Switzerland -- School-age
Switzerland
Official Name: Swiss Confederation
Capital: Bern
County's inhabitants: Swiss
Abbreviation: CH
Switzerland’s country code, stands for “Confoederatio Helvetica”.
Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF)
Official Languages: German (Swiss German), French, Italian, and Romansch.
Religion: The majority of the Swiss are either Catholic or Protestant.
Switzerland is a small, landlocked country in Central Europe.
Switzerland Government
Switzerland's constitution was adopted in 1848 and revised in 1874. It is modeled after that of the United States.
The government of Switzerland is a federal republic.
Federal Republic: A federation of states with a republican form of government. There is a division of powers between the central government and self-governing areas (states, provinces, cantons).
Switzerland is a confederation of 26 states called cantons.
Cantons of Switzerland
Legislative power resides in the dual-chamber Federal Assembly. The Federal Assembly choices the seven members of the Federal Council. One member of the Federal Council serves as president for one year.
Since the 19th century, Switzerland has followed a policy of neutrality, which means that it has not been involved in wars between other nations.
Flag of Switzerland
The national flag of Switzerland.
The flag of Switzerland is square. The national flag of Switzerland displays a white cross in the center of a square red field. The white cross is known as the Swiss cross. The four arms are of equal length and do not extend to the edges of the flag.
Switzerland Animated History Video
Land
Switzerland is known for its high mountains. Mountains cover 60 percent of Switzerland’s land area, the Alps (in the south) and Jura (in the northwest) between the mountains is a central plateau of rolling hills, plains, and large lakes.
The pyramid shaped mountain the Matterhorn is one of the best-known mountains in the Alps.
Sir Edward Whymper was the first man who managed to climb to the top of the Matterhorn.
Mont Dolent, a mountain peak in the Mont Blanc mountain range of the Alps Mountains is a mountain that lies on the border of Italy and Switzerland, and close to the border with France. It is the only Alpine peak shared by three countries.
Rivers
The Rhine River and the Lake of Constance makes up much of Switzerland's border with Germany.
The Aare river is the longest river that is wholly in Switzerland. It begins at the Oberaar glacier and flows through Swiss lakes and passes finally flowing into the Rhine River. The Rhine River flows from the Swiss Alps to the North Sea.
Aare River , Switzerland
Climate
Winters are long and snowy in the mountains, while the valleys have fog and rain. Summers are usually mild.
Plants
Switzerland ranks second with Germany as the most densely forested country in Europe. In the Swiss plateau and lowlands grow many varieties of plants and trees (palm, magnolia, chestnut, walnut, apple, pear, cherry). Deciduous forests of beech, maple, and oak are characteristic below about 1,400 m (about 4,500 ft), and coniferous forests, primarily of pine and fir, flourish above that height. At higher elevations, the flora consists of Alpine species such as edelweiss, anemone, lily, and Swiss pines.
Animals
Switzerland’s animal life is mainly Alpine (high mountains). In the Alps live Chamois (horned goat antelope related to goats but having antelope-like features) and marmots (ground-dwelling rodents). Ibex (wild goats) become extinct in the Swiss Alps but have been reintroduced and today are roaming again the mountains of Switzerland.
The forests of Switzerland are home to badgers, barn owls, deer, eagles, falcons, foxes, hares, rabbits, squirrels, and many varieties of birds.
The International Canine Federation (FCI) has attributed seven breeds of dogs origin to Switzerland. Four breeds of cattle dogs: Bernese Mountain Dog, Appenzell Mountain Dog, Entlebuch Cattle Dog, and
Switzerland Is Famous For
Switzerland has limited land available for agriculture. The main crops are fruits, potatoes, sugar beets, and wheat. One of the Swiss mainstays is dairy farming and based on the country's milk production there are two famous food industries: cheese and chocolate.
Cheese fondue is considered by many to be the national dish of Switzerland.
Switzerland Recipes -- From breads to fondue and more.
Switzerland is home to some of the best cheeses that can be found.
Swiss chocolate makers have earned an international reputation for excellence and high quality with many famous international chocolate brands. In 1875, Swiss chocolatier Daniel Peter was the first to add condensed milk to solid chocolate, creating milk chocolate. The condensed milk Daniel Peter used was invented by Henri Nestle.
Switzerland is famous for its watchmakers, this country is one of the world's largest watch manufacturers. Switzerland is responsible for about half of all world production of watches.
The Omega watch company is a Swiss company that has a history with space exploration and the Apollo 11 moon landing. NASA issured the Apollo astronauts Omega Speedmaster Professional watches to wear to the moon.
Switzerland is famous for its banking institutions and its reputation for financial secrecy and experience of the Swiss bankers, making it a key center of international finance.
Henri Dunant started the International Red Cross in 1863.
Switzerland Products
The top exports of Switzerland are: gold, packaged medicines, blood fractions, metal watches, and jewellery.
Switerland is the top exporter of blood fractions.
Switerland is the seocond largeest exporter of Packaged Medicaments
Stories to Read
Heidi by Johanna Spyri
A classic story of a young orphan sent to live with her grumpy grandfather in the Swiss Alps.
Artist
Paul Klee
Expressionist painter known for the fine lines and geometry in his watercolors and illustrations.
