Nice E. Tambura

SWITZERLAND

Switzerland is known for its beauty that attracts millions of visitors every year. Take a look at these interesting facts about Switzerland.

Switzerland has a population of about 7.7 million. Foreigners account for around 21% of the resident population. The average age is increasing, as people live longer and have fewer children. Lifestyles are changing as the Swiss adapt to new demands.

Switzerland has four national languages, but they vary greatly in the number of speakers.

German French Italian Rhaeto-Rumantsch (Rumantsch)

Christianity is the main religion of Switzerland. Overall, there is an even balance between the Catholic and the Protestants.

Zurich and Geneva are amongst the most populated cities of Switzerland. Geneva is particularly known for its beautiful museums and rich culture.

Culture• The culture of Switzerland

is• characterised by diversity.

The wide range of traditional customs is one reflection of this diversity.

• Folk music– Yodeling- it is said to

have developed from a form of long-distance communication and cow-calls.

Alphorn-originally a call and signal instrument.

Leisure

The Swiss have a well-deserved reputation for being hard workers, but they enjoy their leisure as much as anyone else.

Football Water sports Skiing Hiking

Switzerland also boasts some of the most famous tennis players such as the very talented Martina Hingis and Roger Federer. A peek into the rural areas of Switzerland would reveal the popularity of ‘Schwingen’ or wrestling.

Martina Hingis Roger Federer

The cuisine of Switzerland sees many influences from neighboring areas. Here, you can find dishes that are purely of Swiss origin. One can also come across delicious Italian, French and German cuisines!

Zürcher Geschnetzeltes

Rosti Fondue

GeographySwitzerland has an area of 41,285 square kilometres (15,940 square miles).

The Jura, the Plateau and the Alps form the three main geographic regions of the country.

The mountainous areas of Switzerland are not very much populated.

Alps

PlateauJura

Switzerland has over 1,500 lakes. The two largest, Lakes Geneva is shared with France and Lake Constance with Germany and Austria.

The biggest lake which lies wholly within Switzerland is Lake Neuchâtel.

Farming and agriculture is of utmost importance in this area. The urban Swiss environment still includes gardens as part of the landscapes. There are many tiny farms that can be seen in many areas.

The climate of Switzerland varies with every region. Switzerland basically enjoys a very temperate climate. The summer season is warm but also humid.

In wintertime, the low-lying areas generally experience snowfall and fog.

Education

Switzerland prides itself on its high standard of publicly-funded education.

The Swiss educational system is divided into four stages: preschool, primary, secondary I, secondary II, tertiary and adult education.

Tertiary EducationProfessional

education falls into two categories:

Universities of Applied Sciences offer professional training at university level;

Higher technical schools provide professional or occupational qualifications.

University of Basel Founded in 1460, it is Switzerland’s oldest university.

Government Type: Federal Republic

Capital City: BernPresident ofthe Swiss

Confederation

IncumbentDoris Leuthardsince 1 January

2010

Economy

Switzerland’s economy is based on a highly qualified labour force performing highly skilled work.

This country ranks second amongst the world’s national economies.

The main areas include microtechnology, hitech, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals,as well as banking and insurance know- how.

Apart from Geneva and Zurich, Lugano, Locarno, Lucerne, St Moritz, Interlaken, Berne (the capital city) and of course, the Swiss Alps are the major tourist destinations in Switzerland.

Thus, we see how this beautiful paradise on earth will always remain a dream destination for people from all over the world. It is no wonder; tourists love to flock to this destination any time of the year!

Fun facts that you and I need to know!

Switzerland does thing differently. They have no national flower, animal or motto.

Women are expected to live 6 yrs longer than men.

It was once against the law to slam your car door!

There are no Mosques in Switzerland.

Every citizen is required by law to own a bomb shelter or access to one.

Switzerland has the highest consumption of soft drinks in the world!

References:

http://hubpages.com/hub/Fun-Facts-about-Switzerland

www.swissworld.orgwww.google.com/images

Tausend Dank!

God bless!

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