All about Basel

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Helvetia, symbol of Switzerland, sits on the end of Basel's Middle Bridge and looks down the Rhine. Keystone

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). Keystone

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. Keystone

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. Keystone

Basel is also famous for Baselworld, the international watch and jewellery fair and Art Basel, a globally important art fair. Keystone

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. Photopress

The Fondation Beyeler art museum in Riehen, near Basel. Basel is home to 40 museums, the highest concentration of museums in the country. Keystone

The Tinguely Fountain at Theatre Square, created by renowned Swiss artist and sculptor Jean Tinguely in 1977. Keystone

A historic heart: the town hall on Market Square. Basel attracts one million visitors a year. Keystone

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From pharma, to culture and history – and of course the river Rhine.

(Pictures: Keystone)