Open Data Insight of the Day

Nestled in the Bezirk Arlesheim, the municipality of Aesch is a picturesque community located in the canton of Basel-Landschaft, Switzerland. Situated at an altitude of 317 meters above sea level, Aesch covers a total surface area of 740 hectares. Table 2 summarizes the key features of this vibrant municipality, while Figure 1 provides a visual representation of Aesch on the map.

Aesch boasts a rich historical tapestry, with archaeological findings dating back to the Bronze Age, Iron Age, and Roman times. The area also features early medieval pottery kilns. First mentioned around 1100, Aesch was part of the Bishopric of Basel during the Middle Ages. The community experienced a Protestant Reformation from 1529 to 1585 before being re-Catholicized. Following the dissolution of the Bishopric in 1792, Aesch briefly became part of the Raurach Republic and later fell under French control during the Napoleonic era, eventually becoming part of the canton of Basel in 1815. For more detailed historical insights, visit the Wikipedia page.

As of 2024, Aesch has a population of 11,253 residents, ranking it 9th in terms of population size within the canton. The community comprises 5,752 women and 5,501 men. Swiss citizens make up 71.93% of the population, while foreigners account for 28.07%, placing Aesch 17th in the canton for the proportion of foreign residents. The age distribution reveals that 1,923 individuals are aged 0-17, 6,790 are of working age (18-65), and 2,540 are older adults (over 65). Table 2 provides a detailed breakdown of the population by age groups since 2005.

The land use in Aesch is diverse, with 37.8% of the area dedicated to settlements, 44.5% to agriculture, and 16.4% to forests. The municipality's total surface area is 740 hectares, with a small portion, 1.4%, classified as unproductive.

Aesch's tax revenue ranks 11th among the 86 municipalities of Baselland, reflecting a robust economic base. The tax revenue per adult capita is noteworthy, and the municipal tax multiplier is competitively ranked, contributing to the community's financial health.

In terms of energy consumption, Aesch demonstrates a balanced use of various energy carriers. In 2022, the municipality consumed 47,712.82 MWh of electricity, ranking 26th in the canton for electricity consumption per capita. This moderate rank indicates a balanced energy use, likely influenced by the presence of industrial activities that contribute to higher electricity consumption. Other energy carriers include natural gas (50,153.68 MWh), heating oil (40,178.26 MWh), and renewable sources such as photovoltaics (4,069.17 MWh) and environmental heat (4,831.17 MWh). The diverse energy mix highlights Aesch's commitment to sustainable energy practices.