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General information [add image]
Switzerland, federal republic in west central Europe. Switzerland is a small, landlocked country set amid mountainous terrain in the heart of the European continent. It is bordered on the west by France, on the north by Germany, on the east by Austria, and on the south by Italy. The tiny principality of Liechtenstein lies between Switzerland and Austria. Each of the four major bordering countries has had an influence on Swiss culture. The Swiss people are an ethnic mix consisting mainly of native German, French, and Italian speakers, and most towns have two or even three correct names in those languages.
Switzerland’s official name is Confoederatio Helvetica (Latin for “Helvetic Confederation”), which is frequently translated in English as Swiss Confederation. The Helvetii, an ancient Celtic people who occupied what is now western Switzerland, were defeated by the Roman army of Julius Caesar in the 1st century bc. As a province of Rome, the region became known as Helvetia. The name Confoederatio Helvetica, an ethnically and linguistically neutral term that recalls this ancient history, is testimony to an enduring desire to forge unity among a diverse population. The name Switzerland (French Suisse; German Schweiz; Italian Svizzera), the nation’s widely recognized but unofficial designation, is a variation on Schwyz, a territory that in 1291 became the first member of the present-day confederation. The Swiss flag, a red square with a centered white cross, is a variation on the traditional flag of the Schwyz region.
Climate
Despite the fact that the highest peaks of the Alps can get snow year-round (it's rare July-September, however), Switzerland isn't as cold as most people think. Spring, summer and autumn are all quite comfortable. June and July are when the alpine wildflowers are usually at their peak, but summer is also noted for lots of tourists.
We suggest visiting in May unless skiing is part of your itinerary—many resort hotels close down for the month. Take a sweater year-round (a light raincoat and folding umbrella might come in handy, too). (southtravels.com)
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| Switzerland |
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Native Name: Schweiz, Svizzera, Suisse
Capital: Bern
Population: 7,500,000
Currency: Swiss franc (CHF)
Phone Perfix: +41
Voltage: 230 V, 50 Hz
Emergency: Police: 117, Ambulane: 144, Fire: 118
Official Site: External Site
Vaccination: None required
Abb.:
DT = Diptheria (10yr+)
P = Polio (10yr+)
MP = Malaria Prophylaxis
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Inter Rail Zone Map |
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National Rail Service |
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Operated by: SBB/CFF
Rail Length: 4,533 km
Information:
Web Page:
▪ Swiss Railways
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