Bern, Bern-Mittelland administrative district, Bernese Mittelland administrative region, Bern, Švicarska
Bern, the de facto capital of Switzerland, also known as the federal city, is a blend of historical charm and modern governance. With its official population hovering around 133,883 as of the end of 2018, Bern is the fifth-most populous city in the nation, trailing behind urban giants like Zurich and Geneva. The city’s agglomeration, which encompasses 36 municipalities, reaches a significant population of 406,900 as per the 2014 statistics, demonstrating its role as a central hub.
Geography
Bern is situated on the picturesque Swiss plateau within the canton of Bern, the second-most populous of the Swiss cantons. The city’s terrain is defined by the undulating topography of the area, characterized by the highest elevation at Könizberg, at 674 meters, and the lowest at the Aare river near Eymatt, at 481 meters. The city’s total land area is a substantial 51.62 square kilometers, with an elevation of 540 meters above sea level at Bahnhofplatz, the central railway station’s plaza.
Bern is known for being encircled by the Aare River, which forms a striking loop around the Old City—a sight that has earned it a UNESCO World Heritage Site designation. The city’s location is marked by the historical and geographic significance of being perched within the crook of one of Switzerland’s most important rivers. Its landscape is further accentuated by the Bernese Alps’ proximity, providing a scenic backdrop to the urban architecture.
Population
As of the latest count, Bern’s population density stands at 2,600 per square kilometer, which is reflective of the city’s status as an internationally recognized metropolis. The city is unique for its linguistic diversity, with German being the official language, though the most commonly spoken dialect is Bernese German. The international community forms a significant portion of the city’s demographics, with the largest groups hailing from Germany, Italy, and Spain, contributing to the cultural and linguistic mosaic that Bern represents.
Over the years, Bern has seen a gradual but steady increase in its population, attributed to its appeal as a federal and diplomatic center. The city’s growth is anchored in its status as a political stronghold, housing government executives and the national parliament, which has influenced population trends and urban development.