Country Guide • Switzerland
Switzerland is a landlocked country in West Central Europe. It is bordered by France to the west, Germany to the north, Austria and Liechtenstein to the east and Italy to the south. It has the highest mountains in Europe.
| Official Name | Swiss Confederation |
|---|---|
| Area | 41,293km² (15,943mile²) |
| Population | 7,318,638 |
| Continent | Europe |
| Population per mile² | 459 |
| Capital City | Bern |
| Religions | 48% Roman Catholic, 44% Protestant. Other religious minorities include Jews, Muslims, Hindus and Buddhists |
| Language | German (official) 63.7%, French (official) 19.2%, Italian (official) 7.6%, Romansch (official) 0.6%, other 8.9% |
| Government | Federal Republic |
| Member of EU | No |
| Currency | Swiss Franc |
| GDP | $231 billion |
| GDP per Head | $31,700 |
| Natural Resources | Hydropower potential, timber, salt |
| Land Use | Arable Land 10.57% |
| Agriculture | Various grains, fruits, vegetables, meat and eggs |
| Industry | Banking, machinery, chemicals, watches, textiles, precision instruments |
| Tourism | Switzerland is a stylish tourist destination with 11 million visitors annually. Known best for its winter sports it offers top ski resorts like Zermatt and celebrity-studded St Moritz, while the white peaks of mountains set against blue skies make a wonderful backdrop for summertime hiking. The ancient capital of Berne provides opportunities for sightseeing and elegant shopping |
| Natural Hazards | Avalanches, landslides, flash floods |
| Health Risks | Altitude sickness |
| Climate | Switzerland has a temperate climate in the higher Alpine regions temperatures tend to be low, while the lower land of the northern area has higher temperatures and warm summers. Average annual rainfall varys from 24 - 79 inches depending on the region while winters are characterised by clear skies, although the central plateau experiences persistent cloud. Average temperature ranges in Zurich are from -3 to 2°C in January to 13 to 24°C in July |
| Time | GMT/UTC+1 hour |
| National Days | August 1 |
| Visas | Citizens of the UK, Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, and the USA do not require a visa |
| British Embassy | Embassy Details |
Information Only
The content above is for information purposes only and we have tried to ensure that the information is as accurate as possible. We cannot accept any responsibility for any inconvenience, loss or injury as a result of the information above. You should always check and verify any critical information like visas, health and safety and customs with the relevant authorities before you travel since information can change at any time.
