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Municipalities Of SwitzerlandMunicipalities are the smallest government division in Switzerland. Switzerland has approximately 2900 municipalities (communes/Gemeinden/comuni), with many having a population of a few hundred citizens. Each canton defines their responsibilities. These may include providing local government services such as education, medical and social services, public transportation, and tax collection. The degree of centralization varies from one canton to another. Municipalities are generally governed by a council headed by a mayor. Most cantons leave the option to larger municipalities to opt for a city parliament, instead of a general assembly-type legislature. Swiss citizenship is based on the citizenship of a municipality. Every Swiss is citizen of one or several municipalities (i.e. the place of origin, lieu d'origine, Heimatort). Municipalities are financed through direct taxes (e.g. income tax), with rates varying more or less within a framework set by the canton. Many municipalities are having difficulties maintaining the civil services they need to perform the duties they are required to do. In an effort to reduce expenses, many municipalities are combining together (through mergers or the creation of special-purpose districts). This restructuring is generally encouraged by the cantonal governments and the rate of these unions is increasing. "Cities" (villes or Stdte) are the municipalities with more than 10'000 inhabitants. One or more postal codes can by assigned to a municipality or shared with other municipalities. See also: List of cities in Switzerland Lists of municipalities by canton See cantons of Switzerland for the number of municipalities per canton. List of municipalities by population Switzerland, Municipalities of
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