Switzerland Facts
Capital: Bern
Government Type: Formally a confederation but similar in structure to a federal republic
Currency: CHF
Population: 7,996,026
Total Area: 15,937 Square Miles
41,277 Square Kilometers
Location: Central Europe, east of France, north of Italy
Language: German (official) 63.7%, French (official) 19.2%, Italian (official) 7.6%, Romansch (official) 0.6%, other 8.9%
Languages
German (official) 63.7%, French (official) 19.2%, Italian (official) 7.6%, Romansch (official) 0.6%, other 8.9%.
The Swiss People
In German-speaking Switzerland, one uses the courtesy title "Herr" to address a man and "Frau" to address a woman; in French-speaking areas, use "Monsieur" and "Madame"; in Italian-speaking areas, use "Signore" and "Signora". Fidgeting, moving hands and making sweeping gestures are generally considered rude. To point your index finger to your head it is considered an insult. Poor posture is frowned upon. It is considered rude to slouch, stretch or yawn in public.
Where to find more out about Switzerland
Online Newspapers
Switzerland for Visitors