Which city is the capital of Switzerland? Of course, Bern, every educated person will answer. This amazing country, occupying a very small area, has become the homeland for the Germans and the French. Therefore, when speaking of Switzerland, they always mean two capitals - Bern and Geneva.
One of the most developed countries in Europe - Switzerland - is known throughout the world as an international financial and banking center. This is a prosperous state, which occupies one of the leading places in the world in terms of its general standard of living. Reliable banks and the most accurate watches have become a symbol of this country. Switzerland is known for its cultural traditions: each city here has its own theater, and its own symphony orchestra has been created.
Every year, lovers of outdoor activities from all over the world come here to ski resorts in the Alps. This is the land of literary heroes: at the Reichenbach Falls, the famous detective Sherlock Holmes fought to the death with Professor Moriarty, and a Byron prisoner was tormented in the damp cellars of Chillon Castle.
The country is a confederation and consists of 23 cantons. Its inhabitants speak three languages - German, French and Italian. That is why it is often said that this state has two capitals - one symbolizes the German part of the cantons, the other the French one.
Bern: administrative capital
The capital of the state is Bern, at the same time it is the administrative center of the German canton. The city houses the buildings of the Parliament and the Government of the country. Among the important government facilities, it houses the headquarters of the Swiss National Bank and the headquarters of the Universal Postal Union, which is a division of the United Nations. The airport and the railway station of the capital connect the country with many capitals of the Old Continent.
The city appeared in the 12th century and quickly became a major trade and military center. In the Middle Ages, the city conquered the surrounding territories. In the 18th century, the city came under French jurisdiction, but did not lose its position of power. Since the middle of the 19th century, the city has been known as the capital of Switzerland.
Geneva: a city of international importance
Many people still consider this city the capital of the state. Geneva at one time yielded the palm to be the capital, but is still a major political and economic center of the Old World. Important international centers are located here - the UN headquarters in Europe, the Red Cross and Crescent and over 20 other important world political centers. The city is popular for its cultural and historical attractions, such as:
- Saint Paul's Cathedral;
- Square of ancient times Burg de Four;
- University of Geneva;
- Monument to the Reformation;
- Flower clock;
- Lake Geneva.
Several hundred tourists come to the city annually to admire the beautiful landscapes and get aesthetic pleasure.
An amazing country in which high mountains alternate with beautiful flat areas occupied by the cleanest lakes. This is a state of two world-famous cities, which are destined to play an important role in international politics.
