Switzerland

Country

The Swiss Confederation is a landlocked country consisting of 26 cantons. Switzerland is known for its breathtaking landscapes and is one of the preferred destinations around the world. Switzerland is a landlocked country with Italy bordering to the south, France to the west, Germany to the north, and Austria and Liechtenstein to the east.

Known for having the Alps to the country's south, and the Jura mountains to the northwest, Switzerland is also known for its central plateau, where most of the population reside.

There are over 1500 lakes in the country, making up 6% of the fresh water stock of Europe.

Business Economy

Switzerland has a mature market economy based on

export oriented machine and electrical manufactures (high precision motors, generators, turbines, textile and tool machines, mills, watches and many innovative high-tech products) including automation equipment and engineering of whole power or industrial plants. The focus is on niche products with a high proportion of complex engineering but rather small series.

chemicals (colors, fertilizers, pestizides) and pharmaceuticals

financial services: international trade, insurance and banking

tourism

export of electrical energy, primarily peak power (winter days) produced by Switzerland's many hydroelectrical plants

Switzerland's central location in Europe, the stability of its politics and currency, social peace (leading to a high productivity), moderate taxes, excellent public infrastructures and a high level in education have made Switzerland one of the world's most important financial centers and an excellent place for European or even worldwide headquarters of internationally operating companies.

Natural Resources

Switzerland's mineral resources are limited. There are small iron and manganese deposits in the Jura but no known deposits of coal. A variety of materials is worthy of commercial exploitation. Among them are lime, salt, sand, gravel, clay, and marble.

Higher Education

There are 12 universities in Switzerland, with the University of Zurich the biggest in terms of student number, which has an average population of over 25,000 every year.

As a country home to many international organizations, its universities are also renowned worldwide, with Switzerland having the 2nd highest number of international students studying in its universities. About 18% of the country's student population in tertiary education is made up of international students.

Tourism

Switzerland is a mountainous Central European country, home to numerous lakes, villages and the high peaks of the Alps. Its cities contain medieval quarters, with landmarks like capital Bern Zytglogge clock tower and Lucerne’s wooden chapel bridge. The country is also known for its ski resorts and hiking trails. Banking and finance are key industries, and Swiss watches and chocolate are world renowned.

Climate Weather

switzerland is located within a temperate climatic zone. In the west and northwest the influence of the temperate Atlantic climate is felt more strongly, in the east the influence of the continental climate. At a latitude of 47 North, the climate is moderate and generally agreeable. Temperatures depend largely on altitude, with averages 5°C lower for each additional 300 m of elevation. Summers can be hot, with temperatures sometimes reaching 30°C or more, summer evenings are usually cool.

Required clothing

Lightweights with rainwear for summer, waterproof Medium- to Heavyweights for winter. A sweater is necessary almost any time of year.