Information about Switzerland
Switzerland is an exhilarating place to spend your vacation. The diversity of the landlocked, mountainous country is the essence of Switzerland and gives the country its unique identity. Along with its attractiveness as one of Europe's main tourist destination, it is best known for its financial institutions, fine cheeses and chocolate, the watch making industry, for its scenery and an excellent network of public transport.

Switzerland's independence and neutrality have long been honored by the major European powers, and Switzerland was not involved in either of the two World Wars. The political and economic integration of Europe over the past half century, as well as Switzerland's role in many UN and international organizations, has strengthened Switzerland's ties with its neighbors. However, the country did not officially become a UN member until 2002. Switzerland remains active in many UN and international organizations, but retains a strong commitment to neutrality.

Geography
Switzerland takes up an area of 41,295 square kilometers and is home to 7.4 million people. More than 60 percent of the country is mountainous and a quarter of it is covered with forests. Our country boasts breathtaking mountains, picturesque lakes and charming cities and towns that are full of culture and history. Switzerland is landlocked and situated on the crossroads of northern and southern Europe. Along with southeastern France and northern Italy, Switzerland contains the highest elevations in Europe. There are 32 mountain peaks above 4000 m, the highest is the Dufourspitze with 4634m. The lowest point is Lake Maggiore at 195 m.

People
The renowned Swiss obsessiveness with cleanliness, punctuality and hard work, coupled with the highest standard of living in Europe, make Switzerland one of the most desirable and least problematic of countries in which to travel. The tourist infrastructure is highly developed, and the Swiss themselves are unfailingly courteous and proud of the beauty of Switzerland. Together with a longstanding tourist tradition, you will leave Switzerland with lasting memories of a great vacation. Most Swiss speak English, and at least one of the other Swiss languages - French, Swiss German, Italian, or, in the extreme southeast, Romansch.

There is a lot of untouched nature and in general people are careful with it with many efforts being undertaken to protecting the environment. As a result, Switzerland is far advanced in recycling waste material. Chemicals, paper, carton, glass, plastic, cans, textile, oil and cooking fat are all collected separately. For most tourists, our recycling measures are relatively drastic. However, you will get used to it quickly and the advantages are clear: Switzerland is a very clean country. You will not find a lot of street litter along your way.

Government
The capital of Switzerland is Berne. The Swiss Confederation (conventional name of Switzerland) is a federal republic divided into Executive, Legislative and Judicial branch. The country is split into 26 administrative divisions (cantons). The Swiss Confederation was found on August 1, 1291 and the Swiss celebrate this 1 of August as their National holiday.

Climate in Fall
You can expect pleasant weather in fall. Temperatures in low land cities are between 50 Fahrenheit /10 Celsius (night) and 80 F / 27 C (day) while in the higher mountain resorts, they are expected to be between 40 F / 5 C (night ) and 75 F / 24 C (day). Local weather in Switzerland can affect your travel plans. Get the most accurate weather updates at Meteo Suisse.

Sundays in Switzerland
Please note that most shops in Switzerland remain closed on Sundays – They are open Monday through Friday from 8/9:00am until 6:30pm and on Saturdays until 4/5:00pm. An exception are “Express Grocery Stores” at main train stations, many gas stations or at the airports.

Currency
There is usually also a Rail Center or Bank at main train stations where you can change most currencies into Swiss Francs.

Tipping
Every restaurant bill includes a service charge and tax, so therefore you are not obliged to tip. However, if the server was friendly and took good care of you, then you can tip him/her a small amount, such as leaving the (coin) change or as much as 10% of the total. The same is true for taxi drivers: if they are friendly and helpful, add a small amount. Regarding bellmen, we recommend CHF1 per bag. Concierges should be tipped if they got you something which would have been impossible for you to get without their assistance.

Major cities: Berne, Zurich, Geneva, Basel, Lucerne, Lugano, Lausanne

Bordering countries: Germany (to the North), France (to the West), Italy (to the South), Austria (to the East), Liechtenstein (to the East)

Religions: Catholic 46 %, Protestant 40 %, None 9 %, Other 5 %.