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| For the moment, the only countries having information are Germany, Great Britain, Ireland and Switzerland. More Countries will be ready at the time of your next visit !
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Please select the country which interests you
| Switzerland |
Switzerland is almost too perfect : spectacular Alpine scenery, cosy mountain chalets, dazzling ski runs, flower boxes spilling over with geraniums, tidy cities set on serene lakes, punctual trains and people.
If you’re going for the scenery or for the skiing, there are few places that can equal it in quality or prices. Switzerland encompasses four cultures: French (Geneva and surrounding western area), Italian (Lugano and surrounding southern area), Swiss-German (Zurich and surrounding eastern area) and Romansh (St. Moritz and surrounding southeastern region). English is widely spoken. Despite all this cultural diversity, Switzerland is one of the most politically stable countries in Europe.
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| Brief History |
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| | The name ‘Switzerland’ is derived from Schwyz, one of the three small states that founded the Confederation. The foundation of the Swiss State was laid in 1291, when the people of Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden, on the shores of Lake Lucerne, united in a defensive league against the mighty House of Habsburg.
Other cities and districts anxious to maintain their independence joined the league. Today, there are 23 cantons, three of which are divided into half-cantons. Switzerland's capital is Bern. The CH that appears on Swiss cars is the abbreviation of the Latin form : Confoederatio Helvetica.
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| Government |
A seven-member council leads the federal government; the members rotate the presidency for one-year terms. Each of the 26 cantons also sends two representatives to serve in the capital city, Bern, on the Council of States. This body and a National Council (200 deputies elected by the people) constitute the two chambers of legislative authority.
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| Geography |
Switzerland is a Europe-in-miniature. Switzerland offers, on a small territory a huge quantity of beautiful landscapes which cannot be seen anywhere else on such a limited surface. It embraces all the captivating contrasts of an entire continent within the borders of a single country, offering a unique diversity of natural and manmade attractions. And thanks to the country's compactness and excellent public transport system, all are so easily accessible to the vacation visitor.
Switzerland has three distinct geographical areas, each running east west: the Jura (rolling hills with forests), in the north near France; the Plateau (forests, farmland, cities and lakes), in the centre; and the Alps (high mountains), in the south. Due to its central position, Switzerland has been, throughout history, an important link in communications and transport between northern and southern Europe.
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| Climate |
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| | The climatic conditions of Switzerland vary considerably and no country in Europe combines within so small an area such marked climatic contrasts. In the northern plateau surrounded by mountains the climate is mild and refreshing. South of the Alps the climate is warmer coming as it does under the influence of the Mediterranean weather.
The Valais area is noted for dryness. During all seasons, it is advisable to take good clothes, including a warm jacket and good walking shoes, as excursions are often to mountains which are snow-covered during summer. A warm jacket, good trousers and shoes are necessary in the winter months.
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| Magic Matterhorn |
Several of Switzerland's most attractive resorts are to be found is Canton Valais also known as the "Matterhorn State". The majestic Matterhorn (4478m), which towers above Zermatt, is not Switzerland's highest mountain - but it is certainly the most famous. Saas Fee boasts the world's highest underground railway, the Metro-Alpin, operating up to an altitude of 3500 metres.
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| Queen of the Mountains |
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| | Central Switzerland can claim several spectacular summits. The Rigi (1800m) has long been known as the "Queen of the Mountains". The Rigi Railway, inaugurated in 1871, is the oldest mountain railway in Europe. The cogwheel railway up the Pilatus (2130m) - also constructed well over a century ago - is still the steepest in the world. And the revolutionary Rotair, the world's first revolving aerial cableway, will take you up to the Titlis (3020m), Central Switzerland's highest vantagepoint.
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| Jungfraujoch - Top of Europe |
The Bernese Oberland offers two "musts" for mountain enthusiasts. One is the Jungfraujoch, at 3454 metres the highest railway station in Europe. The other is the Schilthorn (2970m) - superb setting for the James Bond film "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" - with its revolving restaurant. The Bernese Oberland is a particularly popular region for family holidays.
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| Peaks and Palms |
The Lake Geneva (the largest lake in Western Europe) Region includes Geneva, the most cosmopolitan of all Swiss cities, Lausanne, a city rich in cultural and historical heritage that hosts many private school and educational institutes, among them The Lausanne Hotel School. In 1995, the Olympic Museum in Lausanne won the European Museum of the Year award. Lakeside resort Montreux is famous for its jazz festival.
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| Here are additional suggestions to discover Switzerland: |
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| General Information |
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| | Area : 41,300 sq. km
Population : 7 million
Time : GMT/UTC plus one hour (two hours ahead in summer)
Electricity : 220V, 50 Hz
Weights & measures : Metric
Currency : Swiss Francs (CHF)
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