Switzerland

Switzerland is one of the richest countries in the world by per capita gross domestic product, with a nominal per capita GDP of $67,384. Zürich and Geneva have respectively been ranked as having the second and third highest quality of life in the world.

Facts and Figures

Capital: Bern

Large City: Zurich

Population: 7.725 million

Currency: Swiss franc (CHF) at 07/09/2009
1CHF=0.944 USD
1 CHF= 0.658 EUR
1 CHF= 0.578 GBP

Government: Federal Parliamentary Republic. The four main political parties: the Swiss People’s Party (SVP), the Liberals (FDP), the Social Democrats (SP) and the Christian Democrats (CVP).

Location: Switzerland is situated in the central Alpine region of Europe, adjoining Italy in the south, Austria and the Principality of Liechtenstein in the east, Germany in the north and France in the west. It is without direct access to the sea. Total area: approx. 41,300 km2.

Language: German, French, Italian, Romansch

Time Zone: UTC +1(summer: UTC + 2)

Calling Code: +41

Climate: Switzerland is located in the northern temperate zone and is influenced by the Gulf Stream. South of the Alps the mild Mediterranean climate prevails, whereas the north is chiefly influenced by the equable, humid maritime climate of Western Europe and, from time to time in winter, the cold continental climate of Eastern Europe.

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