| Swiss Confederation Schweiz (German), Suisse (French), Svizzera
(Italian)
Location central
Europe
Bordered By France, Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, Italy
Area 15,941 sq mi
(41,285 sq km)
Greatest Distance E-W 213 mi (343 km)
Greatest Distance N-S 138 mi (222 km)
Highest Point Dufourspitze of Monte
Rosa, 15,203 ft (4,634)
Lowest Point Lake Maggiore, 633 ft (193
m)
Natural Resources hydropower potential,
timber, salt
Nationality Swiss
Population (July 2015 est) 8,121,830
Largest Cities Zurich, Geneva, Basel,
Bern, Lausanne
Ethnic Groups mixed European
Religions Roman Catholic, Protestant,
Muslim
Languages German, French, Italian
Capital Bern
Form of Government federal state
Present Constitution Adopted April 18,
1999
Chief of State and Head of Government President
of the Swiss Confederation Simonetta Sommaruga (since
January 1, 2015)
Cabinet Federal Council
Legislature bicameral Federal Assembly (Bundesversammlung)
Judiciary Federal Supreme Court
Local Administration 26 cantons (states)
Currency Swiss Franc
(SFr)
Per Capita Income $58,100
Industries machinery, chemicals,
pharmaceuticals, time pieces, precision instruments,
textiles and clothing, pigment, transportation equipment
Agriculture fruits, vegetables,
potatoes, grain; wine; dairy products
Export Commodities food, beverages,
tobacco, metal and chemical industries, precision
instruments, watches, machinery and electronics, clothing
Import Commodities consumer goods,
equipment, energy, raw materials
Independence from the Holy
Roman Empire Achieved 1499
National Holiday August 1 (1291),
formation of the Swiss Confederation
Flag white cross on red field; a
white cross used as identification for troops of the
Swiss Confederation is first attested at the Battle of
Laupen
SEE ALSO
France
Germany
Austria
Italy
Questions or comments about this
page?
|
SKC Films Library