Largest Cities in Switzerland

Facts about Switzerland

Official languages: German, French, Italian, Romansh
Capital: Bern
Area: 41,290 km²
Population: 7.6 million residents
Population density: 183.60 residents per km²
Currency: CHF
Internet TLD: .ch
ISO codes: CH, CHE, 756
The telephone code for Switzerland is +41

Flag of Switzerland

The origin of the square Swiss flag with the traditional white isosceles cross on a red background dates back to the Middle Ages. Switzerland was part of the Holy Roman Empire at the time, and the cross thus symbolizes Christianity and the red blood of Christian martyrs. In the 13th century, several Swiss administrative regions united and won their bid for independence from the Holy Roman Empire. Therefore, the Swiss cross can evoke independence and democracy. Switzerland is also known for its long-standing political neutrality, so the flag is also a symbol of peace and a safe haven. The interesting thing is that the exact size of the cross or the shade of red is not determined, and the forms of the flag can thus differ slightly from each other.

Switzerland (French. Suisse, Italian. Svizzera, Rhaeto-Roman. Svizra, Latin. Helvetia), officially the Swiss Confederation (French. Confédération suisse, Italian. Confederazione Svizzera, Rhaeto-Roman. Confederaziun svizra, Latin. Confoederatio Helvetica), is a landlocked country in Central Europe. The country borders Germany to the north, Liechtenstein and Austria to the east, Italy to the south and France to the west.

The confederation has existed as a loose confederation since the 13th century; According to a national myth, it was sworn to be founded on August 1, 1291 on the Rütli meadow. Switzerland in its current form as a federal state was created with the Federal Constitution of 1848. It has been divided into 26 cantons (member states) since 1979.
Switzerland’s foreign policy neutrality has been recognized under international law since the Congress of Vienna in 1815. Today the country is a member of EFTA, the Council of Europe, the World Trade Organization (since 1995, or since 1959 of the predecessor organization GATT), the UN (since 2002), but not the European Union. Switzerland is one of the economically strongest countries in the world. Three quarters of the employed work in the service sector.

Biggest Cities of Switzerland by Population

Switzerland is a small mountainous country in Central Europe with a population of around 8.5 million people. It has four official languages (German, French, Italian and Romansh) and is home to some of the most beautiful cities in the world. The largest cities in Switzerland are Zurich, Geneva, Bern, Basel and Lausanne.

Zurich is Switzerland’s largest city with a population of around 400,000 people. Located at the northern tip of Lake Zurich in the German-speaking part of Switzerland, Zurich is a vibrant city known for its excellent quality of life and numerous cultural attractions. Visitors to Zurich can explore interesting sites such as the old town with its cobblestone streets; Fraumünster Church which houses five stained glass windows created by Marc Chagall; and Lindenhofpark – an idyllic park located on a hill overlooking the city. Additionally there are plenty of shops selling local goods like Swiss watches alongside great restaurants serving traditional dishes like fondue or rösti (hash browns).

Geneva is Switzerland’s second largest city located on the southwestern tip of Lake Geneva in the French-speaking part of Switzerland with a population around 200,000 people. It is known for its international organizations such as the United Nations and World Health Organization plus its numerous cultural attractions including museums, galleries and parks. Visitors to Geneva can explore interesting sites such as Jet d’Eau – one of Europe’s tallest fountains; St Pierre Cathedral – one of Geneva’s oldest churches; and Parc des Bastions which features sculptures from famous authors such as Voltaire or Rousseau. Additionally there are plenty of shops selling local goods like Swiss chocolate alongside great restaurants serving traditional dishes like raclette or fondue savoyarde (melted cheese).

Bern is Switzerland’s third largest city located on the western edge of Lake Biel in the German-speaking part with a population around 130,000 people. It is known for its medieval architecture including 15th century buildings featuring colorful murals plus several parks and gardens dotted throughout the city center. Visitors to Bern can explore interesting sites such as Zytglogge Clock Tower – one of Bern’s oldest landmarks; Bear Park – home to friendly bears symbolizing Bern; and Rose Garden which features over 1000 varieties of roses from different countries across Europe. Additionally there are plenty of shops selling local goods like cuckoo clocks alongside great restaurants serving traditional dishes like Älplermagronen (macaroni & cheese with potatoes).

Basel is Switzerland’s fourth largest city located on both sides on River Rhine in the German-speaking part with a population around 180,000 people. Known for its university founded in 1460 plus numerous cultural attractions including museums and galleries showcasing artworks from famous artists such as Holbein or Picasso. Visitors to Basel can explore interesting sites such as Basel Minster – an 11th century Romanesque cathedral; Mittlere Brücke – a 16th century bridge connecting both sides on River Rhine; and Tinguely Museum which displays kinetic sculptures created by Jean Tinguely. Additionally there are plenty shops selling local goods like Swiss army knives alongside great restaurants serving traditional dishes like Capuns (Swiss dumplings) or Rösti (hash browns).

Lausanne is Switzerland’s fifth largest city located at Lake Geneva’s eastern end in French-speaking part with a population around 130,000 people. Known for its Olympic Museum showcasing sports history plus several parks scattered throughout Lausanne offering stunning views over Lake Geneva. Visitors to Lausanne can explore interesting sites such as Cathedrale de Lausanne – an 11th century Gothic cathedral ; Place de la Riponne – an old square featuring colorful houses ;and Collection de l’Art Brut – an art museum displaying works from outsider artists. Additionally there are plenty stores selling local goods like Swiss watches alongside great restaurants serving traditional dishes like Fondue Chinoise (hot pot) or Raclette Savoyarde (melted cheese).

Bern is the capital city of Switzerland.

Neighboring countries of Switzerland

• Austria
• Germany
• France
• Italy
• Liechtenstein