Flags and arms of cantons of Switzerland is a design by Paul Boesch, dated to 1943. The crozier symbolizes the former Prince-Bishopric of Basel, the seven stripes represent the seven districts of the Bernese Jura. It was officially recognized as a regional flag by Bern from the early 1950s. The canton of Jura was created in 1979 after a referendum, but only three of the seven districts opted to join. The seven stripes were retained in the cantonal flag regardless, and there remains some irredentism calling for a restored unity of all seven districts. Flags and arms of cantons of Switzerland Each of the 26 modern cantons
Cantons of France several smaller "communes". In the latter case, administrative services, the "gendarmerie" headquarters for example, are often situated in the principal town ("chef-lieu") of the "canton", although there are exceptions, such as "cantons" and , which have in common a "chief-town" which does not belong to either "canton". For statistical (INSEE) purposes, the twenty arrondissements of Paris – the administrative subdivisions of that city – are sometimes considered "cantons", but they serve no greater electoral function. "Cantons" also form legal districts, as seats of "Tribunaux d'instance" or "Courts of First Instance" (also, ""TI""...). Historically, the "cantons" are called "justices de paix"