SWITZERLAND
HISTORY
There is evidence of a dense population existing in the Alps even during the Neolithic era. By 1500 BC Celtic tribes had settled in the area. In the 4th Century, the first Christian settlers came to the area, followed by the Germanic tribes, after the fall of the Western Roman Empire.
Thereafter, there followed many centuries of wars and treaties and divisions and unions of the country by subsequent kings and dukes and other rulers. Finally in 1848, the country adopted a federal constitution. The 26 cantos, into which the country is today divided, are fairly autonomous, having an almost 700 year old history of confederacy. Due to this reason, these cantos are considered the world’s oldest surviving republics.
In its international relations, Switzerland follows the policy of neutrality, due to which it is still not a member of the EU.
GEOGRAPHY
Jura, Plateau and the Alps are the chief geographical divisions of the country. Switzerland is the smallest country out of the 30 countries in the world that have a federal structure. If you were traveling by train it would take you four hours and three by car to travel the whole of the country from north to south. However, it is divided into 26 cantos and has a great geographical diversity. The highest mountains of Europe are in Switzerland.
LOCATION
To the east of France and the north of Italy and south of Germany and west of Austria lies the landlocked European country, Switzerland, covering an area of 41,290 sq km. Switzerland is considered to be located in the heart of Europe.
CAPITAL
Along with being the capital of the canton of Bern, the city of Bern is also the capital of Switzerland. The city centre of Berne has been declared as a world heritage site by UNESCO. Another place worth visiting in Berne is the Federal Palace built from 1857 to 1902, which houses the, government and part of the federal administration.
Despite being a historical city, Berne is a very modern city and one can enjoy here, the charm of both the old and the new world together.
CLIMATE
Due to a vastly diverse geography Switzerland is not as cold as Alaska as some believe it is. During the summer months the temperature in the plains of Switzerland can rise up to 30 degree C. Western parts of the country receive greater rainfall than the rest of the country. Though Switzerland enjoys a moderate climate, the winters are severe, with temperatures dropping from -2 to 7 degrees C.
CULTURE AND CUSTOMS
The Swiss culture is a unique blend of French, Italian and German cultures. These three nations have their indelible effect on every sphere of the Swiss culture from art, literature, architecture, music, language, food etc.
The Swiss are a people who live life with gusto and celebrate many festivals. Festivals like feast day, in honor of a local saint, to several harvest festivals, to music festivals etc, the Swiss participate and enjoy thoroughly.
Some of the world’s renowned libraries and museums are in Switzerland, showing how much value the Swiss give to learning. There is a very large collection of books in the UNO headquarters in Geneva, the Swiss National Library in Berne and the National Museum in Zurich and museums of fine art.
The musical tradition of Switzerland is a very old one, with yodeling and folk music being very popular.
Switzerland is the chocolate country of the world. The very name of the country conjures up the rich, heavenly tastes of sweet Swiss chocolates. Besides chocolates, Swiss fondue and cheese are famous the world over.
If you are visiting a Swiss home, bring unwrapped flowers for the hostess. Social occasions, first-class restaurants and hotel dining rooms should be entered in formal dress.
LANGUAGE
German, French, Italian and Romanish are the four major languages spoken in Switzerland. The most popularly spoken language in the country is German, with over 65 % of the population speaking German. Swiss German, however, is much different from the German spoken in Germany. The dialects of Swiss German vary from region to region.
CURRENCY AND ECONOMY
The currency of Switzerland is the Swiss Franc. Switzerland has highly advanced financial services and is one of the most stable economies in the world. The country flourishes on foreign investment as its long term monetary security and bank secrecy attracts the most foreign investors in the world.
Machinery, chemicals, watches, textiles, precision instruments, tourism, banking, and insurance are the key industries of the country.
The Swiss citizens enjoy an extremely high standard of living
A HOLIDAY IN SWITZERLAND
Switzerland is a country made for holidaying. No where else in the world’s countries will you perhaps be over awed by the spectacular sights of nature. It is reviving and relaxing, to be in the midst of such unparalleled beauty.
Being a mountain country, hiking is more than a pass time for the Swiss. When in Switzerland, hiking is almost unavoidable and there more than 50,000km (31,070 miles) of marked trails to indulge in a hiking adventure.
Mountain sports would naturally feature among the greatest sources of adventure and entertainment in this mountain country. From ice climbing, to ski touring, snowboarding, deep-snow skiing, heli-skiing and glacier walking, you can taste everything and anything you wish.
A lot of well marked and interlinked cycling trails are there in the country and cycling can be a fun way to exercise and heat up in the cold climate of Switzerland.
Switzerland has some exquisite lakes, like Lake Zurich, Lake Geneva, Lake Constance. You can go on a lake cruise or ferry trip and experience the exquisiteness of these water bodies.
Glacier Express, provides one of Europe’s greatest train travels. This is the best way to witness the stunning Alpine landscape.
Exploring Geneva on foot can be really rewarding. Cathédrale de St Pierre, in Geneva, is a marvelous example of Romanesque architecture.
Switzerland is such a small country that it can be toured and explored on foot canto by canto. Every place here is not only endowed wit natural beauty but also has some great historical monuments worth seeing.
TRAVELING THE COUNTRY
Domestic air travel is efficient and fast but expensive, and suited mostly for the business traveler.
Switzerland has very good rail services. Dining cars, snacks and refreshments are available in most of the trains. Some of the winter resorts can only be accessed through rail.
Road travel can be fun through narrow mountain roads with their hair pin bends, though it could make one sick. The condition of the roads in Switzerland is very good. Buses are available to even the remotest village and alternatively, car hire and taxis are also available.
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Switzerland’s hotels are among the best in the world, quality wise. High on luxury and every conceivable facility, these hotels are a treat in themselves. There are differences in quality according to the price though. But even the simple one star hotels are very clean and comfortable.
Switzerland has almost all kinds of accommodation styles other than its luxurious hotels. Family hotels, bead and breakfasts and even simple pensions are quite popular. Another cheap way to stay is in youth hostels and there are many of these in the country.
A unique way to stay in Switzerland is in the hotels with the world famous Swiss Spas, where you can heal yourself with the different minerals that are present in the 22 springs in the country.
So pack your rucksack and tie up your ski boots; get planning about a fun filled holiday in the Alps.
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