General facts

On this page you can find a summary of the general facts about Switzerland to help you get an overview about the country - and of course, also some fun facts which not many know.

Did you know that Switzerland is one of only two countries in the world with a square flag?

Population
about 8'000'000

Capital
Bern

Largest City
Zürich (400'000 inhabitants)

Religious denominations
Roman Catholic (46%)
Protestant (40%)
Others (14%)

Currency
Swiss franc, CHF

Area
15'940 sq. mi. /41'285 sq. km

Distances
North-south 137 mi. / 220 km
East-west 216 mi. / 348 km

Cantons
23, of which three are subdivided into half-cantons

Highest point
Dufour Peak in the Monte Rosa massif (Valais) 15'203 ft. / 4634 m

Lowest point
Lake Maggiore (Ticino) 633 ft. / 193 m

Language

Switzerland is one of the countries in Europe with the most official languages. The national languages of Switzerland are German (central and north-eastern Switzerland), French (western Switzerland), Italian (southern Switzerland) and Rumantsch (south-eastern Switzerland). Many Swiss, particularly those who work with visitors in one way or another, speak several languages

Climate

Temperatures generally do not reach extremes of hot or cold. In the cities, summer temperatures seldom rise above 86°F/30°, and the humidity is rather moderate. In winter temperatures often fall below 32°F/0°C and there is snow and ice. The southern part of Switzerland has subtropical vegetation and a mild climate year-round.

Famous inventions