Subdivisions of Switzerland 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 "Städte") are the municipalities with more than 10'000 inhabitants or smaller places which had medieval town rights. There is no specific designation for smaller communities such as "village" or "town". Some subdivisions that exist are: Subdivisions of Switzerland The Swiss Confederation comprises the 26 cantons
Switzerland in the Eurovision Song Contest 1986 Switzerland in the Eurovision Song Contest 1986 Switzerland was present at the Eurovision Song Contest 1986, held in Bergen, Norway. The Swiss national final to select their entry, "Concours Eurovision '86", was held on 25 January at the Schweizer Radio DRS Studios in Zürich, and was hosted by singer Paola Del Medico, who had represented Switzerland in 1969 and 1980. Five juries selected the winner: one jury each from the German, French and Italian cantons of Switzerland, one jury made up of radio, television and newspaper journalists, and one jury composed of "music experts." The winning entry was "Pas pour