1. City in Kansas (USA); zip code 66408.
2. The capital of Switzerland; located in western Switzerland; Also called: Berne, capital of Switzerland.
(French Berne) Capital of Switzerland and of Bern canton, in W Switzerland on the Aare River; ; canton 945,600. It joined the Swiss confederation 1353 and became the capital 1848. Industries include textiles, chocolate, pharmaceuticals, light metal and electrical goods.
It was founded 1191 and made a free imperial city by Frederick II 1218. Its name is derived from the bear in its coat of arms, and there has been a bear pit in the city since the 16th century. The minster was begun 1421, the town hall 1406, and the university 1834. It is the seat of the Universal Postal Union.