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Switzerland

Europe

Swiss Confederation

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🗺️ Bern, Switzerland

Capital city

📍 46.9481°, 7.4474°View larger map →

📍 Essential Info

CapitalBern

TimezoneUTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Population8.9M

Governmentfederal republic (formally a confederation)

🔌 Practical Info

Driving SideRight

Electrical PlugsType C, J (230V)

Internet Code.ch

Internet Users97%

GDP per Capita$82,000

🌍 Geography

LocationCentral Europe, east of France, north of Italy

Size Comparisonslightly less than twice the size of New Jersey

Climatetemperate, but varies with altitude; cold, cloudy, rainy/snowy winters; cool to warm, cloudy, humid summers with occasional showers

Terrainmostly mountains (Alps in south, Jura in northwest) with a central plateau of rolling hills, plains, and large lakes

👥 People & Culture

Ethnic GroupsSwiss 69.2%, German 4.2%, Italian 3.2%, Portuguese 2.5%, French 2.1%, Kosovan 1.1%, Turkish 1%, other 16.7% (2020 est.)

ReligionsRoman Catholic 34.4%, Protestant 22.5%, other Christian 5.7%, Muslim 5.4%, other 1.5%, none 29.4%, unspecified 1.1% (2020 est.)

Median Age44.4 years

Life Expectancy83.9 years

National HolidayFounding of the Swiss Confederation in 1291

🎎 Cultural Tips

Greetings

Three kisses on alternating cheeks is common in French areas, handshakes elsewhere. Swiss value punctuality highly - being late is considered very rude.

Dining

Wait for the host to say "Guten Appetit" or "Bon appétit" before eating. Keep hands visible on the table. Finish everything on your plate. Tipping is included but rounding up is appreciated.