Helvetia, symbol of Switzerland, sits on the end of Basel's Middle Bridge and looks down the Rhine.
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The yearly Fasnacht (Carnival) is the most important celebration for the people of Basel. The Swiss government has applied for the event to be recognised by UNESCO as a globally important cultural phenomenon (intangible heritage list).
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The Swiss chemical industry operates largely from Basel, and it is also strong in life sciences and nanotech.Basel is also a transport hub, with its Rhine port and Euro airport and is Switzerland’s oldest university city.
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The Rhine flows right through the city, splitting it into Gross- and Kleinbasel ("Greater" and "Lesser" Basel). It is a favourite meeting and swimming place. Every year there is an official Basel Rhine Swim.
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Basel is also famous for Baselworld, the international watch and jewellery fair and Art Basel, a globally important art fair.
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Swiss tennis legend Roger Federer was born in Basel. He is seven-time champion at the Swiss Indoors Basel tournament. It was announced in February 2017 that he had committed to play there until 2019.
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The Fondation Beyeler art museum in Riehen, near Basel. Basel is home to 40 museums, the highest concentration of museums in the country.
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The Tinguely Fountain at Theatre Square, created by renowned Swiss artist and sculptor Jean Tinguely in 1977.
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A historic heart: the town hall on Market Square. Basel attracts one million visitors a year.
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From pharma, to culture and history – and of course the river Rhine.
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