Classifications, Inventories – Official Swiss commune registerDetails

Brief description
According to Art. 19 of the Swiss Federal Ordinance of 21st May 2008 on geographical names (GeoNV - SR 510.625) the commune names and numbers as listed in the official commune register must be used by all public authorities.
The Federal Statistical Office assigns a number to each commune and creates, administers and publishes the official Swiss commune register (GeoNV - Art. 19, para. 1). All changes to commune names approved by the Federal Directorate of Cadastral Surveying (swisstopo) and any other changes notified by the cantonal office concerned (abolition of communes, changes to commune boundaries and other changes in the districts or comparable administrative entities of the canton) are to be noted in the official register.

Structure and principle use
The official commune register is structured according to cantons and districts or comparable administrative entities. (GeoNV - Art. 19, para. 2). Various federal, cantonal and communal governments and private businesses use this register when identifying and referring to communes.

Please refer to the German, French or Italian pages for detailed information (use the links on top).