|
|
|
|
 |
I still know... |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Jan ,
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Switzerland |
|
 |
 |
|
Official name: |
Swiss Confederation
|
|
Time: |
European (-2 hours from Moscow time)
|
|
Climate: |
Temperate
The day temperature in July-August is within 18 degrees centigrade.
The climatic conditions of Switzerland are various and no other European country has so many different natural contrasts within such a small territory. Climate of Northern tableland surrounded by high mountains is mild and invigorative. It becomes warmer to the South of Alps under the influence of Mediterranean Sea but sometimes droughty periods come to Valais Canton.
As a rule summer in all parts of Switzerland is warm and sunny but we should be careful with long-term forecasts here. Those who want to travel in Spring or Autumn should take a warm jacket and boots- alps are covered with snow even in Summer.
|
|
Currency: |
Monetary unit: Swiss Franc (= Centime100)
Rate of exchange: USD1~Sfr.1.7
Export and import of Swiss Franc is unlimited.
|
|
Timetable of shops and offices: |
Weekdays from 8.00 a.m. till 12.00 a.m.
|
|
Languages |
The national languages of Switzerland are:
German~55% (Northern, Central and Eastern part of Switzerland),
French~22% (Western Switzerland),
Italian~17% (Southern Switzerland),
Retoromanian (derived from Latin)~ 1% (South-Eastern Switzerland).
English is also widespread in Switzerland.
The “CH” abbreviation on Swiss cars comes from the Latin name of Switzerland: Confoederatio Helvetica.
|
|
National cookery |
If you taste “Cheese fondue” cooked of molten cheese in hot Swiss white wine you will never forget it. Another famous Swiss cookery is ”Bernese platter” made of beef, pork, beans and sauerkraut.
“Lurich Leschnet” is cooked of small pieces of veal in sauce and usually served with baked potatoes.
Besides that any restaurant can offer a wide choice of world famous Swiss cheese.
As for wine, you can find any famous brand of it here. But you will make a right decision if you taste a glass
Of Swiss wine. The finest brands of white wine are “Johannioberg”, “Ferdanant”, “Lavaux”, among red wine we can point out “Lamay”, “Corone” and “Dole”. Don’t forget to try a cup of very strong Swiss coffee “Ristretto”.
|
|
National features |
As a rule, tips are given not very often in Switzerland with the exception of restaurants where tips make up 5-10 % of the order cost. On getting a check read it carefully (according to tradition) and never exceed 10% giving tips. Tips are given only after you get the change up to the last coin.
|
|
Holydays |
 |
New Year: January, 1 |
|
Easter: March, 30-31 |
|
Ascension: May, 8 |
|
Trinity: May, 18-19 |
|
Confederation Foundation Day: August,1 |
|
Christmas: December, 25-26 |
|
There are also regional and local holydays such as January, 2 , May,1 (Labor day) |
|
|
Economy |
Switzerland is one of the richest and highly industrialized countries of the world. Stable political situation and currency attract funds from entire world. It’s not a secret that finances and services field (banks, insurance companies, tourism) are the main sources of income for Switzerland.
The key industries of Switzerland are pharmacy, textile, engineering and production of watches.
Milk and dairy produce is a very important export item. Swiss cheese and chocolate is well known all over the world.
|
|
Political System |
Swiss Confederation consists of 23 Cantons, and 3 of them are divided into 2 half-cantons.
Switzerland is a Federation. The Federal Government's terms of reference cover only spheres consolidated in the Constitution. They are: Foreign Affairs, Defense, Taxation, Mail and Social welfare. Cantons not only have their own Constitutions but in spite of public education and religious sphere, they form police
|
|
|
|
