Ever wondered what it might be like to live in a different county? It might feel like a whole different world, or it might be exactly the same in every possible way. Sometimes it is fun to look into the life style, culture, history, government, and/or landscapes of certain countries and then compare them to those things that we sometimes take for granted here in the U.S. Switzerland might just be like one of those countries, with its many wondrous mountains, lakes, its wonderful environment, its education system, its government, its cheese and chocolate quality, and its wonderful watch making abilities. Switzerland is a wonderful country that I hope the one who reads this will learn a little bit about this wonderful country.

Switzerland is a landlocked country in the middle of Europe and is located at 47 degrees latitude and eight degrees longitude. Switzerland is bordered by Italy, Germany, France, Austria, and a very small country (that sometimes isn't recognized), called Liechtenstein (squished between Austria and Switzerland). Switzerland is covered in mountains, lakes, and cities, all too numerous to name.

There are two main mountain ranges in Switzerland, the Jura Mountains and the Alps. The Alps cover over ½ of the country and gives Switzerland its nickname, the Roof of Europe. There are more than 50 peaks in the Alps, most of them exceeding 12,000 feet (or 3,600 meters). The highest altitude in Switzerland is 15,203 feet (4,634 meters) above sea level. This is the height of one peak in the Alps, but as I said earlier, there are more than 50 peaks, many of them over 12,000 feet (3,600 meters).
These mountain ranges can affect the climate in and around Switzerland resulting in many different types of climates. For example, Geneva (a city on the southern tip of Switzerland) is usually around 49 degrees Farienhieght and gets about 34 inches of rain per year. In Switzerland, the climate varies at different altitudes. Higher elevations tend to be colder and dryer. The air also tends to be thinner. Lower elevations, like valleys, tend to have warmer, more humid climates. Here the sun doesn't have to penetrate the cold air, resulting in brighter days.

The climate, and the seasons, can also affect the recreation that happens in Switzerland. Skiing is considered a necessity in Switzerland, because of the many mountains there. There are many other sports that the Swiss people like to take part in. Some of these include skating, swimming, sailing, camping, and mountain climbing.

One cannot forget the school, for every country must have an education system. The Swiss education system is also very different than here. Here, every child ages seven through 15 must attend. Until the age of 15, the government offers free compulsory. The school system in Switzerland, which can be broken down into four main levels, is pretty complicated. The first main level is Kindergarten. Although this level is not required, many children begin it at the age of five or six. After Kindergarten comes the next major level, Volksschule (or elementary). This level is required and students start at the age of seven.
Volksschule (or elementary) lasts eight to nine years and can be broken down into two main different levels. The first is called Primarschule. This level lasts six years and all of those years are usually spent with the same teacher. Oberstufenschule is the next and main level within Volksschule lasts three years with two different teachers. Classes here include gym, needlework, and cooking. This level can be broken down into three even smaller, different levels. Sekundarschule is the level with the highest level math, geometry, native language, first foreign language, geography, and history. Realschule is basically Sekundarschul, but isn't as difficult. The last level within Oberstufenschule is Oberschule. This level is in charge of students who have difficulties with learning.
The next main level is Berufslehre, or apprenticeship. This starts after elementary and lasts two to four years. Students here are educated in handicraft, mechanics, carpentry, cooking, hairdressing, and many more. After Berufslehre is when students begin jobs or join schools to further their education. These schools are called Fachhochschulen and are the same as colleges here in the U.S.
In Switzerland, the religion doesn't always affect what your education might be like. There are a few different types of religion in Switzerland. Roman Catholic is practiced by 46% of the population of Switzerland. Protestant is practiced by 40% and other religions are practiced by 5%. Nine percent of the population doesn't have a religion at all. Religion in Switzerland isn't quite as complicated as the government that is in charge of Switzerland's well being.

Sports, school, and religion aren't the only things that happen on a regular bases. Meals are served at different times in Switzerland than in the U.S. Lunch tends to be heavier and is usually served around 12:30 PM. Dinner is lighter and is served around 6:30 PM. Many people enjoy many different kinds of "delicacies."

Some of the things that are made commercially in Switzerland, and are pretty famous, include chocolate, cheese, and watches. Swiss chocolate is known world wide for its high quality. Chocolate also has its own history. In fact, malted milk was invented in Switzerland, as was instant coffee. Some famous chocolate producers who head quarter out of Switzerland (or is found there only) include Hero, Maggi, Knorr, and Nestle. The cheese made in Switzerland is also very famous, as are the many different types (for example, Gruyere and Emmmentalar). These cheeses are also known for their quality. Swiss watches are also fairly famous for their good quality and excellent time taking abilities.

Most Swiss people enjoy eating meat, potatoes, dairy products, and food that represents their culture. For example, bratwrust (brought-worst) is a grilled sausage that was introduce from Germany (this food item is also eaten in France and can be found in the U.S.) and sauerkraut (sour-krout) is pickled cabbage (this can also be found in the U.S.-) Fondue (fon-doo) is another well known meal that Swiss people enjoy consuming. This meal consists of melted cheese and chunks of bread. Eaters dunk the bread in the melted cheese with a pointy object. Traditionally this was done with a knife, sword or dagger, but now people may use knifes, skewers, or anything that will dunk the bread, then pull it back out again. If the bread is dropped, the one who dropped it in the cheese has to do something for everyone in his or her party (for example, buy a round of drinks, kiss all of the people in their party who are of the opposite gender, etc.).

The government also plays a big part in Switzerland's everyday life. Switzerland's government can be broken into three main levels. The first level, the federal government, is in charge of issues that might affect the entire country. The second level contains 26 cantons. Each town has its own government that takes care of problems with education, law, and welfare. The third level is just a smaller version of the second level. The formal head of state in Switzerland is called a president. The current president of Switzerland is President Moritz Leuenberger. In 1999, Ruth Dreifuss became the first female president of Switzerland. Not only was she the first female president, she was also the first Jewish person to hold the title. Switzerland has many interesting facts from history and the present day.

Switzerland is actually a very small country, comparable in size to New Jersey. Johanna Spyri wrote a book (that later became a movie) about an orphan girl who lives with her grandfather, in the Alps, named Heidi. This book was so famous that Swissair, a major flying company, put in an ad of theirs "Heidi wouldn't lie!" Some of the things that are made commercially (in factories) in Switzerland help the Swiss cope with the hard conditions which comes with the wondrous mountains, and that lay like lions, ready to pounce on an unexpecting traveler.

Switzerland is famous for many things. Swiss chocolate, their clocks and watches, the mountains, and the many people who have done wondrous things in Switzerland (authors, inventors, artist, etc.) might be known worldwide (if not themselves, then their works). Many people don't realize how small countries, like Switzerland, have changed our lives here in the U.S. Many famous poets, authors, artists and composers come from Europe (or became famous there).

Switzerland's history is very interesting, scattered with many important events. Civilization in Switzerland started about 30,000 years ago. During that time, the land was covered in ice thousands of feet deep. When the ice melted, the Neclithic established the Rhone and Rhine valleys, during about 1800 B.C. After the Bronze Age, civilization was scattered all over Switzerland. Wars also play a big part in Switzerland's history. The Burguandian War was fought during 1481. This war brought Bern (Switzerland's capitol) to the confederation. The Swabian War was the last war that was fought for Switzerland's independence, which started in 1499 and ended on September 22, 1499. In another war, France, Austria, and Italy fought over the vital Po Valley, that was an easy way to transportation and shipping. The Swiss started an alliance with France, but changed their minds, and soon had formed an alliance with Italy. Despite their efforts, the Swiss were defeated in 1515 and lost more than 8,000 men. During the French Revolution, the Swiss people tried to stay neutral, and not get too involved.

The first people to live in Switzerland were the Helvetica people. They started living in Switzerland about 1800 B.C. It is said that Switzerland's "other name" came from these people. The Helevtians were Celtic people, who later lost Switzerland to Julius Caesar who made Switzerland into a Roman colony.

Switzerland is called a few different things besides just Switzerland. It might be referred to as a banking or financing capitol. Switzerland's official name is the Swiss Confederation, so that is another name one can call it.

The Red Cross, a medical center, was invented and is head quartered out of Switzerland. The inventor, Henri Dunant, decided something had to be done to stop all the suffering from wars. The Red Cross was invented in 1863 and is actually called The International Red Cross. The help that is offered spread from war related casualties to victims of earthquakes, fires, floods, and diseases. The Red Cross headquarters are located in Geneva (on southern tip of Switzerland).

Now, by the end of my report, one should understand a little about the amazing Swiss way of life. Switzerland's government runs smoothly, its processing of products is one of a high class, its climate is unique, its education system is marvelous, the food excellent, and the people who live there enjoy the fabulous, majestic mountains that provide many things including transportation, recreation, and many more other activities. All in all, Switzerland is a wonderful country with many subjects to hold ones attention.

Work Cited:

Britannica 2003 En Deluxe Edition. CD-ROM. Britannica 2003
Lands and Peoples. Vol. 3. Connecticut: Grolier Education, 1999
Moore, James. Switzerland. Malaysia: Chelsea House Publishers, 2000
Switzerland. Culture-gram: Kid's Edition. Axiom Press, 2002
Switzerland. Culture-gram. Brigham Young University, 1998