On June 10, 2008, Standard&Poor's Ratings Services assigned its 'AA' long-term and 'A-1+' short-term issuer credit ratings to the Canton of Solothurn, located in Switzerland. The outlook is stable. The ratings on Solothurn reflect its membership of a stable national government with a vertical and horizontal financial equalization system. The ratings are supported by Solothurn's above-average financial performance, its highly sophisticated management, and moderate and declining debt levels. Furthermore, the canton benefits from its diversified economic structure and strategically favorable geographic position, which is well connected to Switzerland's transportation infrastructure. The ratings are constrained by Solothurn's below-average economic wealth on a national comparison, leaving the canton dependent on funds from the national equalization system (NFA; "Neugestaltung des Finanzausgleichs
