Switzerland in General

 
 

Switzerland is a small multi-cultural, multi-lingual country located in the very heart of Europe. It shares common frontiers with five countries - Germany, France, Italy, Austria and the tiny Principality of Liechtenstein. Switzerland is therefore at the crossroads of the continent. It is a focal point of international air, road and rail traffic and easily accessible within hours from major European cities and centres.

 

The name Switzerland comes from "Schwyz", one of the original cantons in the Confederation. The letters "CH" are the country's national designation and stand for "Confederation Helvetica", the Latin words for Swiss Confederation.

Switzerland is a nation shaped by the resolve of its citizens: it is not an ethnic, linguistic or religious entity. Since 1848, it has been a federal state - the second oldest after the United States of America.

 
 

 

Capital Berne
Population 7.5 million
Government Direct democracy
Language German 64%, French 19%, Italian 8%, Romance 1%, others 8%
Religions Catholic 48%, Protestant 44%, others 8%
Geographic facts Area: 15,936 sq mi, 41,293 sq km, Highest Peak: Dufourspitze (Valais) 15,203 ft, 4,634 m
Largest Lake Lake Geneva 223 sq mi, 582 sq km
Largest City Zurich with 343,100 inhabitants
Currency & Money Swiss Francs:
Coins: 5, 10, 20, 50 Cents and 1, 2, 5
Banknotes: 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 1000
Postal rates Airmail, postcards and letters to the USA: CHF 1.80
Dialing from USA International access code 011, country code 41, area code
Dialing from Switzerland US country code 001, area code, number
Electricity The current used throughout Switzerland is 220 Volts. Many electrical travel products, i.e. hair dryers, razors, may be switched from 110 to 220 Volts.
Flag

 

 

 

 

 

 

Each Swiss canton and community has its own flag.


 

 
Major cities Zurich, Geneva, Basel, Lucerne, Lugano, Lausanne
Bordering countries Germany, France, Italy, Austria, Liechtenstein
Landforms Alps and Pre-Alps cover 60%, Central Plateau 30% and Jura 10% of the country
Land area 41,284 km²
Time zone

Central European Time Zone
Standard time: GMT +1, Summer time: GMT +2
See also: http://www.greenwichmeantime.com/
Weather & Climate

The climate is moderate with no excessive heat, cold or humidity. From July to August the daytime temperature range is 18°C to 27°C and from January to February the range is -1°C to 5°C. In spring and autumn, the daytime temperature range is 8°C to 15°C. Depending on the altitude the temperature range may vary. It is highly recommended to pack a sweater, good walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, a compact umbrella and/or a light rain coat. Temperature in Switzerland is measured in degrees Celsius. To convert from Celsius to Fahrenheit multiply by 1.8 then add 32. See also: http://www.meteoswiss.ch/