Switzerland. Canton Ticino. Corippo lies in the Verzasca valley. Anita Gaggetta (left), Clarina Scettrini (back left), Daniela Ronzoni( back center), Marco Castelli (catholic priest), Gabriela Scettrini (center right) and Pia Scettrini (right) during the evening mass. With a population of just 16, Corippo is the smallest municipality in Switzerland. Despite this, it possesses the trappings of communities many times its size such as its own coat of arms, a town council consisting of three local citizens (Pia Scettrini as vice mayor) and a village church. A town council is a democratically elected form of government for small municipalities. A council may serve as both the representative and executive branch. The village has maintained its status as an independent entity since its incorporation in 1822. 8.05.13 © 2013 Didier Ruef