Useful information for tourists about Switzerland, cities and resorts of the country. As well as information about the population, currency of Switzerland, cuisine, features of visa and customs restrictions Switzerland.
Geography of Switzerland
The Swiss Confederation is a state in central Europe bordering Germany, France, Italy, Austria and Liechtenstein.
Almost all of Switzerland lies in the Alps and Jura mountains. The highest peak is Peak Dufour (4634 m) in the south of the country.
State
State structure
A federal republic (confederation) consisting of 23 cantons, each of which has its own constitution, parliament and government. The head of state is the president. Legislature- bicameral Federal Assembly(National Council and Cantonal Council). Executive power is exercised by the Federal Council (government) of 7 federal councilors (ministers).
Language
Official language: German, French, Italian
In the northeast of the country they speak Retro-Roman. Most Swiss people speak English.
Religion
About 48% are Catholics, 46% are Protestants, 6% profess other religions.
Currency
International name: CHF
The Swiss franc is equal to 100 centimes (rappen in German Switzerland). There are banknotes in circulation in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 francs, as well as coins in 5, 2, 1 franc, 50, 20, 10 and 5 centimes.
Many stores accept convertible currencies, and all major credit cards and traveler's checks are accepted. You can change money at any bank branch, in the evening - at exchange offices major department stores, airports and some travel agencies. It is better to change money abroad, since in Switzerland itself the exchange rate of the national currency is overvalued.
History of Switzerland
The history of Switzerland dates back to the 12th millennium BC. It was then that the territory covered with eternal snow, under the pressure of global warming, began to become free of ice. Gradually the white cover changed to green, and the “revived” earth found its first inhabitants from the human race.
In ancient times, Switzerland was inhabited by the Celtic Helvetian tribes, hence its ancient name- Helvetia. Around the 1st century BC, after the campaigns of Julius Caesar, the country was conquered by the Romans and gained worldwide fame. In the 5th century AD, during the era of the Great Migration, it was captured by the Alemanni, Burgundians and Ostrogoths; in the 6th century - the Franks. In the 11th century, Switzerland became part of the “Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation.”
Initially, the Swiss were not a single nation; Switzerland itself was a union of communities (cantons) striving for self-government. At the beginning of August 1291, the peasants of the forest cantons of Schwyz, Uri and Unterwalden, living on the shores of Lake Vierwaldstät, entered into an alliance with each other and swore an oath to help each other in the fight against the rule of the Habsburg dynasty; in a stubborn struggle they defended their independence. The Swiss celebrate this joyful event to this day: August 1 is the Swiss National Day - fireworks and fireworks illuminate the Swiss sky in memory of the events of more than seven centuries ago.
For two centuries, Swiss troops defeated the feudal armies of dukes, kings and kaisers. Provinces and cities began to join the original union. The united allies sought to expel the Habsburgs, gradually expanding their borders. In 1499, after the victory over Kaiser Maximilian I of Habsburg, Switzerland was freed from imperial rule. In 1513, there were already 13 cantons in the union. Each canton was absolutely sovereign - there was no common army, no common constitution, no capital, no central government.
In the 16th century, a severe crisis occurred in Switzerland. The reason for this was a split in christian church. Geneva and Zurich became centers of activity for the Protestant reformers Calvin and Zwingli. In 1529, Switzerland began religious war. Only a serious danger emanating from outside was prevented complete collapse states. In 1798, the French invaded Switzerland and transformed it into the unitary Helvetic Republic. For fifteen years the country was under their rule. The situation changed only in 1815, when the Swiss introduced their own constitution with equal rights for 22 sovereign cantons. Same year Congress of Vienna the world recognized the “permanent neutrality” of Switzerland and defined its borders, which are still inviolable. However, the unity of the cantonal union was not reliably ensured by an organization strong enough central government. Only under the 1948 constitution did the fragile union turn into single state- federal Switzerland.
The history of Switzerland dates back to the 12th millennium BC. It was then that the territory covered with eternal snow, under the pressure of global warming, began to become free of ice. Gradually the white cover changed to green, and the “revived” earth found its first inhabitants from the human race....
Popular attractions
Tourism in Switzerland
Where to stay
Switzerland is a country with high level life, which has not bypassed such an area as the tourism business. All hotels in this country have own classification and are characterized by a high level of service.
The highest category - Swiss Deluxe - includes hotels located in old historical buildings, completely restored and adapted to the needs of the guests. The windows of such a room will offer a beautiful view, and the interior will delight the eye with sophistication. Hotels in this category have not only first-class restaurants, but also golf courses, spa centers and much more.
The SWISS Quality standard includes five classes of hotels (similar to stars), which are located in large or resort cities. Five stars, or SWISS Quality Excellence, is awarded to hotels with a high level of service, careful attention to interior design, high-quality restaurants, etc.
Four stars, or SWISS Quality Superior, are hotels in which, in addition to special comfort, guests will be offered the use of a restaurant, a modern conference room, a gym or spa services. Hotels awarded three stars also offer good service and are suitable for both tourist groups and businessmen.
Campsites in Switzerland, which are located in picturesque corners of the country, are also rated from 1 to 5 stars. Please note that unauthorized accommodation outside the campsite is fraught with a police visit and a fine.
In small towns you can rent a room in private hotels or live in a real peasant house. For those who prefer some extreme sports, there is the opportunity to spend the night in a real hayloft.
Mountain chalets are very popular in winter. However, keep in mind that they must be ordered in advance.
Office hours
Banks are open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (some until 6 p.m.) on weekdays, with a break from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Once a week, banks are open longer than usual. Currency exchange offices at airports and railway stations open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., often 24 hours a day.
Shops are open on weekdays from 8.30 to 18.30, some are open until 22. On Saturday, all shops are open from 8 to 12 and from 14 to 16. In large cities, some shops are open without a lunch break, but are closed on Monday in the first half of the day .
Purchases
Value added tax (VAT) in Switzerland is 7.5%. In hotels and restaurants, all taxes are included in the bill. For purchases over CHF 500 in one store, you can receive a VAT refund. To do this, you need to get a “Tax-free Shopping Check” from the store (a passport is required), according to which you must pay VAT at the bank at the airport or have it stamped when leaving the country. In this case, upon returning home, the stamped form must be sent by mail to receive a VAT refund check. In large stores, VAT is refunded on site upon presentation of your passport.
Safety
The crime rate in Switzerland is very low. However, you should beware of pickpockets and bag snatchers.
Emergency numbers
Police - 117
Fire services - 118
Ambulance - 14
Questions and feedback about Switzerland
Question-Answer
The essay on economic geography was completed by Dmitry Khorev, 10th grade
Switzerland (Swiss Republic) is a small state in Central Europe. The date of formation of Switzerland is considered to be August 1, 1291, when 3 cantons united into a confederation, and only according to the constitution of 1848, the union of states turned into a single state - federal Switzerland.
Switzerland is located almost in the center Foreign Europe, at the crossroads of the most important trade routes. Three-quarters of the borders are with France, Austria and Italy: they pass along high mountain ranges Jura and Alps, and only the border with Germany and Liechtenstein goes along the lowland - the Rhine valley.
The area of Switzerland is 41.3 thousand sq. km. Switzerland consists of 23 cantons (districts), 3 of which are divided into half-cantons. Each canton has its own parliament, constitution, and government, but the rights of the cantons are limited by the federal constitution. The highest federal authority is the bicameral Federal Assembly.
The first chamber is elected by universal suffrage using a proportional system, while each canton sends two of its representatives to the second. Executive power belongs to the Federal Council. One of its seven members is elected in turn as President of the Swiss Confederation for a term of one year.
The capital of Switzerland is the city of Bern. However, he is not the most famous city countries. The palm belongs to another city - Geneva. It is famous throughout the world as one of the largest city centers international activities. Geneva is home to the Palais des Nations. Thanks to the permanent neutrality of Switzerland, as well as its geographical position in the country all year round It is in the Palace of Nations that important international conferences and diplomatic negotiations are held. During the First and Second World Wars, Switzerland remained neutral. After World War II, it did not join the UN, despite approving its goals.
Snowy peaks Alps, blue lakes, bright green valleys, mostly small towns with narrow medieval streets and houses with painted facades still preserved - these are the typical external features countries. But at the same time, Switzerland is one of the most industrially developed countries in the world, occupying one of the first places in terms of the experience and qualifications of engineers and workers, the quality of products produced and the amount of profits that Switzerland receives from industrial enterprises located in the country itself and abroad. from huge capital investments. This small country plays a significant role in the world political life.
The country's population is 6.99 million. The urban population is about 75%. The state belongs to countries with low natural growth (up to 10 people per 1000 inhabitants per year). Over the past two decades, the birth rate has decreased, but at the same time the mortality rate has also decreased. Therefore, natural population growth still occurred.
84% of the population are Swiss. Along with the Swiss, more than 1 million foreigners live in the country, which is 1/7 of the total population. In some cities - Geneva, Basel, Zurich - the share of foreigners among residents rises to 1/5 - 1/3. No other European country has such a high proportion of foreigners in its population. These are primarily workers recruited for a long period of time to work in industry, construction, and the service sector. In addition to permanent immigration, there is also seasonal immigration. About 200 thousand people come to Switzerland for construction and agricultural work. Almost 100 thousand residents of the border areas of Germany and France commute to work in Switzerland every day.
In general, the country is extremely unevenly populated. The average population density is 154 people per 1 sq. km, but on the Swiss plateau and in the northeastern part of the country, where almost 3/4 of all the country's inhabitants are concentrated, it reaches 250 people per 1 sq. km. In the mountainous, central and southern parts of Switzerland (with the exception of the canton of Tessin), as well as in the east, the population is very sparse - from 25 to 50 people per square meter. km.
There are few large cities: only Zurich, Basel, Geneva, Bern and Lausanne have more than 100 thousand inhabitants. Only 4 cities have from 50 to 100 thousand people. The majority of the country's cities have less than 20 thousand inhabitants. Official languages- German (73.5% of the population), French (20%), Italian (4.5%), Romansh (1%).
The main religions in the country are Catholicism (about 48% of the population) and Protestantism (44% of the population). The cantons of Vaud, Schaffhausen, City Basel, Zurich, Bern, Glarus, Neuchâtel, and Geneva belong to the Protestant Church.
Catholicism is spread over a larger area, but in the less populated part of the country. The cantons of Schwyz, Uri, Unterwalden, Tessin, Friborg, Solothurn, Valais, Lucerne, and Zug remained Catholic. In some cantons (Appenzell, Aargau, Grisons) the proportion of Protestants and Catholics is almost the same. For recent years the number of Catholics has increased markedly, which is explained by the higher birth rate in Catholic families, as well as the large proportion of foreigners professing Catholicism.
Switzerland is characterized by a large number of mountains. In Switzerland, mountains are widely used for recreational purposes. The most powerful and high part Alps The height of the largest mountain peak - Peak Dufour - is more than four and a half thousand meters (4634 m). The mountains occupy the entire central and largely southern and eastern parts of the country. The Rhone and Rhine valleys divide the Swiss Alps into two almost parallel groups of mountain ranges, running from southwest to northeast. The highest part of the Alps is composed of crystalline rocks and limestones. High mountain regions are covered with eternal snow and glaciers. The largest of these glaciers and one of the largest in Europe is the Aletsch Glacier. It stretches for 27 km, covering an area of 115 square meters. km. On the border with France lies the Jura mountain range.
Between the Bernese Alps and the Jura, the Rhine flowing along the border with Germany to Lake Geneva stretches the undulating, low Swiss plateau (altitude 400-600 m), which is the most populated part of the country.
Switzerland is characterized by very strong differences in climatic conditions. This is due to the complex nature of the terrain. In the Alps, where it is located large number ski resorts and sanatoriums, the average winter temperature ranges from -10 to -12 degrees, but the weather is almost always sunny. On the peaks of the Alps the snow does not melt throughout the year. In winter and spring, due to the accumulation of snow on the slopes, snow falls are common. In summer there is frequent rain and fog in the mountains. On the Swiss Plateau the winter is mild, average temperature January about -2 degrees. Snow usually lasts only a few days. Summer is warm (average July temperature is +18 degrees), autumn is long and sunny.
This climate is favorable for agricultural work. The main charm of the landscape is the lakes. The largest of them are Geneva and Constance. Next come Neuchâtel, Lago Maggiore, Firwaldstätt (the lake of four channels), Zurich and Lake Lugao.
Their origin is mainly tectonic-glacial. The shores are bordered by wooded hills or rocky mountains, the slopes of which drop straight into the water. Large lakes are not only places of pilgrimage for tourists, they play important role in shipping and land reclamation. The rivers of such a small country as Switzerland belong to the basins of three seas: the North, Mediterranean and Black. Such things begin in the Alps large rivers like Rain and Rhona. The tributary of the Danube river originates from them. Inn, as well as a tributary of the Po - the Ticino River.
Forests occupy about 24% of the territory. Also, a large part of the country is occupied by subalpine and alpine meadows. The Swiss National Park is located in the Rhaetian Alps (canton of Graubünden). It covers an area of 16,870 hectares. The main part of the park consists of mountain coniferous forests and alpine meadows. The park is inhabited by: deer, chamois, marmots, wood grouse, and alpine mountain goats.
Switzerland is a highly developed industrial state with intensive agriculture, one of the largest exporters of capital and financial centers in the world. A high level of capital concentration is combined with a relatively low degree of production concentration.
Switzerland has not belonged to any blocs for a long time; it is not a member of the UN, NATO, or the European Union. Switzerland was and remains one of the most stable countries world, in this regard, Switzerland is one of the leading financial centers in the world, one of the main exporters of capital. Total amount Swiss capital abroad (in the form of loans, credits, capital investments and other investments) exceeds 150 billion Swiss francs. The safes of Swiss banks contain half of all securities of developed countries in the world. For example, in the small town of Lugano alone there are 300 banks, financial societies and investment agencies per 2.5 thousand inhabitants. There are very large sums in the accounts of Swiss banks, coming not only from Germany, the USA, France and other large European countries, but also sums coming from countries former USSR and the current CIS. They are partially used in Switzerland itself, but are mainly sent under the guise of “Swiss investments” to those countries where, for political or other reasons, these foreign funds with their own “pass” cannot penetrate. Particular attention should be paid to the role of anonymous accounts, the size of deposits and the name of the owners of which banks keep in strictly confidential.
Banking secrecy and numbered accounts are needed throughout the world. They facilitate capital flight from countries in which instability political situation, or countries in which large industrial associations want to put pressure on the government. In addition, bank secrecy and numbered accounts make it possible to hide large sums from the tax authorities of these states.
Switzerland places its own capital very widely in the form of investments around the world. Swiss investments abroad have characteristic feature: They are sent almost exclusively to industrialized countries. This is explained by the fact that the Swiss economy needs less raw materials from developing countries than other countries, since this country has less need for it.
The largest monopolies that dominate within the country and have fairly strong positions in the world market are the electrical engineering concern "Brown Boveri", the mechanical engineering "Sulzer", the chemical "SIBA-Geigy", "Sandots", "Hofmann-LaRoche", the metallurgical "Von Roll", " Aluswiss", food "Nestlé". The Nestlé concern ranks 4th among monopolies in terms of turnover Western Europe. Many monopolies open enterprises abroad. Thus, Nestlé has less than a dozen factories in Switzerland itself, and about 250 outside it, in 66 countries.
Swiss industry is characterized by non-mass production of high-quality products for export. The country specializes in the production of high-quality, expensive products that require few raw materials but a lot of labor. This direction of industrial development was also facilitated by the fact that the country has a highly qualified workforce.
The high quality of industrial products is explained by the fact that the scientific and technical development of their new types is widely focused here. Crucial have two branches - mechanical engineering (production of turbines, electric motors, ship engines, ultra-precision machine tools, electronic and measuring equipment, watches) and chemical industry(production of dyes, fertilizers for agriculture, medicines and other things).
From other industries biggest role The main industries are textile (fine cotton and silk fabrics, embroidery), clothing, knitwear, footwear, paper, printing and food industries. Swiss chocolate, instant coffee, baby formula, and cheeses enjoy a high reputation.
There are very few large factories in the country, and, on the contrary, there are a lot of medium and even small enterprises. These small enterprises successfully compete on the world market due to the fact that they produce highly qualified, high-quality and, as a rule, non-serial products for individual orders. Small businesses are typical especially in the watch industry. This oldest industry is spread across approximately 800 factories, of which only three employ over a thousand workers. Watch companies annually produce 65-68 million watches and 9/10 of them are exported. Watch factories are clustered in Geneva, La Chey-de-Fonds, Le Loc and Bienne - cities along the French border.
Machine-building enterprises are located mainly in densely populated areas with sufficient labor force. Chem. factories are located almost exclusively in Basel and its surroundings, since raw materials could easily be delivered here along the Rhine.
The country produces 56.7 billion kWh of electricity, 2/3 of this amount from hydroelectric power plants, 1/3 from nuclear power plants.
IN agriculture In Switzerland, 3/4 of agricultural products come from livestock farming. The number of cattle is 2 million, pigs - 1.9 million. In the first place is the production of milk, and then meat. Cows of the famous Swiss breed, which produce large milk yields, graze on alpine and subalpine pastures for six months a year. Milk is almost completely processed into cheese or butter. Cheese is one of the important export items.
The main agricultural crops are wheat, barley, sugar. beets, potatoes, forage grasses. About 6% of the country's area is occupied by arable land. The main grain growing areas are located on the Swiss plateau and in the Rhine valley. In the canton of Tessin, grapes are grown and used to make white table wine. Tapricots and apples grow in the lower Rhone Valley.
The country's position at the crossroads of many European roads, mountainous terrain countries, the need to ensure uninterrupted movement of goods imported and exported by Switzerland - all this played a big role in the development of transport. Total length railways over 5 thousand. km, all electrified; There are 18.4 thousand km of main roads, 58 km of cableways, 724 km of cableways. On railways accounts for the bulk of traffic. The country's most important railway line, Basel-Zurich-Bern-Lausanne-Geneva, passes through the main industrial areas and the largest cities.
Although Switzerland is landlocked, it has maritime trading vessels. Exclusively pleasure boats ply on inland waters. Navigation is carried out along the river. Rhine. Main port countries - Basel.
The mountainous terrain of the country explains the large number of cogwheel and cable cars. Thanks to them, a large number of people can get to those peaks that are accessible only to professional climbers. The highest railway station is located almost at 4 km above sea level.
The Swiss economy is very closely linked to the world market and therefore to a large extent depends on him. More than 9/10 of Swiss exports by value are finished industrial products (mechanical engineering and metalworking products), chemicals, textiles, medicines (accounting for 12% of exports capitalist countries), watches (half of the exports of capitalist countries), food (cheeses, dairy products, baby food, etc.). Imports are dominated by food products, raw materials for industry and fuel.
Among the very wide range Among Switzerland's trading partners, the first is Germany, which accounts for approximately 15-17% of all Swiss exports and about 30% of imports. Then come France, Italy, USA and Great Britain.
Switzerland is a member of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), but its trade with the Common Market (EEC) countries is more intense. From the EEC countries it imports 3/5 of all the goods it needs and imports there about 2/5 of its export products.
Tourist services play an important role in the Swiss economy; over 7 million people visit the country every year. The tourist season here lasts almost all year round. Services for tourists - hotels, campsites, restaurants, cafes, guide service, ski training, sale of souvenirs, etc. - provide the country with large incomes. This scope is primarily due to the favorable geographical position of the country. On the peaks of the Alps there is snow almost all year round. Switzerland is one of the best ski resorts.
Switzerland, where there are still many places with untouched nature, small cozy towns, and ancient customs, has long been considered a “quiet corner” of Western Europe. However, in lately In this small country, turbulent international events are gaining more and more resonance. Switzerland can be called a state where not only the fate of Europe, but also the fate of the whole world is decided.
References
1. “Big encyclopedic dictionary”
2. "Schoolchildren's Handbook. Geography."
3. Children's encyclopedia. Geography.
There are three in the state natural areas, protected by the population and government. I must say that in Switzerland great attention is devoted to ecology. Geography of Switzerland- This northern mountains The Jura, the southern Alps and the Swiss plateau, which occupies the central part of the territories. The highest point in the country is Peak Dufour. Its height exceeds four thousand five hundred meters. Geography The country is directly linked to three main zones that express its individuality.
Swiss lakes are mainly of glacial origin. The water in them is crystal clear, and at the same time very cold. Large water arteries of Europe, such as the Rhine, Rhone, and Are, carry their waters through the territory of the country. They contain six percent of the European reserve fresh water.
Switzerland time
The country is making a transition from summer to winter. The transition takes place on the last Sundays of March and October. In winter it corresponds to Central European, in summer – to Eastern European. The difference with Moscow is, respectively, two and three hours less.
Climate of Switzerland
Amazing can be called continental, but it varies depending on the region of the country. Atlantic winds come from the west, to the east they begin to rise, and changes occur in weather conditions. The mountains receive large amounts of precipitation. Even in summer the peaks are covered with a snow cap. It is warmer on the plateau at all times of the year. In the mountains, temperatures drop to minus fifteen in winter.
Switzerland weather
Geneva can be called the warmest city. The average temperature here in summer reaches twenty-six degrees. At the same time, in the capital the thermometer does not rise above twenty. The coldest region is around the city of St. Moritz. In winter, the temperature drops below ten degrees. In other areas it is zero. Switzerland weather Depends on region and altitude. Despite the stable winter frosts, vacationers enjoy coming to the country's ski slopes. Due to this, it continues to thrive tourism switzerland, and develop the economy.
Nature of Switzerland
Different geographical zones have their own inhabitants and unique individual vegetation. Switzerland Sixty percent is overgrown with dense forests. This applies not only to mountainous areas, but also to flat areas. There are unique natural phenomena, such as the Rhine Falls. It is the largest in terms of amount of water, with a height of about twenty-five meters.
Around Lake Zurich you can see picturesque landscapes and compact villages. Nature of Switzerland characterized by the presence of lakes with pure water. Lake Geneva is particularly beautiful. You can not only relax on it, but also swim in the summer season. The Onsernone Valley is most beautiful place With virgin nature. Here you can see all the natural areas of Switzerland.
Beautiful graceful chamois and fallow deer are found in lowland areas and in the foothills. Stoats and marmots are common. Mountain bicolor goats are considered a special pride. They are very beautiful and friendly. The rivers are home to fish, which is considered a delicacy. These are grayling, trout and whitefish.
Switzerland is one of the small states of Europe. Its area is only 41.3 thousand square meters. km, with 60% falling on mountain system Alps, the peak of which is Dufour (4634 m). The capital of Switzerland is the city of Bern. Switzerland is located almost in the very center of Foreign Europe, at the crossroads of the most important trade routes. This circumstance played a significant role in the political, economic and cultural development of the country throughout its history. Three quarters of its borders are with France, Austria and Italy: they run along the high mountain ranges of the Jura and the Alps, and only the border with Germany and Liechtenstein runs along the lowlands - the Rhine Valley.
The north of the country is a hilly plateau. Here are such large industrial centers, like Zurich. Central part, east and south - mountains, deep gorges, bizarre cliffs and rocks, eternal snow and glaciers. Total area glaciers about 2000 sq. km. Largest lakes- Baden, Geneva, Lago Maggiore and Neuchâtel, the main river is the Rhine (with its tributary Aare). The shores of Lake Geneva, as well as the Valais Valley, where the Rhone River flows, are an area of gardens, fields and vineyards. On the border of Switzerland, where the Rhone leaves for France, Geneva is located. 
Switzerland is a federal state consisting of 26 constituent entities, cantons and semi-cantons, each of which has its own constitution, parliament and government. The capital of Switzerland - Bern - performs administrative functions, it houses the parliament, the government, official institutions country and the canton of the same name. The main economic and financial center is Zurich.
Due to its geographical location Switzerland is influenced by four climatic zones: Middle and North Atlantic, Mediterranean and continental. In Geneva, for example, the average temperature in January is about 0°C, in July +19°C, at the foot of the Jungfrau mountain - respectively -14°C and 0°C. The Alps serve as a natural and fairly reliable protection from cyclones carrying moisture, so the level of precipitation in the intra-Alpine regions is significantly lower than that of the external regions of Switzerland. On the Swiss Plateau, 800–1200 mm of precipitation falls, in the Alps - up to 2500 mm. 
From glaciers to high mountains In Switzerland, such long rivers as the Rhine (375 km within the country), Danube, Po, Adige and Rhone originate. A real natural pearl of Switzerland - lakes glacial origin, among which the most notable are Lake Constance, which lies on the border of the plateau, the largest Alpine lake - Lake Geneva (582 sq. km), as well as Lake Zurich, Lake of the Four Cantons, Neuchâtel, Biel and others lying at the foot of the mountains.
Water channels
Despite the fact that Switzerland has sufficient reserves fresh water, there are regions where it is scarce. For example, in the territory of the modern canton of Wallis, several centuries ago, peasants built artificial canals, with the help of which water from melting glaciers was brought to the fields. In French they are called “bisses”, in German – “Suonen”.
In the Middle Ages total length these channels were several thousand kilometers long. At the beginning of the 20th century, approximately 200 canals with a length of 2,000 km remained in operation.
Laying water channels required a lot of effort and skill. If the terrain allowed, the peasants used natural depressions or dug holes. If mountains got in the way, people, risking their lives, were forced to build supports in the rocks, onto which specially made wooden gutters were attached.
College of Modern Management.
in geography
on the topic: “Economic and geographical characteristics of Switzerland”
Completed
1st year student
Group 1-A Petrichenko Margarita.
Moscow 2008.
Switzerland
Economic-geographical location:
Switzerland is one of the small states of Europe. Its area is only 41.3 thousand square meters. km, and the population is 6.99 million. (1993). The monetary unit is the Swiss franc. Switzerland is located almost in the very center of Foreign Europe, at the crossroads of the most important trade routes. Three quarters of its borders - with France, Austria and Italy - run along the high mountain ranges of the Jura and the Alps, and only the border with Germany and Liechtenstein runs along the lowland - the Rhine Valley. Snow-capped peaks of the Alps, blue lakes, bright green valleys, mostly small towns with narrow medieval streets and houses with painted facades still preserved - these are the characteristic external features of the country. But at the same time, Switzerland is one of the most industrially developed countries in the world, occupying one of the first places in terms of the experience and qualifications of engineers and workers, the quality of products produced and the amount of profits that Switzerland receives from industrial enterprises located in the country itself and beyond its borders, from enormous capital investments.
This small country plays a prominent role in world political life. Thanks to its permanent neutrality, as well as its geographical location, important international conferences and diplomatic negotiations are held there. During the First and Second World Wars, Switzerland remained neutral. After the Second World War, it did not join the UN, despite approving its goals.
The capital of Switzerland is the city of Bern. Lausanne is the seat of the federal judiciary. The head of state is the president. Switzerland is a republic, a federation consisting of 23 cantons /districts/ (3 of them are divided into half-cantons). Each canton has its own parliament and government, its own laws, and enjoys broad autonomous rights. The legislative body is the bicameral Federal Assembly, consisting of the National Council and the Council of Cantons.
The first chamber is elected by universal suffrage using a proportional system, while each canton sends two representatives to the second. Executive power belongs to the Federal Council. One of its seven members is elected in turn as President of the Swiss Confederation for a term of one year.
Natural resources of Switzerland:
Switzerland is characterized by a large number of mountains. In Switzerland, mountains are widely used for recreational purposes. Here is the most powerful and highest part of the Alps. The height of the largest mountain peak - Peak Dufour - is more than four and a half thousand meters (4634 m). Mountains occupy the entire central and largely southern and eastern parts of the country. The Rhone and Rhine valleys divide the Swiss Alps into two almost parallel groups of mountain ranges, running from southwest to northeast. The highest part of the Alps is composed of crystalline rocks and limestones. High mountain areas are covered with eternal snow and glaciers. The largest of these glaciers and one of the largest in Europe is the Aletsch Glacier. It stretches for 27 km, covering an area of 115 square meters. km. On the border with France lies the Jura mountain chain. Between the Bernese Alps and the Jura, from the Rhine flowing along the border with Germany to Lake Geneva, stretches the undulating low Swiss plateau (height 400-600 m), which is the most populated part of the country.
Switzerland is characterized by very strong differences in climatic conditions. This is due to the complex nature of the terrain. In the Alps, where a large number of ski resorts and sanatoriums are located, the average winter temperature ranges between -10 and -12 degrees, but the weather is almost always sunny. On the peaks of the Alps, snow does not melt throughout the year. In winter and spring, snow avalanches are common due to the accumulation of snow on the slopes. In summer there is frequent rain and fog in the mountains. On the Swiss Plateau, winter is mild, with an average January temperature of about -2 degrees. Snow usually lasts only a few days. Summer is warm (average July temperature is +18 degrees), autumn is long and sunny. This climate is favorable for agricultural work. Even grapes have time to ripen on the Swiss plateau.
The main charm of the landscape is the lakes. The largest of them are Geneva and Constance. Next come Neuchâtel, Lago Maggiore, Firwaldstät (the lake of four channels), Zurich and Lake Lugano. Their origin is mainly tectonic-glacial. The shores are bordered by wooded hills or rocky mountains, the slopes of which drop straight into the water. Large lakes are not only places of pilgrimage for tourists, they play an important role in shipping and land reclamation. The rivers of such a small country as Switzerland belong to the basins of three seas: the North, Mediterranean and Black. Large rivers such as the Rhine and Rhone begin in the Alps. The tributary of the Danube river originates from them. Inn, as well as a tributary of the Po - the Ticino River.
Forests occupy about 24% of the territory. Also, a large part of the country is occupied by subalpine and alpine meadows. Swiss national parks are numerous. There are many reserves and wildlife sanctuaries here.
Population of Switzerland:
Due to historical preconditions, a single ethnic community has not developed in Switzerland. Linguistic and ethnic differences are very clear: each of the four Swiss peoples - the German-Swiss, the French-Swiss, the Italian-Swiss and the Romansh - represent a separate ethnic community, distinguished by national independence, language and cultural traditions. This is confirmed by the fact that the official languages of Switzerland are German, French and Italian.
The majority of the Swiss belong to two religions - Protestantism (2.9 million people) and Catholicism (2.2 million people). Among the Protestants, Calvenists predominate. The cantons of Vaud, Schaffhausen, City Basel, Zurich, Bern, Glarus, Neuchâtel, and Geneva belong to the Protestant Church. Catholicism is widespread in larger area, but in a less populated part of the country. The cantons of Schwyz, Uri, Unterwalden, Tessin, Friborg, Solothurn, Valais, Lucerne, and Zug remained Catholic. In some cantons (Appenzell, Aargau, Grisons) the proportion of Protestants and Catholics is almost equal. In recent years, the number of Catholics has increased markedly, which is explained by the higher birth rate in Catholic families, as well as the large proportion of foreigners who profess Catholicism. Over the past two decades, the birth rate has decreased, but at the same time the death rate has decreased. Therefore, natural population growth still occurred.
Along with the Swiss, more than 1 million foreigners live in the country, which is 1/6 of the total population. In some cities - Geneva, Basel, Zurich - the share of foreigners among residents rises to 1/5 - 1/3. No other European country has such a high proportion of foreigners in its population. These are primarily workers recruited for a long term to work in industry, construction, and the service sector. In addition to permanent immigration, there is also seasonal immigration. About 200 thousand people come to Switzerland for construction and agricultural work. Almost 100 thousand residents of the border areas of Germany and France commute to work in Switzerland every day.
In general, the country is extremely unevenly populated. The average population density is 154 people per 1 sq. km, but on the Swiss plateau and in the northeastern part of the country, where almost 3/4 of all the country’s inhabitants are concentrated, it reaches 250 people per 1 sq. km. In the mountainous, central and southern parts of Switzerland (with the exception of the canton of Tessin), as well as in the east, the population is very sparse - from 25 to 50 people per 1 sq. km.
More than half of the Swiss live in cities, the urban population is 60% (1991), but big cities not much: only Zurich, Basel, Geneva, Bern and Lausanne have more than 100 thousand inhabitants. Only 4 cities have from 50 to 100 thousand people. The majority of the country's cities have less than 20 thousand inhabitants.
Swiss economy:
Switzerland is a highly developed industrial country with intensive agriculture. Thanks to high quality industrial products they have a steady demand in world markets. In the structure of GDP (1990) industry 24.4%; agricultural 3.1%; finance, insurance 21.4%. The industry is characterized by non-mass production of high-quality products for export. The geographical location of Switzerland creates convenience for the import of raw materials and for the export of finished products.
The largest monopolies that dominate within the country and have fairly strong positions in the world market are the electrical engineering concern Brown Boveri, the mechanical engineering concern Sulzer, the chemical concern SIBA-Geigy, Sandots, Hofmann-La Roche, and the metallurgical concern Von Roll. ", "Aluswiss", food "Nestlé". The Nestlé concern ranks 4th in terms of turnover (1980) among the monopolies of Western Europe. Many monopolies open enterprises abroad. Thus, Nestlé has less than a dozen factories in Switzerland itself, and about 250 outside it, in 66 countries (1980).
Swiss Banking:
Swiss investments abroad have a characteristic feature: they are directed almost exclusively to industrialized countries. This is explained by the fact that the Swiss economy needs less raw materials from developing countries than other countries, since this country has less demand for it.
Switzerland is one of the leading financial centers in the world, one of the main exporters of capital. The total amount of Swiss capital abroad (in the form of loans, credits, investments and other investments) exceeds 150 billion Swiss francs. The safe deposit boxes of Swiss banks contain half of all securities of the developed countries of the world. For example, in the small town of Lugano alone, there are 300 banks, financial societies and investment agencies per 2.5 thousand inhabitants. In the accounts of Swiss banks there are very large sums coming not only from Germany, the USA, France and other large European countries, but also sums coming from the countries of the former USSR and the current CIS. They are partially used in Switzerland itself, but are mainly sent under the guise of “Swiss investments” to those countries where, for political or other reasons, these foreign funds with their own “pass” cannot penetrate.
Particular mention should be made of the role of anonymous accounts, the size of deposits and the name of the owners of which banks keep strictly secret. Banking secrecy and numbered accounts are needed by the whole world. They facilitate "capital flight" from countries in which the political situation is unstable, or countries in which large industrial groups want to put pressure on the government. In addition, bank secrecy and numbered accounts allow large sums from the tax authorities of these states.
Sectors of Swiss industry specialization:
In addition to Switzerland's specialization in banking, the country specializes in industries that require few raw materials, but a lot of labor, high-quality expensive products. This direction of industrial development was also facilitated by the fact that the country has a highly qualified workforce.
The high quality of industrial products is explained by the fact that the scientific and technical development of their new types is widely focused here. Two industries are of decisive importance - mechanical engineering (production of turbines, electric motors, ship engines, ultra-precision machine tools, electronic and measuring equipment, watches) and the chemical industry (production of dyes, fertilizers for agriculture, medicines and other things).
Among other industries, the textile, clothing and food industries play the largest role. Swiss chocolate, instant coffee, baby formula, and cheeses enjoy a high reputation.
There are very few large factories in the country, and, on the contrary, there are a lot of medium-sized and even small enterprises. These small enterprises successfully compete on the world market due to the fact that they produce highly qualified, high-quality and, as a rule, non-serial products for individual orders. Small enterprises are typical especially in the watch industry. This oldest industry is dispersed across approximately 800 factories, of which only three employ over a thousand workers. Watch companies annually produce 65-68 million watches (1980) and 9/10 of them are exported.
Machine-building enterprises are located mainly in densely populated areas with sufficient labor force. Watch factories, in particular, are clustered in Geneva, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Le Loc and Bierne - cities along the French border. Chem. factories are located almost exclusively in Basel and its surroundings, since raw materials could easily be transported here along the Rhine.
The country produces 55.8 billion kWh of electricity, 2/3 of this amount from hydroelectric power plants, 1/3 from nuclear power plants.
Agriculture in Switzerland:
Main role in agriculture. Livestock farming plays a role: it accounts for 3/4 of the cost of all agricultural products. products. Livestock (1990, million) cattle - 1.8, pigs - 1.7. Milk production comes first, followed by meat. Cows of the famous Swiss breed, which produce high milk yields, graze on alpine and subalpine pastures for six months a year. The milk is almost entirely processed into cheese or butter. Cheese is one of the important export items. Swiss cheese varieties are known in many countries.
Basic agricultural crops are wheat, barley, sugar beets, potatoes, forage grasses. About 6% of the country's area is occupied by arable land. The main grain growing areas are on the Swiss Plateau and in the Rhine Valley. In the canton of Tesin, grapes are grown, from which white table wine is made. Apricots and apples grow in the lower Rhone Valley.
Tourism in Switzerland:
Tourist services play an important role in the Swiss economy; over 7 million people visit the country every year (1990). The tourist season here lasts almost all year round. Services for tourists - hotels, campsites, restaurants, cafes, guide services, ski training, sale of souvenirs, etc. - provide the country with large incomes. This scope is primarily due to the favorable geographical position of the country. On the peaks of the Alps there is snow almost all year round. Switzerland is one of the best ski resorts.
Transport connections in Switzerland:
The country's position at the crossroads of many European roads, the country's mountainous terrain, and the need to ensure uninterrupted transportation of goods imported and exported by Switzerland - all this played a big role in the development of transport. The total length (1990) of railways is 5 thousand km, roads 71.1 thousand km, cable cars - 58 km, cable cars - 724 km. Railways account for the bulk of transportation. The most important railway line in the country, Basel - Zurich - Bern - Lausanne - Geneva, passes through the main industrial areas and largest cities. Although Switzerland is landlocked, it has maritime trading vessels. Only pleasure boats ply on inland waters. The main port of the country is Basel. The mountainous terrain of the country explains the large number of cogwheel and cable cars. Thanks to this, a large number of people can get to those peaks that are accessible only to professional climbers. The highest railway station is located almost at 4 km above sea level.
Trade and trading partners Switzerland:
The Swiss economy is very closely linked to the world market and therefore largely dependent on it. In Swiss exports, more than 9/10 by value are finished industrial products and only 1/10 are agricultural products. Imports are dominated by food products, industrial raw materials and fuel. Among Switzerland's very wide range of trading partners, the first is Germany, which accounts for approximately 15-17% of all Swiss exports and about 30% of imports. Then come France, Italy, USA and Great Britain.
Switzerland is a member of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), but its trade with the countries of the Common Market (EEC) is more intense. From the EEC countries it imports 3/5 of all the goods it needs and imports there about 2/5 of its export products.
