Economic-geographical location

Switzerland is located in the central part of Europe. The total area of ​​the territory is 41.285 thousand square meters. km. The country borders:

  • Germany (in the north),
  • Austria and Liechtenstein (in the east),
  • France (in the west),
  • Italy (in the south).

The state borders with Austria and Germany along Lake Constance, and with France along Lake Geneva.

The main geographical regions of the state: the Swiss plateau (center of the country), the Jura mountain range (northwest) and the Alps.

Note 1

The distribution of the population across the country is uneven. Approximately 10% of the total population lives in mountainous areas, which make up about 60% of the total area.

The most important industrial and agricultural areas, large cities (Zurich, Bern, Basel, Lausanne, Geneva) are located on the Swiss plateau.

Note 2

Switzerland is a highly developed industrial state with a developed agro-industrial complex, the largest exporter of capital in the world.

In many ways it is the richest country in Europe. A high standard of living of the population has been achieved thanks to the large-scale development of various industries: watchmaking, textiles, knitwear, clothing, footwear, printing, paper and food.

The country is located at the crossroads of the main trade routes, roads and railways connecting Northern and Southern Europe.

Natural conditions

Mountain ranges occupy 2/3 of the entire area of ​​the country. They are of great importance in economic development (the bulk of international tourism is located in the Alpine regions). Mountains occupy the entire central, largely eastern and southern parts of the country. The Rhine and Rhone valleys divide the Alps into two parallel groups of ridges, running from southwest to northeast. To the north are the Bernese Alps and the Glarn Alps. To the south of the valleys are the Lepontine Alps and the Pennine Alps, with Peak Dufour (4634 m) the highest point in Switzerland. 48 peaks have a height of more than 4000 m.

The Swiss plateau (400 - 600 m) is undulating and low. A characteristic feature is the many round green hills and large lakes.

On the territory of the country there is the longest glacier in Europe - the Aletsch glacier, or Wallis canon, which has a length of 23 km.

The difference in climatic conditions in certain regions of Switzerland is due to the topography of the territory, different temperature conditions and winds blowing from the Atlantic.

On the plateau the climate is humid, moderately warm, in the mountains the climate is cold. Winter in the Alps is relatively cold. The average temperature is -11º C. Sometimes the temperature can drop to -20º C. Above 2500 m the snow does not melt throughout the year. In summer, fog and rain are common in the mountains.

The most favorable climatic conditions are in the interior mountain valleys and basins. On the plains, average annual temperatures range from +10º C to +16º C. In summer, the temperature can rise to +27º C or more degrees. In winter, the temperature drops to -2º C.

The area is characterized by strong and harsh winds, often accompanied by rain and snowfall. In autumn, spring and summer, dry and warm winds - foens - blowing from the east and south-east predominate; breezes are characteristic - damp, cold, gusty winds from the Atlantic.

From the Mediterranean Sea, streams of moist air come to the slopes of the Alps and the Swiss plateau, causing large amounts of precipitation on the southern slopes of the mountains.

The average annual precipitation varies greatly between areas: Basel - 810 mm); Davos, southeast of the country – 970 mm; Lausanne, northern shore of Lake Geneva - 1040 mm

Natural resources

Water resources. The country has the largest reserve of fresh water in Europe. The rivers Rhone, Rhine and Inn originate in Switzerland and flow into the Mediterranean, North and Black Seas. The largest waterfall in Europe is the Rhine waterfall (height 23 m, width 218.4 m), located near the city of Schaffhausen. Many lakes. The largest: Geneva and Constance. The largest lake in Switzerland is Lake Neuchâtel (218.4 sq. km.). Famous lakes include: Lake of Central Switzerland - Firwaldstätskoe, or Lake of the Four Cantons; Lago Maggiore; Lugano; Zurich.

Minerals. The country is poor in mineral resources. There are small deposits of iron ore, graphite, coal, talc, and asphalt. Table salt is mined along the Rhine and in the upper reaches of the Rhone. Construction resources are represented by clay, sand, building stone.

Forest resources. Forests cover up to 31% of the entire territory of the country. Wood is used as a building material for houses, shipbuilding, etc. Forests are best preserved in the mountains (east and south of the country); on the plateau there are individual groves and parks.

Soil resources. The soils are not fertile. Brown forest soils of the lower parts of the mountain slopes and the Swiss plateau are suitable for cultivation. On mountain slopes, landslides and landslides are a common occurrence, covering cultivated land with roots or removing the soil layer.

Recreational resources. A large number of the local population is involved in the tourism industry, ski tourism, mountaineering, and winter sports. Large lakes are places of pilgrimage for tourists.

Flora and fauna

A zone of European broad-leaved forests with a predominance of beech, oak, and pine passes through the center of Switzerland.

Chestnut trees are found on the southern slopes of the mountains. At an altitude of up to 2000 m, coniferous forests (spruce, pine, cedar) grow, representing the border between broad-leaved forests (oak, beech) and alpine meadows. Typical vegetation of alpine meadows: saxifrage, rhododendrons, edelweiss and gentians.

The animal world is poor. Mountain hare and snow partridge are common. In the upper tier of the mountains you can occasionally find roe deer, chamois, and marmot.

In the canton of Graubünden in eastern Switzerland, on the Lanquart and Inn rivers, a National Nature Reserve has been created, where flora and fauna are protected. The park is based on coniferous forests and alpine meadows. Deer, roe deer, marmots, chamois, mountain goats, foxes, wood grouse and ptarmigan live here.

Switzerland on a map of Europe

In the center of Europe there is a small state - Switzerland, its northern borders are with Germany, in the east with the Principality of Liechtenstein and Austria. The border with France lies in the west, and with Italy in the south.

The area of ​​the country is only 41.3 thousand square meters. km. The capital is located in the city of Bern. Large cities besides the capital are:

  • Zurich,
  • Geneva,
  • Basel,
  • Lausanne.

The country's population is 8.5 million people, of which 94% consider themselves ethnic Swiss.

Note 1

The German-speaking population is 65%, 18% are French-speaking, and 10% speak Italian. In religious terms, 50% are Protestants and 44% are Catholics. There are Jewish and Muslim small communities.

Switzerland lies at the crossroads of European roads, so throughout its history it has been an important communication and transport link between the European north and south. The country is purely continental and, naturally, has no access to the sea, and thanks to its constant neutrality since 1815, it plays a noticeable role in world political life.

Switzerland does not interfere in conflicts of other states. The country often hosts international conferences and diplomatic negotiations.

About 60% of the country's territory is occupied by the central part of the Alpine mountain system - in the center and south of the territory there are the Alps and the Apennines, and in the northwest - the Jura Mountains. The average height of the mountains reaches 1700 m.

Note 2

A very favorable geographical location with a temperate climate and clean mountain air creates conditions for the development of resort and recreational activities.

History of the state

History says that settlements in these places have been known since Paleolithic times, and in the Neolithic there was a cultural community that built their houses on stilts. Then Celtic tribes appeared here, calling their land Helvetia.

In the 107th century BC. The Romans appeared on the historical stage, coming here through the St. Bernard Pass. Since the terrain was quite inaccessible, their conquest was short-lived.

In the 5th century, the Germanic Aleman tribes settled here. In 1032, the territories were unified under the auspices of the Holy Roman Empire.

Changes occur with the advent of the German Habsburg dynasty, led by Rudolf I.

Initially, Switzerland was a union of cantons (communities) and they all sought self-government. To this end, the peasants of the forest cantons entered into an alliance in 1291 and vowed to assist each other in the fight against the Habsburg dynasty. The result of this struggle was the long-awaited independence. The event received the status of a national holiday and is celebrated to this day on August 1.

Swiss troops fought the feudal armies of dukes and kings for two centuries and won brilliant victories. Provinces and cities began to join the union of peasants in the forest cantons; their goal was common - to expel the Habsburgs and expand their borders. The liberation of Switzerland from imperial rule occurred in 1499 after the victory over Kaiser Maximilian I of Habsburg.

The union in 1513 already consisted of 13 cantons, each of which was absolutely sovereign - there was no common army, common constitution, capital, or central government.

The severe crisis of the 16th century was caused by a schism in the Christian Church. Geneva and Zurich became centers of activity for Protestant reformers. There is a religious war going on in the country - it was 1529. The central part of the country continues to remain Catholic, and the Protestant teachings of Luther, Zwingli, and Calvin quickly spread to the rest of the country.

At this time, Europe is drawn into the Thirty Years' War, but Switzerland manages to avoid military difficulties and unite its people. In 1648, according to the Peace of Westphalia, Switzerland was recognized as a neutral country. Despite this, the French occupied Switzerland in 1798 and proclaimed the unitary Helvetic Republic for 15 long years.

However, the union of 22 sovereign cantons was not ensured by the organization of a strong central government, and only the constitution of 1948 turned this fragile union into a single state, the official name of which is Federal Switzerland.

Carefully observing its neutral status, Switzerland's only participation in the First World War in the 20th century was the creation of Red Cross units.

But in the Second World War, her role was insidious and consisted in the fact that she laundered money to finance Nazi Germany. She showed her latent anti-Semitism by closing the borders to Jewish emigrants and repatriating those who fled the fascist occupation.

Note 3

Neutrality is more valuable to Switzerland than membership in the UN and NATO. True, it had an advisory voice in the UN. BUT, neutrality, however, did not prevent her from joining the European Free Trade Association. The country expressed its desire to join the EU and in 1992 even submitted an application for accession, which was frozen.

Features of Switzerland

Switzerland, like any other country, has its own traditions and customs. They are distinguished by originality and originality.

Christmas, for example, is a quiet, family holiday, when the whole family simply lights candles and has a modest meal. The country hosts many carnivals and festivals that are adored by the Swiss.

This is a country with developed agriculture and livestock breeding. More than 250 varieties of Swiss cheese are produced from selected milk, which sometimes even replaces bread here.

Swiss National Day is August 1st and all Swiss people stay outside their homes on this day. In a number of cities, for example, in Zurich, they celebrate a national holiday similar to Russian Maslenitsa. It is dedicated to seeing off winter and welcoming spring. The holiday ends with the burning of a stuffed snowman.

The Swiss Confederation is a unique state and the most militarized country in the world, although there is no army in the country that is familiar to us. Young people aged 19-20 undergo four months of training. After training, they take part in military training until the age of 50.

They are required to be given three sets of military uniforms, a machine gun and a horn with ammunition. When a man reaches 50 years of age, his machine gun is confiscated and he is given a shotgun for life.

Living in an apartment building has its own surprising rules. The bathrooms in the apartments are very small, so there is a shared laundry room in the basement. Each tenant has their own time for using the laundry.

If the laundry is washed at the wrong time, it is simply confiscated and not returned. To return the laundry, the offender must apologize to all residents of the house.

Showering after 10 pm is prohibited, and in order to invite guests to a party, you must notify the entire house. If these rules are violated three times, a person is asked to move out of this house.

There are four languages ​​spoken and written in the country - German, French, Italian, Romansh. The Swiss are very fond of cleanliness and order, so they clean the streets with a vacuum cleaner. And Swiss watches have become the most prestigious and significant type of export for the country.

Switzerland is a landlocked country whose territory is divided into three natural regions:

· Jura Mountains in the north;

· Swiss plateau in the center;

· The Alps mountains in the south, occupying 61% of the entire territory of Switzerland.

The northern border is partly along Lake Constance and the Rhine, which begins in the center of the Swiss Alps and forms part of the eastern border. The western border runs along the Jura Mountains, the southern border along the Italian Alps and Lake Geneva. It borders in the north with Germany, in the south with Italy, in the west with France, and in the east with Austria and Liechtenstein.

Relief. Most of the country is located in the Alps. In the south are the Pienine Alps (up to 4,634 m high - Peak Dufour, the highest point in Switzerland), the Lepontine Alps, the Rhaetian Alps and the Bernina massif.

The deep longitudinal valleys of the Upper Rhone and the Anterior Rhine separate the Pieniny and Lepontine Alps from the Bernese Alps (Finsteraarhorn, height 4274 m) and the Glarn Alps, forming a system of ridges stretching from southwest to northeast across the entire country. Pointed ridges predominate, composed predominantly of crystalline rocks and strongly dissected by erosion; There are numerous glaciers and glacial landforms. In total, there are approximately 140 large valley glaciers in Switzerland, and there are also cirque and hanging glaciers. The total area of ​​glaciation is 1950 square km. The main passes (Great Saint Bernard, Simplon, Saint Gotthard, Bernina) are located above 2000 meters above sea level.

Climate and tourism seasons. Switzerland has a continental climate, typical of Central Europe, with significant variations depending on altitude. The climate is unusual in that each region of Switzerland has its own climate. In winter, on the plateau and in the valleys the temperature reaches 0 o C, and in mountainous areas -10 o C and below. The average summer temperature in the lowlands is +18 +20 o C, slightly lower in the mountains. In Geneva, the average temperature in July is about +19 o C, in January - about 9 o C. About 850 mm of precipitation falls per year. Features: strong north and south winds. For tourism, the climate of Switzerland is favorable all year round; also, lovers of skiing and snowboarding have the opportunity to visit the Alps both in summer and winter, since the snow does not melt there.

Rivers and lakes. Switzerland is rich and famous for its lakes, the most attractive of which are located along the edges of the Swiss plateau - Geneva, Firwaldstätt, Thun in the south, Zurich in the east, Biel and Neuchatel in the north. Most of them are of glacial origin: they were formed at a time when large glaciers descended from the mountain of the Swiss plateau. South of the Alpine axis in the canton of Ticino are the lakes Lago Maggiore and Lugane.

Ten largest lakes:

· Geneva (582.4 sq km);

· Bodenskoye (539 sq km);

· Neuchâtel (217.9 sq km);

· Lago Maggiore (212.3 sq km);

· Firvaldshtetskoye (113.8 sq km);

· Zurich (88.4 sq km);

· Lugano (48.8 sq km);

· Thun (48.4 sq km);

· Bilskoye (40 sq km);

· Tsugskoye (38 sq km).

The largest hands are Rhone, Rhine, Limmat, Aare.

Minerals. Switzerland has few mineral resources. Rock salt and building materials are of industrial importance. About 25% of Switzerland's territory is covered with forests - not only in the mountains, but also in the valleys and on some plateaus. Wood is an important raw material and fuel.

Animal and plant world. In Switzerland you can find, as in the Arctic, mosses and lichens, as well as palms and mimosas - essentially like on the Mediterranean coast. The alpine slopes are characterized by wide belts of spruce, fir, and beech forests, as well as at an altitude of 2400 - 2800 m - subalpine and alpine meadows, rhododendron, and juniper. In lower areas there are deciduous trees. The fauna is represented by mammals: chamois, marten, hare, marmot, fox, etc. There are many swans and ducks on the lakes and floodplains. A Swiss National Park has been created along the border with Italy.

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What are the benefits of Switzerland's geographical location?
Switzerland

Economic-geographical location:
Switzerland is one of the small states of Europe. Its area is only 41.3 thousand square meters. km, and the population is 6.99 million. (1993). The monetary unit is the Swiss franc. Switzerland is located almost in the very center of Foreign Europe, at the crossroads of the most important trade routes. Three quarters of its borders - with France, Austria and Italy - run along the high mountain ranges of the Jura and the Alps, and only the border with Germany and Liechtenstein runs along the lowland - the Rhine Valley. Snow-capped peaks of the Alps, blue lakes, bright green valleys, mostly small towns with narrow medieval streets and houses with painted facades still preserved - these are the characteristic external features of the country. But at the same time, Switzerland is one of the most industrially developed countries in the world, occupying one of the first places in terms of the experience and qualifications of engineers and workers, the quality of products produced and the amount of profits that Switzerland receives from industrial enterprises located in the country itself and beyond its borders, from enormous capital investments.
This small country plays a prominent role in world political life. Thanks to its permanent neutrality, as well as its geographical location, important international conferences and diplomatic negotiations are held there. During the First and Second World Wars, Switzerland remained neutral. After the Second World War, it did not join the UN, despite approving its goals.
The capital of Switzerland is the city of Bern. Lausanne is the seat of the federal judiciary. The head of state is the president. Switzerland is a republic, a federation consisting of 23 cantons /districts/ (3 of them are divided into half-cantons). Each canton has its own parliament and government, its own laws, and enjoys broad autonomous rights. The legislative body is the bicameral Federal Assembly, consisting of the National Council and the Council of Cantons.
The first chamber is elected by universal suffrage using a proportional system, while each canton sends two representatives to the second. Executive power belongs to the Federal Council. One of its seven members is elected in turn as President of the Swiss Confederation for a term of one year.
Natural resources of Switzerland:
Switzerland is characterized by a large number of mountains. In Switzerland, mountains are widely used for recreational purposes. Here is the most powerful and highest part of the Alps. The height of the largest mountain peak - Peak Dufour - is more than four and a half thousand meters (4634 m). Mountains occupy the entire central and largely southern and eastern parts of the country. The Rhone and Rhine valleys divide the Swiss Alps into two almost parallel groups of mountain ranges, running from southwest to northeast. The highest part of the Alps is composed of crystalline rocks and limestones. High mountain areas are covered with eternal snow and glaciers. The largest of these glaciers and one of the largest in Europe is the Aletsch Glacier. It stretches for 27 km, covering an area of ​​115 square meters. km. On the border with France lies the Jura mountain chain. Between the Bernese Alps and the Jura, from the Rhine flowing along the border with Germany to Lake Geneva, stretches the undulating low Swiss plateau (height 400-600 m), which is the most populated part of the country.
Switzerland is characterized by very strong differences in climatic conditions. This is due to the complex nature of the terrain. In the Alps, where a large number of ski resorts and sanatoriums are located, the average winter temperature ranges between -10 and -12 degrees, but the weather is almost always sunny. On the peaks of the Alps, snow does not melt throughout the year. In winter and spring, snow avalanches are common due to the accumulation of snow on the slopes. In summer there is frequent rain and fog in the mountains. On the Swiss Plateau, winter is mild, with an average January temperature of about -2 degrees. Snow usually lasts only a few days. Summer is warm (average July temperature is +18 degrees), autumn is long and sunny. This climate is favorable for agricultural work. Even grapes have time to ripen on the Swiss plateau.
The main charm of the landscape is the lakes. The largest of them are Geneva and Constance. Next come Neuchâtel, Lago Maggiore, Vierwaldstät (the lake of four channels), Zurich and Lake Lugano. Their origin is mainly tectonic-glacial. The shores are bordered by wooded hills or rocky mountains, the slopes of which drop straight into the water. Large lakes are not only places of pilgrimage for tourists, they play an important role in navigation and land reclamation. The rivers of such a small country as Switzerland belong to the basins of three seas: the North, Mediterranean and Black. Large rivers such as the Rhine and Rhone begin in the Alps. The tributary of the Danube river originates from them. Inn, as well as a tributary of the Po - the Ticino River.
Forests occupy about 24% of the territory. Also, a large part of the country is occupied by subalpine and alpine meadows. Swiss national parks are numerous. There are many reserves and wildlife sanctuaries here.

Switzerland is located in the very center of Europe. The state has land borders: with France in the west, Italy in the south, Germany in the north and Liechtenstein and Austria in the east. Along the waters of Lake Geneva, Switzerland borders with France, and along Lake Constance with Germany and Austria.

It distinguishes three main geographical regions: the Alpine zone, the Swiss plateau in the central part of the country and the Jura massif in the northwest. There is significant unevenness in population density distribution. Only 10% live in mountainous areas, which occupy almost 60% of the country's territory. Large cities and also agricultural and industrial zones are located on the Swiss plateau. This is the capital of the country - Bern, the cities of Basel, Zurich, Lausanne, Geneva.

Switzerland is small, but one of the most developed countries with modern industry and a powerful agro-industrial complex. It is also one of the world's largest exporters of capital.

Switzerland is considered one of the richest countries in the world with a very high standard of living. The following industries are developed: textiles, watchmaking, clothing, food and a number of others. The state has a convenient geographical location. It is located at the crossroads of many trade routes that connect Southern and Northern Europe.

Natural conditions of Switzerland

Most of the country's territory is covered with mountains. The mountainous regions are home to major centers of international tourism, which plays an important role in the country's economy. The valleys of the Rhone and Rhine rivers passing through the Alps divide the mountain range into two elongated parallel groups of ridges that stretch from north to southwest. To the north are the regions of the Glarn and Bernese Alps. In the southern part of the valleys are the Apennine region

Alps The highest point in Switzerland is also located here - Mount Dufour, which has a height of 4634 meters. In addition, throughout the country there are 48 peaks with a height of more than 4000m. The region is characterized by undulating terrain. There are many large lakes and picturesque rounded hills here. The central part of the country is occupied by the Swiss Plateau. Its height is 400-600 m above sea level. The Aletsch glacier, which is considered the longest glacier in Europe, is located in Switzerland. Its length is 23 km.

The terrain determines the difference in climatic conditions in different regions of the country. The climate on the plateau is moderately warm and quite humid. In mountainous areas, climatic conditions are more severe and temperatures remain low. Winter in the Alpine mountains is moderately cold, with an average temperature of -11º C, although sometimes it can drop to -20º C. Snow in the mountains above 2500 meters remains on the ground throughout the year. During the summer months, fog and precipitation occur in mountainous areas. The most comfortable conditions for humans are areas of valleys and depressions. In flat areas, the average annual air temperature is in the range of +10º C +16º C. In summer, the air can warm up to +27º C, and in winter the temperature drops to -2º C. Gusty winds are often observed, which are accompanied by snowfalls or rains, depending on the time of year. From spring to autumn, foehns predominate - warm winds that blow from the southeast and east; cold breezes periodically break through from the Atlantic. Moist warm air currents rise from the Mediterranean Sea to the foothills of the Alps, which lead to frequent precipitation on the southern slopes.

Natural resources

Water resources. Switzerland has the largest reserves of fresh water in Europe. Here are the sources of such large rivers as the Rhine, Rhone and Inn, which flow into the North, Mediterranean and Black Seas. Near the town of Schaffhausen there is a high waterfall - the Rhine Falls. Its width is 218 m and its height is 23 m. There are many large and small lakes scattered throughout Switzerland. The largest among them are Neuchâtel, Constance and Geneva. The picturesque shores of Lake Lago Maggiore, part of which is located in Italy, and Lake Firvaldstät in the central part of the country.

Minerals. There are no large mineral deposits. Small deposits of graphite, coal, iron ores, and talc were discovered. In the upper reaches of the Rhone there is a deposit of table salt. Construction resources are available in the form of sand, clay and building stone.

Forest resources. About 31% of Switzerland's area is covered by forests. Wood is extracted for shipbuilding and construction needs. Especially many forests have been preserved in mountainous areas. Parks and groves are found on the plateau.

Soil resources. In most parts of the country, the soils are quite poor and not very fertile. In the vicinity of the mountains, landslides often occur that cover the fertile layer. The most suitable areas for farming are the lower slopes of the plateau, where brown forest soils predominate.

Recreational resources. A significant part of the population works in the tourism sector. The country is one of the world centers for mountaineering and many winter sports. The picturesque Swiss lakes and various hiking routes in the mountains of varying degrees of difficulty are of great attraction for tourists.

Flora and fauna

The zone of broad-leaved forests runs almost through the center of the country. The predominant species are oak, pine, and beech. Chestnut trees are often found on the southern slopes of the Alpine mountains. Above the 2000 m mark, mainly coniferous species grow - cedar, spruce. This area is the border between deciduous forests and the level of alpine meadows, where plants characteristic of mountainous areas such as edelweiss, saxifrage, and rhododendron grow.

The fauna of Switzerland is quite poor and monotonous. There are white hare and partridges. Marmots and roe deer are common in mountainous areas. In the east of the country, in the canton of Grisons, a National Park has been created in the valley of the Inn and Lanquart rivers. The fauna and flora typical of the Alpine mountains and foothills are preserved here. Most of its territory is occupied by alpine meadows and coniferous forests. There are roe deer, foxes, mountain goats, marmots and other animals.