Switzerland is situated in Western Europe, it is bordered by Germany to the north, France to the west, Italy to the south, and Austria and Liechtenstein to the east. The country is geographically divided between the Alps, the Central Plateau and the Jura, with a total area of 15,940 square miles. The Swiss Confederation consists of 26 cantons. The canton Bern with the capital Bern, which is also the capital of the country . Canton Zürich with the capital Zürich which is the largest city.
Switzerland is a federal republic, with Bern as the seat of the federal authorities. The Federal Council constitutes the federal government, The President of the Confederation and a body of six members . The Swiss Parliament consists of two houses: the Council of States and the National Council. The Swiss Confederation has a long history of neutrality.
There is not a homogenous Swiss culture, it is highly region-specific. There is a strong tradition in Switzerland in architecture, with strong influence from German, French and Italian culture. In the cathedrals of Basel, Sion, Chur, Geneva and Lausanne and in many castles and fortresses throughout the country, you see the style of the 12th century with its rich expression, there is much kept in good condition. There are also many cathedrals in Gothic style and churches in Baroque style.
Associations across the country keeping alive the folk art in the form of music, dance, poetry, carving and embroidery. The alphorn is a trumpet- like musical instrument made of wood.. The Swiss believe that it has the perfect shape for a musical wind instrument. In the mountainous area, the Alphorn is most frequently used, in some areas he is very popular and just like the accordion, which is sometimes called Schwiizerörgeli, and yodeling it has become a traditional Swiss music.
The cuisine of Switzerland has dishes such as fondue, raclette or rösti are present all through the country, supplemented with specialties of each region. There are unique products like cheeses such as Gruyère or Emmental.
The mountain regions in Switzerland have a good reputation as skiing in winter and in summer there is much walking or hiking.
Bern is a beautiful medieval town, with long arcades, which features the street, there are also many ornamental fountains. Since 1983, this town on the UNESCO World Heritage List. In Lake Geneva is a fountain, which sprays water 460 meters into the sky at night, the Jet d’Eau is beautifully lit. The cultural center of Switzerland is Basel, with its beautiful medieval city center, but also innovative architecture. Basel has around 40 museums.
People with the nationality of an EU country can visit Switzerland without visas. If you need a visa, you can request a visa at the Swiss Embassy or Consulate in your own country. visas are never issued in Switzerland.
