Basel Population 2026
Basel has a population of 177,595, making it the #3 biggest city in 🇨🇭 Switzerland, located in Basel-City. Roughly 2.0% of Switzerland's population lives here. It is about 2.3× smaller than Zürich, the country's biggest city.
Population (city proper)
177,595
Rank in Switzerland
#3
Coordinates
47.56°N, 7.57°E
~279 m elevation · Europe/Zurich
Distance to capital (Bern)
69 km
43 miles, straight line
Other big cities in Basel-City
| City | Population | Rank in Switzerland |
|---|---|---|
| Riehen | 20,000 | #40 |
Cities near Basel
FAQ
What is the population of Basel?
Basel has a population of 177,595 (city proper, latest official figure via GeoNames), making it the #3 biggest city in Switzerland.
What region is Basel in?
Basel is located in Basel-City, Switzerland.
Is Basel the capital of Switzerland?
No, the capital of Switzerland is Bern, about 69 km away.
Sources & notes
Population refers to the city proper (municipal boundaries), not the metropolitan area. Source: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0), retrieved 2026-07-07. Country data: UN World Population Prospects 2024.
← All biggest cities in Switzerland · Switzerland population by year