The Swiss Red Cross ( German : Schweizerisches Rotes Kreuz , French : Croix-Rouge suisse , Italian : Croce Rossa Svizzera , Romansh : Crusch Cotschna svizra ), or SRC ( SRK in German, CRS in French and Italian), is the national Red Cross society for Switzerland .
110-739: The SRC was founded in 1866 in Bern , Switzerland. In accordance with the Geneva Red Cross Agreement and its recognition through the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement , it is a member of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies . The SRC is Switzerland's oldest and largest relief agency, made up of 24 cantonal leagues, five rescue organizations, three foundations and two societies. The Swiss Red Cross
220-572: A daily maximum temperature of 24.3 °C (75.7 °F). The highest temperature recorded at Bern / Zollikofen is 37.0 °C (98.6 °F), recorded in August 2003 . On average, a temperature of 25 °C (77 °F) or above is recorded 40.7 days per year, and 6 days per year with a temperature of 30 °C (86 °F) or above at Zollikofen, and the warmest day reaches an average of 32.1 °C (89.8 °F). There are 103.7 days of air frost, and 22.3 ice days per year at Bern (Zollikofen) for
330-477: A large city-state and a prominent actor of Swiss history by pursuing a policy of sovereign territorial expansion. Since the 15th century, the city was progressively rebuilt and acquired its current characteristics. Bern was made the Federal City in 1848. From about 5,000 inhabitants in the 15th century, the city passed the 100,000 mark in the 1920s. The etymology of the name "Bern" is uncertain. According to
440-651: A large contribution to forming the Swiss public health system, establishing and running a blood donation service and helping in outpatient care and occupational therapy . Helping with transport and house visits, and training carers, the SRC is also engaged in the social-medical area, and was also in large part responsible for the increasing professionalization of hospitals, nursing and rescue work. The SRC also actively supports refugees, asylum seekers and migrants and works in reconstruction and aid work. In international development, it
550-451: A leader in first aid prevention for road accidents, by establishing in 1932 a Permanent Committee on First Aid on Roads, with the collaboration of various motoring associations. As the world headed closer to another war, the activities of the league reduced considerably. Nonetheless, the collaboration between the league and the ICRC continued to grow. The league provided support to the ICRC in
660-611: A member of the Municipal Council. Contrary to most other municipalities, the executive government in Bern is selected by means of a system of Proporz . The mayor is elected as such as well by public election while the heads of the other directorates are assigned by the collegiate. The executive body holds its meetings in the Erlacherhof , built by architect Albrecht Stürler after 1747. As of 2021 , Bern's Municipal Council
770-537: A population of 406,900 in 2014. The metropolitan area had a population of 660,000 in 2000. Bern is also the capital of the canton of Bern , the second-most populous of Switzerland's cantons . The official language is German , but the main spoken language is the local variant of the Alemannic Swiss German dialect, Bernese German . In 1983, the historic old town (in German : Altstadt ) in
880-490: A result of the finding of the Bern zinc tablet in the 1980s, it is now more common to assume that the city was named after a pre-existing toponym of Celtic origin, possibly *berna "cleft". The bear was the heraldic animal of the seal and coat of arms of Bern from at least the 1220s. The earliest reference to the keeping of live bears in the Bärengraben dates to the 1440s. No archaeological evidence that indicates
990-595: A settlement on the site of today's city centre prior to the 12th century has been found so far. In antiquity, a Celtic oppidum stood on the Engehalbinsel (peninsula) north of Bern, fortified since the second century BC (late La Tène period ), thought to be one of the 12 oppida of the Helvetii mentioned by Caesar . During the Roman era , a Gallo-Roman vicus was on the same site. The Bern zinc tablet has
1100-401: Is Manuel Bessler (Switzerland). Former presidents (until 1977 titled "Chairman") have been: The IFRC is funded by statutory contributions from National Societies, the delivery of field services to programme partners, and voluntary contributions from donors such as governments, corporations and individuals. The criteria for the statutory contributions of each National Society are established by
1210-403: Is State Chronicler ( Staatsschreiber ) since 2008. He has been elected by the collegiate. The Stadtrat of Bern for the mandate period of 2021–2024: The City Council (de: Stadtrat , fr: Conseil de ville ) holds legislative power . It is made up of 80 members, with elections held every four years. The City Council decrees regulations and by-laws that are executed by the Municipal Council and
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#17327731699791320-709: Is a partner of Switzerland's "Direktion für Entwicklung und Zusammenarbeit" (direction for development and collaboration) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies , and is well known in the Red Cross movement as being one of the most active national societies on the international scene. In accordance with Switzerland itself, the Swiss Red Cross is a federally structured association based in Bern. In 2007 it had 4,814 employees, with 2,518 in full-time positions, as well as 50,000 volunteers who work about 1.36 million hours. Its central organ
1430-405: Is a worldwide humanitarian aid organization that reaches 160 million people each year through its 191 member National Societies. It acts before, during and after disasters and health emergencies to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people. It does so independently and with impartiality as to nationality, race, gender, religious beliefs, class and political opinions. The IFRC
1540-406: Is devoted to transport infrastructure. Power and water infrastructure, as well as other special developed areas, made up 1.2% of the city, while another 6.5% consists of parks, green belts, and sports fields. Of Bern's total land area, 32.8% is heavily forested. Of the agricultural land, 13.3% is used for growing crops and 4.4% is designated to be used as pasture. Local rivers and streams provide all
1650-520: Is largely medieval and has been recognised by UNESCO as a Cultural World Heritage Site . Perhaps its most famous sight is the Zytglogge (Bernese German for "Time Bell"), an elaborate medieval clock tower with moving puppets. It also has an impressive 15th century Gothic cathedral, the Münster , and a 15th-century town hall. Thanks to 6 kilometres (4 miles) of arcades, the old town boasts one of
1760-454: Is made up of two representatives of the SP ( Social Democratic Party ), and one each of CVP ( Christian Democratic Party ), GFL ( Grüne Freie Liste a.k.a. Green Free List, who is the newly elected mayor since 2017), and GB ( Green Alliance of Bern ), giving the left parties a very strong majority of four out of five seats. The last regular election was held on 29 November 2020. Dr. Jürg Wichtermann
1870-487: Is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement along with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and 191 National Societies . The IFRC's strength lies in its volunteer network, community-based expertise and independence and neutrality. It works to improve humanitarian standards, as partners in development and in response to disasters. It persuades decision makers to act in
1980-492: Is the "Red Cross Assembly", made up of 64 delegates from the Cantonal Associations and 33 members of the rescue organizations. The 9-member "Red Cross Council" deals with strategic decisions and is supported through the offices of the SRC. The President (since 2001 the lawyer and former State Councillor René Rhinow ) represents the SRC and the "Red Cross Council", as well as being ex officio vice-president of
2090-548: Is today the canton of Bern and the canton of Vaud . The city grew out towards the west of the boundaries of the peninsula formed by the river Aare . The Zytglogge tower marked the western boundary of the city from 1191 until 1256, when the Käfigturm took over this role until 1345. It was succeeded by the Christoffelturm (formerly located closer to the site of the modern-day railway station) until 1622. During
2200-467: Is used for agricultural purposes, while 17.21 km (6.64 sq mi) or 33.3% is forested. Of the rest of the land, 23.76 km (9.17 sq mi) or 46.0% is settled (buildings or roads), 1.08 km (0.42 sq mi) or 2.1% is either rivers or lakes, and 0.14 km (0.054 sq mi) or 0.3% is unproductive land. Of the developed area of Bern, 3.1% consists of industrial buildings, 22.3% housing and other buildings, and 12.9%
2310-4035: The [REDACTED] Cook Islands [REDACTED] Costa Rica [ es ] [REDACTED] Côte d'Ivoire [REDACTED] Croatia [REDACTED] Cuba [ es ] [REDACTED] Cyprus [REDACTED] Czech Republic [REDACTED] Denmark [REDACTED] Djibouti [REDACTED] Dominica [REDACTED] Dominican Republic [REDACTED] Ecuador [ es ] [REDACTED] Egypt [REDACTED] El Salvador [REDACTED] Equatorial Guinea [REDACTED] Eritrea [REDACTED] Estonia [REDACTED] Eswatini [REDACTED] Ethiopia [REDACTED] Fiji [REDACTED] Finland [REDACTED] France [REDACTED] Gabon [REDACTED] Gambia [REDACTED] Georgia [REDACTED] Germany [REDACTED] Ghana [REDACTED] Greece [REDACTED] Grenada [REDACTED] Guatemala [REDACTED] Guinea [REDACTED] Guinea-Bissau [REDACTED] Guyana [REDACTED] Haiti [REDACTED] Honduras [REDACTED] Hungary [REDACTED] Iceland [REDACTED] India [REDACTED] Indonesia [REDACTED] Iran [REDACTED] Iraq [REDACTED] Ireland [REDACTED] Israel [REDACTED] Italy [REDACTED] Jamaica [REDACTED] Japan [REDACTED] Jordan [REDACTED] Kazakhstan [REDACTED] Kenya [REDACTED] Kiribati [REDACTED] Korea, North [REDACTED] Korea, South [REDACTED] Kuwait [REDACTED] Kyrgyzstan [REDACTED] Laos [REDACTED] Latvia [REDACTED] Lebanon [REDACTED] Lesotho [REDACTED] Liberia [REDACTED] Libya [REDACTED] Liechtenstein [REDACTED] Lithuania [REDACTED] Luxembourg [REDACTED] Madagascar [REDACTED] Malawi [REDACTED] Malaysia [REDACTED] Maldives [REDACTED] Mali [REDACTED] Malta [REDACTED] Marshall Islands [REDACTED] Mauritania [REDACTED] Mauritius [REDACTED] Mexico [REDACTED] Micronesia, Federated States of [REDACTED] Moldova [REDACTED] Monaco [REDACTED] Mongolia [REDACTED] Montenegro [REDACTED] Morocco [REDACTED] Mozambique [REDACTED] Myanmar [REDACTED] Namibia [REDACTED] Nepal [REDACTED] Netherlands [REDACTED] New Zealand [REDACTED] Nicaragua [REDACTED] Niger [REDACTED] Nigeria [REDACTED] North Macedonia [REDACTED] Norway [REDACTED] Pakistan [REDACTED] Palau [REDACTED] Palestine [REDACTED] Panama [REDACTED] Papua New Guinea [REDACTED] Paraguay [REDACTED] Peru (suspended) [REDACTED] Philippines [REDACTED] Poland [REDACTED] Portugal [ pt ] [REDACTED] Qatar [REDACTED] Republika Srpska [REDACTED] Romania [REDACTED] Russia [REDACTED] Rwanda [REDACTED] Saint Kitts and Nevis [REDACTED] Saint Lucia [REDACTED] Saint Vincent and
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#17327731699792420-4035: The [REDACTED] Cook Islands [REDACTED] Costa Rica [ es ] [REDACTED] Côte d'Ivoire [REDACTED] Croatia [REDACTED] Cuba [ es ] [REDACTED] Cyprus [REDACTED] Czech Republic [REDACTED] Denmark [REDACTED] Djibouti [REDACTED] Dominica [REDACTED] Dominican Republic [REDACTED] Ecuador [ es ] [REDACTED] Egypt [REDACTED] El Salvador [REDACTED] Equatorial Guinea [REDACTED] Eritrea [REDACTED] Estonia [REDACTED] Eswatini [REDACTED] Ethiopia [REDACTED] Fiji [REDACTED] Finland [REDACTED] France [REDACTED] Gabon [REDACTED] Gambia [REDACTED] Georgia [REDACTED] Germany [REDACTED] Ghana [REDACTED] Greece [REDACTED] Grenada [REDACTED] Guatemala [REDACTED] Guinea [REDACTED] Guinea-Bissau [REDACTED] Guyana [REDACTED] Haiti [REDACTED] Honduras [REDACTED] Hungary [REDACTED] Iceland [REDACTED] India [REDACTED] Indonesia [REDACTED] Iran [REDACTED] Iraq [REDACTED] Ireland [REDACTED] Israel [REDACTED] Italy [REDACTED] Jamaica [REDACTED] Japan [REDACTED] Jordan [REDACTED] Kazakhstan [REDACTED] Kenya [REDACTED] Kiribati [REDACTED] Korea, North [REDACTED] Korea, South [REDACTED] Kuwait [REDACTED] Kyrgyzstan [REDACTED] Laos [REDACTED] Latvia [REDACTED] Lebanon [REDACTED] Lesotho [REDACTED] Liberia [REDACTED] Libya [REDACTED] Liechtenstein [REDACTED] Lithuania [REDACTED] Luxembourg [REDACTED] Madagascar [REDACTED] Malawi [REDACTED] Malaysia [REDACTED] Maldives [REDACTED] Mali [REDACTED] Malta [REDACTED] Marshall Islands [REDACTED] Mauritania [REDACTED] Mauritius [REDACTED] Mexico [REDACTED] Micronesia, Federated States of [REDACTED] Moldova [REDACTED] Monaco [REDACTED] Mongolia [REDACTED] Montenegro [REDACTED] Morocco [REDACTED] Mozambique [REDACTED] Myanmar [REDACTED] Namibia [REDACTED] Nepal [REDACTED] Netherlands [REDACTED] New Zealand [REDACTED] Nicaragua [REDACTED] Niger [REDACTED] Nigeria [REDACTED] North Macedonia [REDACTED] Norway [REDACTED] Pakistan [REDACTED] Palau [REDACTED] Palestine [REDACTED] Panama [REDACTED] Papua New Guinea [REDACTED] Paraguay [REDACTED] Peru (suspended) [REDACTED] Philippines [REDACTED] Poland [REDACTED] Portugal [ pt ] [REDACTED] Qatar [REDACTED] Republika Srpska [REDACTED] Romania [REDACTED] Russia [REDACTED] Rwanda [REDACTED] Saint Kitts and Nevis [REDACTED] Saint Lucia [REDACTED] Saint Vincent and
2530-746: The 2015 federal election for the Swiss National Council the most popular party was the PS which received 34.3% of the vote. The next five most popular parties were the Green Party (17.4%), the UDC (12.4%), and the FDP/PLR (9.9%), glp/pvl (9.4%), and the BDP/PBD (7.0%). In the federal election, a total of 48,556 voters were cast, and the voter turnout was 56.0%. The Municipal Council of
2640-404: The 2019 federal election for the Swiss National Council the most popular party was the PS which received 28.7% (-5.6) of the vote. The next five most popular parties were the Green Party (25.2%, +7.9), the pvl (13.5%, +4.1), the UDC (9.5%, -2.9), PLR (4.2%, -2.8), and the BDP/PBD (7.0%). In the federal election a total of 49,030 votes were cast, and the voter turnout was 56%. In
2750-727: The American Red Cross , the British Red Cross , the German Red Cross , and the Red Cross Societies of Sweden and Norway . Another major mission of the IFRC which has gained attention in recent years is its commitment to work towards a codified, worldwide ban on the use of land mines and to bring medical, psychological, and social support for people injured by land mines. The stated tasks of
2860-594: The Catholic Church . Of the rest of the population, there were 1,874 members of an Orthodox church (or about 1.46% of the population), there were 229 persons (or about 0.18% of the population) who belonged to the Christ Catholic Church , and there were 5,531 persons (or about 4.30% of the population) who belonged to another Christian religion. There were 324 persons (or about 0.25% of the population) who were Jewish , and 4,907 (or about 3.81% of
2970-476: The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies . Since 2008 the SRC's director is the economist, legal and social scientist Markus Mader. 20% of the SRC's funding comes from private donations, over 50% from the health services it provides, 13% from the public purse, and the remaining 17% from other sources. In 2007 the SRC's income was 750 million Swiss francs, with a balance of 1.7 million Swiss francs. The SRC offices in Bern and Wabern handle
3080-600: The Italian Red Cross ) Bern Bern ( Swiss Standard German: [bɛrn] ), or Berne ( French: [bɛʁn] ), is the de facto capital of Switzerland , referred to as the " federal city ". With a population of about 133,000 (as of 2022 ), Bern is the fifth-most populous city in Switzerland, behind Zürich , Geneva , Basel and Lausanne . The Bern agglomeration, which includes 36 municipalities, had
3190-577: The RCSC ) [REDACTED] Kosovo (non-member) [REDACTED] Macau (autonomous branch of the RCSC ) [REDACTED] Oman (non-member) [REDACTED] Ossetia, South (non-member) [REDACTED] SADR (pending recognition and admission) [REDACTED] Somaliland (non-member) [REDACTED] Taiwan (former member) [REDACTED] Transnistria (non-member) [REDACTED] Vatican City (autonomous branch of
3300-527: The RCSC ) [REDACTED] Kosovo (non-member) [REDACTED] Macau (autonomous branch of the RCSC ) [REDACTED] Oman (non-member) [REDACTED] Ossetia, South (non-member) [REDACTED] SADR (pending recognition and admission) [REDACTED] Somaliland (non-member) [REDACTED] Taiwan (former member) [REDACTED] Transnistria (non-member) [REDACTED] Vatican City (autonomous branch of
3410-1194: The Stadthaus (Town Hall). The last regular election of the City Council was held on 29 November 2020 for the mandate period ( German : Legislatur , French : la législature ) from 2021 to 2024. The City Council consist of 23 (-1) members of the Social Democratic Party (SP/PS) including two seats by the junior party JUSO , 11 (+3) Green Liberal Party (glp/pvl) including two member of its junior party jglp , 10 (+1) Green Alliance of Bern (GB) , 8 (-1) The Liberals (FDP/PLR) including one seat by its junior partner JF / DL , 7 (-2) Swiss People's Party (SVP/UDC) , 7 (-1) Grüne Freie Liste (GFL) (Green Free List), 3 (+1) Junge Alternative (JA!) (or Young Alternatives), 3 (+1) Alternative Linke Bern (AL) , 2 (-1) Conservative Democratic Party (BDP/PBD) , 2 (-) Christian Democratic People's Party (CVP/PDC) , 2 (-) Evangelical People's Party (EVP/PEV) , 1 (-) Swiss Party of Labour (PdA) , and 1 Grüne alternative Partei (GaP) (or Green alternative Party). In
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3520-539: The Thirty Years' War , two new fortifications – the so-called big and small Schanze (entrenchments) – were built to protect the whole area of the peninsula. After a major blaze in 1405, the city's original wooden buildings were gradually replaced by half-timbered houses, and subsequently the sandstone buildings which came to be characteristic for the Old Town. Despite waves of pestilence that hit Europe in
3630-475: The executive government of the City of Bern and operates as a collegiate authority . It is composed of five councillors ( German : Gemeinderat/-rätin , French : conseiller/conseillère municipal(e) ), each presiding over a directorate (de: Direktion , fr: direction ) comprising several departments and bureaus. The president of the executive department acts as mayor (de: Stadtpräsident , fr: Le Maire ). In
3740-608: The national parliament , government and part of the federal administration, can also be visited. Albert Einstein lived in a flat at the Kramgasse 49, the site of the Einsteinhaus , from 1903 to 1905, the year in which the Annus Mirabilis papers were published. International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies ( IFRC )
3850-450: The socialist First and Second Internationals were held in Bern, particularly during World War I when Switzerland was neutral; see Bern International . The city's population rose from about 5,000 in the 15th century to about 12,000 by 1800 and to above 60,000 by 1900, passing the 100,000 mark during the 1920s. Population peaked during the 1960s at 165,000 and has since decreased slightly, to below 130,000 by 2000. As of September 2017,
3960-603: The 14th century, the city continued to grow, mainly due to immigration from the surrounding countryside. During the 18th century, the city of Bern was at one point the largest shareholder in the South Sea Company , a British joint-stock company which was involved in the Atlantic slave trade . From 1689 to 3 March 1798 in the town was printed, in French , the biweekly newspaper Gazette de Berne , which reflected
4070-591: The 1960s, there were more than 100 societies around the world. On December 10, 1963, the league and the ICRC jointly received the Nobel Peace Prize. In 1983, the League of Red Cross Societies was renamed the "League of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies" to reflect the growing number of National Societies operating under the Red Crescent symbol. Three years later, the seven fundamental principles of
4180-550: The Federation Secretariat. The focus at that time was of one team, with a common mission, common goals in support of a sister red cross or red crescent society affected by a disaster. Hurricane Mitch affected few countries in Central America in 1998. The disaster relief efforts could be considered one of the disaster response operations that change the course of multilateralism within the membership of
4290-599: The Finance Commission and approved by the General Assembly. Additional funding, especially for unforeseen relief assistance missions, is raised by emergency appeals. The emblem of the IFRC is the combination of a red cross and a red crescent on a white background, surrounded by a red rectangular frame without any additional text. The red cross, the original symbol of the Movement, is on the left while
4400-2005: The Grenadines [REDACTED] Samoa [REDACTED] San Marino [REDACTED] São Tomé and Príncipe [REDACTED] Saudi Arabia [REDACTED] Senegal [REDACTED] Serbia [REDACTED] Seychelles [REDACTED] Sierra Leone [REDACTED] Singapore [REDACTED] Slovakia [REDACTED] Slovenia [REDACTED] Solomon Islands [REDACTED] Somalia [REDACTED] South Africa [REDACTED] South Sudan [REDACTED] Spain [REDACTED] Sri Lanka [REDACTED] Sudan [REDACTED] Suriname [REDACTED] Sweden [REDACTED] Switzerland [REDACTED] Syria [REDACTED] Taiwan (Republic of China) [REDACTED] Tajikistan [REDACTED] Tanzania [REDACTED] Thailand [REDACTED] Timor-Leste [REDACTED] Togo [REDACTED] Tonga [REDACTED] Trinidad and Tobago [REDACTED] Tunisia [REDACTED] Turkey [REDACTED] Turkmenistan [REDACTED] Tuvalu [REDACTED] Uganda [REDACTED] Ukraine [REDACTED] United Arab Emirates [REDACTED] United Kingdom [REDACTED] United States [REDACTED] Uruguay [REDACTED] Uzbekistan [REDACTED] Vanuatu [REDACTED] Venezuela [REDACTED] Viet Nam [REDACTED] Yemen [REDACTED] Zambia [REDACTED] Zimbabwe [REDACTED] Abkhazia (no-member) [REDACTED] Cyprus, North (non-member) [REDACTED] Hong Kong (autonomous branch of
4510-1944: The Grenadines [REDACTED] Samoa [REDACTED] San Marino [REDACTED] São Tomé and Príncipe [REDACTED] Saudi Arabia [REDACTED] Senegal [REDACTED] Serbia [REDACTED] Seychelles [REDACTED] Sierra Leone [REDACTED] Singapore [REDACTED] Slovakia [REDACTED] Slovenia [REDACTED] Solomon Islands [REDACTED] Somalia [REDACTED] South Africa [REDACTED] South Sudan [REDACTED] Spain [REDACTED] Sri Lanka [REDACTED] Sudan [REDACTED] Suriname [REDACTED] Sweden [REDACTED] Switzerland [REDACTED] Syria [REDACTED] Taiwan (Republic of China) [REDACTED] Tajikistan [REDACTED] Tanzania [REDACTED] Thailand [REDACTED] Timor-Leste [REDACTED] Togo [REDACTED] Tonga [REDACTED] Trinidad and Tobago [REDACTED] Tunisia [REDACTED] Turkey [REDACTED] Turkmenistan [REDACTED] Tuvalu [REDACTED] Uganda [REDACTED] Ukraine [REDACTED] United Arab Emirates [REDACTED] United Kingdom [REDACTED] United States [REDACTED] Uruguay [REDACTED] Uzbekistan [REDACTED] Vanuatu [REDACTED] Venezuela [REDACTED] Viet Nam [REDACTED] Yemen [REDACTED] Zambia [REDACTED] Zimbabwe [REDACTED] Abkhazia (no-member) [REDACTED] Cyprus, North (non-member) [REDACTED] Hong Kong (autonomous branch of
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4620-588: The ICRC at various times, first and foremost when the American Red Cross threatened to supplant the ICRC with its creation of the league as "a real international Red Cross" after the First World War . Several agreements about the respective roles of the organizations helped to smooth relations, beginning with the agreement of 1928, the 1997 Seville Agreement and most recently the Supplementary Measures of 2005. The Seville Agreement gives
4730-577: The ICRC. The IFRC cooperates with the National Societies of the affected countries – called the Host National Society (HNS) – as well as the National Societies of other countries willing to offer assistance – called Partner National Societies (PNS). Among the 190 National Societies admitted to the General Assembly of the IFRC as full members or observers, about 25–30 regularly work as PNS in other countries. The most active are
4840-477: The IFRC can be summarized as follows: The Red Cross Red Crescent is the world's largest humanitarian network with: The IFRC has its secretariat in Geneva and has five regional offices and numerous country and multi-country cluster offices around the world. The secretary general is Jagan Chapagain (Nepal). The IFRC is governed by a governing board consisting of a president, five vice presidents (one ex-officio),
4950-1711: The IFRC the lead in any emergency which does not take place as part of armed conflict (in which case the ICRC takes charge). Organizational discord has now largely subsided. [REDACTED] Afghanistan [REDACTED] Albania [REDACTED] Algeria [REDACTED] Andorra [REDACTED] Angola [REDACTED] Antigua and Barbuda [REDACTED] Argentina [REDACTED] Armenia [REDACTED] Australia [REDACTED] Austria [REDACTED] Azerbaijan [REDACTED] The Bahamas [REDACTED] Bahrain [REDACTED] Bangladesh [REDACTED] Barbados [REDACTED] Belarus (suspended) [REDACTED] Belgium [REDACTED] Belize [REDACTED] Benin [REDACTED] Bhutan [REDACTED] Bolivia [REDACTED] Bosnia and Herzegovina [REDACTED] Botswana [REDACTED] Brazil [REDACTED] Brunei [REDACTED] Bulgaria [REDACTED] Burkina Faso [REDACTED] Burundi [REDACTED] Cambodia [REDACTED] Cameroon [REDACTED] Canada [REDACTED] Cape Verde [REDACTED] Central African Republic [REDACTED] Chad [REDACTED] Chile [ es ] [REDACTED] China [REDACTED] Colombia [REDACTED] Comoros [REDACTED] Congo [ it ] [REDACTED] Congo, Democratic Republic of
5060-634: The International Federation. Since then, bilateralism become the new norm, and the reduce number of red cross from wealthy countries responding to disasters and expanding to development work continuously grow during the 2000s, including the growing number of red crescent societies operating internationally. In 2004, the IFRC began its largest mission to date after the tsunami disaster in South Asia . More than 40 National Societies worked with more than 22,000 volunteers to bring relief to
5170-665: The League of Red Cross Societies was invited, along with the ICRC and AFSC , by the United Nations to take part in a $ 32 million emergency relief program working with Palestinian refugees. The League was given responsibility for Lebanon , Syria , and Jordan , and the American Friends Service Committee for the Gaza Strip . Following disastrous weather conditions that afflicted parts of
5280-671: The Lindenhof hospital will be investing in major structural work to replace existing facilities so that it can offer progressive and efficient services. The Swiss Red Cross of Appenzell running in Heiden, Switzerland , in Appenzell Ausserrhoden the Henry Dunant Museum , dedicated to the life and work of Henry Dunant , the founder of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement . Presidents of
5390-596: The Management Secretariat, the Legal Service, the Delegate for International Relations, a Competence Centre for Youth and a Competence Centre for Voluntary Work, and Institutional Development. Similar to the federal structure of Switzerland, the SRC is a decentralized organization, with 24 cantonal associations throughout Switzerland. The 24 cantonal associations adjust their work to the needs of
5500-563: The Movement, as adopted at the XXth International Conference of the Red Cross in 1965, were incorporated into the league's statutes. The name of the league was changed again during the General Assembly of 1991 to its current official designation the "International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies" (IFRC). In 1997, the ICRC and the IFRC signed the Seville Agreement , which further defined
5610-684: The National Societies of the Nordic Red Cross (Denmark, Finland, Sweden and Norway) returned to the league after resigning three years earlier because of the discords within the Red Cross movement. The Alliance of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies of the Soviet Union joined the league during the XVth International Conference in 1934. By the mid-1930s, the league became truly universal, with 58 registered National Societies. The league's headquarters, named
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#17327731699795720-500: The National Societies' independence and allowed them to pursue their civilian relief activities without causing friction with the belligerent, occupied and neutral states. After a six-year hiatus, the board of governors held its first meeting in October 1945. The post-war period provided a new driving force to the league as it resumed its relations with the National Societies and provided relief to war-affected regions. In December 1948
5830-623: The Red Cross (1921, 1923, 1926). The statutes adopted in 1928 at the XIIIth International Conference of the Red Cross in The Hague clarified and confirmed the roles of each entity. In that same year, the "International Council" was founded to coordinate cooperation between the ICRC and the league, a task which was later taken over by the Standing Commission of the Red Cross and Red Crescent . In 1920,
5940-1576: The SRC and its precursor organisations: [REDACTED] Afghanistan [REDACTED] Albania [REDACTED] Algeria [REDACTED] Andorra [REDACTED] Angola [REDACTED] Antigua and Barbuda [REDACTED] Argentina [REDACTED] Armenia [REDACTED] Australia [REDACTED] Austria [REDACTED] Azerbaijan [REDACTED] The Bahamas [REDACTED] Bahrain [REDACTED] Bangladesh [REDACTED] Barbados [REDACTED] Belarus (suspended) [REDACTED] Belgium [REDACTED] Belize [REDACTED] Benin [REDACTED] Bhutan [REDACTED] Bolivia [REDACTED] Bosnia and Herzegovina [REDACTED] Botswana [REDACTED] Brazil [REDACTED] Brunei [REDACTED] Bulgaria [REDACTED] Burkina Faso [REDACTED] Burundi [REDACTED] Cambodia [REDACTED] Cameroon [REDACTED] Canada [REDACTED] Cape Verde [REDACTED] Central African Republic [REDACTED] Chad [REDACTED] Chile [ es ] [REDACTED] China [REDACTED] Colombia [REDACTED] Comoros [REDACTED] Congo [ it ] [REDACTED] Congo, Democratic Republic of
6050-644: The Swiss Red Cross), and was its leader until 1885. It lasted until the start of the 20th century, with the appointment of the doctor Walther Sahli as standing Central Secretary in 1898 from the Centralverein and with the Hülfsverein founded by Dubs, Moynier and Dufour beginning to consolidate the SRC structures. As a result, cantonal and local sections were established, Red Cross nursing organisations formed and transport sections set up. In 1903
6160-425: The administration. The delegates are selected by means of a system of proportional representation . The sessions of the City Council are public. Unlike members of the Municipal Council, members of the City Council are not politicians by profession, and they are paid a fee based on their attendance. Any resident of Bern allowed to vote can be elected as a member of the City Council. The parliament holds its meetings in
6270-572: The cantonal associations work together. Their collaboration is coordinated by the National Conference of the Cantonal Red Cross Associations and the National Conference of Cantonal Association Managers. The governing body of the cantonal associations is the executive committee. The cantonal associations have their National Secretariat in Bern . The National Secretariat of the cantonal associations carries out
6380-723: The centre of Bern became a UNESCO World Heritage Site . It is notably surrounded by the Aare , a major river of the Swiss Plateau . Although fortified settlements were established since antiquity, the medieval city proper was founded by the Zähringer ruling family, probably in 1191 by Berthold V, Duke of Zähringen . Bern was made a free imperial city in 1218 and, in 1353, it joined the Swiss Confederacy , becoming one of its eight early cantons. Since then, Bern became
6490-604: The chairman of the finance commission and representatives from 20 National Societies. The highest body of the IFRC is the General Assembly which convenes every two years with delegates from all National Societies. Among other tasks, the General Assembly elects the president. The current president of the IFRC is Kate Forbes (USA). As of 2024 , the president of the IFRC is Kate Forbes (USA). The vice presidents are Mr Bolaji Akpan Anani (Nigeria), Mr Miguel Villarroel Sierraalta (Venezuela), Ms Maha Barjas Al-Barjas (Kuwait) and Ms Natia Loladze (Georgia). The fifth, ex-officio, vice president
6600-447: The city of Bern decided against having twinned cities except for a temporary (during the UEFA Euro 2008 ) cooperation with the Austrian city Salzburg . Bern has a population (as of December 2020 ) of 134,794. About 34% of the population are resident foreign nationals. Over the 10 years between 2000 and 2010, the population changed at a rate of 0.6%. Migration accounted for 1.3%, while births and deaths accounted for −2.1%. Most of
6710-413: The construction rate of new housing units was 1.2 new units per 1000 residents. As of 2003 the average price to rent an average apartment in Bern was 1108.92 Swiss francs (CHF) per month (US$ 890, £500, €710 approx. exchange rate from 2003). The average rate for a one-room apartment was 619.82 CHF (US$ 500, £280, €400), a two-room apartment was about 879.36 CHF (US$ 700, £400, €560), a three-room apartment
SECTION 60
#17327731699796820-452: The continuity of its work from a neutral country such as Switzerland. To this day, the secretariat's offices have remained in Geneva, but it was only in 1959 that the secretariat moved into its current headquarters in Petit-Saconnex. During the first years of the league, the work was essentially reactive and consisted mostly of recording information and statistics to be shared with the National Societies. The league's first operational mission
6930-400: The countless victims left without food and shelter and endangered by the risk of epidemics. The IFRC coordinates between National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies throughout the world. The IFRC along with ICRC supports the foundation of new National Societies in countries where no official society exists. A National Society is admitted as a member to the IFRC only after it is recognized by
7040-667: The day-to-day business of the SRC at national level. They carry out the instructions of the Red Cross Assembly and the Red Cross Council and are the centre of expertise and services for the whole SRC Group. The SRC Headquarters are divided into four departments: International Cooperation (disaster relief within Switzerland or abroad, reconstruction, development cooperation), Health & Integration (health, integration, SRC Outpatient Clinic for victims of torture and war, asylum, vocational training, fundamentals & development, Red Cross Service), marketing & communication, finance, human resources & logistics. The Management Services comprise
7150-401: The economic powerhouse of Zürich, while Catholic and conservative Lucerne had been part of the Sonderbund during the war a year before. In addition, Bern had a more central location and was supported by the French-speaking cantons due to proximity to them. However, the constitution doesn't define Bern as official capital of Switzerland, but as the seat of government. A number of congresses of
7260-426: The first Director-General. This newly created federation of National Societies expanded the international mandate of the Red Cross Movement beyond the strict mission of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to include relief assistance in response to emergencies which were not caused by armed conflict. In addition to the coordination of relief operations caused by natural disasters and health emergencies,
7370-429: The first time, 35 National Red Cross Societies participated in a joint action of the ICRC and the league, for which the record sum of 277 million Swiss francs was donated. The league began issuing appeals in 1925 but appeals were not consistently issued for all disasters. During the 1920s and 1930s disaster relief remained a minor activity, behind public health, nursing and youth activities. The National Societies, with
7480-437: The form of the "Kinderhilfe" and provided for civilians and soldiers interned in Switzerland. In almost all the countries of Europe, it had own aid programmes or was involved in those set up by others. The SRC had its national and international meaning strengthened by both world wars and so from 1945 it expanded its scope and gained new recognition both at home and abroad, shifting its focus from military to civilian aid. It made
7590-440: The inter-war years, the SRC delivered – among other things – food aid to other countries, such as to Vienna in 1919 and to Russia (suffering from famine ) in 1922. During the Second World War, the SRC provided for the support of the civil population and the army with material and auxiliary personnel and organized a blood donation service. It also promoted nursing training. It provided for 180,000 children to come to Switzerland in
7700-457: The interests of vulnerable people. It works to enable healthy and safe communities, reduce vulnerabilities, strengthen resilience and foster a culture of peace around the world. On 5 May 1919, following the First World War , representatives from the National Red Cross Societies of the Allied Powers (United Kingdom, France, Italy, Japan, and United States) came together in Paris to establish the League of Red Cross Societies (LORCS) whose stated goal
7810-400: The largest canton of the Confederacy as it stood during the Restoration and until the secession of the canton of Jura in 1979. On 28 November 1848, a majority of the new Swiss Federal Assembly deputies chose Bern as the Federal City (seat of the government) of the newly created Swiss federal state , ahead of Zürich and Lucerne . Bern was chosen as not to concentrate all the power in
7920-562: The late 1930s, notably during the Spanish Civil War and the Second Sino-Japanese war , by issuing appeals and establishing distribution points of food and medical supplies for the civilians. The Joint Relief Commission, initiated by the ICRC in 1941, established the mandates of the league and the ICRC, ensuring their continuous support to the National Societies amid the intensifying war. This agreement also increased
8030-734: The league's "General Council, originally composed of representatives of the victorious Allies", welcomed additional National Societies; 27 out of the 31 member societies were represented in 1920. In the following decade, the league admitted over 25 National Societies, including the Egyptian Red Crescent and the Red Lion and Sun of Iran. Following the adoption of the Statutes of the International Red Cross in 1928 (revised in 1952 and 1986, amended in 1995 and 2006),
8140-513: The league's assistance in the 1920s, were better prepared to deal with disaster relief and consequently less in need of external assistance. Additionally, the Great Depression caused economic insecurity worldwide, urging the league to dedicate more coverage to poverty programs. The 1930s saw the growing use of the automobile, the development of road infrastructure and consequently the increase of traffic and casualties. The league became
8250-402: The league's beginnings were expeditious as it took 154 days between the approval of President Wilson and its incorporation. This hasty formation forced Davison to cut corners and leave unresolved issues such as a clear framework of the league's mandate, duties and funding. The coexistence concerns between the league and the ICRC were discussed during three consecutive International Conferences of
8360-456: The league's mission was to assist National Societies in their founding and development, especially in peacetime. In addition to providing assistance to victims of epidemics, natural disasters (earthquakes, floods and hurricanes) and famines, two other activities were developed during the first years of the league. One main activity was to promote health by preventing illnesses and developing the training of nurses and volunteers. The other activity
8470-586: The local legend, based on folk etymology , Berthold V, Duke of Zähringen , the founder of the city of Bern, vowed to name the city after the first animal he met on the hunt, and this turned out to be a bear. It has long been considered likely that the city was named after the Italian city of Verona , which at the time was known as Bern in Middle High German . The city was sometimes referred to as Bern im Üechtland to distinguish it from Verona. As
8580-455: The local population in their catchment area. They are independent associations and rely on the commitment of more than 2,000 staff and over 10,000 volunteers. The cantonal associations mainly provide services in the health promotion, support and integration sectors. The services are intended for the elderly and the sick, the housebound and their family carers, families with children, and children and teenagers. For issues of nationwide significance,
8690-650: The longest covered shopping promenades in Europe. Since the 16th century, the city has had a bear pit, the Bärengraben , at the far end of the Nydeggbrücke to house its heraldic animals. The four bears are now kept in an open-air enclosure nearby, and two other young bears, a present by the Russian president, are kept in Dählhölzli zoo. The Federal Palace ( Bundeshaus ), built from 1857 to 1902, which houses
8800-415: The mandate period 2021–2024 ( Legislatur ) the Municipal Council is presided by Stadtpräsident Alec von Graffenried . Departmental tasks, coordination measures and implementation of laws decreed by the City Council are carried by the Municipal Council. The regular election of the Municipal Council by any inhabitant valid to vote is held every four years. Any resident of Bern allowed to vote can be elected as
8910-600: The most important missions of the SRC, provides the legal basis for the activities of the Blood Transfusion Service. The Lindenhof hospital is a private charitable hospital and is recognized as an official service provider by the Canton of Bern. It offers its services in accordance with the legal provisions and its facilities for every section of the community and for all insurance categories. The hospital does not receive any public funding. From 2008 to 2012,
9020-465: The most recent ice age . The two mountains closest to Bern are Gurten with a height of 864 m (2,835 ft) and Bantiger with a height of 947 m (3,107 ft). The site of the old observatory in Bern is the point of origin of the CH1903 coordinate system at 46°57′08.66″N 7°26′22.50″E / 46.9524056°N 7.4395833°E / 46.9524056; 7.4395833 . The city
9130-545: The municipality. There were 49,873 married individuals, 9,345 widows or widowers and 9,468 individuals who are divorced. As of 2000 , there were 67,115 private households in the municipality, and an average of 1.8 persons per household. There were 34,981 households that consist of only one person and 1,592 households with five or more people. In 2000 , a total of 65,538 apartments (90.6% of the total) were permanently occupied, while 5,352 apartments (7.4%) were seasonally occupied and 1,444 apartments (2.0%) were empty. As of 2009 ,
9240-678: The name Brenodor ("dwelling of Breno"). In the Early Middle Ages, a settlement in Bümpliz , now a city district of Bern, was some 4 km (2 mi) from the medieval city. The medieval city is a foundation of the Zähringer ruling family, which rose to power in Upper Burgundy in the 12th century. According to 14th-century historiography ( Cronica de Berno , 1309), Bern was founded in 1191 by Berthold V, Duke of Zähringen . In 1218, after Berthold died without an heir, Bern
9350-700: The official role of the SRC was codified in a decree of the Federal Assembly , as a promoter of the nursing and in the service of the army. With the invasion of the Bourbaki army in March 1871, the SRC saw its first action as an auxiliary arm. It counted, interned 85,000 for six weeks in Switzerland to furnish member of the French army medically. In the First World War, the SRC was responsible for
9460-658: The opinions of Bern, usually hostile to the politics of Pre-revolutionary France . Bern was occupied by French troops in 1798 during the French Revolutionary Wars , when it was stripped of parts of its territories. It regained control of the Bernese Oberland in 1802, and following the Congress of Vienna of 1814, it newly acquired the Bernese Jura . At this time, it once again became
9570-541: The organisation of Switzerland at the federal level at this time, and for another the organisation was hindered by political and confessional arguments. Also, Switzerland's neutrality and the existence of the International Committee of the Red Cross as an institution in Swiss civil society posed further difficulties. In 1882 the Zurich Pfarrer Walter Kempin founded the "Centralverein des Schweizerischen Roten Kreuzes" (Central Verein of
9680-457: The organizational and administrative work for the governing bodies of the cantonal associations. In certain sectors, the SRC has founded organizations that operate under private law (foundation or joint stock company) or civil law (association). The government resolution passed in June 1951, which states that the provision of the "blood transfusion service for civil and military purposes" is one of
9790-404: The period of 1981–2010, as well as 14.1 days of snowfall, 36.7 days of snow cover per year and the average amount of snow measured per year is 52.6 centimetres (20.7 in). On average, January is the coldest month, with a daily mean temperature of −0.4 °C (31.3 °F), and a daily minimum temperature of −3.6 °C (25.5 °F). The lowest temperature ever recorded at Bern (Zollikofen)
9900-468: The population (as of 2000 ) speaks German (104,465 or 81.2%) as their first language, Italian is the second most common (5,062 or 3.9%) and French is the third (4,671 or 3.6%). There are 171 people who speak Romansh . As of 2008 , the population was 47.5% male and 52.5% female. The population was made up of 44,032 Swiss men (35.4% of the population) and 15,092 (12.1%) non-Swiss men. There were 51,531 Swiss women (41.4%) and 13,726 (11.0%) non-Swiss women. Of
10010-535: The population in the municipality, 39,008 or about 30.3% were born in Bern and lived there in 2000. There were 27,573 or 21.4% who were born in the same canton, while 25,818 or 20.1% were born somewhere else in Switzerland, and 27,812 or 21.6% were born outside of Switzerland. As of 2000 , children and teenagers (0–19 years old) make up 15.1% of the population, while adults (20–64 years old) make up 65% and seniors (over 64 years old) make up 19.9%. As of 2000 , there were 59,948 people who were single and never married in
10120-489: The population) who were Muslim . There were 629 persons who were Buddhist , 1,430 persons who were Hindu and 177 persons who belonged to another religion. 16,363 (or about 12.72% of the population) belonged to no religion, are agnostic or atheist , and 7,855 persons (or about 6.11% of the population) did not answer the question. On 14 December 2014 the Haus der Religionen was inaugurated. The structure of Bern's city centre
10230-595: The red crescent appears to the right. "Per Humanitatem ad Pacem" is the primary motto of the IFRC (Article 1 of the Constitution of the Federation). The mission statement of the IFRC, as formulated in its "Strategy 2010" document is "to improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity". From 1999 to 2004, the common slogan for all activities of the International Movement
10340-524: The resident population stood at 142,349, of which 100,000 were Swiss citizens and 42,349 (31%) resident foreigners. A further estimated 350,000 people live in the immediate urban agglomeration . Bern lies on the Swiss plateau in the canton of Bern, slightly west of the centre of Switzerland and 20 km (12 mi) north of the Bernese Alps . The countryside around Bern was formed by glaciers during
10450-473: The responsibilities of both organisations within the Movement. Until the beginning of the 1990s all disaster relief operations were responded as one Federation in a multilateral form. Donor red cross national societies were used to provide support through the Federation Secretariat, with money and human resources to support the Federation in the response to disasters under the coordination and leadership of
10560-589: The secretariat, was originally based in Geneva. The league moved its secretariat from Geneva to Paris in 1922 with a restrained budget and reduced staff. The need to move away from the ICRC to further develop the league's own identity was part of the decision-making. On September 5, 1939, days following the German troops invasion of Poland, the league personnel in Paris were moved to Geneva. The league believed it could ensure
10670-469: The social and material support of soldiers, such as by specially-equipped hospital trains (Sanitätszüge) for the repatriation of approximately 80,000 wounded soldiers to their own countries, and for treatment of wounded soldiers in Switzerland. A further focal point in the SRC's activities was helping in the efforts against the Spanish flu epidemic, raging in Switzerland and throughout Europe in 1918. In
10780-432: The two organizations. The foundation of the league was seen as an attempt to undermine the leadership position of the ICRC within the Movement and to gradually transfer tasks and competencies to a multilateral institution. As well, Davison did not want to include National Societies of the defeated powers, namely Germany, Austria, Hungary, Bulgaria and Turkey, which was contrary to the ICRC's principle of universality. Moreover,
10890-512: The water in the municipality. According to the Köppen Climate Classification , Bern has an oceanic climate ( Cfb ) closely bordering on a humid continental climate ( Dfb ). The closest weather station near Bern is located in the municipality of Zollikofen , about 5 kilometres (3 mi) north of the city centre. The warmest month for Bern is July, with a daily mean temperature of 18.3 °C (64.9 °F), and
11000-406: The world between 1951 and 1954, the league's relief activities became more operational and were no longer entirely informational. During those years, the league issued numerous appeals and showed great efficiency in disaster relief operations. In the late 1950s, there was a marked increase in the number of recognized Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies due to decolonisation . By the end of
11110-580: Was "The Power of Humanity". In December 2003, the 28th International Conference in Geneva adopted the conference motto "Protecting Human Dignity" as the new slogan for the entire Movement. The official logo for the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement published in April 2016 was described as the red cross and red crescent emblems placed together side by side, encircled by the words "INTERNATIONAL MOVEMENT" in one or other of their official languages (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian or Spanish). It
11220-650: Was "to strengthen and unite, for health activities, already-existing Red Cross Societies and to promote the creation of new Societies". The initiative was taken by Henry P. Davison, then chairman of the American Red Cross' "War Committee", with the support of Woodrow Wilson , the President of the United States of America. Davison was assisted by the British general Sir David Henderson , who became
11330-529: Was about 1040.54 CHF (US$ 830, £470, €670) and a six or more room apartment cost an average of 2094.80 CHF (US$ 1680, £940, €1340). The average apartment price in Bern was 99.4% of the national average of 1116 CHF. The vacancy rate for the municipality, in 2010 , was 0.45%. The historical population is given in the following chart: From the 2000 census , 60,455 or 47.0% belonged to the Swiss Reformed Church , while 31,510 or 24.5% were members of
11440-557: Was described as for use when the ICRC, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies operate together for the purposes of a humanitarian emergency, or a theme or campaign of global concern. The seven Fundamental Principles that guide the work of the IFRC and its members are: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality. The IFRC has come into conflict with
11550-411: Was established on 17 July 1866 at the instigation of Federal Councillor Jakob Dubs and the Red Cross members Gustave Moynier and Guillaume-Henri Dufour . After its foundation, the SRC named itself as an "aid organisation [ Hülfsverein ] for Swiss soldiers and their families". Building the national organisation was, however, full of difficulties. For one thing, there was very little consistency in
11660-546: Was made a free imperial city by the Goldene Handfeste of Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II . In 1353, Bern joined the Swiss Confederacy , becoming the eighth canton of the formative period of 1353 to 1481. Bern invaded and conquered Aargau in 1415 and Vaud in 1536, as well as other smaller territories, thereby becoming the largest city-state north of the Alps . By the 18th century, it comprised most of what
11770-598: Was originally built on a hilly peninsula surrounded by the river Aare , but outgrew natural boundaries by the 19th century. A number of bridges have been built to allow the city to expand beyond the Aare. Bern is built on very uneven ground. An elevation difference of up to 60 metres exists between the inner city districts on the Aare ( Matte , Marzili ) and the higher ones (Kirchenfeld, Länggasse). Bern has an area, as of 2013 , of 51.62 km (19.93 sq mi). Of this area, 9.42 km (3.64 sq mi) or 18.2%
11880-483: Was to create the Junior Red Cross within the National Societies, which introduced children and students to the Red Cross with various educational courses and involved them in practical relief activities. The formation of the league, as an additional international Red Cross organization alongside the ICRC, was not without controversy. The ICRC had, to some extent, valid concerns about a possible rivalry between
11990-509: Was to perform onsite observations of the conditions of the victims of a typhus epidemic in Poland, and to develop and circulate information material to the surrounding countries to prevent the spread of similar epidemics. The first large-scale relief action of the league came after the 1923 earthquake in Japan which killed about 200,000 people and left countless more injured and without shelter. For
12100-471: Was −23.0 °C (−9.4 °F), recorded in February 1929, and typically the coldest temperature of the year reaches an average of −12.8 °C (9.0 °F) for the period of 1981–2010. The municipality is administratively subdivided into six districts ( Stadtteile ), each of which consists of several quarters ( Quartiere ). The Municipal Council (de: Gemeinderat , fr: conseil municipal ) constitutes
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