Halbkanton (demicanton), comprising the northern and western parts of former Appenzell canton, northeastern Switzerland. It has an area of 94 square miles (243 square km) and was divided for religious reasons from Appenzell Inner-Rhoden demicanton in 1597. Its constitution dates from 1908, and its capital and largest town is Herisau. Electrical products and textiles (cotton goods, muslins, and embroideries) are manufactured in the demicanton. The population is German speaking and predominantly Protestant. Pop. (2007 est.) 52,509.