Located in northwestern Switzerland, Basel is situated near the borders of Germany and France. Nestled between the Black Forest and Jura mountains, the city graces the banks of the Rhine River.
Basel ranks as Switzerland's third-largest city in terms of area, with a population just exceeding 170,000. However, many Basel residents opt to live in the surrounding areas, leading to an agglomeration population of approximately 830,000. The city serves as the capital of the German-speaking semi-canton Basel-Stadt, boasting its own constitution and legislative framework.
The history of Basel dates back to ancient times, with the first Roman fortification appearing around 15 BC. By the 3rd century, it was recognized as a city, and its official founding is believed to have occurred around that time. Thanks to its strategic location at the crossroads of three states, Basel consistently experienced dynamic growth in cultural, industrial, and political aspects. In 740, a bishop established residence in Basel, and in 1459, the first Swiss university was founded here under the Pope's decree.
Today, Basel serves as the headquarters for renowned industrial giants such as Clariant, Novartis, Hoffmann-La Roche, and hosts numerous international organizations.
