Bern (city)

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Capital of Switzerland and of Bern canton, in the west of the country on the River Aare; population (2003 est) 122,700. Industries include the manufacture of textiles, precision instruments, chocolate, pharmaceuticals, and light metal and electronic goods.

There is a magnificent Gothic cathedral, dating from the 15th century. Bern joined the Swiss confederation in 1353 as its eighth member, and became the capital in 1848.

Bern was founded, according to tradition, in 1191 as a military post, and made a free imperial city by Emperor Frederick II in 1218. Its name is derived from the bear on its coat of arms, and there has been a bear pit in the city since the 16th century. The minster was begun in 1421, the town hall in 1406, and the university in 1834. It is the seat of numerous international agencies, including the Universal Postal Union (since 1875), the International Telecommunications Union (since 1869), and the International Copyright Union (since 1886). The Swiss topographical map service is also located here.

The colours are derived from the state coat of arms of 1364. The Scandinavian cross is taken from the Danish flag. Effective date: 22 June 1906. >>