The precise location of the country, compared to other European countries, as well as a detailed map of the location of the individual Swiss cities, you can find at the following link.
Total area: 41 290 sq. km.;
Population: 8,000,000 people according to a study, conducted in 2012;
Currency: Swiss Franc;
Schengen area: Schengen member as of 12.12.2008 with full rights;
Government type: Confederation;
Official holidays in Switzerland:
Due to the special state structure of Switzerland there are many holidays that are celebrated only in certain cantons of the country. These include:
1-st March- Republic Day /This day is marked only in Neuchâtel, because in 1848 the city was declared a Republic and part of Switzerland/;
15-th April– Sechselauten /This day is celebrated only in the region of Zurich and is connected to the city’s past. The word “Sechselauten” can be translated as “the bell rings at 6.00 p.m.” and refers to the practice that existed in the town during the summer, the end of the working day to be celebrated at 18.00 by beating the urban bells/.
The second Monday in September – Knabenschiessen / This day is celebrated also only in Zurich and is a local festival – a shooting competition, where only young people between the age of 13 and 17 years are allowed to participate and they should be living in the Canton of Zurich/;
However, there are some dates which are noted in all cantons of Switzerland:
1-st August– Day of the Confederation / On this day in 1291 representatives of the cantons of Uri, Schwyz and Untervalden gather near Lake Lucerne and sign the Charter of the Federation/. It was first decided in the late 19-th century this same day to be celebrated as national holidat, but the first celebration was held almost 100 years later.
On the picture: Lauterbrunnen valley;
Switzerland is located in Central Europe and is the only European country with a confederal government body. The country is made up of 26 canton and each of them enjoys certain independence. However, there is a central government in Switzerland that manages and represents the confederation and also makes decisions in areas such as defense, international relations, etc. A little known fact is that Switzerland does not really have officially designated capital. In many places you will see that Bern is pointed out as capital of the state, but this is not very precise. Bern is considered a major city of the confederation, because the seat of the federal government and the parliament are located here. The country’s population is quite colorful, as Italian, German and French ethnicities are living together. Do not be surprised, if travelling on the highways of the country, you note signs in Italian and German languages.
On the picture: the village of Zermatt and the Matterhorn /source: www.shutterstock.com/;
Switzerland ‘s economy has always been given as an example . Quality of life in the country is extremely high. Some of the major Swiss cities are always pointed as leaders in different ratings for quality of life.
Switzerland is a country of diversity, which is due not only because of the mix of different ethnicities living here or the characteristics of the state structure. The state offers an unique interweaving of architectural landmarks and beautiful scenery. Switzerland is full of lakes and rivers that it may seem to you, that wherever you go, the water is always with you. Water areas are kept in very good condition, with some of the most beautiful Swiss lakes being Lake Geneva, Lake Thun and Brientszee. Even lakes that border the biggest Swiss cities /such as Zurich/ are clean and very often used by locals to cool off in the summer.
On the picture: Oberhofen castle, lake Thun /source: www.shutterstock.com/;
The availability of clean water sources in abundance largely determines the fact that the Swiss have long been big fans of spa treatments. Switzerland is dotted with many thermal springs, where around modern spa complexes have been built, allowing locals and visitors alike to enjoy the healing characteristics of water.
On the picture: the city of Bern;
The natural beauty of Switzerland is perfectly combined with the rich history of the country. If you visit the small alpine country, you can learn little known historical facts and at the same time to enjoy breathtaking views. Each of the major Swiss cities offers visitors this unique mix of greenery and history. The Swiss city of Bern, for example, boasts a beautiful rose garden, located on a small hill above the river, which is passing through the city, and from this same beautiful garden you can enjoy beautiful views towards the old city of Bern with its main street and the clock tower. Geneva will attract you mostly with the tranquility of its lake, but why not also with the Sun Clock, or with one little famous “Smurf building” – a building with unique design. The history of Switzerland is far from limited to the larger cities. In small towns like Stein am Rhein, Vevey and Montreux you can best feel the rhythm of life of the Swiss and feel the spirit of the old times.
On the picture: Stein am Rhein;
The cover picture to the article presents the railway Jungfraujoch, source: www.shutterstock.com/;
