|
Home / Recreation and Leisure / Travel / Destinations
An Overview of Switzerland for Travelers
By:Richard Monk
The official name of Switzerland is the Swiss Confederation. If you are considering visiting Switzerland, you should know something about the country.
An Overview of Switzerland for Travelers
Switzerland is uniquely positioned in Europe because it sits on the crossroads of many routes. Although not as important in modern times, the geographic position explains the odd situation where the official languages of the country are German, Italian and Romansch. French is widely spoken in the west and English is prevalent throughout the country. There is no language unique to Switzerland…Switzerish perhaps.
Switzerland is a very modern country rating at or near the top of all living standards in the world. Literacy rates are near 100 percent, 25 percent of adults hold diplomas from higher education and religious freedom is guaranteed. Switzerland has one of the highest usage rates of computers and the Internet, not to mention a high per capita income level. Health care services are outstanding and nearly all Swiss are insured.
Historically, Switzerland was first inhabited by Helvetic Celts. It eventually came under the rule of the Roman Empire. During this period, it flourished as cities such as Geneva, Basel and Zurich served as major commerce centers in the Roman Empire.
After the fall of the Roman Empire, Switzerland was invaded and ruled by various groups. It later passed into control of the popes of the Roman Catholic Church. Eventually, the three dominant families in Switzerland agreed to a joint rule pact in which they pledged joint defense, peace and autonomous rule. They signed the agreement on August 1, 1291, a day now considered Nations Day in Switzerland. Following this period, Switzerland pursued land capture through military ventures, defeating the Habsburgs on three separate occasions. They were subsequently defeated by the French and Venetians and renounced expansionist policies, the foundation of Swiss Neutrality.
After a brief civil war between Protestants and liberals, Switzerland settled into the country it is today in 1848. Free of Catholic rule, the country passed a constitution establishing strong civil liberties. Unlike most countries, the Swiss federal government is very weak. The states, known as cantons, have significant autonomy and the effective law makers in the country.
The citizens of Switzerland go by the name “Swiss.” The population totals about 7.3 million and grows less than one percent a year in size. Religiously, Swiss categorize themselves as Roman Catholic 42 percent, Protestant 33 percent, Muslim 4.3 percent, others 5.4 percent and no religion 11percent. The literacy rate is claimed to be 100 percent and the average life expectancy is 76.5 years for men and 82.5 for women.
Switzerland’s policy of neutrality has served it will through two world wars. Much of the country has escaped the damage inflicted on its neighbors. With soaring peaks and beautiful cities, it is a traveler’s delight. Now that you know something about it, give it a visit.
Digg
del.icio.us
Blink
Stumble
Spurl
Reddit
Netscape
Furl
Article keywords: switzerland, europe, swiss, neutrality, roman catholic church, zurich, basel, geneva, celts
Article Source: http://www.articles2k.com
Richard Monk is with www.factsmonk.com - facts about everything. Visit www.factsmonk.com/country_facts to read more about various country facts.
|
|
| Top Destinations Articles |
- 1). Living In Siberia – Lenin's Revenge By : Nomad Rick
In 1999, I moved to Chita, a city in Siberia, Russia to teach for a year. After seven days of planes, trains and, well, more trains, I was ready to experience Chita in all its glory.
Day 1 – Lenin’s Revenge
Riding on a train for three plus days does weird things to your equilibrium. You tend to develop a natural compensation for the swaying. Unfortunately, your body doesn’t just snap back when you finally get on solid ground.
|
- 2). Staying in Barcelona for Extended Periods By : Nomad Rick
If you have every visited Barcelona, you know it is a place best experienced over a few months instead of a few days. Fortunately, the people of Barcelona know it as well.
Staying in Barcelona for Extended Periods
Like a fine wine, drinking in Barcelona shouldn’t be rushed. Visit the city for two or three days and you will get only a small, rushed taste of the flavor of Barcelona.
|
- 3). Discover The Aquarium Of The Pacific In Long Beach California By : David G. Hallstrom, Sr.
The Aquarium of the Pacific is located near the waterfront in The Pike at Rainbow Harbor in the city of Long Beach, California. It is one of the largest aquariums in the United States. Its nearly 1,000 species fill 19 major habitats and 32 focus exhibits and take visitors on a journey throughout the Pacific Ocean's three regions: Southern California/Baja, the Tropical Pacific, and the Northern Pacific.
|
- 4). Christmas in Cusco, Peru By : Charlotte De Patre
The celebration of Christmas in Cusco begins with the dressing-up of the city with coloured lights and garlands. These can be seen everywhere, from the balconies of the Monumental mountain to the streets around the main square, and donate the city with a warm festive ambiance.
On December 24th, hundreds of artisans coming from Cusco and the surrounding towns lay their blankets on the sidewalks -a custom in traditional Andean fairs- and sell carved Nativity handicrafts.
|
- 5). Towns of south eastern Spain By : Robert Palmer
Almunecar
Almunecar is known as the capital of the Costa Tropical and forms part of the province of Granada. The Costa Tropical is a less well known part of the coastline and is found between the Costa del Sol on the west and the Costa de Almeria to the east.
There are some beautiful beaches along the coastline and a good selection of hotels, villas and apartments.
|
- 6). Exceptional Vaction in St.Maarten By : SXM Specialist
I just came back from a vacation in St. Maarten, the Caribbean and stayed in one of finest luxury vacation villas. It was located in the hills, with mid sized mountains and spectacular ocean views. Spacious, sunny terrace and shady veranda, which make outdoor living the most relaxing I have ever experienced yet. I had a view that will take your breath away, whether its the turquoise blue sea, a panoramic view from a hillside, or the twinkling lights at night.
|
- 7). Your Travel Destination Shall Be Cebu, Philippines By : Kim Hald
That may be a presumptuous statement to make but after reading this article thoroughly, there’s a good chance that you’d agree to make that statement as well.
But first, let’s get down to the basics.
Cebu, as mentioned, is in the Philippines. Now, when you mention the Philippines, it’s either Manila or Boracay -- those are the first places to come to your mind.
|
- 8). European Cities - Top Five To Visit By : David Sharpe
Paris
Paris is the capital and largest city of France. A stylish, sophisticated and romantic city, it boasts many sights to see, such as Notre Dame, Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Arc de Triomphe as well as some of Europe's best shops and restaurants. Located on the River Seine in the country's north, Paris maintains much of its traditional architecture, with hidden squares, churches, cathedrals and palaces mixing in well with more modern designs.
|
- 9). Siberia, Russia, Part 9 – Chita By : Nomad Rick
After deciding to move to Siberia for a year to teach at the Chita State Technical University, I embarked on a travel odyssey unlike any other. In this entry, we pick up the last stage of the seven-day trip to get there.
Siberia As Seen From A Train
In preparing for my trip, I had actually done some preparation. As a common man, I know most of you female readers will find this hard to believe, but I swear it was so.
|
- 10). Visit The Sand And Surf Of Watergate Bay By : Steven Cronin
The coastal road from Newquay snaked its way eastwards atop the high, craggy cliffs sculpted by the relentless Atlantic Ocean. Suddenly the road dipped and wound steeply towards sea level. Cars were parked everywhere; almost all had surfboards strapped to their roofs. This was Watergate Bay.
I turned into a car park and waited at the entrance. Just to my right a small, open camper van laid dormant.
|
| New Destinations Articles |
- 1). Visit One Of The Smaller Orlando Attractions By : Howard Farmer
When most people think of Orlando, they think of Disney World. There is a good reason for this: Walt Disney started it all with the Magic Kingdom. With four theme parks, Disney is still the biggest draw, but there are many other Orlando attractions for your family to enjoy. Consider spending some of your trip enjoying the smaller attractions.
|
- 2). An African Safari Nightmare? By : Dean Caporella
An African safari can be one of the most rewarding holidays you can have; wild animals, jungle, sweeping plains and just plain old adventure. But if you are not properly prepared then it could become your worst nightmare.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- 6). Discover Amelia Island On A Florida Vacation By : Owen Walcher
Amelia is a small island of about 18.2 square miles and has three distinct sections. First is the north end which is called Fernandina Beach. Then you have the middle section which is called Amelia Island and then the third section which is mostly Amelia Island Plantation.
|
- 7). Choices in Orlando Nightlife By : Howard Farmer
Orlando is known for large theme parks, such as Disney World and Universal Studios. However, there are a lot of options for enjoying Orlando nightlife as well. Some are located on the grounds of the various parks and resorts, while others are located within the city.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
