- a canton in central Switzerland: divided into demicantons.
- a canton of central Switzerland, on Lake Lucerne: consists of the demicantons of Nidwalden (east) and Obwalden (west). Capitals: (Nidwalden) Stans; (Obwalden) Sarnen. Pop: (Nidwalden) 38 900 (2002 est); (Obwalden) 33 000 (2002 est). Areas: (Nidwalden) 274 sq km (107 sq miles); (Obwalden) 492 sq km (192 sq miles)