What country is switzerland in. Public transport within cities

If we look at this issue in more detail, an interesting detail will become clear - the very formulation of the question of the "capital" is wrong: Switzerland simply does not have a capital! However, there is a city that performs the corresponding functions. However, first things first.

In 1848, when Switzerland transformed from a weak union of cantons into a stronger and more stable federal state and adopted a new constitution for the country, the question arose - does Switzerland need a capital, and if so, which city is worthy of performing this honorary function? The decision was peculiar: on November 28, 1848, the Swiss Parliament, consisting of two chambers - the Council of Cantons and the Council of Nationalities - chose Bern as the seat of residence by voting. However, no official document refers to Bern as the capital (Hauptstadt). The name of the status of Bern sounds like "Bundesstadt", which can be translated as "city of federal significance". That is, Bern is actually the capital of Switzerland, but this status is not legally fixed. Even in the Swiss constitution there is no concept of "capital of Switzerland". Article 108 only confirms that the federal government, as well as departments and institutions at the federal level, are located in the "Federal City of Bern".

At the same time, the parliamentarians chose from 3 cities: Zurich, Bern and Lucerne. More precisely, there were significantly more candidate cities, but these three advanced to the last round of voting. Zurich had the best infrastructure at that time, but was already the unofficial center of Switzerland, and the parliamentarians did not want to further strengthen its position. Lucerne is located in the center of Switzerland, but the population of the city had a negative attitude towards the new constitution, in Lucerne it was adopted only by a minimal majority. Bern lagged behind in terms of infrastructure, but was strategically located - very close to the French-speaking part of Switzerland. In addition, the city government has promised to provide workspace for the federal government and parliament at no cost.

On election day, 11/28/1848, Berne won already in the 1st round of voting. 58 members of the Council of Nationalities (lower house of parliament) and 21 members of the Council of Cantons (upper house) voted for him. Zurich finished 2nd and Lucerne 3rd.

In the 1990s, the so-called "decentralization program" began in Switzerland, the meaning of which is to reduce the concentration of government institutions in Bern. As a result, the Federal Office of Statistics BFS moved to the city of Neuenburg (French name - Neuchâtel), the Federal Communications Office BAKOM to Biel (Fr. Bienne), and the Federal Office of Housing BWO to the city of Grenchen. This decentralization also affected the judiciary: the Federal Administrative Court moved from Bern to eastern Switzerland, in.

Bern was founded in 1191. The city has 139,211 inhabitants (January 2015). This is a very modest amount by Russian standards. But in Switzerland, Bern, along with Lausanne, is one of the largest cities in the country.

The old town of Bern was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1983. And in September 2009, Dmitry Medvedev and his wife Svetlana, who arrived on an official visit to Switzerland, gave Bern two bear cubs, who were born and raised in the Ussuri taiga. This gift is very symbolic: the bear is depicted both on the coat of arms and the flag of the city of Bern, and on the coat of arms and flag of the canton of Bern.

And partly Romansh (the latter is only for business communication with native speakers of Romansh).

President of the Council of Cantons (2012) - Hans Altherr. Chairman of the National Council (2012) - Hansjörg Walter. Chief Justice (2012) - Mayer Lorenz.

Each canton has its own constitution and legislation; legislative and executive power is vested in grand councils (parliaments) and cantonal councils (governments) elected by citizens for a term of 1 to 5 years. In districts, which are headed by a prefect appointed by the cantonal council, and in communities, self-government bodies are elected - general meetings of citizens - Landsgemeinde (in German cantons) and community councils (in French cantons). executive bodies in communities are municipalities or small councils headed by mayors.

Switzerland has a long tradition of political and military neutrality, however, it takes an active part in international cooperation, and the headquarters of many international organizations are located on its territory. There are several points of view regarding the time of the emergence of Swiss neutrality. According to some scholars, Switzerland began to adhere to the status of neutrality after the conclusion of a peace treaty with France on November 29, 1516, in which "perpetual peace" was proclaimed. Subsequently, the Swiss authorities made a number of decisions that moved the country towards the definition of its neutrality. In 1713, Switzerland's neutrality was recognized by France, Spain, the Netherlands and England, who concluded the Peace of Utrecht. However, in 1803, Switzerland concluded an agreement on a military alliance with Napoleonic France, according to which the country was obliged to provide its territory for military operations, as well as to provide a military contingent for the French army. At the Congress of Vienna in 1815, the “perpetual neutrality” of Switzerland was secured. Neutrality was finally confirmed and specified by the Guarantee Act signed in Paris on November 20, 1815 by Austria, Great Britain, Portugal, Prussia, Russia and France. On January 22, 1506, the Swiss Guard was founded, called upon to protect the head of the Roman Catholic Church and his palace. The total number of the first composition of the Swiss Guard was 150 people (currently 110).

Administrative division

Administrative divisions of Switzerland

Switzerland contains 6% of Europe's fresh water reserves. The largest rivers are Rhone, Rhine, Limmat, Are. Switzerland is rich and famous for its lakes, the most attractive of which are located along the edges of the Swiss plateau - Geneva (582.4 km²), Vierwaldstet (113.8 km²), Thun (48.4 km²) in the south, Zurich (88.4 km²) in the east, Bilske (40 km²) and Neuchâtel (217.9 km²) in the north. Most of them are of glacial origin: they were formed at a time when large glaciers descended from the mountains to the Swiss plateau. South of the axis of the Alps in the canton of Ticino are the lakes of Lago Maggiore (212.3 km²) and Lugano (48.8 km²).

About 25% of the territory of Switzerland is covered with forests - not only in the mountains, but also in the valleys, and on some plateaus. Wood is an important raw material and source of fuel.

Minerals

There are practically no minerals in Switzerland. There are only small reserves of coal, deposits of iron ore, small deposits of graphite and talc. The extraction of rock salt, carried out in the upper reaches of the Rhone and along the Rhine near the border with Germany, covers the needs of the country. There are raw materials for the construction industry: sand, clay, stone. 11.5% of energy is produced using water resources. 55% of the electricity consumed is from hydroelectric power plants.

Climate

Relief

Most of the country is located in the Alps. In the south are the Pennine Alps (height up to 4634 m - Peak Dufour, the highest point in Switzerland), the Lepontine Alps, the Rhaetian Alps and the Bernina massif.

By deep longitudinal valleys of the Upper Rhone and Anterior Rhine, the Pennine and Lepontine Alps are separated from the Bernese Alps (Finsteraarhorn, height 4274 m) and the Glarn Alps, forming a system of ridges stretched from southwest to northeast across the country. Dominated by peaked ridges, composed mainly of crystalline rocks and strongly dissected by erosion. The main passes (Great St. Bernard, Simplon, St. Gotthard, Bernina) are located above 2000 meters above sea level.

The landscape of mountainous Switzerland is characterized by a large number of glaciers and glacial landforms, the total area of ​​glaciation is 1,950 km². In total, there are approximately 140 large valley glaciers in Switzerland (Aletsch Glacier and others), there are also cirque and hanging glaciers.

Economy

• Main import items: industrial and electronic equipment, foodstuffs, iron and steel, petroleum products.
• Main export items: cars, watches, textiles, medicines, electrical equipment, organic chemicals.

Advantages: highly skilled workforce, reliable service industry. Developed branches of mechanical engineering and high-precision mechanics. Transnational concerns of the chemical industry, pharmacology and the banking sector. Banking secrecy attracts foreign capital. The banking sector accounts for 9% of GDP. Innovation in mass markets (Swatch watches, Smart car concept).

Weak sides: limited resources and small area.

Switzerland one of the most developed and wealthy countries in the world. Switzerland is a highly developed industrial country with intensive, highly productive agriculture and an almost complete absence of any minerals. According to Western economists, it is among the top ten countries in the world in terms of economic competitiveness. The Swiss economy is closely connected with the outside world, primarily with the EU countries, with thousands of threads of industrial cooperation and foreign trade transactions. OK. 80-85% of Swiss trade is with EU countries. More than 50% of all cargoes from the northern part of Western Europe to the south and in the opposite direction pass through Switzerland in transit. After a noticeable increase in 1998-2000. The country's economy has entered a recession. In 2002, GDP grew by 0.5% to CHF 417 billion. fr. Inflation was at around 0.6%. The unemployment rate reached 3.3%. The economy employs approx. 4 million people (57% of the population), of which: in industry - 25.8%, including in mechanical engineering - 2.7%, in the chemical industry - 1.7%, in agriculture and forestry - 4.1% , in the service sector - 70.1%, including in trade - 16.4%, in banking and insurance - 5.5%, in the hotel and restaurant business - 6.0%. The policy of neutrality made it possible to avoid the devastation of two world wars.

Finance

Switzerland is an important world financial center (Zurich is the third world currency market after New York and London). For several decades, the Swiss Confederation was included in the list of offshore zones. About 4,000 financial institutions operate in the country, including many branches of foreign banks. Swiss banks account for 35-40% of the world's property and property management of individuals and legal entities. They enjoy a good reputation among customers due to the stable domestic political situation, the solid Swiss currency, and the observance of the principle of "bank secrecy". Switzerland, being a major exporter of capital, ranks fourth in the world after the USA, Japan, Germany. Direct investments abroad account for 29% of Swiss GDP (the world average is approx. 8%). 75% of all Swiss investments are directed to developed industries; among developing countries, Swiss capital is most attracted to Latin America and Southeast Asia. The share of Eastern Europe in the total volume of investments is insignificant.

On April 1, 1998, a federal law on combating money laundering in the financial sector came into force in Switzerland, which made it possible to somewhat lift the veil of banking secrecy in order to identify "dirty" money.

The argument in favor of the reliability of Swiss banks is simple - they cannot go bankrupt, because even if they are involved in risky financial transactions, these banks are located in a country with a stable legal, economic, financial, political system, offering first-class services and services. The first private banks originated in Switzerland. Today, there are more than 400 of them in the country. Swiss banks guarantee the confidentiality of information in accordance with the state law on bank secrecy of 1934. However, as part of the UBS bank's conflict with the US tax authorities, the bank had to issue 4,450 accounts of American citizens suspected of tax evasion. . However, the essence and core of banking secrecy (the absence of automatic issuance of information on non-residents' accounts in Swiss banks) remained intact.

After the G20 summit in London in April 2009, the situation calmed down somewhat. Switzerland has adopted the OECD standards in the field of legal assistance in cases related to tax crimes. However, the US Department of Justice continues to insist on its claims against the UBS bank, supporting the IRS in its demand to provide the US tax authorities with data on 52,000 American accounts at once. The court in Miami that is handling the case has already rejected the Swiss and the bank's arguments, pointing out that the case is fully consistent with US law, which provides the right to receive information from abroad, so this kind of requirement for UBS is not a "new legal concept" . “The bank must be held responsible for its actions,” the court believes.

UBS seeks to lead the course in this situation to "minimize damage", declaring its readiness to find a "mutually acceptable solution." At the same time, the bank reiterated that the IRS civil suit is a violation of Swiss law, in connection with which this problem should be decided not by the courts, but by the governments of both countries in a bilateral format. In addition, the bank requires the American side to clarify the number of accounts for which information is required to be provided, since at the moment many of their owners voluntarily transferred all information on their accounts to UBS to the IRS. At the same time, the Swiss financial giant is drastically limiting and reducing the volume of so-called "cross-border transactions" ("cross-border").

Since July 1, 2009, the bank's American customers who have not responded to UBS's plan to exit such transactions have been denied access to their own accounts. And this plan offered them either to transfer their fortunes to an account indicated by the client in an American financial institution, or to receive their money back in the form of a check. US customers had 45 days to make a decision. In both cases, customers had to assume that the information on these transactions would be passed on to the US tax authorities. Since, as a rule, we are talking about large, previously undeclared amounts, such clients risk, at best, getting a “juicy” tax surcharge bill, and at worst, a lawsuit. UBS recommends in this case to take a chance and go for "voluntary recognition". As for the IRS itself, until the end of September, it offers all "evaders" to take advantage of the penalty rate for tax evasion with a "discount".

The conflict also cast a shadow over the visit to the United States by Swiss Economy Minister Doris Leuthard in July 2009, given that a full-fledged IRS v. UBS trial was due to begin on July 13 in Miami. In her speech to the members of the Swiss American Chamber of Commerce (SACC) on July 8, Doris Leuthard once again emphasized the importance of commercial and industrial contacts between the US and Switzerland. At the same time, “the financial crisis, which originated in the United States, has also affected Switzerland to a large extent.” In such a situation, it is necessary to "keep together in order to return to financial stability". It was also about the just agreed Swiss-American Double Taxation Treaty. D. Leuthard said that the lack of a solution to the tax dispute between the IRS and UBS may lead to the fact that the chances of a positive vote of parliamentarians on this document may be significantly reduced. A new factor is Leuthard's hint that the Swiss Federal Council could - if necessary, on the basis of an emergency decree - simply ban UBS from issuing account information.

In mid-August 2009, a solution was found. The United States withdraws its lawsuit against UBS from the Miami court and pledges not to resort to such tools in the future. Formally, this claim remains, as it were, in force in order to avoid the expiration of the established statute of limitations in tax cases. However, no later than 370 days after the signing of the agreement reached, this claim will disappear from the face of the earth once and for all.

The American tax office IRS (Internal Revenue Service) will submit to the Swiss tax office (Eidg. Steuerverwaltung), based on the current Swiss-American Double Tax Treaty, an application for legal assistance.

At the same time, American tax authorities will proceed from a completely specific set of criteria that will allow, being within the framework of Swiss law, to identify the fact of committing "tax evasion". The owners of the accounts will have the opportunity to appeal to one of the Swiss courts.

Kaspar Villiger, a former federal adviser and now head of UBS - UBS in der Schweiz, is confident that the agreement will work towards a secure future for the bank. "It is working to solve one of the most difficult problems facing the bank UBS," - said on his behalf in a special communiqué. He also expressed satisfaction with the fact that the agreement will operate within the framework of Swiss law and the current Swiss-American Double Tax Treaty. Now, according to Villiger, the bank will be able to restore its reputation in the eyes of customers - through solid services and first-class service.

The corresponding agreement, therefore, was signed in Washington on the evening of August 19 and immediately entered into force.

According to the Swiss Banking Association (SwissBanking - Home), it may be quite satisfied with the details of the agreement. The most important thing that was prevented long process with an unknown outcome. Now, having received legal certainty, the bank will be able to continue the process of overcoming the crisis. It is very important that the agreement is within the framework of Swiss law - this further strengthens the business reputation of Switzerland as a global financial center, as foreign clients can continue to rely on the predictability of the Swiss legal order.

Extractive industry

AT Switzerland few minerals. Rock salt and building materials are of industrial importance.

Industry

The industry is dominated by large transnational associations, which, as a rule, successfully compete in the world market and occupy leading positions on it: the Nestle concerns (food products, pharmaceutical and cosmetic products, baby food), Novartis and Hoffmann-la- Roche" (chemical and pharmaceutical products), "Alusuiss" (aluminum), the Swedish-Swiss concern ABB - "Asea Brown Boveri" (electrical engineering and turbine building). Switzerland is often associated with the watch factory of the world. Relying on old traditions and high technical culture, watches and jewelry of the most prestigious brands are produced here: Rolex, Chopard, Breguet, Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin, etc.

Energy

Tourism

As a traditional country of tourism, Switzerland holds a strong position in this area in Europe. The presence of a developed tourist infrastructure, a network of railways and roads, combined with picturesque nature and advantageous geographic location ensures the influx of a significant number of tourists into the country, primarily Germans, Americans, Japanese, and in last years also Russians, Indians, Chinese. 15% of the national income comes from tourism.

The Alps occupy 2/3 of the entire territory of Switzerland and annually attract thousands of outdoor enthusiasts to Switzerland. The highest point of the country is located in the Pennine Alps and is called Peak Dufour (4634 m). Also in Switzerland are the highest mountain railway station in Europe Jungfraujoch at an altitude of 3454 m above sea level and the highest mountain brewery in Europe in Monstein at an altitude of 1600 m.

The most famous ski and recreational resorts in Switzerland are Davos, St. Moritz, Zermatt, Interlaken, Leukerbad.

Education

Main article: Education system in Switzerland

Switzerland is world famous for its private schools, boarding houses and universities. Switzerland is the birthplace of reformist pedagogy, education here is still based on the principles of Maria Montessori, Jean Piaget and Rudolf Steiner. The level of education in the private sector is quite high, thanks to the excellent training of teachers and the tradition of quality. It is also worth mentioning such aspects that complement the ideal conditions for learning, such as stability, security and prestige. All of the above factors attract a huge number of students and learners from all over the world. In addition to specialized schools of hotel business, courses foreign languages. Programs designed for any period usually give excellent result and are conducted by native speakers using modern techniques. Private language schools usually offer a wide range of places of study, and various adapted language programs for adults, children and teenagers. Private educational institutions enjoy special prestige.

According to the international study of the quality of secondary education, Switzerland over the past 10 years (2000-2009) has consistently demonstrated high levels of preparation of graduates from its schools. So, for example, in 2000, according to the PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) monitoring of the quality of education in the school, conducted by the OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development), Switzerland ranked 13th among 32 countries, and in 2009 - 14th among 65. In all four studies (PISA 2000, PISA 2003, PISA 2006 and PISA 2009), Swiss schoolchildren were well above the OECD average.

Switzerland also shows good results in terms of higher education. In the international rankings of the best universities in the world, Switzerland traditionally occupies 4-9 positions, second only to the USA, Canada and the UK.

Swiss education is considered expensive even by European standards.

Population

The total population according to 2008 estimates is 7,580,000 people.

Ethnic-linguistic composition

Historically, the Swiss Confederation was formed in the conditions of coexistence of various linguistic, cultural and religious groups. 94% of the population are Swiss. They don't have a common language. The largest language group: German Swiss (65%), followed by the number of Franco-Swiss (18%), Italo-Swiss (10%). Romansh and Ladins also live in the country, they make up about 1% of the population. German, French, Italian and Romansh are the national and official languages ​​of the Swiss Confederation.

The relationship between the "French" and "German" parts of Switzerland is the most important factor in the development of national history. However, they are far from ideal. Relations between the main cultural and linguistic areas of the country with early XIX centuries, when densely populated French-speaking regions were annexed to the territory of Switzerland, and to this day are characterized by the presence of a large number of conflicts and contradictions. There is even an imaginary border between these two cultural-linguistic communities - Röstigraben. Perhaps the most acute issue in these relations was the conflict over the formation of the new Jura canton.

Religion

In the era of the Reformation, Switzerland experienced a church split. Religious disagreements disturbed the country until the middle of the 19th century, affecting the formation united state. Cantons, depending on religion, created alliances and unions, waged wars among themselves. Peace finally reigned in 1848. Currently, Protestants make up about 48% of the population, Catholics - about 50%. Confessional differences in Switzerland do not always coincide with linguistic boundaries. Among the Protestants, one can find both French-speaking Calvinists and German-speaking followers of Zwingli. The centers of German-speaking Protestantism are Zurich, Bern and Appenzell. The majority of French-speaking Protestants live in the canton of Geneva and the neighboring cantons of Vaud and Neuchâtel. Catholics predominate in central Switzerland around the city of Lucerne, in most of the French-speaking cantons of Friborg and Valais, and in the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino. There are small Jewish communities in Zurich, Basel and Geneva.

Approximately 400,000 Muslims live in Switzerland, mostly Turks and Kosovars. On November 29, 2009, a constitutional amendment was passed in a popular referendum in Switzerland to ban the building of minarets in the country. In addition, kosher and halal slaughter of animals is prohibited in Switzerland due to their cruelty.

Swiss foreign policy

The foreign policy of Switzerland, in accordance with the constitution of this country, is based on the international legal status of permanent neutrality. The beginning of the Swiss policy of neutrality is difficult to link to any specific date. The Swiss historian Edgar Bonjour said about this: "The concept of Swiss neutrality arose simultaneously with the concept of the Swiss nation." It is interesting to note that as far back as the 14th century, in the treaties of individual cantons, which later formed the Swiss Confederation, with their neighbors, the German term “stillsitzen” (literally “sit quietly”) is used, which roughly corresponds to the later concept of neutrality.

The permanent neutrality of Switzerland arose as a result of the signing of four international legal acts: the Act of the Congress of Vienna of March 8 (20), 1815, the Appendix to the Act of the Vienna Congress No. 90 of March 8 (20), 1815, the Declaration of the Powers on the Affairs of the Helvetic Union and the Act regarding the recognition and guarantee of the permanent neutrality of Switzerland and the inviolability of its territory. Unlike other countries that chose a similar path solely under the influence of external factors (for example, as a result of a defeat in a war), Switzerland’s neutrality was also formed for domestic political reasons: neutrality, becoming a nation-unifying idea, contributed to the evolution of its statehood from an amorphous confederation to a centralized federal structure .

During the years of the policy of permanent armed neutrality, the Alpine Republic managed to avoid participation in two devastating world wars and strengthen its international authority, including through the implementation of numerous mediation efforts. The principle of maintaining relations “between countries, not between governments” allowed for dialogue with everyone, regardless of political or ideological considerations.

Switzerland represents third states where their diplomatic relations are interrupted (for example, the interests of the USSR in Iraq in 1955, Great Britain in Argentina during the Anglo-Argentine conflict of 1982; Switzerland currently represents the interests of the United States in Cuba and Iran, the interests Cuba in the United States, the interests of the Russian Federation in Georgia after the rupture of diplomatic relations between these countries in 2008). Switzerland provides "good offices" by providing its territory for direct negotiations between the parties to conflicts (the Nagorno-Karabakh, Abkhazian and South Ossetian problems, the Cyprus settlement, etc.).

Of all the types of neutrality that exist in the modern world, Swiss is the longest and most consistent. Today, the Swiss Confederation is not part of any military alliance or the EU. In recent years, due to changes in Europe and the world, in government and public opinion the mood in favor of strengthening integration with the EU and a more flexible interpretation of the principle of neutrality is gaining momentum.

In May 2004, the “second package” of EU-Switzerland sectoral agreements was signed, which, together with the “first package” (which entered into force on June 1, 2002), is a kind of alternative to Switzerland's accession to the EU.

Within the framework of national referendums held in 2005, the people of Switzerland positively resolved the issue of Switzerland's accession to the Schengen and Dublin agreements (the agreement with the EU is included in the "second package"), as well as the extension of the provisions of the Treaty on freedom of movement between Switzerland and the EU (included in the "first package" of sectoral agreements) for new EU members who joined the Union in 2004. At the same time, it was decided to consider the issue of Switzerland's accession to the European Union not as a "strategic goal", as before, but only as a "political option", that is, an opportunity.

In 1959, Switzerland became one of the founding countries of the EFTA, in 2002 it joined the UN.

Landmarks of Switzerland

natural attractions

Switzerland is primarily famous as the most mountainous country in Europe.

Celebrities associated with Switzerland

Roger Federer, the legendary tennis player, was born in Basel

Since 1912 the German writer Hermann Hesse, Nobel laureate (1946) has lived in Switzerland. Hesse died in Montagnola (Switzerland) on August 9, 1962.

Swiss citizenship at one time was received by Alexander Ivanovich Herzen, who left Russia.

Swiss resorts are historically known in Russia.

Culture of Switzerland

The culture of Switzerland has developed, on the one hand, under the influence of German, French and Italian culture, and, on the other hand, on the basis of the special identity of each canton. Therefore, it is still very difficult to say exactly what "Swiss culture" actually is. In Switzerland itself, there is a distinction between "Swiss culture" (usually folklore) and "culture from Switzerland" - all available genres in which people with a Swiss passport work. So, for example, associations of musicians playing the alpenhorns are more of a "Swiss culture", and rock bands "Yello", "Gotthard", "Krokus" and "Samael" are a culture from Switzerland.

There are universities in Basel, Zurich, Bern, St. Gallen, Geneva, Lausanne, Fribourg and Neuchâtel (there is no single national university in Switzerland, its role is played to some extent by the Higher Technical School in Zurich). The WTS is also located in Lausanne, and the Higher School of Economics operates in St. Gallen. A network of professional educational institutions has been developed. Among the students, a significant part are foreigners. Along with general education schools, there are privileged private colleges that are highly rated throughout the world.

Probably the best known piece of Swiss literature is Heidi's short story. This story of an orphan girl living with her grandfather in the Swiss Alps is still one of the most popular children's books, it has become one of the symbols of Switzerland. Its creator, the writer Johanna Spyri (1827-1901), also wrote a number of other books for children.

The famous sculptor Hermann Haller, who is the founder of modern Swiss plastic arts, was born, lived and worked in Switzerland.

Many are associated with Switzerland. literary stories. For example, thanks to " Notes on Sherlock Holmes" Reichenbach Falls is famous not only as a beautiful place, but also as the grave of Professor Moriarty. The history of Chillon Castle inspired Byron to compose The Prisoner of Chillon. The heroes of Hemingway's novel A Farewell to Arms arrived in Montreux. » Nikolai Stavrogin, a citizen of the canton of Uri, the hero of Dostoevsky's novel The Demons, is best known from Russian literature. It is not surprising that many of Nabokov's heroes, like the author himself, lived in Switzerland.

Holidays

• In Switzerland, Saint Berthold's Day is celebrated on 2 January.
• The Escalade is celebrated on December 12 in Geneva.
• August 1 is Confederation Day in Switzerland (Switzerland's national holiday). On this day, mass festivities are held in all cantons, magnificent fireworks are arranged.

National cuisine of Switzerland

Swiss cuisine deserves recognition from gourmets all over the world, despite the rather strong influence of neighboring countries (Germany, France and Italy), it has many of its own delicacies. One of Switzerland's main attractions is chocolate. Switzerland is known not only for cultural and national diversity, but also for a rich selection of French, Italian, German cuisine. Swiss traditional food is based on several fundamental components. The most common components of Swiss cuisine: milk, butter, cheese, potatoes, corn, beets, onions, cabbage, relatively a small amount of meat and a moderately selected bouquet of aromatic spices and herbs. Despite the fact that animal husbandry in Switzerland is unspeakably developed, meat is still not a frequent guest on the table of the Swiss.

Typical dishes of Swiss cuisine:

• Tartiflette
• Basel Brunels (Cookies)
• Swiss sausage salad
• Swiss gingerbread
• Swiss soup with cheese
• swiss roll
• Cookies "Lotus petals"

Opening hours of establishments

Institutions in Switzerland are open on weekdays from 8.00 to 12.00 and from 14.00 to 17.00. Saturday and Sunday are days off. Swiss banks are usually open from 8.30 am to 4.30 pm, except on weekends. Once a week, banks work longer than usual, you need to clarify this in each specific place. Post offices in large cities are open on weekdays from 8.30 to 12.00 and from 13.30 to 18.30, on Saturday from 7.30 to 11.00, Sunday is a day off.

Military establishment

A young Swiss soldier returning to duty after a weekend at a railway station.

The personnel of the Swiss Armed Forces, on exercises.

Military budget $2.7 billion (2001).

The regular armed forces are about 5,000 people (only personnel).

The reserve is about 240,200 people.

Paramilitary forces: civil defense forces - 280,000 people. By tradition, the Swiss have the right to keep military weapons at home.

The development of the modern newspaper market in Switzerland begins under the influence of the Reformation. In 1610, the first regular Swiss newspaper, Ordinari-Zeitung, was published in Basel. In 1620, newspapers began to appear in Zurich, one of them, the Ordinari-Wohenzeitung, is considered the immediate predecessor of the unofficial "main" newspaper of the country, the Neue Zürcher Zeitung. In 1827, 27 newspapers were published in Switzerland. When, after the revolutionary events of 1830, censorship was abolished, the number of publications began to grow rapidly, and by 1857 there were already 180 newspapers in the Confederation. The largest number newspapers in Switzerland came out in the 30s. XX century (more than 400). Then their number begins to decline, and this process continues to this day. The first all-Swiss supra-regional newspaper, the Schweitzer Zeitung, began publication in 1842 in St. Gallen. A feature of the Swiss press landscape at that time was the fact of a rigid ideological division of newspapers - newspapers of the Catholic-conservative direction were opposed by liberal-progressive publications. In 1893, the newspaper ["Tages-Anzeiger"], the first "non-partisan" (and in this sense "independent") newspaper, began to appear in Zurich.

In 1850, with the formation of the newspaper Der Bund, the first newspaper with a regular professional editorship appeared in Switzerland. The Neue Zürcher Zeitung (it celebrated its 225th anniversary in January 2005) was the first newspaper to establish specialized departments within its editorial office dealing with specific topics (politics, economics, culture, etc.).

Today, by the number of periodic printed publications per capita, Switzerland is one of the first places in the world. Nevertheless, the vast majority of the nearly 200 main Swiss daily newspapers (their total circulation is about 3.5 million copies) are characterized by a pronounced "provincialism" and a focus mainly on local events.

Of the German-language leading newspapers in Switzerland today, the tabloid newspaper Bleek (275 thousand copies), published in Zurich, the well-informed Tages Anzeiger (259 thousand copies, there is a correspondent in Moscow) and Neue Zürcher Zeitung ( 139 thousand copies). Among the French speakers, the boulevard Matin (187,000 copies), Le Tan (97,000 copies), Van Quatre-er (97,000 copies), Tribune de Geneve (65,000 copies) are in the lead. . copies), among the Italian-speaking - "Corriere del Ticino" (24 thousand copies).

A relatively significant segment of the market is occupied by tabloid free "transport newspapers" (distributed mainly at public transport stops) "20 minutes" (about 100 thousand copies) and "Metropol" (130 thousand copies), as well as advertising and corporate publications "COOP-Zeitung" (almost 1.5 million copies) and "Vir Brückenbauer" (1.3 million copies). There are no informational and analytical sections in these newspapers.

Most of the major Swiss federal newspapers are steadily reducing their official circulation. It should be noted that the circulation of Blick, the largest Swiss tabloid newspaper, has declined. In 2004, its circulation was approximately 275 thousand copies. The informed newspaper Der Bund, which is published in the Bernese agglomeration and in some neighboring cities, currently sells a little more than 60,000 copies a day. The situation on the market of Sunday newspapers looks similar. The circulation of the popular newspaper Sonntagszeitung has fallen by 8.6% over the past three years and currently stands at 202,000 copies, while the number of copies of the Sonntagsblick newspaper has decreased over the same time to 312,000 copies.

Only the popular Bernese newspaper Berner Zeitung (its circulation is 163,000 copies) and the illustrated tabloid magazine Schweitzer Illustrirte, which is in great demand (255,700 copies), were able to maintain their positions, and this against the background of the fact that that the main news magazine of Switzerland "Facts" reduced its circulation, dropping to the level of 80 thousand copies. These tendencies are connected, first of all, with the continuing decrease in the number of published advertisements and with the growing popularity of the “Internet press”. In July 2007, Facts magazine ceased to exist.

The Swiss television market is controlled by the Swiss Society for Broadcasting and Television (SHORT), founded in 1931. Radio and television broadcasts are conducted in German (in fact, almost 80% of "German-language" television is produced in dialects that are very different from the "literary" German language), French and Italian (in the canton of Graubünden - also in Romansh) languages. Being in the form of a joint-stock company, "SHORT", however, like many Swiss joint-stock formations in other sectors of the economy, in fact, is a state structure that receives subsidies from the state. This kind of subsidy is officially justified by the need to support the "obviously unprofitable system of" four-language "national television broadcasting", especially given the fact that TV channels from its neighboring countries, primarily Germany, as well as France and Italy, are freely received in Switzerland. If in 2000 SHORT earned a profit of 24.5 million Swiss francs on its own. francs, then already in 2002 its losses amounted to 4.4 million Swiss francs. francs. Both the unfavorable economic situation in the country and the lack of advertising, as well as the growth in the number of categories of television signal consumers exempted from the subscription fee, led to this result. In this regard, in 2004 the state was forced to allocate more than 30 million Swiss francs to support SHORT. francs.

The Swiss TV channels "SF-1" and "SF-2" (produced by the state broadcaster "SF-DRS", which is part of "SHORT") devote "prime time" mainly to programs of a sports and socio-political nature, therefore their "entertainment needs" the Swiss viewer satisfies, as a rule, with the help of foreign broadcasters. As for private television broadcasting, unlike private radio broadcasting, it has not yet been able to gain a foothold in Switzerland as a real alternative to state television. Private TV channels "TV-3" and "Tele-24", which won almost 3% of the Swiss TV audience, failed to reach the level of market self-sufficiency and their work was terminated in 2002. At the beginning of November 2003, another attempt was made in Switzerland to establish private television. The Federal Council (government of the country) issued an appropriate license to the U-1 TV channel. The license is issued for 10 years and gives the right to nationwide broadcasting of "German-language" programs. By the beginning of 2005, the channel had not succeeded in winning any noticeable niche in the Swiss electronic media market.

The reason why Switzerland is still a very difficult market for private broadcasters is primarily due to the unfavorable legal framework conditions. Another reason is the relatively small percentage of advertisements placed on television in Switzerland. If in Germany almost 45% of all advertising in the country is placed on TV, then in Switzerland this figure is only 18.1% (newspapers account for 43% of all advertising in the Confederation).

The Swiss Broadcasting Law of June 21, 1991 is currently being improved, its new version should give more opportunities for private activities in the field of television and radio, especially in terms of attracting additional advertising. The unfavorable conditions for the development of the media in Switzerland lead not only to a reduction in circulation, but also to the need for "structural reductions". So, in 2003, the Moscow office of the Swiss television company SF-DRS was closed (except for the correspondent of the Tages-Anzeiger newspaper, only a representative of the Swiss "German-language" radio DRS remained in Moscow). The provision of information from Russia will now be carried out following the example of many Swiss newspapers, which engage Moscow correspondents of newspapers from other German-speaking countries, primarily the FRG, to write materials. As for the SF-1 TV channel itself, it will now receive the “Russian picture” with the help of the Austrian ORF TV channel.

Bibliography

• Sabelnikov L. V. Switzerland. Economy and foreign trade. M., 1962
• Mogutin V. B. Switzerland: big business in a small country. M., 1975
• Dragunov G.P. Switzerland: history and modernity. M., 1978
• Dragunov G.P. Devil's bridge. In the footsteps of Suvorov in Switzerland. "Thought", 1995
• A Handbook on Democracy: The Functioning of a Democratic State on the Example of Switzerland. M., 1994
• Schaffhauser R. Fundamentals of Swiss community law on the example of the community law of the canton of St. Gallen. St. Petersburg, 1996
• Shishkin, Mikhail: Russian Switzerland. Moscow: Vagrius.

Switzerland - the most detailed information about the country with a photo. Landmarks, Swiss cities, climate, geography, population and culture.

Switzerland

Switzerland is a state in Central Europe. This is one of the most beautiful and richest countries in the world, most of the territory of which is occupied by mountains (Alps and Jura). Switzerland borders Italy in the south, Germany in the north, Austria and Liechtenstein in the east, and France in the west. This is a federal parliamentary republic, which is divided into 20 cantons and 6 semi-cantons. The population speaks German, French, Italian and professes Christianity (while the proportion of Catholics and Protestants is approximately equal).

The name of the state comes from the canton of Schwyz, one of the three cantons that founded the Confederation. Switzerland is a country of amazing alpine landscapes and picturesque small towns, blue lakes that reflect mountains and glaciers, and green valleys. This is a country of banks and watches, cheese and chocolate, which has maintained its neutrality for many centuries. Switzerland is famous for its remarkable cultural heritage, stunning nature and world-class ski resorts.

Useful information about Switzerland

1. The official languages ​​are German, French, Italian and Romansh (or Swiss).
2. Currency - Swiss franc.
3. Visa - Schengen.
4. The standard of living is very high.
5. The population is more than 8 million people.
6. Area - 41,284 km².
7. The capital is Bern.
8. Time - UTC +1, summer +2.
9. Switzerland is one of the safest countries in the world with a very low crime rate.
10. Tax Free - only possible with purchases worth more than 300 francs.
11. Holidays: January 1 - New Year, January 2 - St. Berthold's Day, Good Friday (April-May), Easter (April-May), Monday of Bright Week (the first after Easter), May 1 - Labor Day, Ascension of the Lord (in May -June), Pentecost and Spirits Day (May-June), Feast of the Body of the Lord (usually in June), August 1 - National holiday of Switzerland, August 15 - Assumption of the Virgin Mary, November 1 - All Saints Day, December 8 - Immaculate Conception Day of the Blessed Virgin Mary, December 25 - Christmas, December 26 - Boxing Day.

Geography and nature

Switzerland is located almost in the center of Europe and occupies an important strategic position between the North and South of the continent. Geographically, the country can be divided into:

• The Jura is a mountainous region in the northwestern part of Switzerland.
• The Swiss Plateau or Mittelland is the central part of the country, sandwiched between the Alps and the Jura. It is a hilly plain.
• The Alps are the largest mountain range in Switzerland, which occupies 61% of its territory. They are divided into the Pennine Alps, the Lepontine Alps, the Rhaetian Alps and the Bernina Massif.

In terms of relief, most of Switzerland is mountainous. The average height above sea level exceeds 500 meters. The highest point in Switzerland is Peak Dufour (4634 m), the lowest is Lake Maggiore - 193 m.

In the mountains of Switzerland are the sources of the largest rivers in Europe: the Rhone and the Rhine. The country is also known large quantity picturesque lakes: Geneva, Firvaldstadt, Thun, Zurich, Biel, Neuchâtel, Lago Maggiore. Most of them are of glacial origin. By the way, there are many glaciers in the mountains of Switzerland.

The nature of Switzerland is quite rich and varied. 1/4 of the country's territory is still covered with forests. Oak and beech predominate in the forests, spruce, pine, and fir in the mountains. Deer, roe deer, chamois, foxes, hares, partridges live in the mountains and forests of Switzerland.

Climate

The predominant type of climate is continental. The climate of mountainous regions is determined by altitudinal zonality. In the west of the country the climate is much milder, while in the east and south it is much more severe.

Best time to visit

Switzerland is open to tourists all year round and every season is good in its own way. If the main goal is its ski resorts, then you need to come in winter. The off-season is quite suitable for exploring the country's cultural heritage and attractions. For trips to the mountains and lakes, it is better to visit Switzerland in the summer.

Story

Switzerland has been inhabited since the Stone Age. During the existence and flourishing of the Roman Empire (from the 5th century BC to the 4th century AD), Celtic tribes (Helvetians) lived here. The east of Switzerland was inhabited by the Rhaetians, who were related to the Etruscans. In the 2nd century BC, local tribes raided the Roman Empire and even inflicted several defeats on the Romans. Switzerland was subjugated in 52 BC when the revolt of the Gauls against the power of Rome was put down. In the 3rd century AD, the Romans begin to lose their positions under the onslaught of the Germanic tribes. By the 5th century, the north of Switzerland was taken over by the Alemanni and the west by the Burgundians.

In the Middle Ages, Switzerland was fragmented into several kingdoms, which were subjugated by the Franks during the reign of Charlemagne in the 8th century. The Christianization of the population began in the 4th century. In 843 the territory of Switzerland was divided between Italy and Germany. At the beginning of the 10th century, the entire territory of the country was subordinated to the German kings and in 1032 became part of the Holy Roman Empire, under whose rule it remained for 3 centuries.

In the 11th-13th century, trade develops in Switzerland and new cities appear. This led to the emergence of new trade routes. One of the main trade arteries of Switzerland was of great importance and passed through the valleys of Uri, Schwyz, Grisons and the St. Gotthard Pass. During this period, the Habsburgs came to power in the Holy Roman Empire. Fearing their oppression, on August 1, 1291, a military treaty was concluded that united Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden. This date is considered the foundation of the Swiss Union and Swiss statehood. In the 14th century, the Habsburgs repeatedly tried to take control of the cantons, but suffered several defeats.

In the 14th century, the composition of the Swiss Union was replenished with Zurich, Lucerne and Bern. This led to an increase in tension between the cantons, which resulted in the Zurich War. It is interesting that large cities within the confederation received the status of freemen, had broad autonomy and carried on a brisk trade with other cities of Europe. In the 15th century, new cantons joined the Swiss Union. In 1499, the Holy Roman Empire tried to regain control of the recalcitrant territories, but was defeated. By the way, around this period, the first principles of Swiss neutrality were laid down.

In the first half of the 16th century, the Reformation began in Switzerland. In 1648, the Treaty of Westphalia was signed, which secured the independence of Switzerland. In the 17-18 century, life in the state was peaceful. During this period, industry develops in Switzerland, and the country itself grows rich on loans, turning into one of the main financial centers of Europe.

At the end of the 18th century, a revolution broke out in the French-speaking cantons of Switzerland. The German-speaking cantons, led by Bern, tried to suppress it, but this led to the occupation by France and the formation of the Helvetic Republic. During this period, the first constitution was adopted on the model of the French. After the withdrawal of French troops in 1802, the restoration of the old order began. In 1803, Napoleon returned feudalism to Switzerland, gave a new constitution and increased the number of cantons. In 1814-1815, the Congress of Vienna and the Treaty of Paris secured the independence of Switzerland and its neutrality.

In 1848, a new constitution was adopted in Switzerland. Since 1850, the franc has become the single currency, and the capital is Bern. In 1844 the first railway was built from Basel to Strasbourg. In the First and Second World Wars, Switzerland took the side of military neutrality. Although during the Second World War she collaborated with the Nazis. In 1999 a new constitution was adopted. Switzerland is currently one of the richest countries in the world. One of the largest physical laboratories, CERN, operates on its territory. It was also in Switzerland that the Internet was born. Here the first website, browser and web server were developed.

Administrative division

In administrative-territorial terms, Switzerland is divided into 20 cantons and 6 half-cantons. The cantons are divided into districts, which in turn are subdivided into cities and communities.

• obwalden
• Nidwalden
• Neuchâtel
• Ticino
• Thurgau
• Aargau
• Graubünden
• St. Gallen
• Glarus
• Friborg
• Solothurn
• Basel-Stadt
• Basel Land
• Schaffhausen
• Appenzell Ausserrhoden
• Appenzell-Innerrhoden

Regionally, the country can be divided into:

• Northwestern Switzerland - Basel, Aargau, Solothurn.
• Zurich region.
• Central Switzerland - Lake Lucerne and the cantons of Uri, Obwalden, Nidwalden, Schwyz.
• Eastern Switzerland - the area between the sources of the Rhine and Lake Constance (Thurgau, Appenzell-Ausserrhoden, Appenzell-Innerrhoden, St. Gallen).
• The Lake Geneva region is the French-speaking part of Switzerland (the cantons of Geneva, Bern, Valais, Fribourg).
• Southern Switzerland is an Italian-speaking region (Canton of Ticino).

Population

Interestingly, 90% of the Swiss population consider themselves ethnic Swiss. At the same time, the country does not have a single language. Language composition: German Swiss (65%), French Swiss (18%), Italian Swiss (10%). Therefore, the most common language, nevertheless, is German. Religiously, the vast majority are Christians (half of whom are Catholics and the other half are Protestants).

Transport

The largest airport in Switzerland is located in Zurich. Other international airports are located in Basel, Geneva, Lugano, Bern and St. Gallen. The country is connected by modern highways with Germany and Austria.

A vignette is required for driving on Swiss motorways. Its cost is 40 francs and it is valid for one year. The fine for not having a vignette is 200 francs.

Switzerland has one of the most developed rail networks in Europe, so getting around the country by train is very convenient. Also, many railways are very scenic. Regular rail links are available to almost all neighboring European countries. You can also get to Switzerland by bus from some countries of Eastern Europe, Spain and Portugal.

Speed ​​limits: 50 km/h - built-up areas, 80 km/h - outside built-up areas, 120 km/h - motorways. Speeding fines are very high.

It is permissible to control the vehicle with a blood alcohol content of not more than 0.5‰.

Swiss cities and popular destinations

The capital of Switzerland is Bern. This is a picturesque old town with a beautiful medieval historical center, which is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The largest city and transport hub in Switzerland. It is one of the most dynamic Swiss cities with beautiful architecture, plenty of entertainment and leisure opportunities.

The capital of the canton of the same name, located on the shores of the picturesque Lake Geneva. It is a city of banks and museums, parks and galleries, where the headquarters of the UN in Europe is located.

The cultural capital of Switzerland with a beautiful old town and vibrant nightlife. This city is located on the river Rhine on the border with France and Germany.

Other popular cities:

• Lausanne is the capital of the Swiss canton of Vaud. This small town is the seat of the International Olympic Committee and a major university center.
• - one of the most beautiful and popular cities in Switzerland. It is located on the shore of the lake of the same name on the border of the Alps.
• Lugano is the capital of Southern Switzerland and the canton of Ticino. It is famous for its picturesque nature and cultural component of recreation.
• Interlaken is a small resort town located between the Thun and Brienz lakes.

Switzerland strikes with a whole scattering of picturesque small towns that seem to have come off a postcard.

Landmarks of Switzerland

Old cities and historical sights

The old town of Lucerne is located on the shores of a picturesque lake surrounded by mountains. It is a medieval core with old houses, bridges and sights. Lucerne's main symbols are the 14th-century bridge chapel and the famous "Dying Lion" sculpture.

For great scenery and views, visit the lookouts.

Chillon Castle in Montreux is a magnificent castle on the shores of Lake Geneva. It was built in the 12th century and for a long time remained the residence of the Savoy dynasty.

Saint-Pierre is a cathedral, the pearl of the old city of Geneva. It was built in the 12th century and contains a large number of Romanesque and Gothic elements.

Cathedral of St. Nicholas - a beautiful gothic church in the city of Friborg. Friborg itself is considered one of the most beautiful medieval cities Europe.

The old town of Sion is one of the most picturesque in Europe. It is located on the river Rhone and has a charming medieval atmosphere. The most famous sights are the Cathedral, the Witches' Tower and the Bishops' Castle.

Oberhofen is a romantic medieval castle on the shores of Lake Thun, turned into a museum. A large and beautiful park adjoins the castle.

Notre Dame Cathedral is the most outstanding example of Swiss Gothic, a grandiose medieval cathedral located in Lausanne.

Bern's Old Town is a labyrinth of cobbled streets and old houses, the tallest cathedral in Switzerland and a medieval clock tower.

The charming old town of Zurich with beautiful architecture and interesting sights. Here you can find more than 50 museums and 100 art galleries. Bahnhofstrasse in Zurich is one of the best shopping streets in Europe with trendy designer shops.

Natural attractions of Switzerland

The Matterhorn is one of the most famous mountains in Europe. This legendary peak is located in the Pennine Alps and has a height of 4478 m.

Jungfraujoch is one of Switzerland's most popular natural attractions, located in the Bernese Alps. At an altitude of 3445 meters there is an observatory and an observation deck, as well as the largest glacier in Europe and the famous trail to Mount Eiger. At the foot of the mountains is the picturesque ski resort Grindelwald.

Interlaken is one of the most popular summer resorts in Switzerland, located between picturesque lakes. Offers over 45 scenic mountain railways, cable cars and ski lifts.

Lake Geneva is the largest alpine lake located on the border of Switzerland and Austria.

St. Moritz is one of the most famous ski resorts in Switzerland. Nestled among beautiful alpine lakes, jagged peaks and forests.

Lake Lugano is the pearl of the canton of Ticino. Here, among the Alpine peaks, subtropical plants grow, and the surroundings are saturated with the flavor and atmosphere of Italy.

The Rhine Falls are the largest waterfalls in Central Europe. Located near the town of Schaffhausen.

Accommodation

Finding accommodation in Switzerland is not a problem. The country is a very popular tourist destination, so there are a large number of hotels, guest houses and even campsites of different price categories. On average, the cost of living in Switzerland is quite high. Although if you start looking for housing in advance or come in the off-season, you can find great options.

Kitchen

Swiss cuisine was formed under the influence of the culinary traditions of Italy, Germany, France. Switzerland is historically an agricultural country, so most traditional dishes are easy to prepare. Many cantons have regional cuisine.

Popular food:

• Fondue - melted cheese with slices of bread.
• Raclette is a dish similar to fondue.
• Rösti is a popular potato dish.
• Birchermuesli - muesli.
• Älplermagrone - casserole with onions and cheese.
• Zürcher Geschnetzeltes - veal with mushrooms in a creamy sauce.
• Malakoff - fried cheese balls or sticks.
• Apple Rösti is a sweet dish with apples.
• Tirggel - Christmas biscuits.
• Polenta, risotto and pizza in Southern Switzerland.

Traditional products: cheese, sausages, chocolate, meringue, wine.

Switzerland, official name Swiss Confederation- a small state in Central Europe, bordering Germany in the north, Italy in the south, France in the west, Austria and Liechtenstein in the east. The area of ​​the territory is 41,284 km².

Switzerland's northern border partly runs along Lake Constance and the Rhine, which starts in the center of the Swiss Alps and forms part of the eastern border. The western border runs along the Jura mountains, the southern - along the Italian Alps and Lake Geneva.
The country's territory is divided into three natural regions: the Jura mountains in the north, the Swiss plateau in the center, and the Alps, occupying 61% of the entire territory of Switzerland, in the south. The highest point of the country is Peak Dufort (4634 m) in the Pennine Alps, and the lowest point is Lake Maggiore (193 m).

The country is rich in rivers and lakes (most of them are of glacial origin). The Rhine, Rhone, Limmat, Aare flowing from the mountains are the largest rivers in the country.

Ten largest lakes in Switzerland:

Lake Geneva (582.4 km²)

Lake Constance (539 km²)

Lake Neuchâtel (217.9 km²)

Lago Maggiore (212.3 km²)

Lake Vierwaldstet (113.8 km²)

Lake Zurich (88.4 km²)

Lugano (48.8 km²)

Lake Thun (48.4 km²)

Lake Biel (40 km²)

Lake Zug (38 km²)

About 25% of the territory of Switzerland is covered with forests, they extend not only in the mountains, but also in the valleys, and on some plateaus.

Climate

Switzerland has a continental climate typical of Central Europe, but due to the complexity of the relief, the climatic conditions of individual regions are varied.

In the Alps, winter is relatively cold (temperatures drop to -10°C -12°C, sometimes lower), but almost always sunny. On peaks from 2500-3000 m snow lies throughout the year. About 65% of the annual precipitation here falls in the form of snow, so in winter, due to the accumulation of snow on the slopes, snowfalls occur. In summer, rains and fogs are frequent, and the weather can change very quickly from sunny to rainy.

On the Swiss plateau, winters are mild. The average temperature in January is about -2°C, if snow falls, it usually lasts only a few days. In December and January, strong winds blow from the Atlantic, bringing frequent rains and fogs, but the summer is warm (the average temperature in July is +18°C), and the autumn is long and sunny.

The mildest and warmest climate is in the inner mountain valleys and hollows, protected from the cold northern winds by mountains. For example, in the canton of Ticino, on the coast of lakes Lugano and Lago Maggiore, there are many sunny days(in summer the temperature can reach +30°C), there are no large temperature fluctuations and strong seasonal fluctuations in the weather. Here, palm trees, magnolias and other plants of the southern countries grow in the open ground, essentially like on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea.

Population

The total population was estimated in 2008 to be 7,580,000, among them 65% German, 18% French, 10% Italian and 7% other nationalities. More than 1 million foreigners live in Switzerland, which is 1/7 of the total population, in large cities the proportion of foreigners among residents rises to 1/5 - 1/3.

The population is mainly concentrated in the plateau area. Large industrial centers - Zurich, Basel and Geneva - are characterized by the highest population density.

Swiss citizens are very peaceful, friendly, polite and law-abiding people. They are traditionally conflict-free, reasonable and rationalistic. It is also worth noting the amazing punctuality of the Swiss. The standard of living in Switzerland is very high.

Language

Switzerland has 4 national languages: German (its local dialect is Schwitzerduch), French, Italian and Romansh.

Similarly, the Constitution determines that the official languages, i.e. languages ​​in which legislative acts are drawn up and the population communicates with federal authorities authorities and courts are German, French and Italian. Romansh is not an official language due to the small number of speakers. However, it is widely used in official meetings with Romansh, who in turn may address authorities in their own language.

For the protection of linguistic minorities, the so-called “principle of territoriality” applies, i.e. respect for traditional linguistic boundaries and the exclusive use of the native language of a certain area in institutions, courts and schools.

The German language (the most common) is used by the inhabitants of the northern and northeastern parts of Switzerland (Zurich, Bern, etc.).

French is spoken mainly in the cantons of Geneva, Vaud, Neuchâtel, Friborg and Valais.

Italian is spoken mainly in the canton of Ticino, while Romansh is spoken only in the mountainous canton of Graubünden.

The local dialect of the German language - "Schwitzerduch" is very similar to classical German, so if you speak German, you will be perfectly understood.

Religion

Currently, Catholics make up about 50% of the population, Protestants - about 48%. Confessional differences in Switzerland do not always coincide with linguistic boundaries. Among the Protestants there are both French-speaking Calvinists and German-speaking followers of Zwingli. The centers of German-speaking Protestantism are Zurich, Bern and Appenzell. The majority of French-speaking Protestants live in the canton of Geneva and the neighboring cantons of Vaud and Neuchâtel. Catholics predominate in central Switzerland around the city of Lucerne, in most of the French-speaking cantons of Friborg and Valais, and in the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino.

In Switzerland, there are also adherents of the Orthodox faith, one of the Orthodox parishes, founded in 1936 by Metropolitan Evlogii, is located in Zurich, and the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin at the Representation of the Russian Orthodox Church at the World Council of Churches.

Switzerland also has small Jewish communities in Zurich, Basel and Geneva.

Approximately 400,000 Muslims live in Switzerland, mostly Turks and Kosovars. On November 29, 2009, in a popular referendum in Switzerland, an amendment to the constitution was adopted banning the construction of minarets in the country. In addition, kosher and halal slaughter of animals is prohibited in Switzerland due to their cruelty.

The Swiss can be proud of the fact that they are fluent in several foreign languages ​​and can communicate freely with people from different countries. However, knowledge of one's own state languages, unfortunately, are deteriorating due to their preference for English. As a result, the four-lingual Switzerland is gradually turning into a "two and a half-lingual" country. In other words, many Swiss speak their mother tongue and English, but often only understand one of the four official languages.

Currency

The official currency of Switzerland is the Swiss franc (CHF).

The Swiss franc is equal to 100 centimes (rappen in German Switzerland). In circulation there are denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 francs, as well as coins of 1, 2 and 5 francs, 50, 20, 10 and 5 centimes.

Almost all shops, hotels, restaurants and cafes accept all major credit cards. Finding an ATM in the "country of banks" is also not difficult.

You can change money at any bank branch. Swiss banks are usually open from 8.30 to 16.30, except weekends. Once a week, banks work longer than usual, to clarify on which day it is necessary in each particular place.

You can also change money at the exchange offices of large department stores, airports, railway stations and stations. Currency exchange offices at airports and railway stations are open daily from 8:00 to 22:00, sometimes around the clock.
However, it is better to change money before leaving, as in Switzerland itself the national currency is overpriced.

Most prices are quoted in both EUR and Swiss CHF. In some large stores, EUR is even accepted for payment, but the change is given out in Swiss CHF. Therefore, it is most convenient to pay with plastic cards.

Communication and communications

Phone code: 41

Swiss internet domain: .ch

Ambulance - 144, police - 117, firefighters - 118, roadside assistance - 140 (round the clock), traffic jams, condition of roads and passes - 163.

How to call

In order to call from Russia to Switzerland, you need to dial: 8 - dial tone - 10 - 41 - area code - subscriber number.

In order to call from Switzerland to Russia, you need to dial: 00 - 7 - area code - subscriber number.

Fixed line

While in Switzerland, you can call abroad from any telephone booth using coins or using a phone card, which can be purchased at any post office.

To call from one Swiss city to another, you need to dial the phone year of the city, starting with 0, and then the subscriber's number.

mobile connection

The Swisscom mobile network covers about 99% of the populated areas of the country. When entering Switzerland, the mobile phone usually searches for a suitable network on its own. For example, SWISS GSM appears on the display.

Coverage information mobile network Swisscom Mobile, Switzerland's leading mobile operator, can be found at www.swisscom-mobile.ch

shopping

In small towns and villages, shops are open from 8.30 to 12.00 and again from 14.00 to 18.30 - on weekdays, on Saturday - from 8:00 to 12:00 and from 14:00 to 16:00. In large cities, shops do not close for lunch, but are closed on Monday in the morning, and on one of the weekdays (most often on Thursdays) they are open until 20:00.

Shops are closed on Sundays, except at the airport, some train stations and rest stops along major highways.

In terms of shopping, Switzerland attracts, first of all, with the excellent quality of goods produced in it. There are many different shops here, ranging from small shops to cozy atmosphere to chic boutiques of famous and not so famous brands, as well as large department stores.

Chocolate, cheeses, coffee, local wines, famous penknives and music boxes, bed linen and tablecloths, embroidered towels, precision instruments, various souvenirs with Swiss symbols, as well as antiques are considered traditional "Swiss shopping". A shopping trip would be incomplete without buying the famous Swiss watches, which are much cheaper here than in other countries.

It is worth noting that in Switzerland there is a large selection of quality clothing and accessories, depending on the brands, at quite reasonable prices.

In most shops and supermarkets, the salespeople speak English.

VAT and tax-free:

Purchases over 400 francs in a single store can receive a VAT refund. Value Added Tax (VAT) in Switzerland is 7.6%. For reimbursement in the store, you need to receive a "Tax-free Shopping Check" (Global Refund Cheque), according to which, when leaving the country, you, as a foreign citizen, will be refunded the amount of VAT. Goods must be taken out of the country within 30 days.

In order to receive your money, you must:

1. In the shop

• After making a purchase at a store that is part of the Global Refund system (as evidenced by the presence of a brand name at the entrance to the store), ask for a Global Refund check for you, directly from the cashier, customer service department or the store's central accounting department.

Upon receipt of the check, make sure that your details (first name, last name, country of residence, home address and passport number) are filled out in the appropriate field on the check, and that the cashier's check is attached to the Global Refund check.

2. At customs

Immediately before you leave the domestic market of the host country, you must present the purchased items and the Global Refund receipt at the border customs, on which the customs officers will put a mark confirming the export of the goods. Therefore, before leaving the country, the goods cannot be used (the goods must be labeled). Without a customs seal, a refund is not possible. At airports, customs clearance must be done before baggage check-in.

3. You can receive money, according to the return option you have chosen:

• to a card (or bank account), which, in this case, must be indicated in the Global Refund check, while the check is sent by you to the address indicated on the envelope attached to the Global Refund check;
• in cash at the points of payment of the Global Refund company directly in the host country, after affixing the customs stamp;
• in cash in the country of arrival at the bank.

Where to stay

Most of the hotels in the country are members of the Swiss Hotel Association. They have good and spacious rooms with all the services required for an institution of this category. However, hotels that are not members of the Association are usually also cozy and tidy. In general, Swiss hotels are better than the "middle European" ones. The price of breakfast (buffet) is usually included in the price of the room. For an additional fee, most hotels offer two or three meals a day.

Also throughout Switzerland there are about 80 hostels (youth hotels of economy class), the cost of living in such hotels is about 15 - 20 francs per day. It can accommodate both individual tourists and families, tourist groups and even groups of schoolchildren of various ages. To stay in such a youth hotel, a national or international Youth Hotel Card is required. There is no age limit, however, during the high season, persons under the age of 25 years have benefits.

There are also a large number of campsites in Switzerland, but it is important to note that camping is only allowed in specially designated areas. In the summer, when this type of vacation is very popular, it is recommended to book campsites in advance.

Another alternative to accommodation in the country during the holidays can be renting an apartment. This is especially practiced in the Swiss Alps. For example, a four-room apartment can accommodate 8-10 people. The cost of rent depends on such factors as: the prestige of the resort, the area of ​​​​the apartment, the cost of furniture, and even kitchen utensils. It is also worth remembering that the price announced to you may not include a fee for bed linen, a deposit (on average 400 euros) in case you break or break something, and an accommodation fee (1 euro per person per day ). After you rent out your apartment, the so-called final cleaning, which you are also required to pay: it will cost from 20 to 50 euros, depending on the size of the room.

Sea and beaches

A beach holiday in Switzerland is a holiday on the numerous lakes of the country.

Story

The history of Switzerland is due to its special geographical position, which had a significant impact on the development of the state and society as a whole.

The Swiss Confederation in its modern form has existed only since 1848. Until that time, there was no Swiss history as such. We can only talk about the historical development of individual regions, later united into a single Swiss state.

The settlement of the territory of modern Switzerland began from time immemorial. Scientists believe that the first settlements arose here in the 12th millennium BC. At first, people lived in caves, and later - along the shores of lakes. Starting from 500 BC on the Swiss plateau lived mainly Celtic tribes, among which were the Helvetians. In 58 B.C. e. these lands, as a result of Caesar's campaign, were captured. In the next three centuries, Roman influence contributed to the development of the culture of the population and its Romanization.

In the 4th-5th centuries. AD The territory of present-day Switzerland was captured by the Germanic tribes of the Alemanni and Burgundians.

In the 6th-7th centuries. it became part of the kingdom of the Franks and in the 8th-9th centuries. was ruled by Charlemagne and his successors. Under Charlemagne, Switzerland was divided into ten counties (Gaue).

In 843, the Treaty of Verdun led to the division of Switzerland into parts: the western one, together with Burgundy, and the southern one, together with Italy, went to Emperor Lothair, the eastern one, along with all of Alemannia, went to King Louis the German. The subsequent fate of these lands is closely connected with the history of the Holy Roman Empire. After the collapse of the Carolingian empire, they were captured by the Swabian dukes in the 10th century, but they could not keep them under their rule, and the region broke up into separate fiefs. In the 12th-13th centuries. attempts were made to unite them under the rule of large feudal lords, such as the Zähringens, the founders of Bern and Friborg, and the Habsburgs. In 1264 the Habsburgs won a dominant position in eastern Switzerland. The Counts of Savoy were entrenched in the west.

Having tried to cancel the privileges of some local communities in order to unite their possessions, the Habsburgs encountered strong resistance. At the center of this resistance were the peasants who lived in the mountain valleys of Schwyz (hence the name of the country Switzerland), Uri and Unterwalden. On August 1, 1291, these "forest" cantons enter into an "Eternal Alliance", the meaning of which was reduced to mutual support in the fight against external enemies, and primarily with the Habsburgs. Thus the Swiss Confederation was founded. Traditionally, 1291 is considered the year of the formation of the Swiss Confederation.

The proof of the strength of the confederation was confirmed already in 1315, when the highlanders of the forest cantons faced the superior forces of the Habsburgs and their allies. At the Battle of Morgarten they won what is considered one of the most important victories in Swiss history. This victory encouraged other communities to join the confederation as well. In 1332-1353 the cities of Lucerne, Zurich and Bern, the rural communities of Glarus and Zug entered into separate agreements with the three united cantons, forming a number of confederations. Although these agreements did not have a common basis, they were able to ensure the main thing - the independence of each of the participants. Having been defeated in the battles of Sempach in 1386 and Nefels in 1388, the Habsburgs were finally forced to recognize the independence of the cantons, united in a confederation.

At the beginning of the 15th century the members of the confederation felt strong enough to go on the offensive. During numerous wars and campaigns against the Austrian Habsburgs and the Holy Roman Empire, the Dukes of Savoy, Burgundy, as well as Milan and french king Francis I, the Swiss secured a reputation for excellent warriors. During the period of the "heroic age" of Swiss history (1415-1513), the territory of the confederation expanded by adding new lands in Aargau, Thurgau, Vaud, as well as south of the Alps, as a result of which 5 new cantons were created.

By 1798 Switzerland had become a confederation of 13 cantons. In addition to them, the confederation included lands that entered into an alliance with one or more cantons. Constant central authority absent: All-Union Diets were periodically convened, where only full-fledged cantons had the right to vote. There was no all-union administration, army and finance, and this situation remained until the French Revolution.

Religious reform, which began with an open challenge to the Roman Catholic Church by Huldrych Zwingli, split the country into two camps. The Zwinglian current of Protestantism subsequently merged with the current of John Calvin from Geneva into the Swiss Reformed Church. The cantons of central Switzerland remained Catholic. After short religious clashes, an approximate balance was established between the two religions.

In 1648 Switzerland's independence from the Holy Roman Empire was officially recognized by the Treaty of Westphalia.

In 1798 French troops invaded the country and occupied it. A single and indivisible Helvetian Republic is formed, which falls under the complete subordination of France.

After the defeat of the French, Switzerland regains its independence and retains its territorial borders. It already includes 22 cantons. After lengthy negotiations, a Union Treaty was drawn up, signed in September 1814. It proclaimed the union of 22 sovereign cantons, but did not indicate that they constituted one state. In the Declaration of the Congress of Vienna (March 1815) and the Treaty of Paris (November 1815), the Great Powers recognized the eternal neutrality of Switzerland.

In subsequent years, internal divisions between "conservative" and "radical" districts become more and more noticeable. The conflict came to a head when the radicals organized a military expansion against the canton of Lucerne, in response, Lucerne entered into an alliance with Schwyz, Uri, Unterwalden, Zug, Friborg and Valais, called the Sonderbund. Civil War lasted only 26 days and led to the defeat of the Sonderbund. The war proved once again that the country is in deep crisis and needs radical reforms.

On September 12, 1848, the basic law of the Swiss Confederation was signed, which turned the country from a weak union of individual cantons into a union state with a strong political system. Begins new era in the history of Switzerland. A permanent body of executive power was created in the form of a federal council of seven members, elected by a legislative body of two chambers - national council and the council of cantons. The federal government was empowered to issue money, regulate customs regulations and, most importantly, determine foreign policy. Bern was chosen as the federal capital.

The revised constitution of 1874, with subsequent amendments, further strengthened the power of the federal government without compromising the federal basis of the Swiss state. Starting from the second half of the 19th century. a dense network of railroads is being built, industry is developing, especially mechanical engineering, the chemical industry and the manufacture of watches.

With the outbreak of the First World War, there was a threat to the national unity of Switzerland: the French-speaking Swiss were mainly sympathetic to France, and the German-speaking people to Germany. The role of Switzerland in World War II is ambiguous. Formally maintaining neutrality, the country bought peace at the cost of political and economic collaborationism. Switzerland opened a huge loan to Germany, and also supplied Newest technologies necessary to strengthen the military potential.

With the end of World War II, Switzerland decided not to join the newly formed United Nations (UN) and acquired observer status, which allowed the European headquarters and several UN specialized organizations to be located in Geneva, including international organization labor and the World Health Organization. This decision strengthened the position of Switzerland in international politics. This country is a member of several UN organizations: the International Court of Justice, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Switzerland provides significant assistance to developing countries.

In 1979, a new canton was formed in Switzerland, called the Jura.

In 1983, Switzerland became a full member of the Group of Ten, an association of the largest contributors to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

On December 12, 2008, Switzerland officially entered the Schengen visa-free area. On the borders of the country, passport control has been canceled at all ground checkpoints. At international airports, Switzerland has prepared its air terminals to serve intra-Schengen flights where passport control is not required, and separated these flights from other international terminals.

For the Swiss, talking about salary or source of income is considered a closed topic. Even close friends do not dedicate each other to these issues.

Switzerland is considered to be a wealthy country, and the majority of the population live in abundance. Naturally, there are very rich people, but you don't see them on the streets. They live modestly and do not advertise their millions.

The list of 500 richest people in the world, compiled in 2007 by the American magazine Forbes, includes 8 representatives of Switzerland. Ernesto Bertarelli is recognized as the wealthiest Swiss. His fortune is 8.8 billion dollars.

Switzerland attracts wealthy foreigners. According to the Swiss magazine Bilanz, of the ten richest people in Switzerland, five have foreign citizenship. Their total wealth is CHF 103 billion. fr. (78 billion dollars). The richest foreigner living in Switzerland is the head of the Swedish company IKEA, Ingvar Kamprad, whose fortune is $33 billion. He also ranks 4th on the Forbes list of the 500 richest people in the world.

In Switzerland the most popular alcoholic drink is wine. According to the results of 2005, the share grape wines accounted for 50% of total sales. Beer accounted for only one-third. The biggest beer drinkers, contrary to popular belief, are Italian-speaking, not German-speaking Swiss.

A characteristic feature of Swiss society, as well as European society as a whole, is late marriages. First get professional education, make a career and, having reached a certain position in society, decide to start a family. Average age entry into the first marriage is about 29 years for women, 31 years for men.

Most often, young people formalize their family relationships immediately before the birth of their first joint child.

As for the number of children in a family, families with many children are rare. On average, there are no more than one or two children in a family, as living expenses increase, and large apartments become very expensive.

Only 1/3 of the Swiss population owns a home. Compared to other European countries, this is a very low figure.

The modern rules for obtaining citizenship in Switzerland are among the most complex in Western Europe, so the number of foreigners obtaining Swiss citizenship is much less than in any single European country. At the same time, the share of foreigners in the total population of Switzerland is very high, so in 2008. it amounted to 21.7%. It should be noted that the distribution of foreigners in Switzerland is very uneven.

Especially high percentage of foreigners among children. A census conducted in 2000 showed that 25.8% of children under the age of 6 did not have Swiss citizenship, and in five large cities of the country this number exceeded 45%. Approximately one in five children born in Switzerland has at least one parent with a foreign nationality.

Almost all pharmacies in Switzerland are closed in the afternoon on Saturday and Sunday, there are pharmacies on duty only in large cities, in this situation it does not hurt to take standard set medicines that can be useful for mild ailments.

If you decide to travel around the country by car, you should remember that some sections of Swiss highways are tolled, so you will have to pay a fee when entering them.

Also, do not forget that for non-compliance with even elementary traffic rules in Switzerland, impressive fines are levied, and you will practically not see police officers on the roads, all violations are recorded by video cameras installed on the roads of the whole country.

How to get there

Daily regular direct flights to Geneva and Zurich from Moscow are operated by Aeroflot (from Sheremetyevo-2) and Swiss (from Domodedovo). The duration of the flight to Geneva and Zurich is about three hours.

Also weekly Rossiya flights from St. Petersburg make flights to Geneva. In addition to direct regular flights, transit flights through Paris, Prague, Vienna, Dusseldorf and Amsterdam and other European cities are possible. Also, a flight to Switzerland can be made from the airports of such Russian cities as Samara, Yekaterinburg, Rostov, but all of them with transit in European cities.

During the ski season and New Year holidays, operators usually increase the number of flights and raise charters from Moscow to Geneva, Basel or Sion (which is located in close proximity to Zermatt, Verbier, Saas-Fee and Crans-Montana).

The airports of Geneva and Zurich are combined with railway stations, so any destination can be reached at maximum speed on the day of arrival.

You can also get from Moscow to Switzerland by train, which departs from the Belorussky railway station and arrives in the city of Basel. Travel time 1 day 15 hours.

Road from the CIS countries

Daily regular flights from Ukraine are operated by Ukrainian International Airlines and Swiss on the route Kyiv - Zurich. Austrian Airlines (via Vienna) and Malev (via Budapest) fly from Odessa to Geneva.

From the Belarusian capital, daily flights to Geneva are jointly carried out by Belavia and Austrian Airlines (via Vienna), Lufthansa planes fly twice a week via Frankfurt. On the route Minsk - Zurich, the national carrier of Belarus operates the following codeshare flights: once a week with LOT (via Warsaw), three times a week - with Czech Airlines (via Prague) and daily - with Austrian Airlines (via Vienna).

Regular flights of Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul), Lufthansa (via Frankfurt) and KLM (via Amsterdam) fly from Almaty to Geneva four times a week, British Airways planes (via London) fly three times a week.