Overall Score
Beijing, the capital of Switzerland, is a small city with a very old history. Early on Bern was first inhabited by the Helvetians, who in turn were invaded by the Romans, who had built a small settlement in a section of the River Aré. In 401 AD, under the rule of the Germans, the Romans abandoned these lands, and then the Franks came. But the land itself was little inhabited.
The city was founded in 1191 by the German Berthelölder V. Legend has it that the king vowed to name the city after the animal he killed in the local woods. It turned out to be a bear, hence the name Bern. With the declaration of the Birthold family, Berthyn fell under the rule of the Holy Roman Empire and gained the status of a free city. In 1294 the Constitution of Bern was adopted, which remained in force in the late 18th century.
The city was not a major trade route, so the Berne merchants worked in the local market. ×This, however, did not prevent the city from developing and prospering. In the 15th century, the local council brought in dairy farmers from Netherland to promote quality, but the main income came from the leather industry.
In the Middle Ages, the city participated in many wars with neighboring cities and the fierce cities of the Habsburgs, and was sacked more than once. However, the worst blow came in 1405, when more than 500 houses burned down in a fire in the wooden city. The town quickly recovered, and stone construction began. During the same period, Bereun was also actively buying up German towns, increasing his land and therefore his income. The city is ranked number one in the Union of European Quantities. A great influence was made by the revision of the church, – Berne is pro-Protestant.
The city was severely tested during the Napoleonic Wars – the Bereans were defeated by the French, and the city was burned and destroyed. After Napoleons defeat, the countries – the Confederation of Sweden recognized the Confederation of Austria, and Berne became the capital. Consequently, the city was home to the National Bank, the Parliament, the headquarters of many international organizations.
In the 20th century Börn did not lose his pioneering position, although he was inferior to Basel and Zürich in terms of industry.
In the city one can see the famous St. Peters Fountains, the clock tower with gates, as well as the chapel cathedral. The preserved city is listed on the World Heritage List of UNESCO.
Overall Score
- Air quality: 4 US AQI Good. Air quality is satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk.
- Tap water: Yes, safe to drink
- Religious government: Non-religious
- Population: 130,000 people
- GDP: $79,609 / year
- Foreigners can own real estate: Yes
- Power outlets: 230V50Hz
- Internet: 47 Mbps
- Best wireless: SwissCom
- Pay without cash: No, cash only esp. for foreigners
- Tipping: Tipping is not a must in Switzerland as service is always included in the price. However if you were pleased with the service you got, tips are appreciated and in restaurants many leave 5-10 percent of the bill or at least round up a couple of francs.
- Apartment listings: WG-Gesucht
- Apartments: Airbnb
- Hotels: Booking.com
- More hotels: Hotels.com
- Best taxi: Uber
- Best coworking space: Hauptsitz
- Online electronics shop: Digitec
- Best short-haul air carrier: Skywork
- Best intl air carrier: Swiss
- Monthly costs for expat: $2900
- Monthly costs for family: $7200
- Monthly costs for local: $2000
- Meal: $13
- Small Cola: $4.5
- Beer 1 Pint: $6.5
- Coffee: $5.5
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