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Switzerland with its snowcapped mountains, glaciers and lakes is a prized tourist destination. 60% of its area is covered by the Alps mountain range. It is one of the most peace loving countries of the world and has had no wars since the early 16th century. This is especially noticeable as its neighbors have been involved in all kinds of wars, including the two World Wars.
Switzerland
The topography of Switzerland is mostly mountainous with the Alps in south and Jura in the northwest. The central plateau consists of rolling hills, plains, and large lakes. Due to its steep hilly topography, Switzerland is the origin of many great rivers that include the Rhine and the Rhone, while the Po and the Danube are fed by rivers originating here. Glaciers and high waterfalls are a common sight.
Switzerland is a landlocked country that shares its boundary with Austria and Liechtenstein in the east, France in the west, Italy in the south and Germany in the north.
Climate of Switzerland
Switzerland has a varied set of climates; the west is influenced by the Winds blowing in from the Atlantic, the east has a continental climate
, and south of the Alps the climate is almost Mediterranean. Spring is generally wet and cool; April is well known for fast and often changing weather
conditions; summer is warm and dry with maximum temperature of 35°C
(95°F); fall is dry and cool; September and October brings in the cold and dry winter. Apart from high elevation areas, snow is common in lower elevations too.
Flag of Switzerland
The Swiss Flag has a red square with a bold, equilateral white cross in the center that does not extend to the edges of the flag.
Arts, Culture and Music of Switzerland Switzerland has a rich and diverse cultural heritage as the German, French, Italian, and Rhaeto-Roman cultures have all profoundly influenced the broader Swiss culture, even as they have retained their own distinctive forms of expression. Foreign influences have also shaped Switzerland since it has a substantial number of foreign residents in the country. From literature to fine arts to music, drama and films, Switzerland excels in all fields. A number of Swiss artists have gained international recognition. Switzerland, which is known for its rich tradition of folk music, has also made notable contributions to European classical music. Many Opera houses are located here. Lucerne hosts an annual international music festival. The annual Locarno International Film Festival, which highlights the work of young filmmakers, is widely renowned.
Economy of Switzerland
Since approximately two third of Switzerland is covered with forests, lakes and mountains, and there are no mineral resources, Switzerland imports raw materials and then processes and resells them as products. In spite of these restrictions, Switzerland has a highly developed industrialized economy and has one of the highest standards of living in the world. "Services" like banking; assurances and tourism are the most important part of the economy. Farming too is important though it is not enough.
The Swiss Flag has a red square with a bold, equilateral white cross in the center that does not extend to the edges of the flag.
Arts, Culture and Music of Switzerland Switzerland has a rich and diverse cultural heritage as the German, French, Italian, and Rhaeto-Roman cultures have all profoundly influenced the broader Swiss culture, even as they have retained their own distinctive forms of expression. Foreign influences have also shaped Switzerland since it has a substantial number of foreign residents in the country. From literature to fine arts to music, drama and films, Switzerland excels in all fields. A number of Swiss artists have gained international recognition. Switzerland, which is known for its rich tradition of folk music, has also made notable contributions to European classical music. Many Opera houses are located here. Lucerne hosts an annual international music festival. The annual Locarno International Film Festival, which highlights the work of young filmmakers, is widely renowned.
Economy of Switzerland
Since approximately two third of Switzerland is covered with forests, lakes and mountains, and there are no mineral resources, Switzerland imports raw materials and then processes and resells them as products. In spite of these restrictions, Switzerland has a highly developed industrialized economy and has one of the highest standards of living in the world. "Services" like banking; assurances and tourism are the most important part of the economy. Farming too is important though it is not enough.
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