The Nation Without a Capital
What is the capital of Switzerland? 🇨ðŸ‡
Zurich, the country's largest city? Or Geneva, home to many important international organisations?
Unlike many countries, Switzerland has had no real capital for most of its history. Since the creation of the Swiss Confederation in 1291, the country was an association of independent cantons grouped together within a larger entity, but without any real unity or capital. Yet even today, no city is officially designated as the capital of Switzerland.
So why is Bern considered the Swiss capital? 🤔
In 1848, the Swiss federal state was created and the question of a capital once again arose. On November 28th, it was decided that Bern would be the 'federal city' and host the parliament and government, making it the 'de facto' capital.
A de facto capital is the city where the government operates in practice, while a 'de jure' capital is the city officially designated by law as the capital – the case in most countries.
Zurich, the country's largest city? Or Geneva, home to many important international organisations?
Unlike many countries, Switzerland has had no real capital for most of its history. Since the creation of the Swiss Confederation in 1291, the country was an association of independent cantons grouped together within a larger entity, but without any real unity or capital. Yet even today, no city is officially designated as the capital of Switzerland.
So why is Bern considered the Swiss capital? 🤔
In 1848, the Swiss federal state was created and the question of a capital once again arose. On November 28th, it was decided that Bern would be the 'federal city' and host the parliament and government, making it the 'de facto' capital.
A de facto capital is the city where the government operates in practice, while a 'de jure' capital is the city officially designated by law as the capital – the case in most countries.
Tools:Â Illustrator
Format:Â Social media
Context:Â Personal project
