The Swiss Confederation during the Late Middle Ages, https://www.britannica.com/place/Switzerland, Central Intelligence Agency - The World Factbook - Switzerland, Official Site of the Embassy of the State of Kuwait in Switzerland, Switzerland - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11), Switzerland - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up). Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. Due to the popularisation of processed foods at the end of the 19th century, Swiss health food pioneer Maximilian Bircher-Benner created the first nutrition-based therapy in form of the well-known rolled oats cereal dish, called Birchermüesli. Find out where is Switzerland located. [14] Switzerland is the birthplace of the Red Cross, one of the world's oldest and best known humanitarian organisations, and is home to numerous international organisations, including the United Nations Office at Geneva, which is its second-largest in the world. Legal. Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. [162], In 2006, Switzerland approved 1 billion francs of supportive investment in the poorer Southern and Central European countries in support of cooperation and positive ties to the EU as a whole. Switzerland is ranked as having one of the most powerful economies in the world. [186] As in other European countries, the illegal disposal of garbage is not tolerated at all and heavily fined. [32] Some regions (Uri, Schwyz, Unterwalden, later known as Waldstätten) were accorded the Imperial immediacy to grant the empire direct control over the mountain passes. Geographer and scientific adviser, Bundesamt für Raumentwicklung (Swiss Federal Planning Bureau), Bern, Switzerland. [131] Switzerland has a more flexible job market than neighbouring countries and the unemployment rate is very low. On 18 April 1999 the Swiss population and the cantons voted in favour of a completely revised federal constitution. [79] The annual meetings of the World Economic Forum in Davos bring together top international business and political leaders from Switzerland and foreign countries to discuss important issues facing the world, including health and the environment. Article 11 of the constitution forbade sending troops to serve abroad, with the exception of serving the Holy See, though the Swiss were still obliged to serve Francis II of the Two Sicilies with Swiss Guards present at the Siege of Gaeta in 1860, marking the end of foreign service. During the 1970s and ’80s, ambitious environmental policies were implemented by the cantons and municipalities, and this led to impressive progress on pollution abatement. Switzerland: Continent : Europe: Where is Located: Switzerland is a country located in the Western Europe: Coordinates : 46.95, 7.45: Capital : Bern: Largest City : Zürich: Neighboring Countries Austria, France, Italy, Liechtenstein, Germany : Administrative divisions: 26 cantons : Area : 15,940 sq mi (41,285 sq km) Population: 8,000,000 (2012) Official Language The precursors of Switzerland established a protective alliance at the end of the 13th century (1291), forming a loose confederation of states which persisted for centuries. The Swiss Confederation is a sovereign state in western-central Europe. Czech Republic - Although Switzerland is in the name, Bohemian Switzerland National Park is located in a region of northwest Czech Republic that dates back millions of years. [34], A female who died in about 200 BC was found buried in a carved tree trunk during a construction project at the Kern school complex in March 2017 in Aussersihl. [42] The war lasted for less than a month, causing fewer than 100 casualties, most of which were through friendly fire. Swiss people from all strata of society, whether Catholic or Protestant, from the liberal or conservative current, realised that the cantons would profit more if their economic and religious interests were merged. They were later joined by the fleeing Peter Martyr Vermigli and Hans Denck. Referendums were made mandatory for any amendment of this constitution. The overall surface area here is 41,285 square kilometers: a figure which can be converted to 15,940 square miles, making this the 135th largest country in terms of landmass alone. For other uses, see, Contrasted landscapes between the regions of the, Swiss Federal Statistical Office (FSO), Neuchâtel, 2019, Foreign relations and international institutions, As shown in this image, the current members of the council are (as of January 2016, from left to right): Federal Councillor. It is a federal republic composed of 26 cantons, with federal authorities based in Bern. Any 8 cantons together can also call a constitutional referendum on a federal law. How far is it to Davos and in which country is it located? Zurich. Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. There are some valley areas in the southern part of Switzerland where some cold-hardy palm trees are found. A sheepskin coat, a belt chain, a fancy wool dress, a scarf and a pendant made of glass and amber beads were also discovered with the woman. Restaurant in the Alpine village of Grindelwald, Switzerland. [178] The other international airports are Geneva Airport (13.9 million passengers in 2012),[179] EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg which is located in France, Bern Airport, Lugano Airport, St. Gallen-Altenrhein Airport and Sion Airport. These include terms from Switzerland's surrounding language cultures (German Billett[204] from French), from similar terms in another language (Italian azione used not only as act but also as discount from German Aktion). Click on the Where Is Switzerland Located to view it full screen. If you are interested in a particular canton, click on it in the map below or use this list. [42] In 1501, Basel and Schaffhausen joined the Old Swiss Confederacy. Helvetia appears as a national personification of the Swiss confederacy in the 17th century with a 1672 play by Johann Caspar Weissenbach.[31]. An extensive cable network also allows most Swiss to access the programmes from neighbouring countries.[243]. [215], It is estimated that one out of six persons in Switzerland suffers from mental illness. [71], The Federal Council constitutes the federal government, directs the federal administration and serves as collective Head of State. In 1891, the constitution was revised with unusually strong elements of direct democracy, which remain unique even today.[42]. The climatic, geological and topographical conditions of the alpine region make for a very fragile ecosystem that is particularly sensitive to climate change. Want To Gain more Knowledge ? [241] Italian and Romansh-speaking authors also contributed to the Swiss literary landscape, but generally in more modest ways given their small number. This landlocked country is about the size of New Jersey and is between France and Italy. This works both ways across the alps but is more efficient if blowing from the south due to the steeper step for oncoming wind from the south. [78] However, there are considerable differences between the individual cantons, most particularly in terms of population and geographical area. Zürich, Geneva and Basel have been ranked among the top ten cities in the world in terms of quality of life, with Zürich ranked second globally. [93] Switzerland decided not to sign the Nuclear Weapon Ban Treaty. Summers tend to be warm and humid at times with periodic rainfall so they are ideal for pastures and grazing. Austria and Liechtenstein both lie to the east of Switzerland. It extends about 135 miles (220 km) from north to south and 220 miles (350 km) at its widest extent from west to east. Which country claims "Waltzing Matilda" as their unofficial anthem? Where is Switzerland located? In the west, France and Switzerland share a border. [note 6] On coins and stamps, the Latin name, Confoederatio Helvetica – frequently shortened to "Helvetia" – is used instead of the four national languages. The toponym Schwyz itself was first attested in 972, as Old High German Suittes, ultimately perhaps related to swedan ‘to burn’ (cf. Switzerland, in central Europe, is the land of the Alps. Switzerland's ecosystems can be particularly fragile, because the many delicate valleys separated by high mountains often form unique ecologies. Switzerland's attitude towards refugees was complicated and controversial; over the course of the war it admitted as many as 300,000 refugees[49] while refusing tens of thousands more,[52] including Jews who were severely persecuted by the Nazis. The most prominently watched sports in Switzerland are football, ice hockey, Alpine skiing, "Schwingen", and tennis.[246]. They include the world-famous physicist Albert Einstein[150] in the field of physics, who developed his special relativity while working in Bern. [73] When both houses are in joint session, they are known collectively as the Federal Assembly. [34][35], Throughout the rest of the 6th, 7th and 8th centuries the Swiss regions continued under Frankish hegemony (Merovingian and Carolingian dynasties). [116][117] It is a relatively easy place to do business, currently ranking 20th of 189 countries in the Ease of Doing Business Index. It is geographically divided among the Swiss Plateau, the Alps, and the Jura, spanning a total area of 41,285 km2 (15,940 sq mi), and land area of 39,997 km2 (15,443 sq mi). [59] The population is about 8 million, resulting in an average population density of around 195 people per square kilometre (500/sq mi). Switzerland was the joint host, with Austria, of the Euro 2008 tournament. We have also included a map of Switzerland on the right, so you can see major cities and surrounding countries. [3] Immigration has established Islam (5.3%) as a sizeable minority religion. In March 2001, the Swiss people refused in a popular vote to start accession negotiations with the EU. Switzerland is divided in three main geographic regions: the Swiss Alps, the Central Plateau and the Jura, each corresponding to very different geological realities.In addition, two small regions are not part of those three. Switzerland is one of nearly 200 countries illustrated on our Blue Ocean Laminated Map of the World. Radio content is produced in six central and four regional studios while the television programmes are produced in Geneva, Zürich, Basel, and Lugano. Bern is a placid city whose name derives from the bear pits the canton’s medieval rulers established there as a heraldic symbol; the bear pits are now part of the city’s popular zoo. Welcome! [251][252], Traditional sports include Swiss wrestling or "Schwingen". Autumn is the driest season, winter receives less precipitation than summer, yet the weather patterns in Switzerland are not in a stable climate system and can be variable from year to year with no strict and predictable periods. Switzerland was an important base for espionage by both sides in the conflict and often mediated communications between the Axis and Allied powers. Product market liberalisation is lagging behind many EU countries according to the OECD. What county is East Windsor NJ in, Where is Ocean Township New Jersey? It is listed 87th on the 2019 Academic Ranking of World Universities. Bern is a city/town with a small population in the country of Switzerland which is located in the continent/region of Europe.. Cities, towns and places near Bern include Matte, Engehalde, Marzili and Liebefeld.. In 1541, he founded the Republic of Geneva on his own ideals. Davos is located in Switzerland (Prättigau/Davos District, Grisons) and time zone Europe/Zurich. So What is Switzerland is a landlocked mountainous country in South Central Europe, bordered by Austria, France, Germany, Italy, and Liechtenstein. But after its extension under Charlemagne, the Frankish Empire was divided by the Treaty of Verdun in 843. [146][147], As might befit a country that plays home to innumerable international organisations, the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, located in Geneva, is not only continental Europe's oldest graduate school of international and development studies, but also widely believed to be one of its most prestigious. The driest conditions persist in all inner alpine valleys that receive less rain because arriving clouds lose a lot of their content while crossing the mountains before reaching these areas. A second series covering nine areas was signed in 2004 and has since been ratified, which includes the Schengen Treaty and the Dublin Convention besides others. Some Swiss cantons approved this in 1959, while at the federal level it was achieved in 1971[42][56] and, after resistance, in the last canton Appenzell Innerrhoden (one of only two remaining Landsgemeinde, along with Glarus) in 1990. [212][213] However, spending on health is particularly high at 11.4% of GDP (2010), on par with Germany and France (11.6%) and other European countries, but notably less than spending in the USA (17.6%). Following the 2015 Federal Council elections, the seven seats in the Federal Council were distributed as follows: The function of the Federal Supreme Court is to hear appeals against rulings of cantonal or federal courts. Map of Switzerland and travel information about Switzerland brought to you by Lonely Planet. Country not surrounded by any sea or ocean but has many beautiful lakes. ", "Switzerland and Gold Transactions in the Second World War", Tragende und unterstützende Organisationen, "Zwei Drittel der Rekruten diensttauglich (Schweiz, NZZ Online)", "Edwin Reischauer, Diplomat and Scholar, Dies at 79,", "Switzerland will Not Sign Treaty Banning Nuclear Bombs (for Now)", Volksinitiative 'für eine glaubwürdige Sicherheitspolitik und eine Schweiz ohne Armee (in German), "SR 514.101 Verordnung des VBS über die persönliche Ausrüstung der Armeeangehörigen (VPAA-VBS) vom 9. The alphorn, a trumpet-like musical instrument made of wood, has become alongside yodeling and the accordion an epitome of traditional Swiss music. [91] Annually, approximately 20,000 persons are trained in recruit centres for a duration from 18 to 21 weeks. Several towns, like Aventicum, Iulia Equestris and Augusta Raurica, reached a remarkable size, while hundreds of agricultural estates (Villae rusticae) were founded in the countryside. [175] In 2015, each Swiss resident travelled on average 2,550 kilometres (1,580 mi) by rail, which makes them the keenest rail users. The cantons are federated states, have a permanent constitutional status and, in comparison with the situation in other countries, a high degree of independence. Though 61% of the population made less than the average income, income inequality is relatively low with a Gini coefficient of 29.7, placing Switzerland among the top 20 countries for income equality. Yet, Switzerland has forged strength from all these differences, creating a peaceful society in which individual rights are carefully balanced against community and national interests. Switzerland is one of the … German Helvetisms are, roughly speaking, a large group of words typical of Swiss Standard German, which do not appear either in Standard German, nor in other German dialects. [42] By 1460, the confederates controlled most of the territory south and west of the Rhine to the Alps and the Jura mountains, particularly after victories against the Habsburgs (Battle of Sempach, Battle of Näfels), over Charles the Bold of Burgundy during the 1470s, and the success of the Swiss mercenaries. [163], On 27 November 2008, the interior and justice ministers of European Union in Brussels announced Switzerland's accession to the Schengen passport-free zone from 12 December 2008. Updates? Europe's highest football pitch, at 2,000 metres (6,600 ft) above sea level, is located in Switzerland and is named the Ottmar Hitzfeld Stadium.[247]. [71], Similarly, the federal constitutional initiative allows citizens to put a constitutional amendment to a national vote, if 100,000 voters sign the proposed amendment within 18 months. File Type: png, File size: 66962 bytes (65.39 KB), Map Dimensions: 1000px x 841px (256 colors) Over the course of the war, Switzerland interned over 300,000 refugees[49] and the International Red Cross, based in Geneva, played an important part during the conflict. The third mobilisation of the army took place in September 1939 in response to the German attack on Poland; Henri Guisan was elected as the General-in-Chief. The less humid winters in the mountains may see long intervals of stable conditions for weeks, while the lower lands tend to suffer from inversion, during these periods, thus seeing no sun for weeks. More recent authors include Charles Ferdinand Ramuz (1878–1947), whose novels describe the lives of peasants and mountain dwellers, set in a harsh environment and Blaise Cendrars (born Frédéric Sauser, 1887–1961). [63] Switzerland has no exclaves in other countries. [94], Following the end of the Cold War there have been a number of attempts to curb military activity or even abolish the armed forces altogether. [172] In November 2016, Swiss voters rejected a proposal by the Green Party to accelerate the phaseout of nuclear power (45.8% supported and 54.2% opposed). Switzerland … Switzerland, officially the Swiss Confederation, is a country situated at the confluence of Western, Central, and Southern Europe. [69], However, access to biocapacity in Switzerland is far lower than world average. Switzerland is bordered by Germany to the north, France to the west, Austria to the east, and Italy to the south. [145] Switzerland has the second highest rate (almost 18% in 2003) of foreign students in tertiary education, after Australia (slightly over 18%). 501: Übersicht:Volksinitiative 'Strom ohne Atom – Für eine Energiewende und schrittweise Stilllegung der Atomkraftwerke (Strom ohne Atom), "Switzerland to Phase Out Nuclear Energy; E.U. | NZZ", 2012 Index of Economic Freedom: Switzerland, "GDP per capita, PPP (current international $) | Data", "Report for Selected Countries and Subjects", "The World Factbook — Central Intelligence Agency", "Global Competitiveness Report 2016-2017", The Innovation Union's performance scoreboard for Research and Innovation 2010, "European Innovation Scoreboard – European Commission", "Policy Brief: Economic Survey of Switzerland, 2007", Economic Policy Reforms: Going for Growth 2008 – Switzerland Country Note, "Fact check: Are most Swiss residents rich? This page contains comprehensive information about Zurich, including: the map where Zurich is located, it’s geographical coordinates, places where banks and ATMs, offices, schools, hospitals, museums, markets, monuments, salons, central park, metro station (if they are), reviews, and more. [16][17] Due to its linguistic diversity, Switzerland is known by a variety of native names: Schweiz [ˈʃvaɪts] (German);[note 5] Suisse [sɥis(ə)] (French); Svizzera [ˈzvittsera] (Italian); and Svizra [ˈʒviːtsrɐ, ˈʒviːtsʁɐ] (Romansh). Geography of Switzerland#Western or Central Europe? [190], Additionally, the figures from 2012 show that 34.7% of the permanent resident population aged 15 or over in Switzerland (around 2.33 million), had an immigrant background. Switzerland’s landscape is among the world’s most unusual, and it has long had to contend with a variety of environmental problems that threaten its integrity. Jan 7, 2019 - Where is Switzerland located on the world map? [25] The name was extended to the area dominated by the canton, and after the Swabian War of 1499 gradually came to be used for the entire Confederation. The country's economy benefits from a highly developed service sector, led by financial services, and a manufacturing industry that specializes in high-technology, and knowledge-based production. Afterwards the town hall at Baden, where the annual accounts of the common people had been held regularly since 1426, became the most frequent, but not the sole place of assembly. Get directions, maps, and traffic for Davos, Graubünden. It is located both in the Northern and Eastern Hemispheres of the Earth. Switzerland joined the Council of Europe in 1963. Strict immigration and asylum policies as well as the financial relationships with Nazi Germany raised controversy, but not until the end of the 20th century.[50]. [125][126][127] Apart from agriculture, economic and trade barriers between the European Union and Switzerland are minimal and Switzerland has free trade agreements worldwide. A notable referendum on the subject, launched by an anti-militarist group, was held on 26 November 1989. Hover to zoom map. [175] Virtually 100% of the network is electrified. This first series of bilateral agreements included the free movement of persons. Yet however minor the Sonderbundskrieg appears compared with other European riots and wars in the 19th century, it nevertheless had a major impact on both the psychology and the society of the Swiss and of Switzerland. 9.0 Awesome 1,138 reviews. [221] The weight of the largest metropolitan areas, which are Zürich, Geneva–Lausanne, Basel and Bern tend to increase. [42] Henceforth, much of Swiss politics would concern balancing the cantons' tradition of self-rule with the need for a central government. Under the Federal Constitution, all 26 cantons are equal in status, except that 6 (referred to often as the half-cantons) are represented by only one councillor (instead of two) in the Council of States and have only half a cantonal vote with respect to the required cantonal majority in referendums on constitutional amendments. The fierce French suppression of the Nidwalden Revolt in September 1798 was an example of the oppressive presence of the French Army and the local population's resistance to the occupation. [242] The Swiss News Agency (SNA) broadcasts information around-the-clock in three of the four national languages—on politics, economics, society and culture. ", "Schweiz - Bruttoinlandsprodukt (BIP) pro Kopf nach Kantonen 2017", "Six Swiss companies make European Top 100", Want the world's best wages? [250] It also became World Vice-Champion in 2013 and 2018. The reform "Army XXI" was adopted by popular vote in 2003, it replaced the previous model "Army 95", reducing the effectives from 400,000 to about 200,000. Swiss wine is produced mainly in Valais, Vaud (Lavaux), Geneva and Ticino, with a small majority of white wines. Housing and food price levels were 171% and 145% of the EU-25 index in 2007, compared to 113% and 104% in Germany. Other areas throughout the year have a recreational culture that caters to tourism such as sight-seeing, yet the quieter seasons are spring and autumn when there are fewer visitors. [185], Switzerland also has an economic system for garbage disposal, which is based mostly on recycling and energy-producing incinerators due to a strong political will to protect the environment. [19][20] It ranks at or near the top in several international metrics, including economic competitiveness and human development. In 2016, Switzerland had 1.0 global hectares[70] of biocapacity per person within its territory, 40 percent less than world average of 1.6 global hectares per person. [123][135] The foreign citizen population was 28.9% in 2015, about the same as in Australia. Old Norse svíða ‘to singe, burn’), referring to the area of forest that was burned and cleared to build. A system of single weights and measures was introduced and in 1850 the Swiss franc became the Swiss single currency. The fastest learners are taught advanced classes to be prepared for further studies and the matura,[137] while students who assimilate a little more slowly receive an education more adapted to their needs. I greatly appreciate this diversity. [110] The nominal per capita GDP is higher than those of the larger Western and Central European economies and Japan. [164], On 9 February 2014, Swiss voters narrowly approved by 50.3% a ballot initiative launched by the national conservative Swiss People's Party (SVP/UDC) to restrict immigration, and thus reintroducing a quota system on the influx of foreigners. [190] Italians were the largest single group of foreigners, with 15.6% of total foreign population, followed closely by Germans (15.2%), immigrants from Portugal (12.7%), France (5.6%), Serbia (5.3%), Turkey (3.8%), Spain (3.7%), and Austria (2%). Navigate parenthood with the help of the Raising Curious Learners podcast. [67] In 2020 it was ranked third out of 180 countries. The majority of the Swiss population live in the Swiss Plateau. [35][48] Under General Henri Guisan, appointed the commander-in-chief for the duration of the war, a general mobilisation of the armed forces was ordered. The wettest conditions persist in the high Alps and in the Ticino canton which has much sun yet heavy bursts of rain from time to time. 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