Basic information about Zurich

Zurich, Switzerland's financial epicenter, sits just 30 kilometers from the majestic Alps. This city, nestled in the country's north-east by the Limmat River, is home to the Swiss Stock Exchange, as well as branches of globally renowned banks and insurance firms. The Utliberg and Zurichberg mountains provide a natural shield against winds and cyclones, adding to Zurich's allure.

As one of Switzerland's most densely populated cities, Zurich boasts a population of around 500,000. Remarkably, over 30% of its residents are international, predominantly from Germany, Italy, and Serbia. Switzerland's linguistic diversity is also noteworthy, with four national languages: German (spoken by 77% of the population), French, Italian, and Swiss Rhaeto-Romanic.

The site of modern Zurich was once inhabited by ancient Celts and Germans, later supplanted by the Romans. The city's earliest documented reference dates back to 929, marking it as Zurich's official foundation year.

Zurich's "golden age" unfolded in the 16th century under the influence of Ulrich Zwingli, transforming it into a Reformation hub. Since that era, the city's appearance has largely remained unchanged. Zurich epitomizes a classic burgher town, largely untouched by the wars and revolutions of the twentieth century. The only exception was a mistaken bombing by the American air force in 1945. Despite this, Zurich has continuously attracted and still attracts global financial interest.