International Relations Office

Switzerland

Switzerland is a landlocked alpine country of roughly 7.7 million people in Western Europe. With an area of 41,285 km², it is a federal republic consisting of 26 states, called cantons. Bern is the seat of the federal authorities, while the country's economic centres are its three global cities, Geneva, Basel and Zürich.

Switzerland is one of the richest countries in the world by per capita gross domestic product, with a nominal per capita GDP of $67,384. Zürich and Geneva have respectively been ranked as having the second and third highest quality of life in the world.

More than just milkmaids, chocolates, and a proud tradition of horology, Switzerland also boasts a legendary landscape of snow capped mountains in the Swiss alps and serene lakes that decorate the country.

Switzerland is multilingual and has four national languages: German, French, Italian and Romansh. The establishment of Switzerland is traditionally dated to 1 August 1291; Swiss National Day is celebrated on the anniversary.

The Swiss have much to be proud of. As pioneers in modern banking, some of the biggest names in the industry such as Crédit Suisse, UBS and Julius Bär have their headquarters located in German-speaking Zurich. Zurich proudly houses the financial hub of continental Europe. In French-speaking Geneva, one finds, quite appropriately, the extensive network of international law and peace-keeping institutions, notably the United Nations Headquarters. Geneva stands at the forefront of diplomacy and international cooperation.

 

Capital
 Bern
Currency
 Swiss Francs (CHF)
Language
 German, French, Italian, Romansh
Weather

Bern (Central Switzerland)

  • Temperate climate, warm summers and cold winters
  • Summer months (June – September) : 9 – 23 °C
  • Winter months (December to February) : -2 – 5 °C
  • Average warmest month : July
  • Average coolest month : January
  • Average wettest month : June


Geneva (West Switzerland)

  • Winters are moderately mild, usually with light frosts at night and thawing conditions during the day. Summers are pleasantly warm.
  • Summer months (June – September) : 10 – 25 °C
  • Winter months (December to February) : -2 – 6 °C
  • Average warmest month : July
  • Average coolest month : January
  • Average wettest month : November


Zurich (North Switzerland)

  • Zurich has an oceanic or humid continental climate , with four distinct seasons
  • Summer months (June – September) : 8 – 24 °C
  • Winter months (December to March) : -4 – 8 °C
  • Average warmest month : July
  • Average coolest month : January
  • Average wettest month : August

 

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