rent-to-own]] agreement).<ref>Urban Audit Glossary pg 17</ref>


{{as of|2000}}, there were 748 private households in the municipality, and an average of 2.2 persons per household.<ref name=SFSO/> The vacancy rate for the municipality, {{as of|2008|alt=in 2008}}, was 0%. {{as of|2007}}, the construction rate of new housing units was 0 new units per 1000 residents.<ref name=SFSO/>
{{as of|2000}}, there were 748 private households in the municipality, and an average of 2.2 persons per household.<ref name=SFSO/> The vacancy rate for the municipality, {{as of|2008|alt=in 2008}}, was 0%. {{as of|2007}}, the construction rate of new housing units was 0 new units per 1000 residents.<ref name=SFSO/>


==References==
==References==
*{{commonscat-inline}}
*{{Commons category-inline}}
{{Reflist}}
{{reflist|colwidth=35em}}


{{Municipalities of the district of Blenio}}
{{Municipalities of the district of Blenio}}
{{Authority control}}
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[[Category:Municipalities of Ticino]]


[[Category:Cultural property of national significance in Ticino]]
[[ca:Blenio]]
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[[Category:Municipalities of Ticino]]
[[de:Blenio]]
[[es:Blenio]]
[[fr:Blenio]]
[[it:Blenio]]
[[lmo:Bregn]]
[[nl:Blenio (gemeente)]]
[[rm:Blenio]]
[[vo:Blenio]]
[[war:Blenio]]

Latest revision as of 00:11, 23 March 2024

Blenio
Municipality
Flag of Blenio
Flag
Coat of arms of Blenio
Coat of arms
Location of Blenio
Map
Blenio is located in Switzerland
Blenio
Blenio
Blenio is located in Canton of Ticino
Blenio
Blenio
Coordinates: 46°32′N 8°57′E / 46.533°N 8.950°E / 46.533; 8.950
CountrySwitzerland
CantonTicino
DistrictBlenio
Government
 • MayorClaudia Boschetti Staub
Area
[1]
 • Total
263.9 km2 (101.9 sq mi)
Elevation
902 m (2,959 ft)
Population
 (31 December 2018)[2]
 • Total
1,803
 • Density6.8/km2 (18/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+01:00 (Central European Time)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+02:00 (Central European Summer Time)
Postal code(s)
6718
SFOS number5049
ISO 3166 codeCH-TI
LocalitiesAquila, Campo Blenio, Dandrio, Ghirone, Olivone and Torre
Surrounded byMalvaglia, Acquarossa, Faido, Campello, Calpiogna, Mairengo, Osco, Quinto, Medel (Lucmagn) (GR), Vrin (GR), Vals (GR), Hinterrhein (GR)
Websitewww.comuneblenio.ch
SFSO statistics

Blenio is a municipality of the district of Blenio, in the canton of Ticino, Switzerland.

Blenio was created on 22 October 2006 when it incorporated the formerly autonomous municipalities of Aquila, Campo Blenio, Ghirone, Olivone and Torre of the upper Blenio valley.

A legal challenge to the merger was raised by Aquila, but was rejected by the Federal Court on 18 April 2006.[3]

History

[edit]

Aquila is first mentioned in 1196 as Aquili.[4] Ghirone is first mentioned in 1200 as Agairono.[5] Olivone is first mentioned in 1193 as Alivoni, then in 1205 it was mentioned as Orivono. In Romansh it was known as Luorscha.[6]

Aquila

[edit]

Around 1200, the settlement of Ghirone belonged Aquila. The present borders were established in 1853 with the final separation of the two municipalities. The parish church of San Vittore was built in 1213. It was rebuilt in 1728–30. One important source of income for the village came from money sent back by emigrants from the village to other European countries (often as chocolate makers, waiters, servants). Starting in 1914 many of the inhabitants of Aquila worked in the chocolate factory Cima-Norma in Torre Arbeit. In addition the residents also often farmed land and raised livestock. The closure of the factory in 1968 led to a large population decline. In 1990, about 39% of the population worked in manufacturing, while 49% worked in the services sector. About 60% of the worker commuted out of the village.[4]

Ghirone

[edit]

In 1334, Disentis Abbey acquired rights over all the land in Ghirone. The village was part of the community of Aquila, and in 1803 it merged with the municipality of Ghirone. Then, in 1836, Buttino and Ghirone separated from Aquila and together founded their own community. Buttino was inhabited until the late 19th century and was an autonomous village as far back as the 13th century. The two municipalities rejoined Aquila in 1842 and 1846 and finally separated in 1853. The Citizens Community (Patriziato), which still bears the name of Ghirone-Buttino was founded in 1914.

The Church of SS Martino e Giorgio was first mentioned in 1215 and was rebuilt around 1700. The parish separated from Aquila in 1758 and became independent. As with the other municipalities of the Blenio Valley, much of the population emigrated to other European countries (often as chestnut roaster, servants and waiters). While this was a major source of revenue, it led to a steady population decline. In the late 1950s the Luzzone Dam (1995 and 1999 expanded) was built between the municipalities of Ghirone and Aquila. The dam is used to generate hydroelectric power. The large-scale construction of the dam and the new road tunnel at Toira in 1958, improved the local economy. The new tunnel allowed winter and summer tourism, and the development of a winter sports center (with Campo Blenio) gave the economy a definite boost. Livestock farming, which was for centuries had been the main occupation, however, fell sharply.[5]

Olivone

[edit]
Olivone at the feet of Sosto (2,221 m (7,287 ft))

The political power in the upper Blenio valley was in the hands of a branch of the De Torre family. They owned land in Olivone and possessed the patronage rights in the parish church until the oath of Torre in 1182 ended their supremacy. In 1213 the villages of Olivone and Aquila revolted and united against the Da Locarno family, who had been given power over the valley by canons of Milan. They were able to drive out the Da Locarno's and return to the previous situation, where they were ruled by a governor out of Lombardy. The assemblea di uomini liberi (The Assembly of the Free), which is first mentioned in 1136, provided for the management of common forests, alpine pastures and helped maintain the Lukmanier and Greina passes. By the end of the 14th century the assemblea di uomini liberi took advantage of Olivone's lease on the Santa Maria alpine pasture, which belonged to the abbey of Disentis. The village customary law was written down in the statutes of 1237 and 1474.[6]

During the Early Middle Ages, Olivone was probably the center of a parish that was over the whole valley. Starting in the High and Late Middle Ages, the village's history follows the course of the entire valley. The Parish Church of S. Martino was built before 1136, and in the 17th century, was rebuilt, followed by renovations in 1974 and 1984–91. The church contains frescos from the 17th and 18th centuries. Valuable furnishings and vestments on display in the Cà da Rivöi (Rivöi means Olivone in the local dialect), a building from the 15th century.

On Lukmanier street the hospice of SS Sepolcro e Barnaba at Casaccia, was built in 1104. This was followed by the Hospice of S. Defendente in Camperio, built in 1254. The noble families of da Torre and da Lodrino probably founded these two hospices. They were later managed by the neighborhood and had until the 15th century, were of major social and economic importance.

Much of the local economy was based on agriculture (dairy farming and livestock). However, between the 15th century and the 19th century, much of the economy depended on money sent back home from emigrants to Italy, France and England as well as other cities in Switzerland.[6] The chocolate makers from Olivone enjoyed a good reputation in Italy and France starting in the 17th century. In the last decades of the 19th century, tourism became important. In the 20th century, tourism grew in importance and initiatives for nature and heritage protection were further promoted. At the beginning of the 21st century the village was known for its winter and summer tourism. Olivone retained its agricultural character, but in 1956 it became home to the Blenio Kraftwerke AG power plant and certain construction companies. It houses the Alpine Institute of Chemistry and Toxicology (2006) of the Alpine Foundation for Life Sciences. In 2005, 22% of jobs in Olivone were in agriculture.[6]

Aerial view (1954)

Coat of arms

[edit]

The coat of arms of the new municipality was adopted in November 2009 after a public competition won by a graphic design student. The design is a stylised representation of the Blenio valley and the five constituent former municipalities.[7]

Geography

[edit]
Dangio (Blenio)

Blenio has an area, as of 2006, of 202.2 square kilometers (78.1 sq mi). Of this area, 22.6% is used for agricultural purposes, while 27.6% is forested. Of the rest of the land, 1.4% is settled (buildings or roads) and 48.4% is unproductive land.[8]

In 2006 the municipality was created with the fusion of Aquila, Campo (Blenio), Ghirone, Olivone and Torre.[9]

The municipality occupies much of the Blenio valley. It consists of the villages of Aquila, Campo (Blenio), Ghirone, Olivone and Torre. In addition to the villages, the hamlets of Dangio, Grumarone, Pinaderio, Ponto Aquilesco, Comprovasco, Scona, Sommascona and Lavorceno.

Demographics

[edit]

Blenio has a population (as of December 2020) of 1,770.[10] As of 2008, 6.6% of the population are foreign nationals.[11]

Most of the population (as of 2000) speaks Italian (90.5%), with German being second most common ( 4.1%) and Albanian being third (1.7%).[8]

As of 2008, the gender distribution of the population was 49.9% male and 50.1% female. The population was made up of 828 Swiss men (46.2% of the population), and 66 (3.7%) non-Swiss men. There were 845 Swiss women (47.2%), and 53 (3.0%) non-Swiss women.[12]

In 2008 there were 22 live births to Swiss citizens and births to non-Swiss citizens, and in same time span there were 25 deaths of Swiss citizens. Ignoring immigration and emigration, the population of Swiss citizens decreased by 3 while the foreign population remained the same. There was 1 Swiss man and 1 Swiss woman who immigrated back to Switzerland. At the same time, there were 5 non-Swiss men and 5 non-Swiss women who immigrated from another country to Switzerland. The total Swiss population change in 2008 (from all sources) was an increase of 9 and the non-Swiss population change was an increase of 3 people. This represents a population growth rate of 0.7%.[11]

The age distribution, as of 2009, in Blenio is; 135 children or 7.5% of the population are between 0 and 9 years old and 171 teenagers or 9.5% are between 10 and 19. Of the adult population, 166 people or 9.3% of the population are between 20 and 29 years old. 217 people or 12.1% are between 30 and 39, 269 people or 15.0% are between 40 and 49, and 250 people or 14.0% are between 50 and 59. The senior population distribution is 222 people or 12.4% of the population are between 60 and 69 years old, 215 people or 12.0% are between 70 and 79, there are 147 people or 8.2% who are over 80.[12]

Historical population

[edit]

The historical population is given in the following table:

Year Population
Aquila[4] 		Population
Ghirone[5] 		Population
Olivone[6]
1602 600 - 1,000
1682 - 370 1,018
1801 804 - -
1850 1,040 - -
1860 - 111 -
1900 719 81 -
1950 627 70 707
1960 - 340 a 930
1970 - 64 -
2000 - 44 845
^a During construction of the Luzzone Dam

Heritage sites of national significance

[edit]
parish church of S. Martino

The parish church of S. Martino is listed as a Swiss heritage site of national significance. The villages of Dangio and Olivone Chiesa-Solario are listed in the Inventory of Swiss Heritage Sites.[13]

Politics

[edit]

In the 2007 federal election the most popular party was the FDP which received 34.3% of the vote. The next three most popular parties were the CVP (22.03%), the SP (18.21%) and the Ticino League (14.82%). In the federal election, a total of 634 votes were cast, and the voter turnout was 44.0%.[14]

In the 2007 Gran Consiglio election, there were a total of 1,496 registered voters in Blenio, of which 924 or 61.8% voted. 20 blank ballots and 2 null ballots were cast, leaving 902 valid ballots in the election. The most popular party was the PLRT which received 257 or 28.5% of the vote. The next three most popular parties were; the PS (with 164 or 18.2%), the SSI (with 158 or 17.5%) and the PPD+GenGiova (with 119 or 13.2%).[15]

In the 2007 Consiglio di Stato election, there were 11 blank ballots and 3 null ballots, which left 910 valid ballots in the election. The most popular party was the PLRT which received 238 or 26.2% of the vote. The next three most popular parties were; the PS (with 183 or 20.1%), the LEGA (with 181 or 19.9%) and the SSI (with 141 or 15.5%).[15]

Education

[edit]

The entire Swiss population is generally well educated. In Blenio about 60.4% of the population (between age 25 and 64) have completed either non-mandatory upper secondary education or additional higher education (either university or a Fachhochschule).[8]

In Blenio there are a total of 239 students (as of 2009). The Ticino education system provides up to three years of non-mandatory kindergarten and in Blenio there are 33 children in kindergarten. The primary school program lasts for five years and includes both a standard school and a special school. In the municipality, 60 students attend the standard primary schools and 6 students attend the special school. In the lower secondary school system, students either attend a two-year middle school followed by a two-year pre-apprenticeship or they attend a four-year program to prepare for higher education. There are 71 students in the two-year middle school and 0 in their pre-apprenticeship, while 11 students are in the four-year advanced program.

The upper secondary school includes several options, but at the end of the upper secondary program, a student will be prepared to enter a trade or to continue on to a university or college. In Ticino, vocational students may either attend school while working on their internship or apprenticeship (which takes three or four years) or may attend school followed by an internship or apprenticeship (which takes one year as a full-time student or one and a half to two years as a part-time student).[16] There are 17 vocational students who are attending school full-time and 36 who attend part-time.

The professional program lasts three years and prepares a student for a job in engineering, nursing, computer science, business, tourism and similar fields. There are 5 students in the professional program.[17]

Economy

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As of  2007, Blenio had an unemployment rate of 1.52%. As of 2005, there were 135 people employed in the primary economic sector and about 49 businesses involved in this sector. 194 people are employed in the secondary sector and there are 33 businesses in this sector. 193 people are employed in the tertiary sector, with 56 businesses in this sector.[8]

Of the working population, 3% used public transportation to get to work, and 62.1% used a private car.[8]

As of 2009, there were 7 hotels in Blenio with a total of 88 rooms and 188 beds.[18]

Housing

[edit]

As of 2000, there were 748 private households in the municipality, and an average of 2.2 persons per household.[8] The vacancy rate for the municipality, in 2008, was 0%. As of 2007, the construction rate of new housing units was 0 new units per 1000 residents.[8]

References

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  • Media related to Blenio at Wikimedia Commons
  1. ^ a b "Arealstatistik Standard - Gemeinden nach 4 Hauptbereichen". Federal Statistical Office. Retrieved 13 January 2019.
  2. ^ "Ständige Wohnbevölkerung nach Staatsangehörigkeitskategorie Geschlecht und Gemeinde; Provisorische Jahresergebnisse; 2018". Federal Statistical Office. 9 April 2019. Retrieved 11 April 2019.
  3. ^ "Ricorso di diritto pubblico contro il decreto legislativo del 25 gennaio 2005 del Gran Consiglio del Cantone Ticino". Archived from the original on 13 July 2012. Retrieved 11 June 2019.
  4. ^ a b c Aquila in German, French and Italian in the online Historical Dictionary of Switzerland.
  5. ^ a b c Ghirone in German, French and Italian in the online Historical Dictionary of Switzerland.
  6. ^ a b c d e Olivone in German, French and Italian in the online Historical Dictionary of Switzerland.
  7. ^ Vallediblenio.com: reproduction of an interview with the winning contestant in the coat of arms design competition, in "Tre Valli", February 2010, p. 12 (in Italian)
  8. ^ a b c d e f g Swiss Federal Statistical Office Archived 5 January 2016 at the Wayback Machine accessed 3 November 2010
  9. ^ Amtliches Gemeindeverzeichnis der Schweiz published by the Swiss Federal Statistical Office (in German) accessed 14 January 2010
  10. ^ "Ständige und nichtständige Wohnbevölkerung nach institutionellen Gliederungen, Geburtsort und Staatsangehörigkeit". bfs.admin.ch (in German). Swiss Federal Statistical Office - STAT-TAB. 31 December 2020. Retrieved 21 September 2021.
  11. ^ a b Swiss Federal Statistical Office - Superweb database - Gemeinde Statistics 1981-2008 Archived 28 June 2010 at the Wayback Machine (in German) accessed 19 June 2010
  12. ^ a b 01.02.03 Popolazione residente permanente Archived 7 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine (in Italian) accessed 23 November 2010
  13. ^ "Kantonsliste A-Objekte:Ticino" (PDF). KGS Inventar (in German). Federal Office of Civil Protection. 2009. Archived from the original (PDF) on 6 July 2011. Retrieved 12 July 2010.
  14. ^ Swiss Federal Statistical Office, Nationalratswahlen 2007: Stärke der Parteien und Wahlbeteiligung, nach Gemeinden/Bezirk/Canton Archived 14 May 2015 at the Wayback Machine (in German) accessed 28 May 2010
  15. ^ a b Elezioni cantonali: Gran Consiglio, Consiglio di Stato Archived 7 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine (in Italian) accessed 23 November 2010
  16. ^ EDK/CDIP/IDES (2010). KANTONALE SCHULSTRUKTUREN IN DER SCHWEIZ UND IM FÜRSTENTUM LIECHTENSTEIN / STRUCTURES SCOLAIRES CANTONALES EN SUISSE ET DANS LA PRINCIPAUTÉ DU LIECHTENSTEIN (PDF) (Report). Retrieved 24 June 2010.
  17. ^ Allievi e studenti, secondo il genere di scuola, anno scolastico 2009/2010 Archived 7 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine (in Italian) accessed 23 November 2010
  18. ^ Settori alberghiero e paralberghiero Archived 7 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine (in Italian) accessed 23 November 2010
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