Switzerland was once covered by glaciers during the ice age. Apart from the occupation of Napoleon’s France in 1798-1815, Switzerland has been an independent country since 1499. A white cross is a sign of a holy cross and has been used in Switzerland since the medieval times. It has remained neutral for the past wars. Switzerland takes its name from Schwyz, in 1291 three cantons, Schwyz, Uri, Unterwalden joined together to create Ewiger Bund. It was accepted as an independent nation in 1648.
Geography- The major landforms include the Pennine, Lepontine, and Rhaetian mountains. Other major mountains found in this country are the Alps and the Jura which makes up 10% of the country, while Miltelland, makes up 30%. Miltelland is a Swiss Plateau formed by glaciers. Some major landmarks are Jet d' Eau and Golthard Road tunnel where the speed limit is 80 Km/hr. This landmark is so long that it spreads 10.5 miles under the Alps. Lake Geneva and the Rhine River are two of 1,500 bodies of water located in Switzerland. Four major cities include Basel, Bern, Geneva, Zürich. The vegation is affected by altitude- deciduous & conifers rise to the snow line and mountain meadows and tundra dominant the higher altitudes.
Culture- It is a wide variety of people all the way to clothing to food to music and religion. These things define us as people and opinions vary between regions. Traditional music in Switzerland includes yodeling and folk music. Religions common in Switzerland are Roman Catholic with 46% of the population. Protestant with 40%, and Jewish having a very small community. The government is a democracy; and national holidays include St. Joseph Day, Christmas Day, Father's & Mother's Day. Bread, butter and honey are examples of popular Switzerland foods. Other popular foods include cheese, milk, cold hot chocolate, tea, coffee, and dried meat. Women's traditional clothing contains a long sleeve blouse,a skirt,a silk apron, a smock, and tights. Men wear(traditional)- Smock,white shirt,shorts, and tights.
Economy- The natural resources of Switzerland are limited; iron and manganese are found in the Jura mountains. Other natural resources include lime, salt, sand, gravel, clay, and marble. 10.2% of the land is used or suitable for growing crops. 0.6% of the land sustains permanent crops grow year after year. Major occupations include consulting, engineering, technology, and banking Switzerland has such an stable economy that these jobs include high salaries an excellent living standard and low unemployment rates. The currency used in Switzerland is the Swiss Franc.
Climate- In the capital of Bern temperatures can reach almost 70 degrees Fahrenheit to below the freezing point. The average yearly rainfall is 53-170cm. The average yearly temperature is 9 degrees Celsius. Local winds have a effect on the climate.