Switzerland

Population: 7.3 million
Size: 41,284 km2 sq. km.
Official Language: German, French, Italian, Romansch
Capital: Berne
Currency: 1 Switzerland Franc (CF) = approximately 1 Canadian Dollar (CAD) as of August 2006

Switzerland is in central Europe, east of France and north of Italy. The diversity of the landlocked, mountainous country is the essence of Switzerland and gives the country its unique identity. Because of its central position, the weather is influenced by the four main European air currents – from the Atlantic, the eastern continent, the northern subpolar region and the Mediterranen south. The climate is temperate on the Central Plateau, otherwise it differs considerably from region to region.

Central Switzerland’s high altitude regions (up to 3.020 metres) provide Central Switzerland with favourable snow conditions right until spring for skiing, snowboarding and cross-country skiing. In summer, visitors enjoy going for walks in fascinating countryside, visiting cosy inns in rustic mountain villages and world-famous monastery churches and deserted canyons.

The Fribourg region , from the Jura range to the pre-Alpine hills has vast elevated plains with fir trees in lush pastures and farm buildings of light-coloured Jura limestone. This region is a giant nature park, bordering France to the north and crossed by deep canyons to the south. On the southern slopes of the Jura range, terraces vineyards extend down to the shores of Lake Neuchâtel.The elegant university town of Neuchâtel is dominated by a castle and a splendid cathedral. The city of Fribourg, has one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval city centres. The hills of the south look as though covered in green velvet, interspersed with Alpine huts tiled in silvery shingles.

The city of Geneva is often known as the Capital of Peace. The European headquarters of the United Nations is located here. Another well-deserved name for this city is The World’s Smallest Metropolis. Quays, lakeside promenades, parks, elegant stores and lively streets and alleyways in the old part of town wait to be discovered. Visitors can enjoy boat trips on Lake Geneva and the Rhone River or explore the villages and towns huddling the shores. The Alps seem close enough to touch. Geneva - small metropolis surrounded by unspoiled nature and breathtaking scenery.

Eastern Switzerland stretches from the shimmering waters of Lake Constance across the hilly Appenzellerland to the Alpine landscapes of Toggenburg, the Heidiland holiday region and the Glarnerland. Far off in the Rhine Valley is Vaduz with its princes’ castle.

Still, Switzerland is best known for its financial institutions, fine cheeses and chocolate, watch making industry, for its scenery and an excellent network of public traffic.

Visit this link for more information about Switzerland: www.myswitzerland.com