What images does the thought of Switzerland evoke in your mind? Is it the dramatic landscapes and quaint country settings? Or is it the unique French, German and Italian cultural influences? Maybe it's the historic castles and heritage? Whatever it is, Switzerland has something special for you whether your idea of the perfect vacation is hiking in a world of breathtaking vistas or pampering yourself in the lap of luxury.

Economy

Switzerland is a highly developed industrial country with a strong export orientated economy. Machines, synthetics and dyes, agrochemistry and pharmaceuticals, jewellery and watches are the main exports. 95% of all Swiss watches are exported abroad. Switzerland is, above all, well- known world-wide for manufacturing precision instruments and machines. The food industry also has a good international reputation (Swiss chocolate, cheese and baby food are especially famous all over the world). It's true that Switzerland does meet about a half of its food production requirement from abroad; however, agriculture remains a very important economic asset. Grain, potatoes, sugar beet, wine, fruit and tobacco are produced. Cattle breeding and the dairy industry are also very famous.

Switzerland is poor in mineral resources and is dependent on the import of raw materials. Along with the insurance sector and the bank sector, tourism is the most important source of income in the tertiary sector. In addition, Switzerland is one of the most important financial centers in Europe. The main export markets are EU countries such as Germany, France, Italy and Great Britain as well as the USA and Japan. Switzerland is a member of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), but not of the EU.

General Facts

Capital:
Berne

Population:
7,4 million

Population density:
172 per sq. km

Government:
Parliamentary Federal State since 1848, Direct democracy

Cantons:
20 full cantons, 6 half cantons

Languages:
The national languages of Switzerland are German (North, Central and Eastern Switzerland), French (Western Switzerland), Italian (Southern Switzerland) and Romansh - a derive of Latin (South-Eastern Switzerland). English is widely spoken.

Weather and Climate:
The climate is moderate without excessive heat, cold or humidity. From July to August the daytime temperature range is 18 to 28 °C (65° - 82° F) and from January to February the temperature range is -2 to 7 °C (28° - 45° F). In spring and autumn, the daytime temperature range is 8 to 15 °C (46° - 59° F). Depending on the altitude the temperatures may vary. It is highly recommended for visitors to pack a sweater, good walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, a compact umbrella and/or a light rain coat.

Religions:
Catholic (48%), Protestant (44%), others (8%)

Local time:
MET (Middle European Time) (Co-ordinated World Time + 1); March to October: MET + 1 (Co-ordinated World Time + 2)

Geographic Facts

Area
41,293 sq km / 15,936 sq mi

Distance
North to South 220 km / 137 mi.
East to West 348 km / 216 mi.

Length of frontier
1,881 km 1,168 mi.
Switzerland borders France in the West, Germany in the north, Austria and the principality of Liechtenstein in the east and Italy in the south.

Landscape
3 main types of landscape - the Swiss Alps, the hilly Swiss Mittelland, which extends from Lake Constance to Lake Geneva, and the Swiss Jura, a long line of rugged fold mountains.

Highest Peaks
Dufourspitze (Valais): 4,634 m / 15,203 ft
Dom (Valais): 4,545 m / 14,911 ft
Weisshorn (Valais): 4,506 m / 14,793 ft
Matterhorn (Valais): 4,478 m / 14,691 ft

Largest Glacier (Surface)
Aletsch (Valais): 117 sq km / 73 sq ml.
Length 24 km / 15 mi.
Glaciers in total 140

Largest Lakes
Lake Geneva: 582 sq km / 223 sq mi.
Lake Constance: 539 sq km / 208 sq mi.
Lake Neuchâtel: 218 sq km / 83 sq mi.
Lake Maggiore: 212 sq km / 82 sq mi.
Lake Lucerne: 114 sq km / 44 sq mi.
Lake Zurich: 88 sq km / 35 sq mi.
Lakes in total 1,484

Highest Village
Juf (Graubunden): 2,126 m / 7,000 ft

Lowest Village
Ascona (Ticino): 196 m / 690 ft

Largest Cities
Zurich 336,800
Geneva 173,500
Basel 168,700
Berne 122,700
Lucerne 57,000