Basel

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Basel (Bâle or Basle) City and river port on the River Rhine; capital of Basel-Stadt canton, nw Switzerland. Basel joined the Swiss Confederation in 1501. It is an economic, financial, and cultural centre. There is a cathedral, a 15th-century university, and a 16th-century town hall. It is the centre of the Swiss pharmaceutical industries. Other industries: publishing, silk, electrical engineering, metal goods. Pop. (2000) 166,009.

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