Switzerland is a small, landlocked country in Western/Central Europe. Interestingly, it is the oldest neutral country in the world, and has not fought a foreign war since neutrality was officially established in 1815. With a total area of just 41,290 sq. km (15,942 sq. mi), Switzerland is just under half the size of Austria.
The geography of Switzerland is notable for its great diversity. There are three main regions – the Alps, Jura, and the Plateau. The Alps (south) range covers nearly two thirds of Switzerland's total surface area, at an average altitude of 1700m (5576 ft). Within this region, there are 48 mountains measuring 4000m (13,120 ft.) or higher and approximately 1800 glaciers. The Jura (northwest) is a limestone range best described as a picturesque highland crossed by river valleys. It stretches from Lake Geneva to the Rhine, comprising twelve percent of Switzerland’s total area. Finally, the Plateau, which is home to most Swiss industry and farmland, is a densely populated area, covering thirty percent of Switzerland's land area.
Capital city: Bern
Highest Point: Dufourspitze (15,203ft / 4634m)
Lowest Point: Lake Maggiore (640ft / 195m)
Land Area: 15,442 sq. mi (39,997 sq. km)
Water Area: 494 sq. mi (1280 sq. km)
Total Area: 15,937 sq. mi (41,277 sq. km)
Coastline: None, landlocked.
Bordering countries (5) Austria, France, Italy, Liechtenstein, Germany
The Swiss National Park is unequalled in terms of the alpine scenery it offers across its 50mi (80km) of hiking paths and nature trails. Founded in 1914, Swiss National Park was one of the first national parks in Europe, and to this day remains Switzerland’s only national park. Understandably, the major activities within the park…
The Eiger stands at 13,025ft (3970m), forming part of the Bernese Alps Mountain range in Switzerland. An unusual mountain with an abundance of history; it’s summit can be reached with relative ease along the ridgelines up its flanks, though the real challenge lies in the North face, which is an altogether different prospect. In fact,…
The mighty River Rhine passes through four countries as it flows from the Alps to the North Sea and it generates strong feelings of national pride throughout its length with each country regarding it as their own. It has been a major trade route since at least the times of the Roman Empire and probably…
Matterhorn Elevation & Location Matterhorn mountain is situated in the Pennine Alps on the border between Switzerland and Italy. It is one of the most famous and distinctive of all Alpine peaks. The Matterhorn is a pyramidal-shaped colossus, standing at a skyline-dominating elevation of 4478 metres (14,690 feet tall) which makes it the sixth highest…