Federal City

The term Federal City (Bundesstadt in German) is a title for certain cities in Germany, Switzerland, the Russian Federation, and the United States.

In Germany, the former capital Bonn has been designated as a Federal City. Since April 28, 1994, it is the second official residence of the President of Germany, the Chancellor of Germany, the Bundesrat (upper house), the first official residence of six federal ministries and approximately 20 federal authorities.

Federal City is also the official title of Bern as the de facto capital of Switzerland. Russia also has two Federal Cities, Moscow and St. Petersburg. Historically, Washington, D.C., has also been called the “Federal City”.

For Bonn, Bern etc. this is merely a title, since Bonn is like many other German cities an independent city, but part of a state.

Some national capitals, like Washington, D.C., Canberra, Mexico City and Brasilia, have a federal status, not belonging to any state. Sometimes this is called Federal district.


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