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Switzerland
Summary: Switzerland can be found in central Europe, east of France, and north of Italy, and is mostly mountainous, with the Alps in the south and the Jura in the northwest, with a central plateau of rolling hills, plains, and large lakes. Switzerland’s history of neutrality have helped it avoid problems as it has become a prosperous and stable modern market economy and remains a safe haven for bank secrecy and foreign investment.
Capital: Bern
Time Zone: DST +0200 UTC
Population: 7,581,520
Languages: German, French, Italian, Romansch
Power: 230 V, 50 Hz
Currency: Swiss Franc
- Currently 1 CHF = 0.9828 USD $
Climate: Switzerland has a temperate climate, but it varies with the altitude. Typically, it has cold, cloudy, and rainy or snowy winters and cool to warm, cloudy, and humid summers with occasional showers.
- Currently 22º, Unknown
Recent Headlines:
Schnyder, Chakvetadze among upsets in first round at Zurich Open - Canadian Press via Yahoo! News - Oct 14 3:27 PM
Adrian Schlund, CEO BT-Switzerland - BT Group - Oct 14 3:23 PM
Jankovic enjoying respect she gets as top-ranked player in women's tennis - Canadian Press via Yahoo! News - Oct 14 1:24 PM
Niculescu overcomes leg injury to upset Chakvetadze in Zurich - Sports Illustrated - Oct 14 2:58 PM
Federer gives Switzerland 2-0 lead - rediff.com - Sep 19 8:59 PM
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 Bern: A small capital city in comparison with some other countries, Bern offers the river Aare, the wonderful Münster Cathedral, and a covered shopping mile. It is also home to the strangest fountain you will ever see: Chindlifrässer-Brunnen, which translates to the Child-Eater-Fountain, found in the Middle of the Kornhausplatz. |
 Zurich: Zurich is the spiritual capital of Switzerland and is is picturesquely medieval. Two famous cathedrals are the Grossmuenster and Fraumuenster, the cores of which date from the 12th and 9th centuries, or you can just wander around the streets of the Old Town quarter, where 16th century guildhalls stand next to 17th century houses, with courtyards and fountains. |
 Geneva: Geneva is within spitting distance of France and Italy, and is the home of international banking and over two hundred other giant European and International organizations. Take a cable car ride to see the surroundings up Mont Salève, or walk by the Rhône River, and while you’re here, the Place du Bourg-de-Four, a square that once served as a Roman marketplace, and the Cathedral Saint Pierre, a Gothic sight to behold, are worth visiting. |
 Lausanne: A resort for society's elite in the 18th and 19th centuries, Lausanne attracted the love of Voltaire, Rousseau, Byron and Cocteau, who courted this city both for its beauty and cultural charms. Visit the Lausanne Cathedral to admire its rose window and ascend to its tower to admire the view across the lake. |
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Driving Tolls: When driving into Switzerland, you will be required to pay around 40 Euro to get an autoroute sticker for your windscreen. You can avoid this if you fly or take a train into Switzerland and rent a car locally.
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Hikes: Just as skiing is excellent in the cold winter, hiking is just as good in the warmer summer. There are thousands of trails and most have small "pit stops" for refreshments. The wildlife is abundant and it is possible to come across wild deer and birds.
Culture: Switzerland leans towards the conservative, so, greet others with courtesy until you are comfortable with your relationship, use a person's title when addressing them, and respect punctuality.
When To Visit: Onion lovers should head to Bern on the 4th Monday in November for the annual Onion Market known as the Zibelmarit. Skiing is great while the snows last on the Alps, from November to April.
Food: Swiss foods are influenced by German and French styles. Prominent Swiss foods include fondues, fish and chocolate.
Phrases: Ja - Yes, Nein - No, Bitte - Please, Danke - Thank you, Gruss Gott - Hello, Auf Wiedersehen - Goodbye
Tipping: A 15 percent service charge is included in almost all bills, so no additional tip is necessary.
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