General information
1. Name:
Switzerland is also known as "Confoederatio Helvetica", therefore the abbreviation CH. "Confoederatio" stands for "confederation", "Helvetica" derives from the Latin word "Helvetier", the name of the people who lived in the area which became later Switzerland.
2. Flag:
The white cross on the red back (see top left on each page) has a religious background. The cross represents the cross, Jesus was put on, the red color represents his blood.
Each arm of the cross has to be of the same size and must be 1/6 longer than wide.
3. National motto, flower, animal
There are no such things as a national motto, a national flower or a national animal. However, some cantons do have a motto or an animal.
The "Edelweiss" has the status of an inoffical national flower.
4. Capital:
The capital of Switzerland is Bern City, also the capital of the canton Bern.
Geography
Dimensions:
Area: 41285 km² (approx. 10'201'746 acres or 15'940 square miles)
Boundary: 1858 km (1150 miles)
Germany: 346 km (215 miles)
France: 572 km (355 miles)
Italy: 734 km (456 miles)
Austria: 165 km (103 miles)
Liechtenstein: 41 km (25 miles
Switzerland is divided in three major geographical areas:
Alps ("Alpen"): 60%
Middle land ("Mittelland"): 30%
Jura: 10% …
