Index: Brief History, Languages,
Geography, Climate
Brief History
The name "Switzerland" is derived from Schwyz, one of the
three small states that founded the Confederation.
The foundation of the Swiss State was laid in 1291, when the people
of Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden, on the shores of Lake Lucerne, united in
a defensive league against the mighty House of Habsburg. Other cities
and districts anxious to maintain their independence joined the league.
In 1815 the Republic of Geneva was one of the last cantons to agree to
join. In 1979 the new Canton Jura was formed, which was formerly part of
Berne. Today, there are 23 cantons, three of which are divided into
half-cantons.
Switzerland's capital is Bern.
Languages
Switzerland has a resident population of 7 million,
most of whom speak several languages. The national languages of
Switzerland are German (North, Central and Eastern Switzerland), French
(Western Switzerland), Italian (Southern Switzerland) and Romansh - a
derive of Latin - (South-Eastern Switzerland).
A breakdown of the percentage of the population that speaks these
four primary languages as their mother tongue is shown.
A variety of languages is spoken by the
remaining 10% of the population, most of whom are of foreign
nationality. English is widely spoken.
Interesting note: The CH that
appears on Swiss cars is the abbreviation of the Latin form:
Confoederatio Helvetica.
Geography
Switzerland is situated at the heart of Europe. It is surrounded by
Germany to the north, Austria and the Principality of Liechtenstein to
the east, France to the west and Italy to the south.
The geological structure of Switzerland is complex. It forms part of
the Alpine arc which stretches almost 1000 kilometers from Nice (French
Maritime Alps) to Vienna (Austrian Alps).
Switzerland embraces the center part of the Alps, with its four main
passes - Grimsel, Furka, St. Gotthard and Oberalp; here also spring the
sources of the rivers Rhone and Rhine.
Switzerland offers, on a small territory of 15,944 sq. miles, a huge
quantity of beautiful landscapes which cannot be seen anywhere else on
such a limited surface.
Due to its central position, Switzerland has been, throughout
history, an important link in communications and transport between
northern and southern Europe.
Climate
The climatic conditions of Switzerland vary considerably and no
country in Europe combines within so small an area such marked climatic
contrasts. In the northern plateau surrounded by mountains the climate
is mild and refreshing. South of the Alps the climate is warmer coming
as it does under the influence of the Mediterranean weather. The Valais
area is noted for dryness.
Switzerland is affected by Atlantic currents bringing moist air and
Mediterranean currents bringing warm air.
Under normal circumstances, summer in all parts of Switzerland should
be sunny and warm but unfortunately we have no means of giving long term
forecasts.
During spring, summer and autumn it is advisable to take good
clothes, including a warm jacket and good walking shoes, as excursions
are often to mountains which are snow-covered during summer. A warm
jacket, good trousers and shoes are necessary in the winter months.
We
gratefully acknowledge Switzerland
Tourism for granting permission to use information and images from
their web site.
