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Switzerland

Switzerland. By: Kendra Crocker. Relative Location: Central Europe, east of France, north of Italy Absolute Location: 47 00 N, 8 00 E Area: 41,277 sq km Climate: In the east, there is a Continental climate. South of the alps, there is a Mediterranean climate. 10% of the land is arable.

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Switzerland

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  1. Switzerland By: Kendra Crocker

  2. Relative Location: Central Europe, east of France, north of Italy • Absolute Location: 47 00 N, 8 00 E • Area: 41,277 sq km • Climate: In the east, there is a Continental climate. South of the alps, there is a Mediterranean climate. • 10% of the land is arable. Geography

  3. About 20% of the Alps are located in Switzerland. • The mountains are valuable for many recreational activities, such as: -climbing -skiing -snowboarding -biking -hiking The Alps Three of the highest peaks in the Bernese Alps.

  4. One of the world’s most famous mountains, but it is not the highest mountain in Switzerland. • Reaches 4,478 meters high • First climbed- July 14, 1865 • A group of 7 men, led by Edward Whymper reached the top. • On the way back, 4 of the 7 men died. The Matterhorn

  5. Switzerland did not have a common flag before the 19th century. • They started sewing white crosses on their clothing for recognition during the Battle of Laupen (1339). • The white cross represents the cross that Jesus was put on and the red background represents his blood. Swiss Flag

  6. Total population: about 7.7 million • Switzerland averages 176 people per sq. km • Alpine districts are more sparsely populated and urban areas are more densely populated. • 64% of the population are German-speaking, 19% are French, 8% are Italian Demography Aerial view of Bern

  7. Switzerland is divided into 23 cantons, or states. • The capital city is Bern. • Bern is the second largest state. • The cantons are responsible for education, transportation, and social institutions. Cantons Street cafes in Bern.

  8. Switzerland is formally a confederation, but it is similar to a federal republic. • It also has some democratic qualities, because citizens elect representatives . • The executive branch, called the Federal Council has 7 members. • Each year, a different member becomes President. Government Doris Leuthard, the current president of Switzerland

  9. Switzerland has four major languages. • German, French, Italian, and Rumantsch • German is the most widely spoken language. • Over half of the population speak German. Bilingual sign at a bus stop Major Languages

  10. System is divided into four stages: -Primary- usually 6 years -Secondary I- about 5 yrs • At the age of 16, students can choose whether to join the work force or continue. -Secondary II- 3 or 4 years -Tertiary & Adult Education- university Education University of Bern

  11. 41.8% Roman Catholic • 35.3% Protestant • 4.3% Muslim • 1.8% Orthodox Christian Religion St. Gallen Roman Catholic Church

  12. Switzerland does not have many natural resources, so they trade with many nations. • Pharmaceuticals • Watches • Banking • Tourism • Insurance • GDP- per capita: $41,700 in 2009 Swiss national bank in Bern Economy

  13. Advent: the period beginning on the 4th Sunday before Christmas Eve • During the 19th century, this waiting period was viewed as a way to teach children patience, which led to the Advent Calendar • Christmas: In Switzerland, many trees are decorated with candles, instead of electric lights. Store in Lucerne decorated as an Advent calendar Holidays

  14. The most famous foods are Swiss cheese and Swiss chocolate. • Fondue is a classic dish served in many restaurants. • Zopf is a special bread, which is usually served on Sunday for breakfast. • There are many cookies and cakes served at Christmas time in Switzerland. Major Foods

  15. The End I hope you enjoyed your visit to Switzerland!

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