Historically, Jura belonged to the Free County of Burgundy, known in French as the Franche-Comté.

As early as the 13th century, inhabitants of the southern two-thirds of Jura spoke a dialect of Arpitan language.

[12] The département contains no industrial cities: the few towns function as administrative and commercial centres serving Jura's rural economy.

In the absence of large-scale industrial enterprises, small artisanal businesses play an important role.

The Jura CFA (Centre for apprenticeship and training) recently recorded 752 current apprenticeships in trades such as building, baking, butchery, hair dressing, car repairing, sales and other non-factory based occupations.

The Jura mountains provide ample opportunities for hiking, skiing, as well as other winter sports.