Switzerland

Switzerland The Helvetic Confederation, aka Switzerland, is best known as the capital of chocolate, clocks, sheep herders, yodelling, and banks. But don't let yourself be fooled by these clichés. Discover this beautiful land where modern and efficient cities mix with elegant landscapes and buzzing nightlife. Breath some of the purest air in the planet and give yourself a chance to discover this vibrant and cosmopolitan country.

Area: 41.285 Km²
Population: 7.204.000
Density: 174 pop/Km²

System of government: Federal Republic
Capital: Bern (122.500 pop.)
Major cities: Zürich 338.000 pop., Geneva 175.000 pop., Basel 166.000 pop., Lausanne 115.000 pop.
Ethnic majority: Swiss 80,2%, Slavic 4,8%, Italian 4,5%, Portuguese 1,9%, German 1,5%, Spanish 1,2%, Turkish 1,1%, other 4,8%
Border countries: France WEST, Italy SOUTH, Austria and Liechtenstein EAST, Germany NORTH

Principal mountains: Mount Rosa (Dufourspitze) 4634 m, Dom 4.545 m, Weisshorn 4.505 m
Principal rivers: Rhein 375 Km (swiss tract, total 1320 Km), Aare 295 Km, Rodan 264 Km (swiss tract, total 812 Km)
Principal lakes: Lake Geneva 345 Km² (swiss part, total 581 Km²), Lake Neuchatel 215 Km², Bodensee 173 Km² (swiss part, total 538 Km²), Vierwaldstätter See 114 Km²
Principal islands: -
Climate: Temperate - alpin

Language: German, French, Italian, Romansch (all officials)
Religion: Catholic 46%, Protestant 40%, other 14%
Currency: Swiss Franc, Franken or Franco (CHF)

Fixed public holidays: 1/1, 2/1, 1/8, 15/8 (solo Cantoni cattolici), 25/12, 26/12
Dialling code: 0041
GMT: +1

World Heritage List:

• Benedictine Convent of St John at Müstair (1983)
• Convent of St Gall (1983)
• Old City of Berne (1983)
• Three Castles, Defensive Wall and Ramparts of the Market-town of Bellinzone (2000)
• Jungfrau-Aletsch-Bietschhorn (2001)
• Monte San Giorgio (2003)