Switzerland
Visited
At a glance
- Region
- Western Europe
- Capital
- Bern
- Population
- 9 million (2024)
- Area
- 41,284 km²
- Languages
- French, Swiss German, Italian, Romansh
- Currency
- Swiss franc (CHF)
- Drives on the
- right
- Calling code
- +41
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Before you go
Overview
The Swiss Confederation is a landlocked country located at the junction of Western, Central and Southern Europe. It has 26 administrative divisions with their capital at Bern.
The country recorded a population of 8.57 million in 2019 and covers an area of 41,285 km2.
Its capital city is Bern. It is home to the largest church in the country; the Cathedral of St. Vincent built in the late Middle Ages.
Other urban cities are Zurich, Geneva, Basel and Lucerne.
Typical Swiss Landscape.
History
The Swiss Confederation was founded in 1291 after 3 divisions formed an alliance to withstand the external control.
Its borders were formed in 1815 at the Congress of Vienna. It remained neutral during the Second World War.
The women voting rights were passed in 1971.
The country became a member of the European Union in 2002.
Food & culture
Swiss culture is diverse and is influenced by that of Germans, French and Italians.
The crops grown in the country are sugar beets, potatoes, cereals and rye. The popular dishes include cheese fondue, raclette, rosti, Swiss chocolate, Swiss cheese and Alplermagronen.
Wildlife
Common wildlife animals found in the country are chamois, red deer, wolves, golden eagle, lynx, ibex, bearded vulture and brown bear.
Festivals & events
The events held in Switzerland include Swiss National Day held on 1st August, Jazz Festival, International Balloon Festival, Paleo Festival, and Geneva International Motor Show.
Things to see
Jungfraujoch is a saddle on the Bernese Alps which connects two 4,000 peaks with a height of 3,46 m above sea level.
Lake Lucerne is the fourth largest lake in the country with unique shape; is has numerous sharp bends and four arms.
The Rhine falls is a known powerful waterfall in Europe located on the High Rhine Switzerland.
Other interesting places to visit are Chillon Castle, Mount Pilatus, Jungfrau, Matterhorn and Lake Geneva.
Interesting facts
The headquarters of FIFA is situated at Zurich City in Switzerland.
The country is the highest producer of chocolate in the world along with the US, Germany and Belgium.
The official languages are German, Romansh, French and Italian.
The official religion is Roman Catholicism.
