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Home > Travel Switzerland > Switzerland Destinations > Zurich
Zurich
Switzerland, officially the Swiss Confederation, is a landlocked Alpine country in Central Europe. The country, which borders Germany to the north, France to the west, Italy to the south, and Austria and Liechtenstein to the east, was historically a confederation, and has been a federation since 1848. Switzerland is a federation of relatively autonomous cantons, some of which have a history of confederacy that goes back more than 700 years, arguably putting them among the world's oldest surviving republics. With an area of 41,285 square kilometres, Switzerland is a relatively small country. Switzerland comprises three basic topographical areas namely the Swiss Alps, the Swiss plateau, and the Jura mountains. Switzerland has four official languages namely German, French, Italian and Romansh.
Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland and capital of the canton of Zurich. The metropolitan population is around 1.3 million. The city is Switzerland's main commercial and cultural centre, and is widely considered to be one of the world's global cities. According to a survey in 2006, it is the city with the best quality of life in the world. In 2004, Zurich population was 366,145 and population of urban area was 1,091,732.
In 1839, the city had to yield to the demands of its rural subjects, following the Zuriputsch of 6 September. Most of the ramparts built in the 17th century were torn down, without ever having been sieged, to allay rural concerns over the city's hegemony. The Treaty of Zurich between Austria, France, and Sardinia was signed in 1859. The city is situated where the river Limmat leaves Lake Zurich and is surrounded by wooded hills including the Zurichberg and the Uetliberg. The river Sihl meets with the Limmat at the end of Platzspitz, which borders the Swiss National Museum.
During 2004 the Fraumunster was fully renovated. During this period the installed scaffolding went above the tip of the tower allowing a unique and exceptional 360 degree panoramic view of Zurich. Today, one can also learn about its history, from its earliest times and gain enthusiasm in its natural beauty and populace. Zurich enjoys a very positive reputation with worldwide travelers.
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