Because it is bordered by 5 countries (Austria, Germany, France, Italy and Liechtenstein), Switzerland is a very multicultural nation with a long history of 'neutrality'.
The country is most famous for its banking, watchmaking, cheese and chocolate. Swiss cuisine is very varied, including meat, dairy products and bread- but also fruits and vegetables. It combines the best of its neighbouring influences.
Swiss Geography
Switzerland is divided into three regions: the Jura Mountains, the Mittelland, and the Alps. It can be sub-categorised into 26 "cantons": Aargau, Appenzell Ausser-Rhoden, Appenzell Inner-Rhoden, Basel-Landschaft, Basel-Stadt, Bern, Fribourg, Geneve, Glarus, Graubunden, Jura, Luzern, Neuchatel, Nidwalden, Obwalden, Sankt Gallen, Schaffhausen, Schwyz, Solothurn, Thurgau, Ticino, Uri, Valais, Vaud, Zug, and Zurich. Switzerland is a completely landlocked country with many mountains (the highest points in the Alps) and lakes. It has cold winters, making it excellent for skiing, and warm (not hot) summers.
Swiss Language
The official languages of Switzerland are German, French, Romansch and Italian.
Most popular city in Switzerland
The capital of Switzerland (officially the Swiss Confederation) is Bern, but the largest is Zurich, and the overall Swiss population is just under 8 million.
Châteaux de Malmaison
Also known as 'the Palace of Malmaison'. Built in the 18th century, it has been owned by wealthy families; the name derives from Norman times.... Paris, France
Notre Dame Cathedral
Near the River Seine, the famous cathedral is from the Gothic period.... Paris, France
Sainte-Chapelle
A place of religious symbolism built in the second half of the 13th century by Louis IX.... Paris, France
The Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe is one of the most famous monuments in Paris. It stands 50 metres in height. It is a tourist attraction and is one of the most famous monumnets in Paris.... Paris, France
The Chateau de Versailles
The stables at Chateau de Versailles Grande Écurie du Château de Versailles. Jules Hardouin-Mansart (Superintendent of royal works) originally designed the two twin buildings to accomodate the King's 600 horses. The building?s construction began in 1679 and was completed in 1683.... Paris, France
The Eiffel Tower
See over 40 miles across Paris. The Eiffel Tower, known as the symbol of Paris- a tower built of iron on the Champ de Mars, inaugurated on 31 March 1889 and it was built by Gustave Eiffel. It attracted around 2 million visitors the first year and almost 6 million annually today. It is 986 feet tall and has 704 steps to the second level, where a lift takes visitors to the top and with a view of over 42 miles of the city.... Paris, France
The Grande Arche de la Fraternite
A monument in the business district of La Defense to the west of Paris.... Paris, France