About Switzerland
Switzerland is a landlocked country in central Europe, bordered by Italy, France, Germany, Austria, and Liechtenstein. It is characterized by three main geographical regions: the Alps, the Swiss Plateau, and the Jura. The Alps cover the southern part and include some of the highest peaks in Europe, such as the Dufourspitze in the Monte Rosa massif. The Swiss Plateau, where most of the population resides, features rolling hills, lakes, and cities like Zurich, Geneva, and Lausanne.
As of 2023, Switzerland’s population is estimated at approximately 8.9 million. The population is highly urbanized, with about 85% living in urban areas, primarily in cities such as Zurich, Geneva, and Basel. The country is known for its cultural diversity, with four different linguistic areas: French in the west (22% of the population), German in the north and center (63%), Italian in the canton of Ticino (south-east; 8%), and Romansh in the east (0.5%). With almost half of the population having a migration background, a lot of people in Switzerland are multilingual, and English is often used as a lingua franca between the different linguistic areas.
Switzerland’s history is marked by its longstanding policy of neutrality and its establishment as a federal state. The Swiss Confederation was founded in 1291, and its independence was recognized by the Peace of Westphalia in 1648. Switzerland has maintained a policy of armed neutrality since the 16th century. It became a federal state in 1848 and joined the United Nations in 2002.
The Swiss flag is one of the most recognizable in the world, featuring a white cross on a red background. It is one of only two square sovereign-state flags (the other being the Vatican City flag). The white cross on the red field is a symbol of peace and honour, and its design has been associated with Switzerland since the medieval Old Swiss Confederacy. It has inspired the Red Cross symbol, which displays the reversed Swiss flag to honour the Geneva Convention and the Swiss co-founder of the Red Cross Henri Dunant.
Switzerland has a diverse climate due to its varied topography. The climate ranges from glacial conditions in the high Alps to near Mediterranean conditions in the southern valleys. Generally, the country experiences cold winters with heavy snowfall in the mountains and warm summers. The Swiss Plateau, where Lausanne is situated, has a moderate climate throughout the year.
Swiss cuisine is a testament to its cultural diversity, featuring a rich array of regional dishes. Iconic staples like fondue and raclette highlight the country’s love for melted cheese, while rösti, a traditional potato dish, is also widely enjoyed. Switzerland is renowned for its exceptional chocolate and cheese. Italian cuisine, brought by immigrants, is prevalent, especially influencing the French-speaking regions. Additionally, Switzerland produces a variety of wines, particularly from the regions of Valais, Vaud, and Geneva.
