The federal Republic of Switzerland is a small, landlocked country set amid mountainous terrain in the heart of the European continent. It is bordered on the west by France, on the north by Germany, on the east by Austria, and on the south by Italy. The tiny principality of Liechtenstein lies between Switzerland and Austria.

Each of the four major bordering countries has had an influence on Swiss culture. The Swiss people are an ethnic mix consisting mainly of native German, French, and Italian speakers, and most towns have two or even three correct names in those languages. The country has an area of 41,285 sq km (15,940 sq mi). Its largest city is Zürich, and the capital is Bern.

Switzerland is oval shaped with an area of approximately 41,287 Sq. km extending from 45º N to 47º N and 5 East to 11 East and only 25% of her land is cultivatable.

Switzerland is bordered by Germany in the North, France in the West, Italy in the South west and Austria in the East

• Land: 39,770 square kilometres
• water 1,520 square kilometres.
• Land boundaries 1,852 Km²
• Borders countries: Austria 164, France 573 km, Italy 740 km, Liechtenstein 41 km, Germany 334

It is a well-developed industrial country in spite of possessing few mineral resources of economic importance and little cultivatable land. It is also a source of Europe's main rivers especially river Rhine.

Switzerland is a centre of international finance and a home to a number of international agencies and an important tourism centre.

Political Divisions

Switzerland is a confederation of 26 states, called cantons. There are 20 full cantons and six half-cantons; the half-cantons were formed when three full cantons were subdivided. The cantons and half-cantons are subdivided into communes (German gemeinde), which are roughly equivalent to counties and number about 3,000.

 

 

The Land use is as follows;

Arable land;                                     10%

permanent crops:                                2%

permanent pastures;                          28%

forests and   woodland:                     32%

others:                                                28% (1993 est. figures)

Irrigated land           250 sq km       (2003 est.)

Natural hazards are the avalanches, landslides, and flash floods. Environment - air pollution from vehicle emissions and open-air burning; acid rain; water pollution from increased use of agricultural fertilizers; loss of bio-diversity