| Switzerland's independence and
neutrality have long been honored by the major European powers, and Switzerland
was not involved in either of the two World Wars. The political and economic integration
of Europe over the past half century, as well as Switzerland's role in many UN
and international organizations, has strengthened Switzerland's ties with its
neighbors. However, the country did not officially become a UN member until 2002.
Switzerland remains active in many UN and international organizations, but retains
a strong commitment to neutrality. |
| Border
countries: Austria 164 km
France 573
km
Italy 740 km
Liechtenstein 41 km
Germany 334 km
Coast
line: 0 km
Airports: •
Basel
•
Geneva
•
Zurich
| Area:
total: 41,290 sq km
water: 1,520 sq km
land: 39,770 sq km Population:
7,318,638 (July 2003 est.)
Language:
German (official) 63.7%
French
(official) 19.2%
Italian (official) 7.6%
Romansch (official) 0.6%, other
8.9% Climate:
temperate, but varies with
altitude; cold, cloudy, rainy/snowy winters; cool to warm, cloudy, humid summers
with occasional showers |
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