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As an independent and neutral nation, Switzerland is a prosperous and
stable modern market economy with a per capita GDP 20% above that of the big
western European economies. It is also a beautiful country and one of the
world's major travel destinations.
Switzerland is located in Central Europe, east of France and north of
Italy, with total land area about 39,770 square kilometers, slightly less
than twice the size of New Jersey of the United States.
Switzerland has 7,450,867 (July 2004 estimate) population, including
German 65%, French 18%, Italian 10%, Romansch 1%, other 6%. German, French
and Italian are official languages in Switzerland. About 63.7% of Swiss
people speak German, French 19.2%, Italian 7.6%, Romansch 0.6%, other 8.9%.
Geneva is a peace-loving
international city and home to the multinational World Health Organization
(WHO) and many other international organizations. The Old City with narrow
cobblestone lanes, the Palais des Nations, the Red Cross Museum, the Jet
d'Eau, the flower clock, the Reformation Monument, the Watch and Clock
Museum are some sightseeing highlights that attract worldwide tourists every
year to visit this famous city.
Zurich, the Europe's financial
capital, is a charming lakeside city.
Lucerne is a medieval city
surrounded by snow-capped mountains and Alpine villages. This beautiful
lakeside city offers tourists some attractions including Lion Monument and
Chapel Bridge, and opportunity to wander through the narrow streets shopping
for Swiss watches and chocolate.
Zermatt, the popular resort beneath the Matterhorn, retains the
atmosphere of a traditional Swiss village with window boxes and wooden
chalets. From here, visitors have opportunity to see spectacular
Matterhorn panoramic views by taking a ride on the Gornergrat railway.
Montreux, on the shore of Lake Geneva, is one of Switzerland's most
popular international resorts. Nearby Chateau de Chillon is a famous 12th
century castle with stunning lakeside setting.
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