How many municipalities does Switzerland have?

Switzerland currently has 2,131 municipalities. The number falls almost every year through mergers; all figures here reflect the current municipal register.

← Canton Obwalden overview

Ranking · Data 2025 · Source: BFS

The largest municipalities in canton Obwalden (2025)

National ranking →

Sarnen is the largest municipality in canton Obwalden with 10'906 residents (2025). It is followed by Alpnach (6'594) and Kerns (6'557). Source: BFS, STATPOP 2025.

Ranking

BFS · STATPOP · 2025

Rank	Municipality	Residents	Residents
1	Sarnen	10'906	10'906
2	Alpnach	6'594	6'594
3	Kerns	6'557	6'557
4	Sachseln	5'300	5'300
5	Engelberg	4'377	4'377
6	Giswil	4'013	4'013
7	Lungern	2'132	2'132

STATPOP 2025 · Federal Statistical Office (FSO), retrieved 31.08.2026

How we measure this

BFS · STATPOP

Permanent resident population per municipality from the BFS STATPOP register (2025). Municipality mergers change this list over time — the ranking always reflects the current municipal boundaries. The smallest municipalities are at the bottom of the table.

Frequently asked questions

Which is the largest municipality in canton Obwalden?: Sarnen is the largest municipality in canton Obwalden with 10'906 residents (2025).
How many municipalities does Switzerland have?: Switzerland currently has 2,131 municipalities. The number falls almost every year through mergers; all figures here reflect the current municipal register.