Zurich is the capital of the canton of the same name. It lies on the river Limmat where it flows out of Lake Zurich, and is the largest town in Switzerland.

Situated at the northern end of Lake Zurich, approximately 400 meters above sea level, and with a stunning view of the alps, the city centre is split by the Limmat River. Not without reason, according to the latest study by the renowed consulting firm William M. Mercer, Zurich again has the best quality of life in the whole world. Some of the criteria were safety, cleanliness, political and economic stability, medical services and cultural, culinary and recreational opportunities.

Zurich's charming old town, comprising a substantial part of the city center, is full of beautifully restored historic buildings and narrow, hilly alleys. In the distance, snow-clad peaks overlook the waters of the lake, and the shores are dominated by turn-of-the-century mansions.

The city is a cultural mecca, and in international polls frequently figures among the most desirable cities in the world to live in. In the 19th and 20th centuries in particular it attracted many notable writers, artists and composers. The Dada art movement was born in Zurich's Cabinet Voltaire in 1916. Today it boasts not only many museums, theatres and concert halls, but some 500 bars, nightclubs and discos. The Bahnhofstrasse is one of Switzerland's prime shopping streets.

With a low population of around 360,000 people, Zurich is also a cozy, compact city, but with many things to do and has experienced a creative explosion in recent years.