Zurich has a unique position in Switzerland. It is the country's largest city and home to an internationally reputed financial centre as well as being the focus of an economic region which acts as the motor of Switzerland, and along with Geneva is the most important gateway to the country.

The wide variety of cultural activities and educational institutions define Zurich's character as a diverse, open city with a passion for life. Zurich is the capital of the canton of the same name and the centre of a number of regions which together have some 1.9 million inhabitants. It is famous for its lakeside location and green, densely wooded chain of hills which run through the city from north to south.

Zurich's place on the world stage does not come down to its size but to its strong international networks. The high standards of living, working and accommodation are regularly confirmed in surveys of the local residents, and Zurich consistently finds itself at the top of international rankings of cities in terms of quality of life.