Government: Why does Switzerland not have a capital city?
Switzerland is a country with immense historical importance. It was a neutral country during World War II and has long stood as a country with impressive timepieces and financial services.
History
Switzerland has had a chaotic past. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Germanic tribes settled the area. The Burgundians settled in the western part of Switzerland and later got conquered by the Franks. During the Medieval Ages, Switzerland saw the Treaty of Verdun divide the country into two with half being given to the Carolingian kings and the other half being given to the Holy Roman Empire. During the Napoleonic Period, France invaded Switzerland and turned it into an ally known as the Helvetic Republic. This invasion caused multiple cantons in the area to receive less power. Napoleon’s Act of Meditation partially restored the power the cantons received before the invasion. During WW2, Switzerland became famous for their neutral stance. They lent their financial services to both sides. After the war, Switzerland still was neutral and in 2002 joined the United Nations. Switzerland currently isn’t part of the EU, however is part of the Schengen Treaty.
Geography
Switzerland is a small country compared to it’s fellow European countries. However, size doesn’t equate to quality. Switzerland is next to countries like Italy, France, Germany, and Austria. It’s cantons/states include Canton of Zurich, Canton of Berne, Canton of Lucerne, Canton of Uri, Canton of Schwyz, Canton of Obwalden, Canton of Nidwalden, Canton of Glarus, Zug Canton, Canton of Fribourg, Canton of Solothurn, Canton of Basel-Stadt, Canton of Basel-Landschaft, Canton of Schaffhausen, Canton of Appenzell-Ausserrhoden, Canton of Appenzell-Innerrhoden, Canton of Saint Gallen, Canton of Graubünden, Canton of Aargau, Canton of Thurgau, Canton of Ticino, Canton of Vaud, Canton of Valais, Canton of Neuchatel, Canton of Geneva, and the Canton of Jura.
Why does it not have a capital city?
Switzerland’s cantons act as if they are autonomous from the country of Switzerland. Each one has its own flag, money, and army. The idea of one canton as being the governmental center seemed unfair to all cantons. If one canton had all the capitol, it would be the governmental center of the country which would mean it would have more power than other cantons. This reaction caused Switzerland to disperse it’s governmental buildings throughout the cantons.
Benefits
The main benefit from this decision is that the country still exists. If one canton had more power, other cantons wouldn’t be on the same level in terms of power. This move allows Switzerland to spread it’s governmental centers throughout it’s land, making the whole country having similar amounts of power. An example of this move would be, Bern hosts the Swiss Parliament Building and Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland. The decision to not have an official city means the country will unite the cantons to think they are all equal.
Switzerland is an amazing country that is unique in many ways. From delicious chocolate to financial services, Switzerland has a lot to offer. It was a smart move to not have an official capital city. Power is something the cantons cannot compromise.