Switzerland

Switzerland is a small European country known for its beautiful, snow-capped mountains and freedom-loving people. The Alps and the Jura Mountains cover more than half of Switzerland.

But most of the Swiss people live on a plateau that extends across the middle of the country between the two mountain ranges. In this region are most of Switzerland's industries and its richest farmlands. Switzerland's capital, Bern, and largest city, Zurich, are also there.

A Short Background

Switzerland's independence and neutrality have long been honored by the major European powers and Switzerland was not involved in either of the two World Wars.

The political and economic integration of Europe over the past half century, as well as Switzerland's role in many UN and international organizations, may be rendering obsolete the country's concern for neutrality.

Location:

Central Europe, east of France, north of Italy

Geographic coordinates:

47 00 N, 8 00 E

Population:

7,283,274 (July 2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun:  Swiss (singular and plural) adjective:  Swiss

Ethnic groups:

German 65%, French 18%, Italian 10%, Romansch 1%, other 6%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 46.1%, Protestant 40%, other 5%, none 8.9% (1990)

Languages:

German (official) 63.7%, French (official) 19.2%, Italian (official) 7.6%, Romansch 0.6%, other 8.9%

Currency:

Swiss franc (CHF)

Currency code:

CHF

Exchange rates:

1 EURO to Swiss Franc: 1.54600 (April 2004)

More Informations:

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