About Switzerland

General facts

Population
about 7,000,000

Capital
Berne

Religious denominations
Roman Catholic (46%)
Protestant (40%)
others (14%)

Area
15,942 sq. mi./41,293 sq. km

Distances
north-south 137 mi./220 km
east-west 216 mi./348 km

Cantons
23, three of which are subdivided into half-cantons

Highest point
Dufour Peak in the Monte Rosa massif (Valais) 15,203 ft./4634 m

Lowest point
Lake Maggiore (Ticino) 633 ft./193 m

Language

Switzerland is one of the most multilingual countries in Europe. Many Swiss, particularly those who work with visitors in one way or another, speak several languages. The national languages of Switzerland are German (central and north-eastern Switzerland), French (western Switzerland), Italian (southern Switzerland) and Rumantsch (southeastern Switzerland).

Climate

Temperatures generally do not reach extremes of hot or cold. In the cities, summer temperatures seldom rise above 86°F/30°, and the humidity is rather moderate. In winter temperatures often fall below 32°F/0°C and there is snow and ice. The southern part of Switzerland has subtropical vegetation and a mild climate year-round.