Did you know that Basel is situated in the tri-national corner of Switzerland, France and Germany, forming a metropolitan area with the two half-cantons Basel-City and Basel-Country? The region with a population of 450,000 is well known as a cultural centre and for its thriving economy with a focus on life sciences.

Did you know that Basel Cathedral took nearly 500 years to build? The 'Münster' is one of the city's most endearing features and sits on a hill high over the Rhine. The origin of the modern construction, which is characterised by red sandstone and two slender towers dates back to 1019. The imposing construction was completed in 1500 although people began settling in the region of the strategically placed 'Münster Hill' in the first century before Christ.

Did you know that Basel was the first town to give the public access to a museum? Basel is a centre of culture with a long tradition: it has the world's oldest art collection open to the public since 1671, and an arts-loving population that decided by referendum to buy a number of Picassos paintings for the Kunstmuseum (Museum of Fine Arts) in 1967. Today, no other European city can boast such a high density of top-class museums with nearly 40 museums in an area of only 37 square kilometres. A main theatre and 25 smaller ones, up to 1,000 classical concerts as well as the first 'House of Literature' in Switzerland round off the cultural picture.

Did you know that Basel was previously divided? Locals still differentiate their city today under the titles of 'Big Basel' (left side of the Rhine) and 'Little Basel' (right side of the Rhine). Big Basel is the older part of the city and features one of the most attractive and best preserved old towns in Europe. At its heart is the red town hall, where the government has had its seat since the 14th century. Basel is also a thoroughly modern city though and boasts impressive contemporary architecture.

Did you know that Basel has been an exhibition centre since 1471? Highlights of the annual exhibition calendar include the world's most significant contemporary art exhibition, the Art Basel, and the world's biggest clock and jewellery exhibition, Baselworld. Basel is Switzerland's most dynamic economic region. The city's success is based above all on the productivity of its knowledge-based industries, with international life science and pharmaceutical companies such as Novartis and Roche being headquartered in Basel.

Do you know what a 'Baselr Läckerli' is? It is a non-fat biscuit made from honey-based dough, such as gingerbread. This delicacy was first mentioned back in the 14th Century and was generally made for Christmas time. The main ingredients of the sweet are honey, sugar and flour. To achieve the best flavour, the Baselr store their Leckerlis for a few days before consumption.