last edited Dec 11, 2019
Introduction to Switzerland
Location Map of Switzerland
Switzerland
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Quick Overview
Key Facts
- Type of place: country.
- Location: in the heart of Europe, bordering France.
- Latitude/longitude: 46°57' N, 7°25' E.
- Local time:
- Capital: Bern.
- Nature of the state: federal parliamentary state.
- Official languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh
- Currency: Swiss Franc.
- Population: 8,292,809 inhabitants (2018).
- Area: 41,285 km²
- Density: 201 inhabitants/km².
- Highest point: Dufour Peak (4,634 m).
- Lowest point: Lake Maggiore (193 m).
- Coastline: 0 km; no maritime access.
- Driving: on the right.
Tourism
While not necessarily the first holiday destination that comes to mind, Switzerland boasts a rich cultural and, above all, natural heritage, with its lakes and mountains offering a pleasant stay regardless of the season. In fact, the country attracts many tourists from neighboring regions, as well as more distant visitors like Americans, Chinese, Russians, and travelers from the Gulf States. In 2018, Switzerland officially welcomed 11.715 million visitors (excluding cross-border workers).
Travel Essentials
- Destination: for beginner travelers.
- By air:
- Entry requirements: passport or ID card.
- Currency to bring: euros.
- Exchange rate:
- Daily "backpacker" budget:
- Best for accommodation:
- Best for getting around:
- Risks: almost none in terms of health and very low in terms of security.
- Best period for climate/crowds/prices:
- Interests (out of ): Nature ; Adventure ; Culture ; Relaxation/Holidays
Useful Addresses
Socio-Economic Statistics
- "Quality of life": 2/188 (rank in 2018)
- GDP per capita: $62,100 (2017)
- Average monthly income: ()
- Inflation: +0.5% (2017)
- "Official" unemployment: 3.2% (2017)
- Population below the poverty line: 6.6% (2014)
- Life expectancy: 82.7 years (2018)
- Migration rate per 1,000 inhabitants: +4.7 (2017)
- Population growth: +0.68% (2018)
- Literacy rate: 100% (2019)
- Urban population: 73.9% (2015)
- Press freedom: 5/180 (rank in 2018)
- Political regime: democracy (10/167 in 2018)
Sources: World Bank, Human Development Indicators, RSF, The Economist, The World Factbook