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Living the Life of Riley: in Zurich

19.03.2008, by Michael Comments (1)

Foto: Flickr.com

While Vienna will host the EURO 08 final games, Zurich had to content itself with three group matches. As to quality of living, however, Switzerland’s largest city is somewhat way ahead.

According to the Quality of Living Survey conducted by Mercer Zurich has the highest quality of living among all the world’s metropolises - Vienna ranked third. The city, which is located in the eastern central part of Switzerland, is traversed by the river Limmat emptying into Lake Zurich at the southern border of the community. The Zurich financial center is located near the banks of the lake, enjoying not only Swiss but international reputation. 90 per cent of Zurich’s working population is employed in the service sector, among others in the media business or in the public transportation sector (Zurich Airport, Zurich Central Station, shipping companies).

The city with a population of 371,000 - people speak a special variant of Swiss German there - hosts the World Football Association’s (FIFA’s) headquarters as well. Since the Austrian-Swiss joint EURO application it had been clear that Zurich should become a Host City. However, there were complications with the stadium, as was also the case in Klagenfurt. Originally, plans foresaw the demolition of Hardturm Stadium. A new arena was to be built there. However, the population opposed the plans of constructing a shopping center and office tower there as well. Therefore, the athletics sports stadium Letzigrund was newly constructed instead.

The construction of the stadium cost some 75 million Euros. In the scope of the EURO 2008 it will stage the Group C games Romania - France, Italy - Romania and a new edition of the World Cup final France - Italy.