Switzerland attracts visitors with the picturesque Alps crowned by the Matterhorn, clean mountain air, lush valleys and the economic and political bustle of Geneva and Zurich. Bern, the capital, is a tiny city of only 130,000 people and is where physicist Albert Einstein announced his special theory of relativity in 1905.
This highly industrialized country harbors many financial and international organizations and is a member of the International Monetary Fund, World Bank and European Free Trade Association, and joined the United Nations in 2002. Switzerland produces a wide range of goods and services for export, most famously its chocolate and time pieces.
Switzerland's central European location - it borders France, Germany, Liechtenstein, Austria and Italy - gives visitors a cultural and linguistic potpourri. Most residents speak German, particularly in the central and eastern areas, but French and Italian are also spoken, especially in the west and south. Many people also speak English.
The climate and weather varies, depending on the altitude. The average temperature in summer is 20 C (68 F) and in winter 6 C (43 F). Snow is common in the mountains in winter.
Compared to the rest of Western Europe, the overall crime rate is low in Switzerland. Assaults on travelers are few, and are usually committed at night in cities. However, petty theft is common in tourist destinations.
Switzerland has two international airports, in Geneva, and Zurich. There 107 carriers operating out of Switzerland with some popular ones including Swiss Air, SAS, British Airways, Continental Airlines, United Airlines, American Airlines Lufthansa and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.
Public transportation, the rail network in particular, is well developed. Buses are available to take travelers to remote areas, but in general trains are a better way to travel outside major cities. The road system is very well developed, and driving is on the right.
Switzerland also has an excellent communications infrastructure, with international direct dialing and fax services widely available. Expect to pay more in Switzerland for goods and services than in most other European countries. There are a variety of hotel options but rates tend to be expensive, particularly during heavy tourist seasons.
Top Local Phrases from our Partner Geobeats.com
How to ask for help and other local phrases in Switzerland.
Public Transportation Tips from our Partner Geobeats.com
Learn how to ride common forms of public transport in Zurich.
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