Introduction:
Situated in the heart of Europe, Switzerland is a small, landlocked mountain kingdom sharing borders with France, Italy, Austria, and Liechtenstein. From its beautiful snowcapped Alps, stunning lakes, and charming old-world towns, Switzerland is a land of stunning natural beauty. Its culture is rich and distinctive, a unique combination of German, French, Italian, and Romansh, the four official languages of the country. Here are 15 interesting facts about Switzerland that will make you want to pack your bags and explore this interesting country.
Fact 1: Switzerland Has 4 National Languages
The official national languages of Switzerland are German, French, Italian, and Romansh. About two-thirds of the population speaks German as their native language, while French and Italian are each spoken by about 20% of the population. The remaining 10% is mostly concentrated in the eastern part of the country and speaks the Romance language of Romansh.
Fact 2: Switzerland Has 2,000 Lakes
Switzerland has an impressive 2,000 lakes. The largest is Lake Geneva, which is also known by its French name, Lac Leman. It is a vast expanse of water that shares its shoreline with both Switzerland and France.
Fact 3: Switzerland Has the Highest Number of Nobel Prize Winners
Although it has a population of less than 9 million people, Switzerland has the highest number of Nobel Prize winners per capita. The country has bagged a total of 23 Nobel Prizes since its founding in 1848.
Fact 4: Half of Switzerland is Covered in Forests
About half of Switzerland’s land area is covered in forests, making it one of the most naturally beautiful countries in the world. Deer, eagles, chamois, foxes, and marmots all make their home in Switzerland’s many woodlands.
Fact 5: Switzerland Has the World’s Most Efficient Transport System
Switzerland has the world’s most efficient transport system. From cable cars to railways, it is one of the easiest countries to get around in. Travelers can effortlessly go from one place to the other with no fuss or hassle.
Fact 6: Swiss People Don’t Like Talking About Money
Swiss people rarely discuss their salary, investment portfolios or other financial matters with other people. It is considered to be impolite to talk about money in public, so avoid this topic when speaking with a Swiss person.
Fact 7: Switzerland Is One of the World’s Oldest Democracies
Since 1848, Switzerland has held federal elections every four years for the national assembly. This makes the country one of the world’s oldest democracies.
Fact 8: Switzerland Is Home to Many Luxury Brands
From watches and chocolate to jewelry and banking, Switzerland is home to some of the world’s most prestigious luxury brands, such as Rolex, Nestle, and UBS.
Fact 9: Swiss Music Has a Unique Sound
With its many different dialects and accents, Switzerland has a unique and distinctive sound when it comes to music. Traditional folk instruments, such as the alphorn, yodel, and Jew’s harp can be found in many Swiss music performances.
Fact 10: A Matter of National Identity
The crossbow is the traditional Swiss weapon of choice and was prominent in the defense of Swiss neutrality during the Middle Ages. Its use in military tactics and training was so ingrained in Swiss culture that it eventually became a national symbol.
Fact 11: Switzerland Has the World’s Highest Quality of Life
Switzerland is known to have one of the world’s highest quality of life. Despite having one of the highest costs of living in the world, the wages are also quite high, making life very comfortable. The country also has a very low crime rate.
Fact 12: Switzerland Has the World’s Tallest Waterfall
Rakotzbrücke, near the German border, is home to the world’s tallest waterfall. The majestic waterfall drops a stunning 113 meters in three tiers.
Fact 13: The Swiss Franc is the Currency of Switzerland
The Swiss franc (CHF) is the official currency of Switzerland, and even though it’s not part of the European Union, Switzerland does accept euros in some areas.
Fact 14: Switzerland is Home to the World’s Highest Peak
The Swiss Alps, located in Southern Switzerland, are home to the world’s highest peak: Mount Everest. This majestic mountain stands 8,848 meters tall, making it the highest mountain in the world.
Fact 15: Switzerland has an Abundance of Natural Beauty
From its crystal blue lakes and lush meadows, to its majestic Alps and thick forests, the natural beauty of Switzerland is breathtaking. Its numerous state parks, nature reserves, and dreamy landscapes make it the perfect place for outdoor activities, like hiking, skiing, and snowboarding.
Conclusion
From its four national languages to its abundance of natural beauty, Switzerland is a fascinating country with many interesting facts. It is a landlocked country in the heart of Europe and its culturally diverse, politically stable, and full of breathtaking landscapes. Whether you’re looking for a place to relax and unwind or a place to hike and ski, Switzerland has something for everyone.
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