# Bern

> city in Switzerland, capital of the canton of Bern and de facto capital of Switzerland

**Wikidata**: [Q70](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q70)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bern)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/bern

## Summary

Bern is located in the country Switzerland[1]. It has a relatively small population of 11k as of 2024. The area of Bern is 51.6[2]. 
It is situated in this country[1] with a defined area[2] and population. 
The population of 11k inhabits the area of 51.6[2] in Bern, which is part of Switzerland[1]. 
Bern has these characteristics: a small population and a defined area, within Switzerland[1].

## Summary
Bern is the de facto capital of Switzerland and the capital of the canton of Bern, serving as the country's federal city. Founded in 1191, the city is a major municipality located in the Bern-Mittelland administrative district and is classified as a Swiss townscape worthy of protection. As of 2024, Bern has a population of 146,455 inhabitants and serves as a political and administrative center within Europe.

## Key Facts
- **Location:** Located in Switzerland, Europe; part of the Bern-Mittelland administrative district and the Üechtland region.
- **Capital Status:** De facto capital of Switzerland (since November 28, 1848) and capital of the Canton of Berne.
- **Founding:** Inception recorded in 1191; earliest written record of the city's name dates to December 1, 1208.
- **Geography:** Covers an area of 51.62 square kilometers (as of 2004) at an elevation of 542 meters above sea level; situated on the Aare river.
- **Coordinates:** 46.94798° N, 7.44743° E.
- **Population:** 146,455 inhabitants (as of December 31, 2024); 136,988 inhabitants (preferred value for December 31, 2023).
- **Demographics (2024):** 109,761 Swiss nationals, 36,694 foreigners; 70,012 males, 76,443 females.
- **Government:** Head of government is Mayor Marieke Kruit (term starting January 1, 2025); official language is German.
- **Economy:** Unemployment rate of 1.9% (as of December 31, 2024).
- **Administrative Divisions:** Comprises six statistical territories: Inner City, Länggasse-Felsenau, Mattenhof-Weissenbühl, Kirchenfeld-Schosshalde, Breitenrain-Lorraine, and Bümpliz-Oberbottigen.
- **Postal Codes:** Ranges from 3000 to 3030.
- **License Plate Code:** BE.
- **Heritage:** Designated as a Swiss townscape worthy of protection (ISOS 0499).
- **Time Zone:** UTC+01:00 (standard time), UTC+02:00 (daylight saving time).

## FAQs
**What is the political status of Bern?**
Bern is the de facto federal capital of Switzerland, a status it has held since November 28, 1848, and serves as the capital of the Canton of Berne. It functions as a "federal city" rather than an official federal capital in the constitutional sense.

**What are the administrative divisions of Bern?**
The city is divided into six statistical territories and administrative entities: Inner City, Länggasse-Felsenau, Mattenhof-Weissenbühl, Kirchenfeld-Schosshalde, Breitenrain-Lorraine, and Bümpliz-Oberbottigen.

**Who governs the city of Bern?**
The city is led by a Mayor, with the current office holder being Marieke Kruit as of January 1, 2025. Previous mayors include Alec von Graffenried (2017–2025), Alexander Tschäppät (2005–2016), and Klaus Baumgartner (1993–2004).

**What is the population breakdown of Bern?**
As of December 31, 2024, Bern has a total population of 146,455. This includes 109,761 Swiss citizens and 36,694 foreign nationals, with a gender distribution of 70,012 males and 76,443 females.

**What organizations is Bern a member of?**
Bern is a member of the Climate Alliance (joined in 2004), the Organization of World Heritage Cities, the International Cities of Refuge Network, and KlimaBündnis-Städte Schweiz.

**Which municipalities border Bern?**
Bern shares borders with Bremgarten bei Bern, Ittigen, Kirchlindach, Mühleberg, Muri bei Bern, Neuenegg, Ostermundigen, Wohlen bei Bern, Frauenkappelen, Zollikofen, and Köniz.

## Why It Matters
Bern serves as the political heart of Switzerland, housing the federal government institutions despite lacking the official title of "capital" in the Swiss constitution. Its designation as a "Swiss townscape worthy of protection" underscores its cultural and historical significance, preserving its medieval urban layout which dates back to its founding in 1191. The city plays a crucial role in national administration and international diplomacy, evidenced by its membership in the Organization of World Heritage Cities and the International Cities of Refuge Network. Additionally, Bern's economy is robust, demonstrated by a low unemployment rate of 1.9%, and it acts as a central hub within the Bern-Mittelland administrative district.

## Notable For
- **Federal City:** Acts as the de facto capital of Switzerland, hosting federal authorities since 1848.
- **Heritage Status:** The Old City is recognized as a Swiss townscape worthy of protection (ISOS 0499).
- **Historical Population Trends:** Experienced significant growth from 29,670 in 1850 to a peak of 146,499 in 1950, stabilizing around 133,000–136,000 in the 2010s before rising to 146,455 in 2024.
- **International Partnerships:** Maintains a wide network of twin cities, including Vienna, Vaduz, Kyiv (partnered in 2019), and Dnipro (partnered in 2008).
- **Administrative Structure:** Unique division into six distinct city districts (Stadtteile) for statistical and administrative purposes.
- **Cultural Assets:** Home to extensive lists of cultural heritage sites, including numerous fountains, towers, museums, and churches.

## Body

### Geography and Location
Bern is situated in the heart of Europe, specifically in the country of Switzerland. It lies within the Bern-Mittelland administrative district and is part of the Üechtland region. The city's geographic coordinates are 46.94798° latitude and 7.44743° longitude. Physically, Bern is located on the Aare river and sits at an elevation of 542 meters above sea level. The city encompasses a total area of 51.62 square kilometers, a figure recorded in 2004.

Bern shares its borders with numerous municipalities, including Bremgarten bei Bern, Ittigen, Kirchlindach, Mühleberg, Muri bei Bern, Neuenegg, Ostermundigen, Wohlen bei Bern, Frauenkappelen, Zollikofen, and Köniz. The city is also accessible via various postal codes ranging from 3000 to 3030 and utilizes the license plate code "BE."

### History and Establishment
The city of Bern has a long history dating back to the Middle Ages. Its inception is recorded as the year 1191. The name "Bern" appears in written records for the first time on December 1, 1208. A pivotal moment in the city's history was on November 28, 1848, when it became the de facto capital of Switzerland. Bern is also the capital of the Canton of Berne.

### Demographics and Population
Bern has experienced fluctuating population trends over the centuries. Historical data shows a population of 14,219 in 1700, rising to 90,937 by 1910 and peaking at 146,499 in 1950. The population then declined slightly, reaching a low of 122,178 in 2005, before climbing again in the 21st century.

As of the latest data:
- **December 31, 2023:** The preferred population value is 136,988.
- **December 31, 2024:** The total population reached 146,455.
  - **Nationality:** 109,761 Swiss citizens and 36,694 foreigners.
  - **Gender:** 70,012 males and 76,443 females.
  - **Vital Statistics (2024):** 1,317 births, 1,189 deaths, 1,404 weddings, and 470 divorces.
  - **Workplace:** There were 201,800 workers in the city as of December 31, 2023.

### Government and Administration
Bern operates as a municipality of Switzerland, a cantonal capital, a federal city, and a college town. The official language of the city is German. The head of government holds the title of Mayor of Bern. The current mayor is Marieke Kruit, whose term began on January 1, 2025. She succeeded Alec von Graffenried, who served from 2017 to 2025. Previous mayors include Alexander Tschäppät (2005–2016), Klaus Baumgartner (1993–2004), Werner Bircher (1979–1992), Reynold Tschäppät (1966–1979), and Eduard Freimüller (1958–1966).

The city's administrative contact number is +41-313216111. The unemployment rate stands at 1.9% as of December 31, 2024. Bern is also a member of several international organizations, including the Climate Alliance (since 2004), KlimaBündnis-Städte Schweiz, the Organization of World Heritage Cities, and the International Cities of Refuge Network.

### City Districts
For administrative and statistical purposes, Bern is divided into six districts (Stadtteile):
1.  **Inner City** (Stadteil I)
2.  **Länggasse-Felsenau** (Stadteil II)
3.  **Mattenhof-Weissenbühl** (Stadteil III)
4.  **Kirchenfeld-Schosshalde** (Stadteil IV)
5.  **Breitenrain-Lorraine** (Stadteil V)
6.  **Bümpliz-Oberbottigen** (Stadteil VI)

### International Relations and Twin Cities
Bern maintains a network of sister and partner cities (twinned administrative bodies). These include:
- Vienna
- Salzburg (partnership existed from 2007 to 2008)
- Vaduz
- Benevento
- Santo Domingo
- New Bern
- Bernville
- Kyiv (partnership started December 5, 2019)
- Dnipro (partnership started February 21, 2008)

### Culture and Heritage
Bern is recognized for its cultural heritage, holding the designation of a "Swiss townscape worthy of protection" under the ISOS inventory number 0499. The city contains a wealth of historical and cultural sites, documented in various lists including:
- List of churches in Bern
- List of Aar bridges in the city of Bern
- List of mayors of Bern
- List of fountains in Bern
- List of museums in Bern
- List of parks in Bern
- List of towers in Bern
- List of cultural properties in Bern

### Digital Presence and Identifiers
Bern maintains a significant digital footprint across various platforms:
- **Websites:** [www.bern.ch](https://www.bern.ch/) (available in German, French, Italian, and English).
- **Social Media:**
  - Twitter/X: [@Bern_Stadt](https://twitter.com/Bern_Stadt) (verified account, ID: 292818204)
  - Facebook: [StadtBern](https://www.facebook.com/StadtBern) (Location ID: 106534979381554)
  - Instagram: [stadtbern](https://www.instagram.com/stadtbern)
  - Reddit: [r/bern](https://www.reddit.com/r/bern)
  - YouTube: [stadtbernschweiz](https://www.youtube.com/stadtbernschweiz) (Channel ID: UCoZfi5ZJyJi9ZYY1T6nWlhw)
  - LinkedIn: [stadt-bern](https://www.linkedin.com/company/stadt-bern)

The city is cataloged in numerous databases and authority files with the following identifiers:
- **Wikidata:** Q70
- **GND ID:** 4005762-8
- **ISNI:** 0000000109415921, 0000000113287184
- **FAST ID:** 1205493
- **MusicBrainz Area ID:** e03bf3ef-3e0b-4f51-9600-a161cbd5fb75
- **Getty TGN:** 7007557
- **Swiss Municipality Code:** 351
- **UN/LOCODE:** CHBRN
- **BabelNet ID:** 00010046n
- **GeoNames ID:** 7285212
- **OpenStreetMap:** Node 18477455, Relation 1682378

## References

1. archINFORM
2. [Source](https://www.bern.ch/themen/stadt-recht-und-politik/bern-in-zahlen/katost/stasta)
3. [Source](http://www.stadt-salzburg.at/internet/service/aktuell/aussendungen/2007/euro08_partnerschaftsprojekt_salzburg_be_213227.htm)
4. [Source](https://westnewbern.com/west-location/)
5. [Source](https://kyivcity.gov.ua/kyiv_ta_miska_vlada/pro_kyiv/mista-pobratimi_z_yakimi_kiyevom_pidpisani_dokumenti_pro_poridnennya_druzhbu_spivrobitnitstvo_partnerstvo/)
6. [Source](http://oblrada.dp.gov.ua/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/%D0%98%D0%BD%D0%B2%D0%B5%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B8%D1%86%D1%96%D0%B9%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%B9-%D0%BF%D0%B0%D1%81%D0%BF%D0%BE%D1%80%D1%82-%D0%94%D0%BD%D1%96%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%BF%D0%B5%D1%82%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%B2%D1%81%D1%8C%D0%BA%D0%BE%D1%97-%D0%BE%D0%B1%D0%BB%D0%B0%D1%81%D1%82%D1%96_08-08-min.pdf)
7. [Source](https://dniprorada.gov.ua/uk/articles/item/9756/u-dnipropetrovska-zjavilos-dva-novih-mistapobratima-solnok-ta-zugdidi)
8. Q120475222. 2003
9. Virtual International Authority File
10. [Source](https://www.post.ch/de/pages/plz-suche)
11. [Source](http://www.klimabuendnis.org/nc/kommunen/das-netzwerk.html)
12. [Source](https://klimabuendnis.ch/)
13. [Source](https://www.ovpm.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/liste-villes-en-regle-pour-page-web12-03-2024.pdf)
14. [Source](https://icorn.org/city/bern-0)
15. [Source](https://www.bern.ch/politik-und-verwaltung/stadtverwaltung/sk/stadtarchiv)
16. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
17. [Source](http://classifications.data.admin.ch/municipality/351)
18. MusicBrainz
19. [Historical Dictionary of Switzerland](http://www.hls-dhs-dss.ch/textes/d/D209.php)
20. Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1969–1978)
21. [Federal Statistical Office](https://www.pxweb.bfs.admin.ch/pxweb/de/)
22. [Source](http://www.pxweb.bfs.admin.ch/Dialog/varval.asp?ma=px-d-01-2A00&ti=St%E4ndige+und+nichtst%E4ndige+Wohnbev%F6lkerung+nach+institutionellen+Gliederungen%2C+Geschlecht%2C+Zivilstand+und+Geburtsort&path=../Database/German_01%20-%20Bev%F6lkerung/01.2%20-%20Bev%F6lkerungsstand%20und%20-bewegung/&lang=1&prod=01&openChild=true&secprod=2)
23. [Federal Statistical Office](https://www.bfs.admin.ch/asset/de/px-x-0102010000_101)
24. [Federal Statistical Office of Germany](https://www.pxweb.bfs.admin.ch/pxweb/en/px-x-0102020000_201/-/px-x-0102020000_201.px/table/tableViewLayout2/)
25. [Source](https://www.bfs.admin.ch/bfs/de/home/statistiken/bevoelkerung/stand-entwicklung.assetdetail.32229143.html)
26. [Source](https://www.bern.ch/themen/stadt-recht-und-politik/bern-in-zahlen/publikationen/2021-2025/download-2021-2025/2025-03-06-bev-2024-b.pdf)
27. [Source](https://www.bern.ch/)
28. Historical Dictionary of Switzerland
29. [Source](https://www.gisos.bak.admin.ch/sites/0499)
30. [Source](http://cnig.gouv.fr/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/CNT-PVM_r%C3%A9vis%C3%A9_2020-01-27-1.pdf)
31. GeoNames
32. BBC Things
33. [Arealstatistik Standard - Gemeinden nach 4 Hauptbereichen. Federal Statistical Office](https://www.bfs.admin.ch/bfs/de/home/statistiken/raum-umwelt/bodennutzung-bedeckung/gesamtspektrum-regionalen-stufen/gemeinden.html)
34. BabelNet
35. Aligned ISNI and Ringgold identifiers for institutions
36. [Source](https://apps.db.ripe.net/search/lookup.html?source=ripe&key=138.190.0.0+-+138.190.255.255&type=inetnum)
37. UID Register
38. [Source](https://www.govdirectory.org/switzerland/)
39. YouTube API
40. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiort.php)
41. [Source](https://encyklopedia.pwn.pl/haslo/Berno;3876456.html)
42. Name Suggestion Index
43. Bibliography of the History of the Czech Lands
44. Provenio