All about switzerland information. There's a lot to learn here

College of Modern Management.

by geography

on the topic: "Economic and geographical characteristics of Switzerland"

Performed

1st year student

Group 1-A Petrichenko Margarita.

Moscow 2008.

Switzerland

Economic and geographical position:

Switzerland is one of the small states of Europe. Its area is only 41.3 thousand square meters. km, and the population is 6.99 million. (1993). The monetary unit is the Swiss franc. Switzerland is located almost in the very center of Foreign Europe, at the crossroads of the most important trade routes. Three-quarters of its borders - with France, Austria and Italy - run along the high mountain ranges of the Jura and the Alps, and only the border with Germany and Liechtenstein goes along the lowlands - the Rhine Valley. Snow-capped peaks of the Alps, blue lakes, bright green valleys, mostly small towns with still preserved narrow medieval streets and houses with painted facades - these are the characteristic external features of the country. But at the same time, Switzerland is one of the most industrialized countries in the world, occupying one of the first places in terms of the experience and qualifications of engineers and workers, the quality of products and the amount of profit that Switzerland receives from industrial enterprises located in the country itself and outside of it, from huge capital investments.

This small country plays a significant role in world political life. Thanks to its permanent neutrality, as well as its geographical position, important international conferences and diplomatic negotiations are held in it. In the first and second world wars, Switzerland remained neutral. After the Second World War, she did not join the UN, despite the approval of its goals.

The capital of Switzerland is the city of Bern. Lausanne is the seat of the federal judiciary. The head of state is the president. Switzerland is a republic, a federation of 23 cantons / districts / (3 of them are divided into half-cantons). Each canton has its own parliament and government, its own laws, and enjoys broad autonomous rights. The legislature is a bicameral Federal Assembly, consisting of the National Council and the Council of Cantons.

The first chamber is elected by universal suffrage according to the proportional system, while each canton sends two representatives to the second. Executive power is vested in the Federal Council. One of its seven members is elected in turn President of the Swiss Confederation for a term of one year.

Natural resources of Switzerland:

Switzerland is characterized by a large number of mountains. In Switzerland, mountains are widely used for recreational purposes. Here is the most powerful and highest part of the Alps. The height of the largest mountain peak - Peak Dufour - is more than four and a half thousand meters (4634 m). Mountains occupy the entire central and largely southern and eastern parts of the country. The Rhone and Rhine valleys divide the Swiss Alps into two almost parallel groups of mountain ranges, stretching from the southwest to the northeast. The highest part of the Alps is composed of crystalline rocks and limestones. The highlands are covered with eternal snow and glaciers. The largest of these glaciers and one of the largest in Europe is the Aletsch. It stretches for 27 km, covering an area of ​​115 sq. km. The Jura mountain range lies on the border with France. Between the Bernese Alps and the Jura, from the Rhine flowing along the border with Germany to Lake Geneva, the undulating low Swiss plateau (400-600 m high) stretches, which is the most populated part of the country.

Switzerland is characterized by very strong differences in climatic conditions. This is due to the complex nature of the relief. In the Alps, where a large number of ski resorts and sanatoriums are located, the average course of winter temperatures ranges from -10 to -12 degrees, but the weather is almost always sunny. On the peaks of the Alps, snow does not melt throughout the year. In winter and spring, due to the accumulation of snow on the slopes, snow falls are not uncommon. In summer, rains and fogs are frequent in the mountains. On the Swiss plateau, the winter is mild, the average January temperature is about -2 degrees. Snow usually lasts only a few days. Summer is warm (average July temperature is +18 degrees), autumn is long and sunny. Such a climate is conducive to agricultural work. On the Swiss plateau, even grapes have time to ripen.

The main charm of the landscape are the lakes. The largest of them are Geneva and Constance. Next come Neuchâtel, Lago Maggiore, Firwaldstet (lake of four channels), Zurich and Lake Lugano. Their origin is mainly tectonic-glacial. The shores are bordered by wooded hills or rocky mountains, the slopes of which break right into the water. Large lakes are not only places of pilgrimage for tourists, they play an important role in navigation and melioration. The rivers of such a small country as Switzerland belong to the basins of three seas: the North, the Mediterranean and the Black. In the Alps, such large rivers as the Rhine and Rhone begin. From them originate the tributary of the Danube river. Inn, as well as a tributary of the Po - the Ticino river.

Forests occupy about 24% of the territory. Also, a large part of the country is occupied by subalpine and alpine meadows. The Swiss national park is numerous. There are many reserves and reserves here.

Swiss population:

Due to historical prerequisites, a single ethnic community has not developed in Switzerland. Linguistic and ethnic differences are very clear: each of the four Swiss peoples - German Swiss, Franco-Swiss, Italo-Swiss and Romansh - represent a separate ethnic community, distinguished by national independence, language and cultural traditions. This confirms the fact that the official languages ​​of Switzerland are German French and Italian.

Most Swiss belong to two religions - Protestantism (2.9 million people) and Catholicism (2.2 million people). Calvenists predominate among Protestants. The cantons of Vaud, Schaffhausen, City Basel, Zurich, Bern, Glarus, Neuchâtel, and Geneva belong to the Protestant church. Catholicism is spread over a larger area, but in a less populated part of the country. The cantons of Schwyz, Uri, Unterwalden, Tessin, Friborg, Solothurn, Valais, Lucerne, and Zug remained Catholic. In some cantons (Appenzell, Aargau, Grisons) the proportion of Protestants and Catholics is almost the same. In recent years, the number of Catholics has increased markedly, which is explained by a higher birth rate in Catholic families, as well as a large proportion of foreigners professing Catholicism. Over the past two decades, the birth rate has declined, but at the same time the death rate has also decreased. Therefore, all the same, there was a natural increase in the population.

Along with the Swiss, more than 1 million foreigners live in the country, which is 1/6 of the total population. In some cities - Geneva, Basel, Zurich - the proportion of foreigners among residents rises to 1/5 - 1/3. No other European country has such a high proportion of foreigners in its population. First of all, these are workers recruited for a long period of time to work in industry, construction, and the service sector. In addition to permanent immigration, there is also seasonal immigration. About 200 thousand people come to Switzerland for construction and agricultural work. Nearly 100,000 residents of the border regions of Germany and France commute to work in Switzerland every day.

In general, the country is extremely unevenly populated. The average population density is 154 people per 1 sq. km. km, but on the Swiss plateau and in the northeastern part of the country, where almost 3/4 of all the inhabitants of the country are concentrated, it reaches 250 people per 1 sq. km. km. In the mountainous, central and southern parts of Switzerland (with the exception of the Tessin canton), as well as in the east, the population is very rare - from 25 to 50 people per 1 sq. km. km.

More than half of the Swiss live in cities, the urban population is 60% (1991), but there are few large cities: only Zurich, Basel, Geneva, Bern and Lausanne have more than 100 thousand inhabitants. Only 4 cities have from 50 to 100 thousand people. The main part of the country's cities has less than 20 thousand inhabitants.

Economy of Switzerland:

Switzerland is a highly developed industrial country with intensive agriculture. Due to the high quality of industrial products, they are in steady demand in world markets. In the structure of GDP (1990) industry 24.4%; agricultural 3.1%; finance, insurance 21.4%. The industry is characterized by non-mass production of high-quality products for export. The geographical position of Switzerland creates convenience for the import of raw materials and for the export of finished products.

The largest monopolies that dominate within the country and have a fairly strong position on the world market are the electrical engineering concern Brown Boveri, the machine-building Sulzer, the chemical SIBA-Geigy, Sandoz, Hofmann-La Roche, and the metallurgical Fon Roll ", "Aluswiss", food "Nestlé". Concern "Nestlé" in terms of turnover takes 4th place (1980) among the monopolies of Western Europe. Many monopolies open enterprises abroad. Thus, Nestlé has less than a dozen factories in Switzerland itself, and outside it, in 66 countries, about 250 (1980).

Swiss banking:

Swiss investments abroad have a characteristic: they go almost exclusively to industrialized countries. This is explained by the fact that the Swiss economy is less than other countries in need of importing raw materials from developing countries, since this country has less demand for it.

Switzerland is one of the leading financial centers of the world, one of the main exporters of capital. The total amount of Swiss capital abroad (in the form of loans, credits, investments and other investments) exceeds 150 billion Swiss francs. Half of all securities of the developed countries of the world lie in the safes of Swiss banks. For example, in the small town of Lugano alone, there are 300 banks, financial societies and investment agencies for every 2,500 inhabitants. Swiss bank accounts contain very large sums coming not only from Germany, the USA, France and other large European countries, but also sums coming from the countries of the former USSR and the current CIS. Partly they are used in Switzerland itself, but mostly they are sent under the guise of "Swiss investments" to those countries where, for political or other reasons, these foreign funds with their own "pass" cannot penetrate.

Special mention should be made of the role of anonymous accounts, the size of deposits and the name of the owners of which banks keep in strict confidence. Bank secrecy and numbered accounts are needed throughout the world. They facilitate the "flight of capital" from countries where the political situation is unstable, or countries where large industrial associations want to put pressure on the government. In addition, bank secrecy and numbered accounts allow large amounts from the tax authorities of these states.

Industries of specialization in Switzerland:

In addition to Switzerland's specialization in banking, the country specializes in industries that require few raw materials, but a lot of work, high-quality expensive products. This direction of industrial development was also facilitated by the fact that the country has a highly skilled workforce.

The high quality of industrial products is explained by the fact that the scientific and technical development of their new types is widely put here. Two industries are of decisive importance - mechanical engineering (production of turbines, electric motors, ship engines, ultra-precise machine tools, electronic and measuring equipment, watches) and the chemical industry (production of dyes, fertilizers for agriculture, medicines, etc.).

Of the other industries, the textile, clothing and food industries play the most important role. Swiss chocolate, instant coffee, baby formulas, and cheeses enjoy a high reputation.

There are very few large factories in the country, and, on the contrary, there are a lot of medium and even small enterprises. These small enterprises are successful on the world market due to the fact that they produce highly skilled high-quality and, as a rule, non-serial products for individual orders. Small enterprises are typical especially for the watch industry. This oldest industry is spread over about 800 factories, of which only three employ over a thousand workers. Watch companies annually produce 65-68 million pieces of watches (1980) and 9/10 of them are exported.

Machine-building enterprises are located mainly in densely populated areas provided with a labor force. Watch factories, in particular, are grouped in Geneva, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Le Loque and Bierne - cities along the French border. Chem. factories are located almost exclusively in Basel and its environs, since raw materials could easily be delivered here along the Rhine.

The country produces 55.8 billion kWh of electricity, 2/3 of this amount at hydroelectric power plants, 1/3 at nuclear power plants.

Agriculture in Switzerland:

The main role in agriculture. livestock plays: it accounts for 3/4 of the value of all agriculture. products. Livestock (1990, million) cattle - 1.8, pigs - 1.7. In the first place is the production of milk, and then meat. On the alpine and subalpine pastures, six months of the year cows of the famous Swiss breed graze, giving large milk yields. Milk is almost completely processed into cheese or butter. Cheese is one of the important export items. Swiss varieties of cheese are known in many countries.

Basic agricultural. crops are wheat, barley, sugar beets, potatoes, fodder grasses. About 6% of the country's area is occupied by arable land. The main areas of grain crops are on the Swiss plateau and in the Rhine valley. In the canton of Tesin, grapes are cultivated, from which white table wine is made. Apricots and apples grow in the lower part of the Rhone Valley.

Tourism in Switzerland:

Tourist services play an important role in the Swiss economy; more than 7 million people visit the country every year (1990). The tourist season here lasts almost all year round. Serving tourists - hotels, campsites, restaurants, cafes, guide service, skiing training, selling souvenirs, etc. - gives the country large incomes. This scope is primarily due to the favorable geographical position of the country. On the peaks of the Alps, snow lies almost all year round. Switzerland is one of the best ski resorts.

Transport links in Switzerland:

The country's position at the crossroads of many European roads, the country's mountainous terrain, the need to ensure the uninterrupted transfer of goods imported and exported by Switzerland - all this played a big role in the development of transport. The total length (1990) of railways is 5 thousand km, roads 71.1 thousand km, cable cars - 58 km, suspension - 724 km. Railways account for the bulk of traffic. The country's most important railway line Basel - Zurich - Bern - Lausanne - Geneva passes through the main industrial regions and major cities. Although Switzerland is landlocked, it has maritime merchant ships. Only pleasure boats ply on inland waters. The main port of the country is Basel. The mountainous relief of the country explains the large number of cog-rope and cable-suspension roads. Thanks to this, a large number of people can get to those peaks that are accessible only to professional climbers. The highest railway station is located almost at around 4 km above sea level.

Trade and trade partners of Switzerland:

The Swiss economy is very closely linked to the world market and therefore heavily dependent on it. As part of Swiss exports, more than 9/10 in terms of value are finished industrial products and only 1/10 falls on agricultural products. Imports are dominated by food products, raw materials for industry and fuel. Among Switzerland's very wide range of trading partners, the first is Germany, which accounts for approximately 15-17% of all Swiss exports and about 30% of imports. Then come France, Italy, the US and the UK.

Switzerland is a member of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), but its trade with the Common Market (EEC) countries is more intense. From the EEC countries it imports 3/5 of all the goods it needs and imports there about 2/5 of its export products.

The official name is the Swiss Confederation (Schweizerische Eidgenossenschaft, Confederation Suisse, Confederazione Svizzera, Swiss Confederation). Located in Central Europe. The area is 41.29 thousand km2, the population is 7.3 million people. (2002). The official languages ​​are German, French, Italian. The capital is Bern (112.5 thousand people, 2001). National holiday - Day of creation of the Swiss Confederation on August 1 (since 1291). The monetary unit is the Swiss franc.

Member of 67 international organizations, incl. UN (since 2002), OECD, UNCTAD, WTO, etc.

Landmarks of Switzerland

Geography of Switzerland

It is located between 8°00' east longitude and 47°00' north latitude. The country has no access to the sea. It borders in the east with Austria (164 km) and Liechtenstein (41 km), in the north with Germany (334 km), in the west with France (573 km), in the south with Italy (740 km). The landscape of the country is mainly mountainous: 58.5% of the entire territory (south, southeast, center) is occupied by the Alps, 10% by the Jura mountains (northwest), the rest falls on the Swiss Plateau (Mittelland), which is located between the two main mountain ranges. arrays. The highest mountains: Dufour peak (4638 m), Finsteraarhorn peak (4275 m).

Main rivers: Rhine (within the country - 375 km), Rhone (264 km), Ticino (91 km) - a tributary of the river. Po, Inn (104 km) - a tributary of the Danube. There are a large number of lakes on the Swiss plateau, the largest are: Geneva (581 km2), Constance (538.5 km2). The country's soils are not naturally fertile. In the highlands, the soil cover is not continuous and is replete with rubble. On the Swiss plateau - brown forest and alluvial soils, which are relatively fertile.

In the flora, the influence of vertical zonality is pronounced. Up to a height of 800 m, cultivated vegetation (meadows, orchards, vineyards) predominates. Deciduous and coniferous forests are located at an altitude of 0.8-1.8 thousand meters (they occupy a quarter of the entire territory of the country). Above 2 thousand meters, alpine meadows begin.

The fauna is included within the European-Siberian subregion of the Palearctic region. There are (mainly in reserves): a bear, a wolf, a hare, a deer and a mountain goat. Chamois and alpine marmot are found in the highlands. The country's climate is also characterized by vertical zoning. On the Swiss plateau - moderately warm and humid; in the valleys of the southern slope of the Alps - approaches the Mediterranean; in the high mountains it is cold and humid (snow usually does not melt even in summer).

Of the minerals stand out: water resources, forests and rock salt.

Population of Switzerland

Dynamics of population growth since ser. 1950s quite active - an increase occurred by 46% (in 1950 - 5 million people). At the same time, the annual increase reaches 2.4‰ (2002). The net influx of immigrants is 1.37‰. Birth rate 9.84‰, mortality 8.79‰, infant mortality 4.42 people. per 1000 newborns. The average life expectancy is 79.86 years, incl. men 76.98 years, women 82.89 years (2002).

Age structure of the population: 0-14 years -16.8%, 15-64 years - 67.7%, 65 years and older - 15.5%. The average ratio of men and women is 0.97, but at the age of 65 years and older, women predominate - 0.69. The educational level of the population is high. Over the age of 15, 99% of the entire population of the country can read and write. Ethnic composition: Germans (65%), French (18%), Italians (10%) and Romansh (1%). Spoken languages: Germano-Swiss (dialect of High German) - 63.7%, Franco-Swiss (Provençal dialect of French) - 19.2%, Italian-Swiss (Lombard dialect of Italian) - 7.6%, Romansh (Graubund dialect Romanized Rhine tribes) - 0.6%.

Among believers, Catholics (46.1%) have a slight preponderance compared to Protestants (40%).

History of Switzerland

On the territory of modern Switzerland in the 2nd century. BC. the Celtic tribe of the Helvetians lived (after their name the country in ancient times was called Helvetia). Then these lands were conquered by the troops of Julius Caesar (58 BC) and were included in the Roman Empire. In 3-5 centuries. AD this territory was constantly invaded by the Germanic tribe of the Alemanni, who gradually occupied the entire eastern part. In the 2nd floor. 5th c. the western regions went to the Burgundians. In the 6th c. these territories became part of the Frankish state. After its collapse (843), the eastern part went to Germany (which later became the core of the Holy Roman Empire), and the western part to Burgundy (such a division basically corresponded to linguistic and ethnic differences).

In 1033 both parts were incorporated into the Holy Roman Empire. Large fiefdoms (counties and duchies) began to appear. In the east, the Habsburgs seized the dominant positions, in the west - the Savoy counts. But some influential cities (Geneva, Zurich and Bern), as well as the "forest cantons" (Schwyz, Uri, Unterwalden) managed to achieve special imperial rights, i.e. gain real independence.

The Swiss confederation arose in 1291 as a result of an allied treaty between the three "forest cantons" for a joint struggle for independence against the rule of the Habsburgs. Another attempt to subdue them again ended with the defeat of the imperial troops at Margarten (in 1315), after which other cantons (Lucerne, Zurich, Zug, Glarus and Bern) began to join the alliance of victors. Thus, a union of 8 cantons arose, which continued the struggle for independence. In 1388 the Habsburgs were forced to make peace on terms very favorable to the Swiss Union.

In long and almost continuous wars, Swiss military prowess reached a high level. In the 14-16 centuries. the confederation even became the main supplier of hired soldiers in the armies of many leading European countries. In con. 15th c. Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire Maximilian I made another attempt to again make the union of the Swiss cantons dependent. However, this Swiss (or Swabian) war ended with the complete defeat of the imperial troops. In the concluded treaty (dated 1511), the Swiss Union completely terminated its connection with the empire and was defined as an independent state (this act received international recognition in the Peace of Westphalia in 1648).

In subsequent years, the territorial expansion of the confederation continued (by 1798 it already included 13 cantons). The process of gradual organizational restructuring of the union began. Within the framework of the confederation, there was no permanent central governing body, it was replaced by periodically held sejms, in which only "full cantons" had the right to vote. Along with them, there were "allied lands" (Geneva, St. Galen, etc.) and even "subject territories" (Aargau, Ticino, etc.). The latter were completely powerless. The contradictions between the members of the "union of cantons" led to constant struggle and even armed clashes.

The first attempt to create a central government and proclaim the equality of all cantons was made within the framework of the Helvetic Republic (1798), created with the assistance of France. But after the collapse of the Napoleonic empire, the Swiss Sejm adopted (in 1814) a new version of the treaty of alliance on the confederation of cantons, which again significantly limited the competence of the central government. The Congress of Vienna (1814 - 15) approved this treaty, the principle of "permanent neutrality" of Switzerland, as well as the accession to the confederation of new cantons (their total number increased to 22).

At the same time, the supreme power, which was again transferred to the Sejm, became less and less effective. In 1832, the seven most economically developed cantons (Zurich, Bern, and others) created the so-called. "Siebenbund" ("Union of Seven"), which came forward with a demand to revise the union treaty (dated 1814). In contrast to it, in 1845, the Sonderbund (Special Union) arose, which also included 7 cantons, but economically less developed with a feudal-clerical society (Schwyz, Uri, etc.). Between the opposing unions, contradictions increased and even a civil war began (November - December 1847), which ended in the victory of the bourgeois forces.

In 1848, the country's new Constitution was adopted, on the basis of which the Swiss Confederation was transformed from a fragile union of cantons into a single union state. Instead of the Sejm, the Federal Assembly was established, consisting of the National Council and the Council of State (Council of Cantons). Executive power was transferred to the Federal Council (i.e. the government). In 1874, changes were made to the Constitution that significantly expanded the competence of the central government, incl. allowing the establishment of state supervision over the activities of the church.

The completed centralization contributed to the faster economic development of the country. A single internal market appeared (customs, post offices were merged, the monetary system was unified, etc.). Light industry, watchmaking began to grow at a rapid pace, and in con. 19th century mechanical engineering began. The main prerequisites for the industrialization of the country were the accumulation of capital as a result of intermediary operations in the international financial sphere, a significant influx of technical intelligentsia and skilled labor from neighboring leading European countries. A significant role was played by the growing income from the resort and tourism sector, which gradually turned into one of the leading sectors of the national economy.

A large-scale change in the general appearance of the country (as a “quiet and cozy alpine paradise”) was facilitated by increased activity in the formation of a new transport infrastructure. Of great importance was the railway construction, the opening of the two largest tunnels: St. Gotthard (1882) and Simplon (1906). The country gradually turned into the most important European transport crossroads (especially between the North and South of the continent). This factor turned out to be one of the most important in the formation of new "production niches" of the country, oriented mainly to world markets. A particularly intensive development of specialized branches of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and chemistry (especially pharmaceuticals) began.

During the 1st and 2nd World Wars, Switzerland remained neutral, but its Armed Forces were very active in protecting national borders (for example, during the 2nd World War, over 200 aircraft were shot down (or interned) in the airspace of the country warring countries). Of course, during these wars, the country received huge incomes from the implementation of not only large production orders, but also large-scale intermediary financial transactions.

Modern Switzerland is one of the most highly developed countries in the world. Relying on the basic principles of "eternal neutrality" allowed it to create an effective democratic society, characterized by political stability and economic prosperity. Switzerland has made a particularly significant contribution to the formation of the religious and educational image of modern Europe and the whole world.

State structure and political system of Switzerland

Switzerland is a federal republic, the country has a Constitution adopted on May 29, 1874. Switzerland includes 26 cantons (Aargau, Appenzell Ausser - Roden, Appenzell Inner - Roden, Basel - Landscape, Basel - Stadt, Bern, Fribourg, Geneva, Glarus, Graubunden, Jura, Lucerne, Neuchâtel, Nidwalden, Obwalden, St. Gallen, Schaffhausen, Schwyz, Solothurn, Torgau, Ticino, Uri, Wallis, Vaud, Zug, Zurich). The largest cities (thousand people): Bern, Zurich (337.9), Geneva (175), Basel (166), Lausanne (114.9).

The principles of state administration of the country differ in some features. The head of state and government (i.e. the Federal Council) is the president. Since January 2003 this position has been occupied by P. Couchepin, the vice-president is R. Metzler. They are elected by the Federal Assembly for 1 year from the members of the Federal Council (it includes 7 people), which is also formed by it, but for 4 years. The Federal Council includes representatives of the four parties that received the largest number of votes in the elections to the Federal Assembly (two representatives each from the first three parties and one from the last fourth).

The bicameral Federal Assembly consists of the Council of State (i.e. the Council of Cantons, 46 members elected for 4 years) and the National Council (200 deputies elected by direct popular vote on the basis of proportional representation for 4 years). The last elections to the State Council were held in 1999 (in different months in each canton), to the National Council on October 24, 1999.

The largest number of votes in the last elections to the National Council was given to: the Swiss People's Party (SVP) - 22.6%, the Social Democratic Party (SPS) - 22.5%, the Radical Free Democratic Party (FDP) - 19.9 % and the Christian Democratic People's Party (CVP) - 15.8%. They account for 80.8% of all votes (the "big four" won all the seats in the State Council).

The highest judicial power is exercised by the Federal Supreme Court. Its members are elected by the Federal Assembly (for 6 years).

Features of the functioning of the executive and legislative powers are manifested primarily in the annual automatic rotation of heads of state (and government). Switzerland is the only European country in which the principle of a “correspondence system” of socio-political movements operates. This allows representatives of the "big four" political parties that are members of the Federal Council to head the state for a very specific period and pursue their own policies. But in order to achieve success in the implementation of their concept, socio-political parties, temporarily at the head of the state, must rely on the principles of constant compromise. They need to reach agreement with other members of the Federal Council, who will inevitably also temporarily head the state.

The “correspondence system”, which involves various parties in the process of forming national strategic goals, thus prevents unexpected changes in concepts in the social development of the country, it is able to absorb conflicts and tensions that must inevitably arise in a country with many national mentalities and different religions. This process usually develops in a complex and slow manner, but it is considered one of the main factors that ensure sustainable, political stability and identity in the country.

The second feature can be considered the functioning of the principle of a kind of Swiss political culture in the form of direct democracy. This system allows every citizen to be directly involved in solving state problems at the cantonal and federal levels. To hold a popular referendum, it is necessary to collect at least 50,000 signatures to make a decision on the draft law and 100,000 to amend the existing legal norms. When holding national referendums, it is necessary to ensure the majority not only of the population, but also of the cantons.

Leading associations of business circles also have a serious influence on the formation of the basic principles of the functioning of Swiss society. The Swiss Union of Industrialists and Traders (it came into being in 1870) stands out in particular, as it constantly orients the main directions of the country's strategic economic growth. The focus is on increasing the share of capital-intensive and science-intensive products in national production. No less significant influence on the formation of society is exerted by the Association of Swiss Bankers. It is making great efforts to maintain the prestigious level of this sector in the global economy. It is especially important to show the failure of the international myth about the so-called. the gnomes of Zurich, who in the depths of their dungeons provide a "safe harbor" for not entirely conscientious investors.

The main strategic goal of domestic policy is to ensure the sustainability of socio-economic development, the stability of the political system and the identity of the country's population. The importance of this problem is determined by the fact that within the framework of the Swiss Confederation there is no single common language and national culture. Three leading Eurocontinental ethnic groups are united in Switzerland, each of which is joined by neighboring large countries with a kindred mentality. Therefore, the main focus in solving internal problems is on respect for the equal rights of minorities.

The most important mechanism for the consolidation of Swiss society is considered to be the active use of the postulates of the "correspondence system" at all levels. The shock-absorbing ability of this principle of public administration was quite clearly demonstrated during the integration into the governing coalition (within the Federal Council) of the radical nationalist party of the famous Swiss multimillionaire K. Blocher. Using populist nationalist slogans (about 19% of the total population of the country are foreigners - the highest European figure), this party received almost 1/5 of all votes in the last elections. However, the access to the highest level of state administration by representatives of national radicals did not lead to the destruction of the unshakable stability of the country's socio-political system.

In foreign policy, the most radical shifts occurred in March 2002 - Switzerland became a member of the UN. For many years, the Alpine Republic, based on the principles of "permanent neutrality", avoided membership not only in NATO, the EU, but even in the UN. True, she was a member of some specialized agencies of this organization, and often adhered to the economic sanctions imposed by it. Made in 1986, the country's attempt to join the UN was blocked in a popular referendum, 75% of Swiss citizens opposed. But in March 2002, more than half voted positively, and Switzerland became the 190th member of the UN.

The main reason for such a decisive change in the principles of foreign policy is related to economic factors. For leading industrial and financial corporations, the volume of products (and services) produced abroad already significantly exceeds national indicators. Under these conditions, the persistence of "traditional Alpine isolation" began to threaten Swiss competitiveness in world markets.

The situation with the country's accession to the EU, which accounts for the vast majority of foreign economic turnover, is becoming more complicated. But, according to Swiss analysts, this is more a political issue than an economic one. Supposed to be ok. 90% of all economic problems arising from non-entry into the EU have already been resolved as a result of a bilateral agreement (Switzerland - EU) within the framework of the European Economic Area. This is primarily about establishing the principle of freedom of movement of goods, capital, labor and patents (licenses).

Serious objections to the country's possible accession to the EU are associated with the need to adapt the existing Swiss socio-political system to European norms. The gradual elimination of the main rather specific postulates of the country's state administration (automatic annual rotation of heads of state, "direct democracy" through holding popular referendums, etc.) can damage the identity of the Swiss population, traditional socio-political stability. The latest polls (2002) showed that only 1/3 of the population is in favor of joining the EU, 1/3 is categorically against it, and, finally, the rest believe that they approve of this process with their “head”, while their “heart” strongly opposes accession. to this organization.

The country's armed forces are considered the largest in Europe. The Swiss regular army has approx. 360 thousand people (and under conditions of mobilization it can be increased up to 500 thousand people within 48 hours). It consists of the Ground Forces, the Air Force, the Border Guard and fortification units (personnel of mountain bunkers). The annual conscription into the army is 42.6 thousand people. (2002). Military spending is $2.5 billion, which is 1% of GDP.

The reserve structure of the army is formed on the basis of the "militia system", according to which part of the male population (aged 20-24 years) is regularly called up as recruits for military service (18 weeks). The second group consists of reservists who can be called up under conditions of full mobilization. All those liable for military service receive uniforms, weapons, the necessary ammunition and even a bicycle for storage at home in order to independently arrive at their destination in full combat readiness.

Such a large-scale militarization of the social life of the Alpine Republic is based on well-defined historical traditions. The centuries-old struggle for independence, the long period of participation of Swiss "mercenary soldiers" as the most professionally trained personnel of many European armies, etc. - all this contributed to the introduction into the public consciousness of the importance of military service to ensure the security and well-being of the confederation. In addition, the army is a kind of symbol of the "Swiss identity" of the inhabitants of this country.

And yet in the con. 2002 began a large-scale military reform, according to which by the end. 2004 the regular army should be reduced three times (up to 120 thousand people). Accordingly, there will be a decrease in the number of recruits (up to 20 thousand people) and reservists (up to 80 thousand people). But it is assumed that military spending will not be reduced. They will be directed in large volumes to the development and implementation of the latest military equipment.

Economy of Switzerland

Switzerland is a technologically advanced country with a market economy. The economy is focused on the production of high-quality specialized products (within its own "production niche"), most of which is intended for sale on the world market (its own "marketing niche"). The country continues to be one of the world's largest financial centers focused on serving foreign investors.

The country's economic growth rates are traditionally more stable and moderate compared to the European average - 1.5-2% per year. They are less dependent on the state of the economic situation, since the country is dominated by the production of durable products (and services). The volume of GDP is 231 billion dollars (2002), which is 0.7-0.8% of world production. GDP per capita $31.7 thousand Employment 4 million people (2001), unemployment - 1.9%, inflation - 0.5% (2002).

Sectoral structure of the economy in terms of contribution to GDP: agriculture - 2%, industry - 34%, services - 64%; in terms of the number of employees: agriculture - 5%, industry - 26%, services - 69% (2002). More clearly, the features of the economic structure are indicated at the corporate level.

The international image of the modern industrial structure of Switzerland is determined by a relatively small group of corporations. These are, first of all, manufacturers of pharmaceutical products, the food giant Nestle and the block of the banking and insurance sector. Pharmaceutics is the undisputed leader of the Swiss industry. Its positions are especially strong in the production of antipyretic drugs, vitamins, anti-cancer interferon, drugs for the treatment of AIDS. Switzerland accounts for approx. 10% of world drug production and almost 30% of world exports. The enterprises employ 85 thousand people. (including within the country 26.5 thousand people). The share of pharmaceutical products in national exports is 20%.

The second basis of the Swiss international "manufacturing niche" is made up of specialized engineering companies (special industrial equipment, precision machine tools, medical equipment, watchmaking, etc.). The share of mechanical engineering in the value of national exports is approx. 44%. The number of people employed in the industry is approx. 1 million people (including within the country - 332.7 thousand people). Medium and small specialized firms predominate (about 4.2 thousand). In terms of the value of exported engineering products, Switzerland ranks 7th in the world, and is among the top five in the world in terms of exports of machine-tool products.

There are 644 firms operating in the watch industry, employing approx. 39.5 thousand people Share of products in national exports approx. 7.7%. Switzerland remains the world's leading manufacturer of high quality watch products. In the volume of manufactured products (27.8 million pieces), the share of Switzerland is relatively small (7% of the world market), but in terms of the value of watch products (about $ 6.5 billion), the country remains an unattainable leader (52% of the world market).

The latest trends in modern world mechanical engineering (nanotechnology, software, medical equipment, etc.) have allowed Switzerland to quite clearly define its new “industrial niche”. On the basis of a number of traditional areas of national industrial specialization (pharmaceutical and precision watchmaking), the country is forming the largest European cluster of "med-tech producers". According to the OECD, Switzerland was recognized as the country with the best prospects for global success in knowledge-intensive industries (2001).

The banking and insurance sector of the country is also a traditional specialization of the Swiss economy. Almost 1/3 of the annual world volume of financial transactions falls on Switzerland (approx. 2.0-2.5 trillion dollars).

There are 375 banks operating in the country (2000), incl. so-called gross banks (large joint-stock companies), cantonal and regional (public property), private banks (family ownership), etc. Their total final balance is 2.1 trillion Swiss francs. fr. (2000), the number of employed is 112 thousand people, the tax contribution provides 12% of all revenues to the state budget. Cross-border asset management mainly involves large banks (UBS, Credit Suisse), as well as leading private banks (Baloise - capitalization of $5 billion, Iulius Baer - $3.5 billion, Vontobcl - $1.9 billion, etc. ). Cantonal banks are mainly focused on servicing domestic financial transactions.

The main modern problem of Swiss banks is related to the growing international claims regarding their use of the principle of “bank secrecy”, which allows some foreign depositors to evade national taxes and even “launder money”. The Swiss banking sector seeks to get rid of such an "unfavorable image". Additional tightening is being carried out, obliging banks to more carefully check the origin of any money. But international claims persist.

In general, the activities of Swiss elite companies within the framework of the “industrial and marketing niches” they have mastered are developing quite successfully. In the list of the 500 largest European corporations, there is always a solid group from Switzerland (in September 2002 there were 26 of them, in Sweden - 25; in the Netherlands - 22, etc.). But the global economic recession has not bypassed the “Swiss economic paradise”. Such failures were usually experienced by corporations that, for the sake of economic expansion, went beyond their traditional specialization.

The country's agriculture is focused mainly on animal husbandry (75% of the total value of agricultural products). Highly productive cattle of local dairy breeds (Simmental, Schvitsky, etc.) are bred. The vast majority of milk is used to produce high-quality cheese (half of the 725,000 cows graze exclusively in alpine meadows).

Plowed land accounts for 6.5% of rural land. Grain crops are insignificant, but viticulture is actively developing. Small and medium-sized farms predominate with the active development of various types of agricultural cooperation. Own agricultural sector provides only approx. 60% of national food needs.

Transport and communications in Switzerland occupy an extremely important place in the entire system of European transport communications. Numerous highways of the continent (North - South, East - West) pass through the country. In the conditions of a mountainous landscape, it was necessary to build numerous and expensive structures: tunnels (Simplonsky - 19.7 km; Saint Gotthard - 14.9 km, etc.), bridges, viaducts, etc. Currently, two new transalpine tunnels are under construction, this infrastructure project is considered the largest in Europe.

The length of the railway network is 4406 km (almost completely electrified). The length of highways is 71.1 thousand km (including 1638 km - autobahns). River navigation is carried out along the Rhine (45 km from Basel to Schaffhausen), as well as on 12 lakes. The main river port is Basel. The merchant fleet includes 26 ships (including 7 foreign ones). Among them: 15 dry cargo ships, 6 container ships, 4 chemical tankers. There are two pipelines in Switzerland: for pumping crude oil - 314 km, for transporting natural gas - 1506 km. 66 airports (including 41 with paved runways).

Telephone communication is automated. Domestically, there are cable and microwave radio systems. The outer part is provided through near-Earth satellite stations (Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean). The number of people connected to the phone is 4.82 million people. (1998), mobile phone owners 3.85 million people. (2002).

The tourism industry plays an important role in the economic development of the country. A century and a half ago, it was the income from the hotel business that turned out to be one of the financial sources for the development of the national industry. The modern tourism development strategy is based on the concept of using two favorable natural conditions. The most prestigious tourist centers in Switzerland are located either near well-known mineral water sources (for example, San Moritz), or near mountain ranges that are landscaped for skiing (for example, Zermatt). 50 thousand km of pedestrian tourist roads have been laid in the country.

The economic and social policy of the country is primarily aimed at maximizing the potential competitive advantages of the national economy (high quality and reliability of products, specialization in the production of special-purpose products, orientation to foreign markets, etc.). Particular attention is paid to the designation and formation of new "production niches" (for example, massive support for emerging clusters of biopharmaceuticals and medical technology).

In broad terms, public finances are increasingly focused on stimulating the most effective solution to the two main economic (social) problems. First of all, it is necessary to increase the efficiency of the entire education system by integrating science and practice. The use of more qualified personnel in the economy should ensure continuous innovative progress. The second problem is the need for a significant modernization of the transport infrastructure, which will decisively ensure the profitability of the latest types of production. This will happen as a result of a large-scale entry of products to world markets and a noticeable influx of foreign entrepreneurial capital (the construction of the two largest transalpine tunnels is being carried out with budgetary funds). The declared goal of Swiss economic policy is to establish the country as one of the world's leading centers of technology and research.

The success of solving social problems is usually closely linked to an increase in economic efficiency. Modern social conditions in the country are considered among the best in the world. But recently, due to the rapid aging of the population, there has been some imbalance in the state pension system. It is known that Switzerland has huge gold reserves. They amount per capita to approx. 10 ounces, which is 10 times higher than in the US and Europe. Some political groups (especially populist radical nationalists) propose using these golden resources to strengthen the financial basis of the state pension system.

In the 1990s public finances were characterized by an increase in the budget deficit and public domestic debt. In the 21st century significant progress has been made in addressing these issues. The state budget has become balanced, i.е. the amounts of financial receipts and expenditures became equal ($30 billion in 2001). The growth of domestic debt has stopped, and the country has no external debt.

The country's monetary policy is carried out by the Swiss National Bank. It is aimed primarily at solving three main problems: ensuring monetary stability, strengthening the position of the Swiss franc, maintaining low lending rates (the country is traditionally considered such a zone).

The world market has long been a major factor in the business cycle in Switzerland. Therefore, the principle of diversification of foreign economic relations is actively used, which makes it possible to reduce the negative impact of economic downturns on the stability of the national economic situation. At the same time, the focus is on gaining strong positions in those sectors and industries that are least affected by cyclical fluctuations in production.

Switzerland is among the world's top ten capital exporters and the second ten commodity exporters. Switzerland has already shifted a significant part of its industrial production outside the country. In terms of the volume of accumulated foreign direct investment (215.2 billion dollars), Switzerland ranks 5th in Europe (2000). Switzerland is the undisputed world leader in terms of their cost per capita (27 thousand dollars) and when compared with GDP (89.2%). Swiss enterprises abroad employ 1.73 million people, i.e. 43.3% of the number of employees within the country. This figure is the highest in the world. In the field of foreign trade, Switzerland occupies a more modest position. Commodity exports amounted to 100.3 billion dollars (2002). Main export partners: EU - 61%, USA - 10%. Import of goods - 94.4 billion dollars. Main import partners: EU - 79%, USA - 5.1%.

Switzerland is among the top ten major exporters of direct investment in the Russian Federation ($0.7 billion in 2002). Some elite companies have already created powerful production units (Nestle, ABB, Holcim, etc.). But the majority continues the commercial development of the Russian market, although some are already starting to implement production projects (Novartis, Roche, Swatch Group, etc.). Leading banking and insurance companies (UBS, Credit Suisse, Zurich) are also very active. Swiss capital is preparing for a large-scale development of the promising Russian market.

Science and culture in Switzerland

There are many universities in the country, in almost every major canton, the oldest of which is located in Basel (since 1460). Switzerland has always had a reputation as a promising developer of innovative technologies, but in their development it is clearly inferior to other countries. To overcome this shortcoming, a special fund "Swiss Innovation Network" (SNI - RSI) was created.

Two well-known Federal technological higher schools were chosen as the main locomotives: in Zurich (ETH) and Lausanne (EPFL). They prepare approx. 18-20 thousand students to work at Swiss high-tech firms, as well as at the Center for Electronics and Microelectronics (CSEM), an IBM research laboratory (near Zurich).

The activities of, for example, the Federal Polytechnic Institute of Lausanne (EPFL) are based on the principle that “a breakthrough in science and technology occurs, as a rule, at the intersection of traditional disciplines”. Therefore, 12 faculties were merged into 5 larger ones, and many interdisciplinary centers arose. In this higher school, approx. 5.5 thousand listeners, incl. 800 PhD students, 400 people get a second degree. The teaching staff is 210 professors and 2.4 thousand specialists, entrepreneurs and administrators (3/4 of them receive their basic salary from external sources). Particular emphasis is placed on medical engineering, biotechnology, digital modeling, information systems and telecommunications. Switzerland has high hopes for the success of this model. In terms of the number of Nobel laureates per capita, the country ranks first in the world.

Among the outstanding personalities who lived and worked in Switzerland, one can distinguish, first of all, prominent religious figures of the Protestant direction: W. Zwingli and J. Calvin. The leading philosopher of the Enlightenment is considered to be the Genevan J.-J. Rousseau. The famous Swiss architect Jean-E. Corbusier remains a landmark figure in modern urban planning.

Switzerland is in many ways a unique state in Central Europe. It is surrounded by countries such as Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, France and Italy. Has no access to the sea. The main wealth of the country is nature: 2/3 of the territory is occupied by mountains, alpine meadows, many lakes, natural parks.

The capital of the state is Bern (the center of the German-speaking canton of the same name). Major cities include: Zurich, Geneva, Basel, Lausanne.

political device. Official country name: Swiss Confederation. The President is the head of state and government.

Administrative-territorial structure. Switzerland is a federal republic consisting of twenty-six cantons. Each canton has its own constitution, parliament, legislation, but the rights of the regions are limited by the Swiss constitution.

Language: The state was formed from different language groups, so there is no common language. The country has four official languages ​​- German, French, Italian and Romansh. Today Swiss Germans make up the majority - 65%, French speakers - 18%, Italians - 10%. One percent are Romansh.

Religion. In the era of the Reformation, the country experienced a church schism, as a result of which the population is divided approximately in half into Catholics and Protestants. About 6% are representatives of other religions.

Currency: Swiss franc (CHF), equal to 100 centimes.

Climate. It differs by region and depending on the height of the area. Most of the country has a temperate, continental climate. There are no strong changes in heat, cold, humidity. South of the Alps almost Mediterranean. The mountains have stable snow cover in winter.

• The name Switzerland comes from the community of Schwyz, one of the three valleys, which in 1291 united in an alliance to jointly resist the enemies.
• In ancient times, the Celtic tribe of the Helvetians lived on the territory of the country, hence another name - Helvetia (used on stamps).
• In 1815, the Congress of Vienna declared the "neutrality" of Switzerland. Since then, the country has remained out of military conflicts.
• Despite the fact that most of the country is occupied by mountains, Switzerland is a peasant country famous for its milk and cheese. And this state also produces the best watches in the world and is the world's banking center.
• Switzerland is not a member of the European Union, however, the headquarters of many international organizations (UN, WTO, IOC, Red Cross) are located here.

switzerland map

Switzerland brief information about the country.

SWISS CONFEDERATION

Motto:"Unus pro omnibus omnes pro uno." (lat. "One for all, all for one.")

Name: from the name of one of the three original cantons - Schwyz, formed from the ancient German word "burn". The Latin name of the country is often found - Helvetia (Confoederatio Helvetica)

Location: Western Europe

Capital: Berne
Since 1946, the European headquarters of the UN has been located in Geneva (moreover, Switzerland itself joined the UN only in 2002)
Lausanne was chosen as the Olympic capital in 1994. Lausanne is not only the headquarters of the IOC, but also of various international sports federations.

The president: Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf

Timezone
Central European time UTC + 1 (difference with Moscow 3 hours),
But between 1:00 am on the last Sunday in March and 1:00 am on the last Sunday in October: Central European Summer Time UTC+2 (2 hours difference from Moscow)

Currency
Swiss franc (CHF, code 756)
Sellers can accept euros but are not required to do so. You will most likely receive your change in Swiss francs.
Currency exchange: Banks (open 8.30-16.30), airports, railway stations in large cities, most hotels.

Telephone code: +41
From Switzerland to Russia: dial - 00 - 7 - (code) - subscriber number
There are three GSM operators in Switzerland: Swisscom, Sunrise, Orange.

Internet domain:.ch Lots of Wi-Fi hotspots. Free Wi-Fi: in hotel lobbies, restaurants, and sometimes in tourist areas. Payment can be made by plastic cards or provider cards. Regular access is at Swisscom phone kiosks and internet cafes.

Territory: 41,284 km² (132nd in the world)

Borders: with Germany (in the north), with Italy (in the south), with France (in the west), with Austria and Liechtenstein (in the east).

The mountains
Switzerland is considered the most mountainous country in Europe.
The Alps occupy 61% of the entire territory of Switzerland. These include the Pennine Alps, the Lepontine Alps, the Rhaetian Alps and the Bernina Massif. The Pennine Alps include the country's highest point - Dufour Peak (4,634 m) and the country's most famous mountain - the Matterhorn - a real symbol of Switzerland, emblazoned on the emblem of Toblerone chocolate. The Rhone and Rhine, flowing in deep valleys, separate the Pennine and Lepontine Alps from the Bernese Alps (with the 4,274 m high Finsteraarhorn mountain) and the Glarn Alps.
The peaked alpine ranges are very often covered with glaciers. In total, there are about 140 large valley (24-kilometer Big Aletsch glacier - the largest glacier in the Alps), car and hanging glaciers.
Through the ridges at an altitude above 2000 meters above sea level, the main passes are laid: Great St. Bernard, Simplon, St. Gotthard, Bernina.
Nowadays, the Alps have become a real mecca for thousands of outdoor enthusiasts. The best ski and recreational resorts in Switzerland - Davos, St. Moritz, Zermatt, Interlaken, Leukerbad attract a huge number of tourists every year.
The Alpine resorts have become famous for their tourist attractions. This is Europe's highest railway station Jungfraujoch at an altitude of 3454 m above sea level and the highest mountain brewery in Europe in Monstein at an altitude of 1600 m.
The Jura mountain range in the north of the country occupies 10% of the territory. The wooded ridges of these mountains also stretched beyond the borders of the country - into the territory of France and Germany. The highest point of these mountains is Mont Tendre.
In the center of the country is the Swiss Plateau, almost the entire territory of which exceeds 500 meters above sea level.
Forests cover about a quarter of Switzerland. Mostly oak and beech, and sometimes pine groves, they grow in the mountains, in valleys and on plateaus.
Chestnut trees are often found on the southern slope of the Alps. Slightly higher in the mountains rise coniferous forests, which are even higher replaced by alpine meadows. Here, a lush floral carpet appears to the eye, dazzling with the brightness of colors. These are spring crocuses and daffodils, and summer rhododendrons, saxifrage, gentians and edelweiss. Further to the top, stony peaks will be covered only with mosses and lichens, while at the foot of the mountains Mediterranean palm trees and mimosas will bask in the rays of the Sun.
The habitues of the mountain paths are the snow partridge and the white hare. In recent decades, it has become more difficult to see roe deer, marmot or chamois in the mountains. For their protection, as well as for the protection of species such as deer, ibex and fox, ptarmigan, special events are held. Created Swiss National Park.

Rivers and lakes
Switzerland is landlocked and is considered to be a well of water. 6% of all fresh water in Europe is concentrated here, and it is in the Swiss Alps that such rivers as the Rhine, Rhone, and Inn originate, carrying their waters to the North, Mediterranean and Black Seas. The Swiss river valleys are very picturesque. There are often waterfalls in the mountains. For example, the Rhine Falls, the largest in Europe, the highest Mürrenbach Falls, and the Reichenbach Falls, infamous as the place where Sherlock Holmes died.

The longest rivers in Switzerland are:
Rhine, Are, Rhone, Reuss, Limmat, Zane, Tour, Inn, Ticino, Emme, Du, Beers.

But truly extraordinary beauty is possessed by numerous Swiss lakes. The most beautiful of them were sung by famous poets and artists. As a rule, they are surrounded by picturesque parks with subtropical vegetation and ancient palaces. Since Swiss lakes are of glacial origin, they are usually elongated and quite deep.
Beautiful sandy beaches stretch along the shores of the lakes, because the water temperature in some lakes reaches +25°C. The diversity of Switzerland's natural landscapes is the cause of another interesting phenomenon. Under the influence of soils and vegetation, the waters of the lakes are painted in all sorts of colors of the rainbow.
Vessels of 15 shipping companies float on the water surface of the lakes.
Switzerland has 1484 lakes.

The largest among them
Lake Geneva (the cantons of Geneva, Vaud, Valais) - the largest lake in the Alps - is protected from cold winds by mountains on all sides, so a very warm warm microclimate has formed here. Even palm trees grow in the famous resort of Montreux.
Lake Constance (cantons St. Gallen, Thurgau)
Lake Neuchâtel (cantons Bern, Friborg, Neuchâtel, Vaud) is the largest lake entirely located in Switzerland.
Lago Maggiore (Canton of Ticino)
Firwaldstet Lake (cantons Lucerne, Nidwalden, Obwalden, Schwyz, Uri)
Lake Zurich (cantons St. Gallen, Schwyz, Zurich)
Lugano (Canton of Ticino)
Lake Thun (Canton of Bern)
Lake Biel (cantons of Bern, Neuchâtel)
Lake Zug (cantons Lucerne, Schwyz, Zug)
Lake Brienz (Canton of Bern)
Lake Walenstadt (cantons Glarus, St. Gallen)
Lake Murten (cantons Friborg, Vaud)
Lake Sempach (Canton of Lucerne)
Lake Schwyz (Canton of Schwyz)
Lake Hallwil (cantons Aargau, Lucerne)
Gruyères (Canton of Friborg)
Zhu (Canton of Vaud)
Greifensee Lake (Canton of Zurich)
Lake Sarner (Canton Obwalden)
Aigeri (Canton of Zug)
Baldeg (Canton of Lucerne)

But most of the lakes are quite small. However
Lake Kauma (Canton of Graubünden, in total there are 637 mountain lakes in the canton) is known as the warmest in Switzerland above 1000 m above sea level
Lake Silser (Canton Graubünden) is the highest of the European lakes on which official navigation is carried out (1800 meters above sea level)

Climate
Mountains create in Switzerland a huge variety of climatic zones, each valley, depending on the height above sea level, has unique weather conditions. However, in general, the Central European continental climate prevails. In summer, temperatures from +20° to +25° are common, and in winter - from +1° to +6°.
The climate of the canton of Ticino is close to the Mediterranean.
The west of the country is under the influence of the Atlantic Ocean. In Geneva, the average temperature in July is about +19°, in January -3°. Strong north and south winds prevail.
At the same time, winters are cold in mountainous regions. The average temperature is −10° and below.
During the winter, the strong, warm Foehn wind blows in Switzerland, giving the popular consumer electronics its name.

Tourism
Switzerland has traditionally been distinguished by a high development of tourism. A well-developed tourist infrastructure, high-class hotels, excellent railways and roads, and, of course, the amazing nature that has made Switzerland a household name, as well as cultural monuments: witnesses of the glorious past of a freedom-loving people - all this provides an endless flow of tourists from all over the world.
Extreme love won in Switzerland skiing and mountaineering. Davos, St. Moritz and Zermatt are among the best ski resorts in the world. Soft snow, wide slopes, breathtaking landscapes, coupled with the Swiss quality of service have turned Switzerland into one of the best winter holiday destinations. It should be noted that there are excellent ski schools. In the area where the glaciers are located, skiing is possible all year round.
Switzerland is a hiker's paradise. The diverse landscape made it possible to lay more than 180 routes of varying difficulty: from walks along the shores of lakes to difficult trekking through mountain gorges or glaciers. Clearly marked hiking trails are cleared of snow in winter.
Switzerland is a country of bicycles. 3,300 kilometers of cycle paths are suitable for all skill levels. Nine national cycling routes are united in the Veloland Schweiz Project. Bicycles can be rented cheaply at most train stations and can be returned elsewhere. In some cities, a bicycle can be rented free of charge against a cash deposit or document.
In recent years, rock climbing has developed rapidly in Switzerland.
Almost every Swiss hotel has its own tennis court, and there are more than fifty excellent golf courses in the country. In many cities, including hotels, many indoor and outdoor pools have been built, including heated ones. On the Swiss lakes, in addition to beautiful beaches, a huge number of sports activities are also popular. These are yachting and sailing, water skiing and windsurfing. To this must be added rafting, canoeing, hang-gliding, parachuting and horseback riding. All this indicates a very high level of sports development in Switzerland.

Population
Population 7 700 200 people (98th in the world)
Historically, different peoples, languages ​​and religious movements coexist in Switzerland. The concept of the Swiss reflects a common history, culture, and a common civic identity. But such a people and language does not exist.

Major peoples of Switzerland
German Swiss (65%, cantons: Bern, Zurich, Uri, Schwyz, Obwalden, Nidwalden, Glarus, Zug, Lucerne, Solothurn, Basel-Stadt, Basel-Land, Schaffhausen, Appenzell-Ausserrhoden, Appenzell-Innerrhoden, St. Gallen, Aargau , Thurgau, in the cantons of Graubünden - 68%, Friborg - 29%, Valais - 28% of the total population) speak the German literary language, and its Swiss version: Alemannic.
Franco-Swiss (18%, cantons: Vaud, Neuchâtel, Geneva, Jura, in the cantons of Fribourg - 63%, Valais 62%, of the total population) use the official French language, and its regional variant is the Arpitan (Thraco-Provençal) language.
Italo-Swiss (10%, Canton Ticino) use the official Italian language and the closely related Lombard language.
Romansh peoples: Romansh and Ladin (1%, in the canton of Grisons - 14.5% of the total population). They speak Romansh and Latin.
German, French, Italian and Romansh are the national and official languages ​​of the Swiss Confederation.
There is an imaginary border between German-speaking and French-speaking Switzerland - Röstigraben ("potato ditch". Rösti is the national dish of the canton of Bern from grated potatoes).

Religion
The Reformation left a rather variegated religious picture as a legacy to Switzerland. Unlike many neighboring states, neither side prevailed here. Until the 19th century. cantons with different religions waged a fierce struggle with each other. Nowadays:
Catholics - 47% (cantons: Uri, Schwyz, Obwalden, Nidwalden, Zug, Lucerne, Appenzell-Innerrhoden, Friborg, Valais, Jura, Ticino, in the cantons of St. Gallen, Geneva - 2/3, Solothurn, Aargau, Grisons, - more than half, Zurich, Basel, Glarus, Appenzell-Ausserrhoden, Thurgau, Vaud, Neuchâtel - slightly less than half, Schaffhausen - 1/3 of the total population)
Protestants - 37% (cantons: Bern, in the cantons of Schaffhausen - 2/3, Zurich, Basel, Glarus, Appenzell-Ausserrhoden, Thurgau, Vaud, Neuchâtel - more than half, Solothurn, Aargau, Grisons - a little less than half, St. Gallen, Geneva - 1/3 of the total population).

CANTONS (CAPITALS, LARGEST CITIES)

Canton	Capital	Big cities
Berne	Berne	Biel, Thun, Könitz, Ostermundingen, Steffisburg, Burgdorf
Zurich	Zurich	Winterthur, Uster, Dübendorf, Dietikon, Vezikon, Wedenswil, Horgen, Kloten, Bulach, Volketzwil, Thalwil, Regensdorf, Adliswil, Schlieren, Illnau-Efretikon, Opfikon
Uri	Altdorf
Schwyz	Schwyz
obwalden	Sarnen
Nidwalden	Stans
Glarus	Glarus
Zug	Zug	Bar
Lucerne	Lucerne	Emmen, Kriens
Solothurn	Solothurn	Olten, Grenchen
Basel-Stadt	Basel	Richen
Basel Land	Listal	Allschwil, Reinach, Muttenz, Pratteln
Schaffhausen	Schaffhausen
Appenzell-Ausserrhoden	Herisau
Appenzell-Innerrhoden	Appenzell
St. Gallen	St. Gallen	Rapperswil-Jona, Wil, Gossau
Graubünden	Chur	Davos
Aargau	Arau	Wettingen, Baden
Thurgau	Frauenfeld	Kreuzlingen
Ticino	Bellinzona	Lugano, Locarno
In	Lausanne	Yverdon les Bains, Montreux, Renin, Nyon, Vevey, Pouli, Villeneuve
Valais	Sion	Monte, Martigny, Sieur
Neuchâtel	Neuchâtel	Chaux de Font
Geneva	Geneva	Vernier, Lancy, Meren, Carouge, Onet
Yura	Delemont
Friborg	Friborg	Bule

Transport
Being in the center of Europe, Switzerland has a dense network of roads and railways. The Transalpine railway connection opened in 1882 with the construction of the Saint Gotthard Tunnel, and then in 1906 the Simplon Tunnel. The Lötschberg Tunnel opened in 2007.

Railways
A total of 5,100 km of rail network is in use. Almost all Swiss railways are part of the nationwide SBB-CFF-FFS (Swiss Federal Railways) system. In addition, numerous narrow gauge railways are operated, the largest company of its kind being the Rhaetian Railways.
Urban commuter rail networks are concentrated in major cities of the country, including: Zurich, Geneva, Basel, Bern, Lausanne and Neuchâtel.
Lausanne is the only city with a metro system (Metro Lausanne), which includes two lines, the first of which is a light rail line and the other, a fully automated metro line, opened in 2008. After its opening, Lausanne became the smallest city in the world with a complete metro system.

Mürren railway system
A train usually cannot go up a very steep slope, so many tracks must be built in order to climb gradually. But the transalpine communication became possible with the use of circular spiral tunnels. In the extremely mountainous terrain, the engineers opted for the more economical construction of a narrow gauge.
The numerous railway viaducts of the Rhaetian Railway in the canton of Grisons, built for the most part at the beginning of the 20th century, have become a tourist attraction, but retain the function of a much-needed transport system.
Some railways were built for tourism purposes only, like Gornergrat or Jungfraujoch, the highest station in Europe in the Bernese Alps, at 3454 meters.
The "Metro Alpin" in Saas-Fee is the highest underground cable car in the world. It leads to the world's highest revolving restaurant and the world's largest ice grotto at Mount Mittelalalin (3,500 meters)
The highest cable car in Europe leads to the Klein Matterhorn (altitude 3,820 meters).

Highways of Switzerland
Total: 71345.6 km
Swiss motorways have a general speed limit of 120 km/h. The speed limit in built-up areas is 50 km/h.
To travel on the "highest category" highway (free-way), marked with green indicator boards, you need a "Vignette" coupon for paying the annual toll. Payment is accepted at border crossings, post offices and gas stations.
Local buses cover the whole country. The Postauto system covers small towns and all areas where there is no rail network.

Air Transport
National carrier - Swiss International Air Lines
Zurich International Airport (Kloten Airport) located in the city of Kloten (Canton of Zurich) is the largest international airport in Switzerland. In 2003, an automated metro was built to move passengers between the existing air terminal complex and the new terminal. The Zurich Airport railway station (Zürich Flughafen) is located under the terminal. Trains go to various cities in Switzerland: Winterthur, Bern, Basel and Lucerne. However, all the same, having arrived at the Zurich railway station, most other cities in Switzerland can be reached in a few hours.
Geneva Cointrin International Airport is the second largest in the country. Moreover, it has access to both the Swiss and the French side.
Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg International Airport
Bern-Belp Airport

Water transport
lake lines:
Compagnie Générale de Navigation sur le lac Léman - on Lake Geneva
Zürichsee-Schifffahrtsgesellschaft on Lake Zurich

UNESCO World Heritage Sites (and Candidates)
Benedictine monastery of St. John in Müstair (Canton of Graubünden)
Monastery of St. Gall in St. Gallen
Old town in Bern
Fortifications of Bellinzona (Canton of Ticino)
Jungfrau-Aletsch-Bietschhorn region (cantons Bern, Valais)
Mount Monte San Giorgio (Canton of Ticino)
Terraced vineyards (Canton of Vaud)
Sardon tectonic group (cantons Glarus, Graubünden, St. Gallen)
Rhaetian Railway (Canton Graubünden)
La Chaux-de-Fonds and Le Locle (Canton of Neuchâtel)
Prehistoric pile dwellings in the vicinity of the Alps (Cantons Geneva, Vaud, St. Gallen)
Urban planning and architectural works of Le Corbusier: Villa Falle, Villa Villa Schwob, Jeanneret-Perret. (All in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Canton of Neuchâtel), Villa Le Lac in Corso (Canton of Vaud) (candidate)

Culture of Switzerland
The culture of Switzerland arose and developed, on the one hand, in very close contact with neighboring German, French and Italian cultures, but, on the other hand, it was based on the deep originality and uniqueness of the traditions of each canton.
The visual arts of Switzerland are represented by sculpture, wonderful works in this genre were created by Hermann Haller.
In the genre of painting worked: Franz Gertsch, Johann Ludwig Aberli, Daniel Spoerri, Frank Buxer, Roman Signer, Louis Moilier, Niklaus Manuel, Jean Renggli, Thomas Huber, Hans Asper.
German-language literature in Switzerland dates back to the liturgical drama about Christ's Resurrection and Christmas songs written by the monks of the Muri (Aargau) monastery in the 13th century. Somewhat later, these works began to appear in the monastery of St. Gall.
In the 14th century, medieval court literature arose, such as the Codex Manes. The Swiss Chronicle of Aegidius Tschudi dates back to the 16th century and became the main material for Schiller's drama William Tell.
In the 19th century, realism developed in the work of Jeremiah Gotthelf, Gottfried Keller and Konrad Ferdinand Meyer, their traditions continued by Jacob Christoph Herr and Joanna Spiri, author of the famous story “Heidi” about an orphan girl living with her grandfather in the Swiss Alps.
In the second half of the 20th century, Friedrich Dürrenmatt, Max Frisch and Robert Walser raised Swiss German-language literature to the world level, and Karl Spitteler and Hermann Hesse were awarded the Nobel Prize.
Francophone literature in Switzerland owes its appearance to John Calvin.
In the 19th century French was written by Charles Didier, Henri Blancvalet, Louis Tournier, Philippe Godet, Alexandre Vinet and Charles Monnard.
Many of the writers of the 20th century are known all over the world: Charles Ferdinand Ramyu, Philippe Jacotet, Corina Biy, Maurice Chappaz, Jeanne Ersh.

Swiss music
It goes back to the traditional yodeling, which originally arose as a throat roll of shepherds in the mountains. Liturgical music emerged in the 10th century. In the Church of Valère in Sion, you can see the world's oldest functioning organ. In the 13th century, patriotic songs, shepherd's melodies and tunes on the Swiss folk instrument, the Alpine horn, became widespread. At the same time, minnesingers, lyric poets, came into fashion. They were replaced in the 15th century by professional composers, whose works were published in Vienna and Copenhagen. In the 18th century, composers wrote trio sonatas and overtures, sacred cantatas and pieces for organ, opera buffa and singspiel. At the end of the century, the choral movement was born.
In the 19th century, composers came to the fore: F. K. Schnider von Wartense, F. T. Froelich, Baumgartner. In 1835, the Geneva Conservatory was founded, and in 1862, the Zurich Symphony Orchestra.
Richard Wagner worked in Switzerland from 1849-58. He conducted performances and symphony concerts. In the second half of the century, a new galaxy of composers comes: F. Hegar, X. Huber, O. Barblanc, F. Klose, J. Lauber.
In the 1910s, Switzerland became home to famous composers from different countries. I. F. Stravinsky wrote The Wedding and The Story of a Soldier here, F. Busoni, S. V. Rachmaninov, R. Strauss (late 1940s), P. Hindemith (1953-63), B. Martinou (late 1950s). The greatest Swiss composer of the 20th century is Arthur Honegger.
Jazz has been gaining popularity since the late 1940s. In 1967, the annual Montreux Jazz Festival was founded, bringing together the best jazz performers.
In 1956, the Eurovision Song Contest was held in Switzerland for the first time.
Switzerland hosts hundreds of music festivals every year, including:
Jazz festivals in Montreux, Bern and Willisau,
July festivals in Bern, Avenches and Nyon.
Summer outdoor concerts
Symphony and chamber concerts in Biel and Lugano
International music festivals of classical music in Lucerne, St. Moritz, Gstaad are the primary events in the world of classical music.
Today there are 7 conservatories in Switzerland
Opera houses operate in Basel, Bern, Zurich, Lucerne, St. Gallen and Biel.
And the ballet troupes are in Zurich, Basel and Geneva. The dance troupe of Maurice Béjart is famous all over the world. Lausanne hosts one of the most prestigious ballet competitions in the world.
The Swiss have made a huge contribution to world science. Gustav Jung created analytical psychology, Albert Hofmann discovered and researched psychotropic substances, and Henri Dunant founded the International Committee of the Red Cross. In the Berne period of his life, Albert Einstein developed the main questions of the special theory of relativity.

But Switzerland has left a deep mark on our Russian culture.
N. V. Gogol in 1836 in Vevey wrote the second volume of Dead Souls.
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky in Geneva, and then in Clarens on the shores of Lake Geneva, composed the operas Eugene Onegin and Joan of Arc. And Igor Stravinsky in the vicinity of the city of Montreux wrote the famous "The Rite of Spring". One of the streets of Clarens in memory of this is called: Rue du Sacre du Printemps (Street of the Sacred Spring). The concert hall in Montreux also bears the name of Stravinsky (Auditorium Strawinsky).
As a child, Marina Tsvetaeva lived in Lausanne, and Vladimir Nabokov lived in Montreux for many years. Alexander Solzhenitsyn lived in Zurich from 1974 to 1976.
In Switzerland, Alexander Ivanovich Herzen, Mikhail Bakunin and Vladimir Ilyich Lenin reflected on the fate of the Russian people. In Geneva, where the leader of the world proletariat lived for a long time, a museum and a store of Soviet symbols were opened, and in Zurich, on the house where Lenin also lived, a memorial plaque was installed.

Holidays
January 1 - New Year
January 2 - St. Berthold's Day - the founder of the city of Bern.
April (usually) - Good Friday, Easter, Monday of Bright Week
May 1 - Labor Day
May-June - Ascension of the Lord. Pentecost and Spirits Day
June (usually) - Feast of the Body of the Lord
August 1 - National Day of Switzerland
August 15 - Assumption of the Virgin Mary
November 1 - All Saints Day
December 8 - Day of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
December 25 - Christmas.
December 26 - Boxing Day.

Festivals
Gourmet Festival in St. Moritz
Carnival in Lucerne
Bernese Carnival
Carnival in Basel
Jazz Festival in Montreux
Verbier Music Festival
Geneva Escalade

Swiss cuisine
Swiss cuisine is recognized and loved all over the world. And although it was not without the influence of its neighbors: Germany, France and Italy, the Swiss were able to create many original dishes:

Swiss chocolate
Fondue is a dish of cheese and wine, which is cooked in a special heat-resistant catnelone dish over an open fire.
Rosti - a dish of grated potatoes with the addition of vegetable or animal fats
Tartiflette
Basel Brunels (Cookies)
Swiss sausage salad
Swiss gingerbread
Swiss soup with cheese
swiss roll
Polenta is a dish made from cornmeal.
Raclette - a dish of melted fatty cheese
Cookies "Lotus petals"
Meringues - a dessert made from whipped with sugar and baked egg whites

Switzerland is famous for its wines, the main wine-growing region: the shores of Lake Geneva and Neuchâtel, and the Rhone Valley.
White wines are widely known: - "Dezaley", "St.-Saphorin", "Fendant", and "Johannisberg", "Twanner".
The best red wines are the exquisitely delicate "Rose der CEil-de-Perdrix", the strong "Dole", "Pinot Noir" and "Merlot".
Red wines of northern and eastern Switzerland: light "Blauburgunder", "Hallauer", "Stafener", "Maienf elder".
The ruby-red wines of the Graubünden canton are distinguished by a luxurious bouquet: "Sassella", "Grumello", "Inferno".

Most restaurants are open from 11.00 to 19.30-20.00, sometimes until 21.30. But restaurants and cafes located outside the tourist areas can close as early as 17.00 and close for the whole weekend. Institutions located in large cities, and especially within the boundaries of the historical center, are open for a longer time. Make sure to book a table.
At ski resorts, hotel restaurants are open from 7.00 to 21.00-22.00. As a rule, in the morning and afternoon - a buffet, and after 14.00 - work on the menu. Restaurants on the slopes open after 11.00 - and close with the end of the lifts.

Story
The oldest known inhabitants of the modern territory of Switzerland are the Celtic, Italic and Illyrian tribes. In particular, in the I century. BC e. the Helvetian Celts settled in the west of the Swiss Plateau, the Vindeliki Celts settled in the east, and the Rets related to the Etruscans settled in the Alps of Eastern Switzerland. The Helvetii were engaged in agriculture and cattle breeding, produced iron and minted gold coins, and had already begun to build cities. Just at this time, Aventikum (Avanches), Genava (Geneva), Lauzonium (Lausanne), Salodurum (Solothurn), Vindonissa (Windish), Turicum (Zurich), Vitudurum (Winterthur) and others arose.
The first Celtic tribe to be defeated and subjugated by the Romans were the Insubres in 222 BC. (south of Ticino). A hundred years later, in 121 BC. the Romans conquered the Allobroges (Geneva area). But the Helvetians themselves in 107 BC. e. raided southern Gaul and defeated the Romans. Half a century later, in 58 BC. e. under pressure from the German tribe of the Suebi, the Helvetians decided to completely move to the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Fearing the threat of northern Italy from the Helvetii, Caesar did not let them do this, defeated them and forced them to return to Helvetia. And in 15 BC, Decimus Claudius Nero finally annexed eastern and central Switzerland to Rome. In the Roman era, prosperity was growing, cities were being built (the capital of Helvetia, Aventicum - Avanches, Equestris - Nyon, Augusta-Raurica - Augst and Vindosia - Windisch) and roads, trade was developing, the Latin language and Roman culture were spreading. Later, Christianity penetrated into Helvetia, monasteries were built, episcopal sees were founded.

But peace did not last long. Already in 264, the Alemanni invaded Helvetia and destroyed the Aventicum, which was no longer revived. Despite the attempts of the Romans to build new fortresses and camps, in 406-407. The Alemanni took over eastern Switzerland. And in 470, the Burgundians subjugated western Switzerland. The Alemanni almost completely eliminated Roman influence and the Latin language. Their descendants, modern German Swiss, along with the German literary norm, still speak the Alemannic language. In recent years, this language has been especially spread in social networks and Internet forums. The Burgundians left a much smaller footprint in western Switzerland. On the basis of Latin, the Arpitan (Thraco-Provençal) language was formed here - the native language of the second largest people in Switzerland - the Franco-Swiss, which also exists along with the official French. The southeast (modern canton of Graubünden) came under the rule of the Ostrogoths, and Romansh arose from a mixture of Latin and Rhetic. And the canton of Ticino, the former possession of the Lombards, adopted Lombard, close to the official Italian.
The Franks became the new conquerors. In 496 they conquered the Alemanni, in 534 the Burgundians were conquered. Ticino was conquered in 774. At this time, Christianity was finally established, and new monasteries were built. But in 843 the Frankish Empire falls apart. Burgundy and Ticino are given to the Middle Kingdom, the German king gets Alemannia, where the city of Zurich and the monastery of St. Gallen rise, the center of education in Switzerland. Alemannia becomes a duchy in 911, and Upper Burgundy becomes a separate kingdom in 888.
A new danger arises in the tenth century. In 917, the Hungarians ravaged Basel, and in 926, St. Gallen; in 936-940, the Arabs devastated Graubünden, Valais and Vaud.
In 1032, the German emperor also got Burgundy, Ticino was part of Italy, in turn also subordinate to the German emperor.
Gradually, Alemannia and Burgundy broke up into many separate counties and duchies, some of which were directly subordinate to the emperor, and some - to the Catholic Church. The counts (later dukes) of Zähringen, the Habsburgs, the Kyburgs, and the Savoys rose especially high. They founded new cities: Freiburg, Bern, Thun, Murten, etc. But despite the subordinate position among the free townspeople and rural settlers, republican-democratic self-government arose at that time. The country achieves relative prosperity.

The prerequisites for the manifestation of the Swiss state itself were the struggle that broke out in the 13th century between the Habsburgs and the emperors. Namely, in 1245-1252, the Habsburgs tried to conquer the canton of Schwyz, to which Emperor Frederick II granted a special Liberty Charter in 1240. Schwyz was supported by Uri and Unterwalden, who signed an alliance treaty, renewed on August 1, 1291 "for all time".
From this treaty is usually considered the beginning of Switzerland as a state, although even the name of Switzerland was then still unknown: it appeared later.
In 1307, King Adolf of Nassau confirmed the independence of Schwyz and Uri from the empire, and in 1309 Henry VII of Luxembourg gave a charter of liberty to Unterwalden. However, the Habsburgs did not accept the loss of their lands. In 1315, a large army gathered by them entered the territory of the canton of Zug and on the Morgarten Heights, in a narrow valley between Lake Egeri and the mountains, was defeated by a tiny detachment of local peasants and hunters. After this battle of Morgarten, due to the incorrect naming of all the allies by the name of one community - Schwyz, the modern name of the country was born.
In 1332, Lucerne joined the alliance, Austria (where the Habsburgs reigned) responded with an unsuccessful war. In 1351, Zurich joined in order to protect against Austria. After the ensuing war, the Austrian possessions of Glarus and Zug joined in 1352. And a year later, in 1353, having defeated the allies of the Habsburgs, Bern joined. The Swiss were forced to defend their independence in the wars against Austria in 1364 and 1386. So the so-called "Union of 8 old lands" was formed.
Meanwhile, the relationship between the allies remained absolutely voluntary. There was no unified power, and a unified army. Wars even broke out at times, such as the Old Zurich War in 1436-1450 between Zurich and the Forest Cantons. Nevertheless, in 1415, the Allies conquered Aargau from the Austrians, in 1452 - from the St. Gallen Monastery - Appenzell and St. Gallen itself, in 1460 - Thurgau and in 1440 - the Leventinsky Valley. In 1475, the liberated from the power of the Savoy counts of Valais was annexed.
In the XIV-XV centuries, Switzerland became the most free and democratic country in the world, prosperity grew, trade and industry developed, and in 1460 the University of Basel was founded. After the victorious Burgundian War, Swiss mercenary troops became elite military units throughout Europe.
Freiburg and Solothurn join the union. A new contract is concluded, common to all 10 lands. After the war with the Swabian Union (1499), the connection with the Holy Roman Empire was finally abolished. In the Italian wars, the Swiss participated in the conquest of Naples by Charles VIII, and Milan by Louis XII, later becoming allies of Pope Julius II. Louis XII, in turn, transferred the alliance to Bellinzona, Lugano, Locarno, Chiavenna, Valtelin and the southern part of Ticino.
In the meantime, Basel, Schaffhausen and Appenzell joined the Union in 1501. The Union of 13 lands was formed. Neuchâtel, the Bishopric of Basel, the abbey of St. Gallen, the city of St. Gallen, Biel, Grisons, Valais, Geneva, Ticino, Bellinzona, Vaud were subordinated to the union on various rights.

At this time, ideas of the Reformation penetrated into Switzerland. In 1519, Ulrich Zwingli began his activity in Zurich, Joachim Watt in St. Gallen, and Michael Eggensdorf in Schaffhausen. In 1525, the Anabaptist movement arose. In 1528, the reformation won in Bern, in Basel, and then Calvin preached in Geneva. This led to the First Religious War (1529) between the Protestant Zurich, Bern, St. Gallen, Biel, Mühlhausen, Basel, Schaffhausen and the union of 5 Catholic cantons with Valais and Austria. Switzerland split into two parts.
Meanwhile, in 1526, Geneva made an alliance with Bern and Freiburg, the ensuing war with Savoy brought the acquisition of Vaud, the annexation of Lausanne (1536). Protestant academies were founded in Geneva and Lausanne, and Jesuit colleges in Lucerne and Freiburg. The religious struggle was accompanied by expulsions and executions. In 1586, the Catholic cantons of Schwyz, Uri, Unterwalden, Lucerne, Zug, Freiburg, Solothurn entered into a "Golden" alliance. In 1597, Appenzell split into two half-cantons: Catholic Innerrhoden and Protestant Ausserrhoden.
All this had a negative impact on the country. Plague and famine became frequent occurrences. But the situation was changed by neutrality in the Thirty Years' War, a position that later became one of the main political ideas of the country. Switzerland became a haven for those hiding from religious persecution and for political exiles. Trade and industry are developing rapidly. But the echoes of the turbulent events of the previous century do not subside. In 1656, the First Wilmergen War broke out between the Catholic Schwyz and Lucerne and the Protestant Zurich and Bern, and in 1712 the Second Wilmergen War broke out between the Catholic and Protestant cantons. But the eighteenth century brings to the fore the struggle between oligarchy and democracy. This century is the flourishing of industry and trade, scientific thought.

The events of the Napoleonic Wars did not pass by. In 1798, the French, under the pretext of killing two French hussars, crossed the border of Vaud, which they declared the Leman Republic. Very soon, Basel was annexed to the republic, and it was transformed into the Helvetic Republic. Valais, Leman, Aargau, Bellinzona, Lugano, Rethia, Sargans, Thurgau and St. Gallen were added to the 13 old cantons. Uri, Schwyz, Unterwalden and Zug were merged into the canton of Waldstetten, with Schwyz as its capital. Sargans and Glarus are in the canton of Lint, and Appenzell and St. Gallen are in the canton of Sentis. Geneva annexed to France. And the republic was forced to sign an alliance with France and turned into the main theater of war.
In 1803, Napoleon gave the Swiss a new constitution. Switzerland became a union state of 19 cantons. Graubünden, Aargau, Thurgau, St. Gallen, Vaud and Ticino were added to the 13 old cantons. After the Battle of Leipzig (1813), Switzerland decided to maintain strict neutrality, but the Austrians, wanting to subjugate the country to their influence, entered its territory.
The Austrians were supported by Bern, Friborg, Solothurn and Lucerne, who sought to restore the old order and subdue the newly formed cantons. But thanks to the support of Emperor Alexander I, a new union treaty was adopted. And the Declaration of 1815 confirmed the eternal neutrality of Switzerland and the inviolability of its borders. Valais, Geneva and Neuchâtel were returned, making 3 new cantons.

Reference Information
Institutions usually work on weekdays 8.00-12.00 and 14.00-17.00. Saturday and Sunday are days off.
Banks are usually open 8.30-16.30, except weekends. One day a week, banks work longer than usual, you need to clarify this in each particular bank.
Post offices in large cities are open on weekdays 8.30-12.00 and 13.30-17.00, on Saturday from 7.30-11.00, Sunday is a day off.
Branches in shopping centers usually operate in the same mode as the store itself, including an extended working day once a week.

Voltage
The voltage in the network is 220V/50Hz. Receptacles are primarily designed for plugs with three round prongs (the third being an offset ground prong), but standard plugs with two round prongs will also work. An adapter for "Euro plugs" with a grounding contact is easy to find in any hotel or store.

The shops
Shops are open on weekdays 8.30 - 12.00, and then 14.00 - 18.30. In large cities, shops usually do not interrupt their work during the lunch break, and also on one of the weekdays (usually on Thursday or Friday) they are open until 21.00. In Zurich, shops close at 20.00 on weekdays. On Saturday, most shops are open until 16.00-18.00. On Sundays, only shops at airports, major railway stations and along major highways are open.
The most profitable purchase in Switzerland can be a Swiss watch. Here you will find a huge selection at much more reasonable prices.
The oldest watch shop in Switzerland is Beyer Chronometrie in Zurich, which belongs to the seventh generation of watchmakers.
In April, Basel hosts the BASELWORLD International Jewelery Show, which brings together over 2,200 watch, jewelery and gemstone manufacturers, many of whom have BASELWORLD as their exclusive showcase.
You will also be amazed by the abundance of varieties, types and forms of chocolate.
In addition, in Switzerland it is worth buying clothes, bed linen, tablecloths, napkins, embroidered towels, precision instruments, pocket knives, ceramics, antiques and art publications.
The value added tax in Switzerland is 7.6%. But if you have purchased goods worth 300 Swiss francs in one store or in one day, and the goods will be taken out of the country within 30 days from the date of purchase, you can apply for a VAT refund. To do this, the stores will give you Global Blue Tax Free Cheques, which must be stamped by customs at the airport when leaving the country. And you are entitled to receive VAT included in the price of the goods in cash at the airport at the Global Blue office, to the specified credit card or bank account, by bank draft or in cash upon returning home.

Little Switzerland, a quiet oasis at the crossroads of Europe, is a clear example of how people who speak different languages ​​can live quietly and peacefully, respecting themselves and each other. In Switzerland, traces of various civilizations can be found at every step. The ruins in Nyon and Avenches remind of the Romans. Romanesque and Gothic monuments of architecture can be seen in Basel, Geneva, Lausanne. The main baroque monuments are the famous cathedral and the monastery library in St. Gallen, which are under the protection of UNESCO. There are 600 museums in Switzerland, and every big city has its own theater and symphony orchestra. Multilingual Switzerland has the same “multilingual” cuisine: fondue and raclette in French cantons, sausages, roasts and rösti (grated baked potatoes) in German, thin slices of cured meat in Graubünden and Valais, polenta and risotto in Italian-speaking Ticino. And don't forget to order local wine with your meal.
The legend says: when God was distributing the wealth of the bowels of the earth, they were not enough for one small country in the heart of Europe. To correct this injustice, the Lord gave her mountains like castles, sparkling glaciers, roaring waterfalls, countless lakes and friendly fertile valleys. Thus, Switzerland became the perfect embodiment of divine wisdom. Switzerland is a real myth. Here you will find more contrasts than anywhere else. The amazing diversity of landscape, architecture, languages ​​and culture makes this country a special little world, a pocket-sized Europe.
The Swiss Alps are the birthplace of mountaineering and skiing. In this blessed land of blue lakes and sparkling glaciers, in this fabulous country, which God generously rewarded with natural resources, and people nurtured with their work and care, you must definitely visit to understand what real rest and real comfort are...

Geography

In the north it borders with Germany, in the west with France, in the south with Italy, in the east with Austria and Liechtenstein. The northern border runs partly along Lake Constance and the Rhine, which starts in the center of the Swiss Alps and forms part of the eastern border. The western border runs along the Jura mountains, the southern - along the Italian Alps and Lake Geneva. The largest lakes are Geneva and Constance. Three natural regions are distinguishable on the territory of Switzerland: the Jura mountain range in the northwest, the Swiss plateau (plateau) in the center and the Alps in the southeast. The capital of Switzerland is Bern.

Time

Time is 2 hours behind Moscow time.

Climate

The climate of Switzerland is temperate, in the west of the country the influence of the Atlantic Ocean is great, as you move to the east and in mountainous regions, the climate acquires continental features. The maximum air temperature, as well as the maximum precipitation, occurs in the summer months. The maximum temperature during the day, even in the winter months, rarely drops to negative values. In the spring months, there are the fewest days with precipitation. And the maximum rainy days are in the summer. In the summer months, the maximum air temperature exceeds 25°С; at night, the temperature, as a rule, does not fall below +13...+15°С. The Grindelwald resort is located in the center of the vast, world-famous Jungfrau highland region of Switzerland, in a deep picturesque valley. All over the world, Grindelwald is called the "Glacier Village". In the resort area, descending winds, the so-called hair dryer, are often observed. Hairdryer is often accompanied by squally gusts of wind. Hair dryer is observed more often in March and April, referred to as "snow eater". There is a high probability of a hair dryer in September-October.

Language

The official languages ​​are French, German and Italian; English is ubiquitous.

Religion

48% of believers - Catholics, 46% - Protestants, 6% - profess other religions.

Population

The indigenous population of Switzerland is approximately seven million people. The entire population is divided into four ethnic forms: German-Swiss, Italian-Swiss, Franco-Swiss, and Romansh.

Electricity

Mains voltage 220 V, current frequency 50 Hz.

Emergency Phones

Ambulance: 111, Police: 117, Fire: 118, Roadside Assistance: 140.

Connection

Telephone boxes are everywhere installed in post offices, bars, cafes, shops and on the streets (calling from post offices is cheaper). Calls on weekdays from 18.00 to 8.00 are cheaper, significant discounts also apply on weekends and holidays. All vending machines can use special phone cards, which are purchased at the post office, tobacco shops, railway stations, gas stations, etc. Major Russian operators have GPRS roaming. Swisscom recently purchased 800 Wi-Fi hotspots. There are almost no free points. Paid ones are quite expensive. Payment can be made by plastic cards or provider cards. Regular access can be obtained from special Swisscom telephone kiosks and internet cafes.

Currency exchange

The national currency is the Swiss franc. One franc is equal to 100 centimes. Banks are open from 8:00 to 16:00 (some until 17:00-18:00) on weekdays, a break from 12:00 to 14:00. You can change money at any bank branch, and in the evening - at the exchange offices of large department stores, airports and some travel agencies. Currency exchange offices at airports and railway stations are open daily from 8:00 to 22:00, sometimes around the clock. Most prices are quoted in both EUR and Swiss CHF. In some large stores, EUR is even accepted for payment, but the change is given out in Swiss CHF. Therefore, it is most convenient to pay with plastic cards.

Visa

Citizens of Russia and the CIS require a visa to enter Switzerland. Since December 12, 2008, Switzerland has been a member of the Schengen Agreement. From that moment on, all valid Schengen visas are valid for entry into Switzerland by any means of transport (air, car, train, etc.), even if they were issued earlier than the specified date by another Schengen member state. From December 15, 2008, the consular department of the Swiss Embassy in Moscow and the Consulate General of Switzerland in St. Petersburg will start issuing Schengen visas. Visas issued before December 12 are valid only for entry into the territory of Switzerland and do not give the right to enter the Schengen countries.

Customs regulations

Import and export of currency is not limited. It is allowed to import duty-free items for personal use - clothes, photo and movie cameras, sports equipment, musical instruments and food products at the rate of 1 day. Tourists arriving from EU countries can import duty-free up to 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250 gr. pipe tobacco (by persons not younger than 17 years old), spirits - 1 liter. and up to 2 liters. wine (not stronger than 15°). It is forbidden to import drugs, meat and meat products, skins of wild cats, crocodile, lizards and products from them, flower plants with soil.

Holidays and non-working days

Transport

The main form of urban transport is bus and train. In large cities, there are also trolleybuses that run on the same routes as buses. There is a small subway in Lausanne. Intercity transport is mainly by rail; in some places, as a rule, distant from the railway network, there are special intercity buses. Trains are urban (such as our metro or electric train) and long-distance (between cities). In city trains there is a self-control zone, that is, if you did not buy a ticket and you got a controller, then you will pay a fine. On long-distance trains, controllers always check tickets, but if you do not have a ticket, then you buy it from the controller with a small surcharge. A decision has now been made to ban smoking on all trains. Until recently, smoking was allowed only on long-distance trains (regardless of class). Usually the car is divided into two parts: smoking and non-smoking. Transport in Switzerland is expensive. In large cities, one trip costs at least two francs, in small ones - about one and a half francs.

The "Switzerland Travel System" is a system of universal travel cards valid for all types of regular transport (trains, suburban buses, lake boats, urban transport) and giving a discount on many types of tourist transport. These passes are justified if you intend to make at least two long trips in Switzerland. At the same time, on a number of mountain tourist lines, including those that lead to the main peaks of Switzerland, the Matterhorn and the Jungfrau, these tickets at best give only a 25% discount on the rather high fares of these trains - about 100-150 francs per trip. All these tickets are sold by a number of Russian travel agencies, but most of them are also available in Switzerland.

Tips

Despite the fact that in the restaurant a percentage of the service is included in the bill, if you want to thank for the good service, you can leave a few coins for the waiter or round up the amount of payment. It is customary to leave 1-2 francs for porters in hotels.

The shops

Shops are open on weekdays from 8:30 to 18:30, some large ones are open on Thursday until 21:00-22:00. On Saturday, all shops are open from 8:00 to 12:00 and from 14:00 to 16:00. Watches, chocolates, the famous penknives and music boxes are considered traditional "Swiss shopping".

National cuisine

Swiss cuisine has emerged as a result of a complex, long and contradictory development under the influence of many peoples living in the country. The influence of French, Italian and German culinary traditions is especially great. A distinctive feature of the local cuisine is the abundance of cheese and dairy products, as well as meat with a variety of seasonings. Be sure to try the traditional "foie gras" or "cheese fondue" - Gruyere or Emmental cheese melted in boiling white wine, seasoned with spices. This dish should be eaten hot, dipping slices of white bread in cheese and always drinking white wine. Another popular cheese dish is "raclette", which is a specially fried cheese with crispy pickled cucumbers and jacket potatoes.

Extremely popular are "Bernes Platter" - fried pieces of beef and pork with green beans or sauerkraut, as well as "lurich leschnetzeltes" - thin pieces of veal in sauce. Delicious sausages of all kinds are consumed everywhere, especially sausages from the cantons of St. Gallen and Bern, as well as huge two-meter sausages from Zurich, excellent bacons and specially prepared Reshti potatoes, which are best served with Munich's white Bratwurst sausage. It is also worth trying the famous Zurich minced veal with traditional Swiss Rosti potatoes. In the area of ​​Lake Geneva, you will be offered a traditional perch fillet fried in oil. The fillet is served with lemon slices, and garnished with boiled potatoes or roasted almonds. Minestrone thick vegetable soup is very unusual and tasty, which includes tomatoes, beans, rice, potatoes, carrots, peas, cauliflower, leeks and grated Sbrinz cheese - the Swiss analogue of parmesan. Minestrone soup is a traditional dish in Ticino. Another famous first course is Graubünden Barley Soup, made from smoked beef, cabbage, and, of course, barley. Alpine pasta is a somewhat unusual combination of pasta and potatoes, seasoned with sour cream and grated cheese, and topped with crispy fried onions.

In the southern cantons, almost exclusively Italian cuisine is used with its "pasta", "pizza", "carpaccio", "scampi" and "risotto", with an abundance of herbs and olive oil.

For dessert, try the Zuger Kirstort cherry cake. It is made of puff pastry and soft butter cream, soaked in cherry liqueur and sprinkled with nuts. Swiss chocolate and desserts "hühli" and "krepfli" are also known all over the world. It is worth trying the specially prepared very strong coffee "ristretto".

Swiss wines and beers are great. Among the white wines stand out "Johannioberg", "Ferdan", "Lavu", among the reds - "Lamey", "Koron" and "Dol". Good liqueurs "Kirsh", "Pflumli" and "Williamin", but they are very strong.

Attractions

Switzerland is an example of a classic tourist country - elegant cities and famous resorts with cozy hotels, majestic mountains, pristine lakes and picturesque hillsides. Here, in a small space, all the beauties of nature and outstanding creations of human hands are concentrated.

Lausanne, the capital of the canton of Vaud, lies on the northern shore of Lake Geneva. The city is famous for the majestic Gothic Cathedral of St. Francis (1145-1275), towering over the old part of the city with its original houses and old bridges over the rivers Flon and Louvet. From the north side of the tower of the cathedral offers a unique view of the city and the lake. You should definitely visit the Olympic Museum with an extensive sports exhibition, the Champs Elysees, the castles of St. Mary (currently the cantonal government sits here) and Beaulieu, the Palais de Villiers fair center, the Mon Repos park and the university. The city has many theaters and various museums, the richest Cinematheque in Switzerland is good and rich. The large trading house "Bel-Air-Metropol" with a tower 67 meters high, wonderful "folklore" restaurants, the old ports of the Oukhi region and the beautiful shore of the lake stretching for several kilometers enjoy the constant attention of tourists.

Geneva, founded in 500 BC. e. on the right bank of the Rhone still by the Celts, considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The city is famous for its elegance and magnificent parks located along the lake. On the left bank of the Rhone, the city center rises with St. Peter's Cathedral (1160-1232), the Town Hall, the Arsenal, the Opera House (1879), the Conservatory (1856) and the famous Jet d'Eau fountain (1891) located on a picturesque lake surrounded by magnificent gardens and parks. One of the curious and unique sights of Geneva is the clock made of flowers on the Promenade du Lac with the largest second hand in the world (its length reaches 2.5 m, diameter is 5 m, 6.5 thousand live clocks are used to create the watch). colors). On the right bank of the Rhone is "international Geneva" with the UN Palace, the international work center, the International Red Cross and other organizations. The UN Palace (1936), located in a large beautiful park and surpassing Versailles in size, is a real small “state within a state” (it even has its own post office and issues its own stamps) and the largest exhibition center in Europe - up to 5 thousand .various conferences and congresses.

Zurich is the most important commercial and financial center of Switzerland, as well as the largest banking center in Europe, the focus of commercial and industrial institutions, a shopping paradise and the "cultural Mecca" of the country. The city center stretches on both banks of the Limmat River, which flows into Lake Zurich (length - 39 km., Depth up to 143 m.). It is best to start your acquaintance with the city from the historical center of Niederdorf, with its pedestrian zone and picturesque narrow streets paved with cobblestones and built-up houses in the Gothic style. In the evenings, the area turns into an entertainment center - street musicians play, beer and wine “flow like a river”, people sing and dance here until midnight.
The financial center of the city and one of the most famous shopping streets in Europe - Bahnhofstrasse. Numerous shops and the best supermarkets of the city are concentrated here - Globus and Gelmoli, as well as divisions of Gnomen von Zurich, one of the largest banks in Switzerland and the world. Parade Square adjoins Bahnhofstrasse, where the pompous buildings of the Swiss Credit Bank (1876) and the Savoy Bor-en-Ville Hotel (1838), as well as the famous Sprüngli confectionery, are located.

Basel- the second largest city in Switzerland, located on the border of the "German" and "French" parts of the country on both sides of the Rhine. The city was founded by the Romans in 44 BC. e. on the site of a Celtic settlement, and in written sources "Fort Basilea" is mentioned already in 374. Today it is a major industrial, commercial and banking center of the country. A large number of educational institutions are concentrated here, including the oldest university in Switzerland, large shopping centers and banks, and at the same time - the first national musical theater, many art galleries, secondhand bookshops, a huge number of bars and pubs. The center of old Basel is the Marktplatz (“Market Square”), which to this day strikes with a riot of colors and an abundance of goods sold. One of the symbols of the city is also located here - the beautiful Town Hall (1507-1513) with a bright red painted brick facade, a gilded bell tower, a glazed tile roof and a statue of Minatius Plancus. The Historical Museum is currently open in the building of the former Franciscan church Barfüssenkirche (XIV century), and on the nearby Fischmarkt square there is the most beautiful fountain in Basel, decorated with a statue of Our Lady (1390). Another symbol of the city is the Münster Cathedral (1019) with two spiers and a gallery with a colonnade surrounded by huge chestnut trees. The square in front of the beautiful wrought-iron temple gates is lined with paving stones, and a powerful spotting scope is installed in the courtyard, with which you can admire the beautiful panorama of the city. Another attraction of Basel is the Spalentor gate (1400) made of red sandstone, to which two round battlements adjoin on both sides.

The capital of the country - Berne, founded in a steep bend of the Aar River in 1191 by order of Duke Berthold V. The historical center of the city is a chain of streets Spitalgasse, Marktgasse and Kramgasse, resting on the Niederbrücke bridge. The main attractions of the city are concentrated here, in the old center - the Prison Tower (1256) with a bell tower (1643), the famous street fountains (XVI century), the Clock Tower (1191, chimes with moving figures - 1527- 1530), a Gothic Cathedral (1421-1573) with the highest bell tower in Switzerland (about 100 m), stained-glass windows of the 15th century, statues of the 16th century. and the main portal by Küng (1457). It is impossible not to visit the City Hall (1406) with a large reception hall with wooden ceilings from the 15th century, as well as the “Bear Crypt” that gave the city its name.

Lugano- the largest and most significant city of the Italian-speaking canton of Tessin, located on the shores of the lake of the same name in the southeastern part of the country. The city is surrounded by mountains Monte Bre (923 m) and Monte San Salvatore (912 m), forming a magnificent panorama around the city and its mild climate. In the old part of the city there are architectural monuments of great historical value - the Palazzo Civico Palace in the magnificent Parco Civico Park, where open-air concerts are constantly held, Villa Malpensata, the Church of Santa Maria dell'Anjoli (XVI century) with frescoes "The Crucifixion Christ” and “The Last Supper” by Bernardo Luini, the Cathedral of San Lorenzo (1517) located near the station, the Church of San Rocco (1349) with the famous altar and frescoes by Discopoli, and many other unique buildings. Arches, blood-red geraniums in public gardens and orange roof tiles are hallmarks of this hospitable Swiss city. There is an extensive pedestrian zone in the center. From Piazza Ciocarno you can take the funicular up to the mountains.

Resorts

Zermatt is a ski and climatic resort, one of the most prestigious resorts in Switzerland, located in the upper reaches of the Visp Valley, at an altitude of 1620 m at the foot of the Matterhorn, and surrounded by 36 "four-thousanders" of the Main Alpine Range. This is a great place for skiers of all levels, having the longest winter season in the country, car traffic is prohibited here, so the air is unusually clean. Instead of cars, horse-drawn carriages are used in summer, and sledge teams are used in winter, plying between the old village houses of Walliser and 117 elegant hotels. By all international standards, Zermatt is in the top ten resorts.

Saas Fee- one of the highest mountain resorts in Switzerland. Considered one of the most beautiful places in the world, Saas-Fee is located among the 13 highest Alpine peaks over 4000 m surrounding this picturesque valley. The height of the resort is 1800 m, 120 km are laid here. trails at altitudes of 1800-3500 m., 30 km. flat trails of all levels of difficulty, the grandiose Mittelallalin ski resort, an outdoor skating rink, a sports center with a lot of amenities, special tracks for sledding, flat skiing, snowboarding, outdoor skating rinks, restaurants and bars, discos, a cinema, etc. At an altitude of 3500 m. is the "highest" revolving restaurant in the world, and a few steps from the restaurant is the world's largest museum "Ice Pavilion" and a chapel where wedding ceremonies are held.

Grindelwald located 15 minutes drive from Interlaken. This is one of the most beautiful mountain resorts in the country. Mountain glaciers here descend almost to the resort itself, which creates excellent conditions for winter sports - here is one of the longest skiing seasons in the country. Glaciers have brought Grindelwald other fame - here you can visit the "Blue Ice Grotto" and the exotic Glacier Gorge, a meteorological station and an observation deck from which you can admire the endless panorama of the Alps and the nearby peaks of the Eiger (3970 m.), Munch (4099 m.) and Jungfrau (4158 m.), Standing one behind the other. 213 km have been laid on their slopes. slopes with heights of 1034-2971 m., 47 lifts, among which is the longest gondola lift in Europe to Manlichen (2230 m.), 25 km. flat ski tracks, an 8-kilometer toboggan run from Bussalp (1800 m.) and high-mountain hiking trails with a total length of more than 300 km. On the other side of the valley lies an interesting ski area Föst (1050-2500 m).

To the valley of skiing Porte du Soleil includes 12 French and Swiss stations: Champery, Le Crozet, Champoussant, Morzhan, Torzhon, Avoriaz, Châtel, Morzine, Les Gets, Montrion, St. Jean d'Alpe, Abondance, La Chapelle d'Abondance. Champery located 10 km. from Val d'Ies at an altitude of 1580 m., famous for its colossal length of slopes - 650 km., serviced by 228 lifts, there is also an indoor ice rink (60 × 30 m.), a heated outdoor pool, a fitness center with a solarium, sauna and modern physiotherapy complex.

Le Diableret, often called the "alpine paradise", is located at an altitude of 1300 m on a mountain platform, from where a grandiose panorama opens, covering a vast territory from Lake Geneva to the French Alps. At altitudes from 1200 to 3000 m, 120 km are broken. slopes, there are 50 lifts, a well-planned public transport system (included in the price of the ski pass) allows you to continue skiing on the slopes of Gstaad, Leysin, Château d'Eau, Saanen and Villars. There is a sports and recreation complex with a swimming pool and a skating rink, a sports club (badminton, squash), bowling and billiards halls, tennis and golf fields, as well as a riding school. One of the advantages of the resort is its proximity to Geneva, as well as to the most important cultural centers such as Lausanne, Montreux, Vevey, Le Mausse (1450 m., black slopes), Château d'Eau and Gstaad. Mountain resorts such as Falera, Leizen with its famous revolving restaurant "Kuklos", "family paradise" - Villars, "virgin" Anzer, cozy Pontresina, located in a wind-protected valley with its own microclimate Arosa and balneological resorts are also known all over the world. Schwefelberg-Bad and Yverdon.