map of switzerland
Home > Regions

Gules, a cross couped argent. On a red field, a white equilateral cross whose arms are one sixth longer than their width. The relationship between the span of the cross and the width of the flag has not been established, but in practice the ratio is about 2:3 or 7:10. The Swiss cross on a red field ultimately derives from a similar banner of the Holy Roman Empire, and thus has strong Christian connotations. The Swiss flag traditionally stands for freedom, honour and fidelity. ( The motto Honor et Fidelitas was inscribed on the cross of several Swiss mercenary flags of the 18th century. ) In modern times, through association with consistent Swiss policy, the flag has also come to denote neutrality, democracy, peace and refuge  Switzerland

Switzerland, in central Europe, is the land of the Alps. Its tallest peak is the Dufourspitze at 15,203 ft (4,634 m) on the Swiss side of the Italian border, one of 10 summits of the Monte Rosa massif. The tallest peak in all of the Alps, Mont Blanc (15,771 ft; 4,807 m), is actually in France. Most of Switzerland is composed of a mountainous plateau bordered by the great bulk of the Alps on the south and by the Jura Mountains on the northwest.



Capital: Berne
Government type: Federal Republic
Population: 7,399,000 (July 2005 est.)
Languages: German, French,  Italian,  and Romansh.
Official Currency: Swiss Franc 
Current Exchange Rates
Climate: Because of its central position, the weather is influenced by the four main European air currents - from the Atlantic, the eastern continent, the northern subpolar region and the Mediterranen south. The climate is temperate on the Central Plateau, otherwise it differs considerably from region to region.
Independence Day: August  1, 1291
Religion: Protestant, Catholic, Muslim , Jewish
Area: total: 41,285 sq km
Country Phone Code: 41
Top Destinations in Switzerland

Geneva | Zurich | Lausanne | Bern | Basel | Lucerne