Switzerland, officially the Swiss Confederation, is a landlocked country located at the confluence of Western, Central and Southern Europe. The country is a federal republic comprising of 26 cantons, with federal authority located in Bern.
Switzerland is bordered by Italy to the south, France to the west, Germany to the north and Austria and Liechtenstein to the east. It is geographically divided among the Swiss Plateau, the Alps and the Jura, spanning 41,285 km2 with land area comprising 39,997 km2. The Alps occupy the largest part of the country.
The majority of Switzerland’s 8.7 million residents live on the plateau, which is home to the country’s biggest cities and financial hubs, including Basel, Geneva, and Zürich. These three cities are home to offices of international organisations such as the World Trade Organization (WTO), World Health Organization (WHO), International Labour Organization (ILO), the headquarters of FIFA, the UN’s second-largest office, as well as the main office of the BIS. The main international airports of Switzerland are located in these cities.
It contains four primary linguistic and cultural regions: German, French, Italian and Romansh. Although the majority population are German-speaking, Swiss national identity is rooted in its common historical background, shared values such as federalism and direct democracy, and Alpine symbolism. Many people view Switzerland as a Willensnation rather than a nation-state due to its multilingual, multiethnic, and multi-religious identity.
TRENDING FASHION IN SWITZERLAND
ACCESSORIES IN SWITZERLAND
TRIBES IN SWITZERLAND AND THEIR FASHION
The Helvetii people
The Helvetii, anglicized as Helvetians, were a Celtic tribe or tribal confederation inhabiting much of the Swiss plateau at the time of their interaction with the Roman Republic in the 1st century BC. According to Julius Caesar, the Helvetians were divided into four subgroups or pagi. Of these, Caesar names only the Verbigeni and the Tigurini, while Posidonius mentions the Tigurini and the Tougeni. They feature prominently in the Commentaries on the Gallic War, with their failed migration attempt to southwestern Gaul (58 BC) serving as a catalyst for Caesar’s conquest of Gaul.
The Treveri people
From 150 BCE, if not earlier, until the Franks drove them out of the Moselle valley, the Treveri, a Celtic tribe of the Belgae people, lived there. Their dominion located within the southern margins of the Silva Arduenna (Ardennes Forest), a portion of the huge Silva Carbonaria, in what are now Luxembourg, southeastern Belgium and western Germany; its centre was the city of Trier, to which the Treveri give their name. According to Tacitus, they spoke a Celtic language and claimed Germanic ancestry. They may have had both Germanic and Gallic influences.
TOURIST AND HISTORICAL PLACES IN SWITZERLAND
Oberhofen – A living museum depicting the lives and times of the feudal communities that resided in the castle (and its surrounds) from the 16th to the 19th centuries is also housed in the castle.
The Albuna/bernina Railways line – A journey on this train provides panoramic seats that view unspoilt mountain vistas, including the Piz Bernina, the highest mountain in the Eastern Alps at slightly over 4,000 meters tall. The train runs throughout the year, and the scenery is equally breathtaking in summer and winter.
Chateau de Chillon, Montreux – on the shores of Lake Geneva, near Montreux, the Chateau de Chillon (Chillon Castle) has inspired artists and poets for generations. Among the literary greats who have written on this architectural treasure are Lord Byron, Jean Jacques Rousseau, and Victor Hugo.
St, Moritz – Mirror-like lakes, glaciers, rugged peaks, alpine forests, and lots of sunshine make St. Moritz one of the world’s top mountain destinations and a must-visit on any list of things to do in Switzerland. This upscale resort town, which has hosted two winter Olympics, is known for its opulent hotels and expensive dining establishments.
The Rhine falls – The Rhine Falls in Schaffhausen are the biggest falls in Central Europe, spanning 150 meters. When the mountain snow melts in June and July, the falls swell in volume and spill over a 21-meter-high ledge of Jurassic limestone. This is the best time to visit.
The Matterhorn – Switzerland’s iconic pointed peak is one of the highest mountains in the Alps. The small community of Zermatt, a major international resort with horse-drawn carriage rides, attractive chalets, and top-notch restaurants and hotels, is located at the base of this powerful peak.
Lucerne – imagine a mountainous area enclosing a brilliant blue lake, a medieval old town devoid of automobiles, covered bridges, waterfront promenades, frescoed old structures, and sun-drenched plazas with bubbling fountains. No wonder Lucerne is a popular tourist destination.
Lake Lugano and Ticino – A tantalizing taste of the Mediterranean can be found at Lake Lugano, which is located in Ticino, Switzerland’s sole official canton that speaks Italian. Citrus, figs, palms, and pomegranates flourish in the moderate temperature here–even while snowcapped peaks beckon in the distance.
Lake Geneva – the coastlines of some of Switzerland’s most populated cities are lapped by Lake Geneva, the biggest Alpine lake in Europe, which spans the Swiss/French border. When the Rhône flows into Lake Geneva, the city of Geneva is situated between two lovely snow-capped mountains.
Jungfraujoch – the train ride to Jungfraujoch, the “Top of Europe,” with an observation terrace and scientific observatory perched at 3,454 meters, is one of the most well-liked activities in the stunning Bernese Oberland. The Great Aletsch Glacier, which starts in Jungfraujoch and is the longest glacier in Europe and it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The famed Eiger Trail from the Eiger glacier station to Alpiglen clings to the rocks at the foot of the north face.
Interlaken – The Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, which loom above the town, offer fantastic options for alpine excursions. The main activities include hiking, climbing, abseiling, and kayaking.
Bern – Excellent museums are among the many tourist attractions in Bern that are just waiting to be discovered. The outstanding galleries, which include the Bern Museum of Art and the Zentrum Paul Klee, which houses the largest collection of the artist’s works in the entire world, will appeal to art enthusiasts.
Zurich – The largest city in Switzerland, Zurich serves as a significant transportation hub and is a popular starting point for tourists. The city is situated along the Limmat River in the northwest corner of Lake Zurich. Beyond its formal exterior, this wealthy banking center is home to an extensive collection of cultural artifacts.
Swiss National Park – Although it is prohibited to deviate from these paths in order to protect the natural ecosystems, nature lovers can explore the area on the extensive network of trails. The park is home to more than 5,000 different species of wildlife, including marmot, red deer, chamois, ibex, fox, and more than 100 different types of birds.
Swiss National Park – Although it is prohibited to deviate from these paths in order to protect the natural ecosystems, nature lovers can explore the area on the extensive network of trails. The park is home to more than 5,000 different species of wildlife, including marmot, red deer, chamois, ibex, fox, and more than 100 different types of birds.
MUSIC IN SWITZERLAND
Swiss folk music is more of a communal imagination that incorporates such phenomena as alphorn music, Ländler music, and yodeling. The world of Swiss folk music also includes folk singers from Ticino, choirs from Western Switzerland and songwriters from Bern.
Swiss folk music is generally connected with Ländler music, a key genre within instrumental folk music. In contrast to other Alpine nations, Ländler also includes marches, Scottish, mazurkas, and foxtrots in addition to dances in three quarter time. Ländler music and the notion behind it progressively arose with the development and institution, since around 1880, of the accordion, especially the Schwyzerörgeli. Up to that point, Switzerland had been a vibrant melting pot of music from various nations and eras. In addition to German, Austrian and Italian melodies, opera and operetta themes were included – and sometimes even the courtly dances introduced by the Napoleonic occupation.
Some musicians in Switzerland include:
DJ BoBo
Stefanie Heinzmann
Some art works in Switzerland include:
MEALS IN SWITZERLAND
Papet Vaudois – this is a hotpot of leek and potatoes that is slow-cooked to reach a thick consistency.
Riz Casimir – it is not very well considered a traditional meal in Switzerland, but it is one of the favourite food for several generations.
Raclette – a delicious stretchy rich cheese meal in Switzerland.
Röstis – many consider this meal as a national breakfast in Switzerland. It is served with other meal like sausge, meat etc.
Filets de perche – a delicious fish dish known all over Europe.
Zürcher Geschnetzeltes – this is one of the most famous veal dishes worldwide and it is abundant in Zurich.
Papet Vaudois
Riz Casimir
Raclette
Röstis
Filets de perche
Zürcher Geschnetzeltes
Cordon bleu – it is made of two meat cuts that are placed between slices of ham and cheese.
Cheese fondue – they are variaties of this meal, nut is enjoyed when the cheese is melted.
Capuns – this is a stuffed chard rolls, a cultural noodle dough in Switzerland.
Berner Platte – this dish originated from Bern. It consists of multiple elements that are cooked individually, then served on one plate.
Älplermagronen – it is made of macaroni, cheese, cream, onion and potatoes.
Elemental cheese – this delicious meal is made of unpasteurized cow’s milk with the appearance of marble-sized holes and a tangy, nutty taste.
Cordon bleu
Cheese fondue
Capuns
Berner Platte
Älplermagronen
Elemental cheese
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION AND HABITAT PROTECTION IN SWITZERLAND
The United Nations, Food and Agriculture Organization says, 31.0% or around 1,240,000 ha of Switzerland is wooded, according to FAO. The most biodiverse and carbon-dense type of forest, primary forest, makes up 3.2% of this total (about 40,000 acres). 172,000 ha of forest had been planted in Switzerland.
Forest Cover Change: From 1990 to 2010, Switzerland lost 4,450 ha, or 0.39%, on average. Overall, Switzerland’s forest cover increased by 7.7% between 1990 and 2010, or about 89,000 acres.
143 million metric tons of carbon are found in the living forest biomass in Switzerland’s woods. According to data from the World Conservation Monitoring Center, Switzerland is home to 513 species of recognized amphibians, birds, mammals, and reptiles; 2.5% of them are in danger, and 0.0% of them are endemic, meaning they only exist in their native nation. There are at least 3030 species of vascular plants in Switzerland, 0.0% of which are indigenous. IUCN categories I to V provide protection for 28.7% of Switzerland.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION AND HABITAT PROTECTION IN SWITZERLAND
The United Nations, Food and Agriculture Organization says, 31.0% or around 1,240,000 ha of Switzerland is wooded, according to FAO. The most biodiverse and carbon-dense type of forest, primary forest, makes up 3.2% of this total (about 40,000 acres). 172,000 ha of forest had been planted in Switzerland.
Forest Cover Change: From 1990 to 2010, Switzerland lost 4,450 ha, or 0.39%, on average. Overall, Switzerland’s forest cover increased by 7.7% between 1990 and 2010, or about 89,000 acres.
143 million metric tons of carbon are found in the living forest biomass in Switzerland’s woods. According to data from the World Conservation Monitoring Center, Switzerland is home to 513 species of recognized amphibians, birds, mammals, and reptiles; 2.5% of them are in danger, and 0.0% of them are endemic, meaning they only exist in their native nation. There are at least 3030 species of vascular plants in Switzerland, 0.0% of which are indigenous. IUCN categories I to V provide protection for 28.7% of Switzerland.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION AND HABITAT PROTECTION IN SWITZERLAND
The United Nations, Food and Agriculture Organization says, 31.0% or around 1,240,000 ha of Switzerland is wooded, according to FAO. The most biodiverse and carbon-dense type of forest, primary forest, makes up 3.2% of this total (about 40,000 acres). 172,000 ha of forest had been planted in Switzerland.
Forest Cover Change: From 1990 to 2010, Switzerland lost 4,450 ha, or 0.39%, on average. Overall, Switzerland’s forest cover increased by 7.7% between 1990 and 2010, or about 89,000 acres.
143 million metric tons of carbon are found in the living forest biomass in Switzerland’s woods. According to data from the World Conservation Monitoring Center, Switzerland is home to 513 species of recognized amphibians, birds, mammals, and reptiles; 2.5% of them are in danger, and 0.0% of them are endemic, meaning they only exist in their native nation. There are at least 3030 species of vascular plants in Switzerland, 0.0% of which are indigenous. IUCN categories I to V provide protection for 28.7% of Switzerland.
Maya Graf
Viola Amherd
Ursula Wyss
Ursula Koch
Sibel Arslan – Swiss lawyer and politician of the Green Party.
Samira Marti – Swiss politician of the Social Democratic Party who became a National councillor in 2018.
Jacqueline Fehr – Swiss politician of the Social Democratic party of Switzerland.
Evi Alleman – politician of the Social Democratic party of Switzerland.
Sibel Arslan
Samira Marti
Jacqueline Fehr
Evi Alleman
