Sun, 8 November 2009
A century and a quarter after a cutler set out to supply Swiss soldiers with a survival tool, the Swiss Army knife adapts to the urban jungle.
Read Jessica of Swisstory's adventure in obtaining her Swiss driver's licence, with helpful checklist.
Expatica reader Carolyn Moncel searches for the best salons in Paris and Switzerland serving black women.
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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
Explore our guide to popular expat locations including Bern, Zurich, Geneva, Basel and Lugano.
The Zurich branch manager of Network Relocation offers tips and info to help with the house hunt.
This in-depth profile of Switzerland includes geography, people, government, economy and transnational issues.
An introduction to compulsory and optional forms of insurance in Switzerland.
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