Sun, 22 November 2009
Amanda of Queso Suizo blog continues her top 20 things that Swiss people like. More cowbell, anyone?
Fill out an Expat Voices interview by 1 December and you can win a free bottle of whiskey!
Kerrin of MyKugelhopf visits Péclard, Zurich's new/old pastry shop and tea salon.
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Basic information on Switzerland, including climate, population, currency, languages and recent history, provided by Expertise in Labour Mobility.
The Alps take up the central and southern regions of the country and the Jura Mountains straddle the border with France in the Northeast. Over 60 percent of the Swiss territory is mountainous and a quarter of it is covered with forest. The Dufour summit (4634 metres) of Monte Rosa is the highest peak, the Matterhorn (4478 metres), however, is better known.
Climate
The mountains are mainly responsible for the variety of local and regional microclimates, but in general Switzerland has a moderate climate. There is constant snow cover at altitudes above 3000 metres.
Population
Switzerland has a population of approximately 7.5 million (2007) out of which 69 percent are Swiss German, 20 percent are of French origin, 8 are of Italian origin. 1.4 percent are foreigners and the remaining 1 percent are Romansh.
Language
Switzerland is a linguistic melting pot with three official federal languages. Swiss German is spoken by 68 percent of the population, French by 19 percent and Italian by 8 percent. A fourth language, Romansh, is spoken by 1 percent of the population. 10 percent of the population speak other languages.
Currency
The monetary unit of Switzerland is the Swiss frank/franc/franco. 1 franc consists of 100 rappen/centimes/centesimi.
National Holidays
Switzerland offers year-round sporting opportunities, from skiing in winter to swimming, golf and camping in summer.
How to open and close a Swiss bank account, plus information on confidentiality and security deposits.
How to obtain a licence, import vehicles and follow road rules in Switzerland.
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