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Switzerland Capital: Bern Population: 7,523,934 The Geography of Switzerland Total Size: 41,290 square km Size Comparison: slightly less than twice the size of New Jersey Geographical Coordinates: 47 00 N, 8 00 E World Region: Europe General Terrain: mostly mountains (Alps in south, Jura in northwest) with a central plateau of rolling hills, plains, and large lakes Geographical Low Point: Lake Maggiore 195 m Geographical High Point: Dufourspitze 4,634 m Climate: temperate, but varies with altitude; cold, cloudy, rainy/snowy winters; cool to warm, cloudy, humid summers with occasional showers The People of Switzerland Type of Government: formally a confederation, but similar in structure to a federal republic Languages Spoken: German (official) 63.7%, French (official) 20.4%, Italian (official) 6.5%, Serbo-Croatian 1.5%, Albanian 1.3%, Portuguese 1.2%, Spanish 1.1%, English 1%, Romansch 0.5%, other 2.8% (2000 census) Independence: 6 June 1523 (Gustav VASA elected king) National Holiday: Founding of the Swiss Confederation, 1 August (1291) Nationality: Swiss (singular and plural) Religions: Roman Catholic 41.8%, Protestant 35.3%, Orthodox 1.8%, other Christian 0.4%, Muslim 4.3%, other 1%, unspecified 4.3%, none 11.1% (2000 census) Economy of Switzerland Major Industries: machinery, chemicals, watches, textiles, precision instruments Agricultural Products: grains, fruits, vegetables; meat, eggs Natural Resources: hydropower potential, timber, salt Major Exports: machinery, chemicals, metals, watches, agricultural products Major Imports: machinery, chemicals, vehicles, metals; agricultural products, textiles Currency: Swiss franc (CHF) National GDP: $241,800,000,000 Total Export Revenue: $148,600,000,000 Brief History of Switzerland: The Swiss Confederation was founded in 1291 as a defensive alliance among three cantons. In succeeding years, other localities joined the original three. The Swiss Confederation secured its independence from the Holy Roman Empire in 1499. Switzerland's sovereignty and neutrality have long been honored by the major European powers, and the country was not involved in either of the two World Wars. The political and economic integration of Europe over the past half century, as well as Switzerland's role in many UN and international organizations, has strengthened Switzerland's ties with its neighbors. However, the country did not officially become a UN member until 2002. Switzerland remains active in many UN and international organizations, but retains a strong commitment to neutrality. Back to Geography Home Page

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