A small Alpine state is located in the very center of Europe. It is often called the "land of lakes", but not only picturesque nature can boast of charming Switzerland. What else is famous for? Travelers who fell in love with a tourist paradise at first sight remember the delightful historical and architectural monuments, luxury ski resorts, famous watch and delicious chocolate.
In this article, we have collected Interesting Facts about a wonderful European country, and for both young and adult readers, this information will be fascinating and informative. Natural and man-made masterpieces of a colorful country are studied at school, on the subject " The world"(Grade 3). What is Switzerland famous for all over the world? Now we'll tell you!
What should we know about the amazing state, every corner of which remembers an eventful history? You can travel around colorful Switzerland all year round, and every time it brings pleasant surprises. Since most of its territory is occupied by the majestic Alps, the powerful mountain range is what Switzerland is famous for all over the world. It is no coincidence that a small state evokes associations with all kinds of ski holidays.
There are resorts for every taste, and a huge selection of steep slopes and comfortable slopes will bring incredible pleasure to both professionals and beginners. The beauty of the mountain peaks, covered with snow-white bedspreads, fascinates and forever remains in the memory of those who have ever visited these places. If the Alps disappear from geographical map peace, then Dreamland immediately lose half of its attractiveness in the eyes of vacationers.
powerful glaciers
When asked what the country of Switzerland is famous for, many travel lovers will remember the age-old glaciers - the largest in Europe. In total, there are about 140 miraculous sights that keep the ideal temperature on the slopes. It is thanks to them that tourists can ski all year round. So, in the south of the state there is a true masterpiece, captivating views with bizarre forms.
The most famous Aletsch glacier is an unusual sight: thousands of tons of ice have formed a unique canyon, which is recognized as one of the main pearls of the region. It seems as if an icy river flows along the bottom of a deep valley. with total area more than 80 kilometers along the mountain peaks near the most beautiful ski resort Zermatt. The immobility and amazing silence of Alech is deceptive, because miraculous monument, famous for its special purity, lives its own life. It slowly moves, and the speed of smooth movement is 200 meters per year.
Unfortunately, global warming does not pass without a trace for the glacier: the natural miracle is decreasing in size, and it is not known what will happen to it in a hundred years.
Lakeland
What will the locals answer to the question: "What is Switzerland famous for - a country where six percent of the world's fresh water reserves are concentrated?". Many, without hesitation, will talk about the beauty of the picturesque lakes, which are the same "brand name" as the Alps. Transparent reservoirs formed during melting giant glaciers, recognized calling card countries and are considered one of the main places of attraction for tourists from different countries. They take important place in the landscape of the state, and each of them is a beautiful corner, a visit to which will be remembered forever.
Therefore, speaking about what Switzerland is famous for, it is worth mentioning the shining water surface, surrounded by a powerful mountain range and at all times attracting great poets and artists. Now thousands of guests are in a hurry to relax on the lakes, the number of which exceeds 1500. All the routes of the proposed tours one way or another pass in the immediate vicinity of them.
The fabulous creations of Mother Nature are compared to mirrors because their waters are perfectly calm. The largest lake is Geneva, and its northern shore with the most famous resorts is called the "Swiss Riviera". Tourists adore the ancient city of Lucerne, which can be found on the coast of the reservoir of the same name. In the west of the country there is a balneological resort, which appeared on the shores of Lake Neuchâtel, framed high mountains. Rest here is not only useful, but also prestigious.
Europe in miniature
But that's not all Switzerland is famous for. Despite its modest size, the country of contrasts will allow you to visit Germany, Austria, France and Italy in a few days without crossing borders. Depending on which part the tourists are in, the language, landscape and even cuisine are very different from each other. state bordering on different countries, combined the features of the cultures of several peoples. "Europe in miniature" attracts not only with wonderful landscapes, but also with ancient buildings that leave no one indifferent. The country cares about the heritage, and modern architects make a significant contribution to the development of architecture.
Open-air museum
It is fair to say that much of what Switzerland is known to the whole world is man-made. The traditions of four nations at once influenced the architecture of a small state, famous for its advantageous location. And on its territory you can see buildings made in the most famous styles(baroque, classical, gothic, modern).
It is for this reason that the country is compared to a museum under open sky. There are a huge number of medieval castles located everywhere - high in the mountains and on the lake. The oldest is the Spiez citadel, the Montebello castle complex is recognized as the most popular among tourists, and Oberhofen, which has a fabulous charm, is the most beautifully preserved.
Modern architectural structures
Among the modern buildings, it is worth highlighting the Sphinx observatory, which is located at an altitude of more than three thousand meters, not far from Bern. Looking very unusual, it was intended only for scientists, but enterprising locals have made a fabulous corner available for tourists who enjoy amazing views from observation deck.
Another interesting structure is the "Hunched House", the asymmetry of which evokes a sense of danger. As tourists admit, and from the point of view of aesthetics, the building, almost devoid of sunlight, looks rather strange. The architects who designed the building of an abstract look could not harmoniously fit their offspring into environment but attracted attention. And such tricks creative environment very common.
Natural and man-made attractions are not all that Switzerland is famous for. It is quite difficult to briefly talk about everything, but it is impossible not to mention which ones are produced in the country. Their production dates back several hundred years. Inside the complex mechanism is up to three hundred the smallest details, and some devices for measuring time are piece and very expensive goods. One watch is assembled for about two months, and it is done using manual labor and precision equipment.
Switzerland is considered the world monopoly in the luxury watch segment: it produces approximately 30 million pieces a year. The most famous companies are Rolex, Swatch Group, Richemont.
Favorite dishes of the Swiss
If we talk about the traditional cuisine of the country, then we must admit that it was influenced by German, Italian, French cuisine. Residents of the state answer the question of what dish Switzerland is famous for in different ways, but the majority calls fondue. It is based on hard cheeses, which are melted in dry white wine. To delicious dish croutons and a small fork are served, on which a piece of dried bread is pricked, and then it is lowered into the hot mass. It is believed that fondue first appeared in the city of Neuchâtel, and therefore it is called Neuchâtel. Almost all recipes in Swiss cuisine use locally produced cheese - fatty and buttery. It is often melted in a frying pan, serving dear guests as the main decoration of the table, a hot product.
What else is Switzerland famous for? Different provinces have their favorite dishes. For example, in Zurich, they are very fond of kreepfli (puff pastry pies) and hühli (a sweet treat resembling pudding). The chefs of Bern are famous for their fragrant sausages and delicious snack from sauerkraut, beans and fried potatoes. And tourists who have visited Basel remember with pleasure the most delicate almond cookies with beautiful name"lotus petals"
Wine and chocolate
Few people know, but Switzerland is also famous for its wonderful wines that have absorbed the aroma of clean air picturesque valleys and the light of the gentle sun. Sparkling drinks, offering the whole palette of taste, receive high marks and awards at various competitions.
In addition, when Switzerland is mentioned, chocolate immediately comes to mind. Wonderful country is considered the birthplace of a popular delicacy, which began to add milk. It seems that the aroma of confectionery is everywhere, and here and there in the narrow streets there are shops selling a sweet aphrodisiac.
The world leader in the production of chocolate does not just breathe it, it lives it. locals consume an incredible amount of a product that produces the hormone of happiness (about 12 kg per person). There is a lot of cocoa butter in the delicacy, only Swiss milk and elite cocoa beans are added to it. Manufacturers carefully store old recipes and strictly monitor the quality of products.
Country of banks
Every businessman knows that Switzerland is a country of banks, whose activities are strictly controlled. If the slightest violation of the law is found, the organization's license is revoked. 10 percent of the world's capital is held in financial institutions that have never yet put customer deposits at risk. Perhaps that is why a small state is among the richest countries in the world, and stock Exchange ranked third in Zurich. It is no coincidence that the first private banks emerged in Switzerland, which is the most respectable financial center in Europe.
Capital of the crypto world
More recently, the country that has created all the conditions for doing business has turned into the capital of the crypto world. Bitcoins are considered here as assets, and crypto-currency activities are regulated by the provisions of the Criminal Code. Curiously, the authorities are integrating the cryptocurrency they use to buy goods into everyday life of people. So, the inhabitants of the town of Zug pay utilities with the help of bitcoin.
The materials given in our article can be used in a lesson on the topic "What Switzerland is famous for" ("The World Around", Grade 3 of the school curriculum).
Switzerland is a technologically advanced and materially rich country located in the western part of Europe. It has a small area and insignificant volumes of minerals. At the same time, most of the country's territory is occupied by picturesque mountains. Nevertheless, in terms of economy, the state is among the top ten world leaders. The country is also known for its neutral status, reliable banks, delicious chocolate and cheese, utility knives, and the best watches in the world. Some residents leave for Switzerland permanently. Today we will look at the pros and cons of living in Switzerland.
A little about nature
- Milk - from 1.15.
- Bread - 2.5-3.5.
- Apples - from 3.5.
- Cheese - from 18.
- Chicken fillet - from 25.
- Veal - from 60.
- Fish - from 30.
Swiss restaurants are among the most expensive in all of Europe. In the cheapest cafe or student canteen, the price of hot meals starts at about 13 francs. In a middle-class restaurant, a hot dish will cost the visitor 30-40 francs, and snack- 10-15 francs.
Work
Switzerland differs significantly from EU countries in terms of employment conditions for immigrants. According to studies by the Economic Cooperation Organization and the European Commission, Switzerland provides 76% of foreigners with employment. Others European countries rarely reach 60%.
It is noteworthy that the Russian settlers have real opportunity get a job in your specialty. With regard to labor discrimination, here too Switzerland is far ahead of other European countries. No more than 9% of immigrants applying for temporary residence or permanent residence face the fact of labor discrimination. AT neighboring countries this figure averages 15-17%.
To get a migrant you need a work visa. To obtain it, you need to provide the following package of documents:
- Application form of the applicant in 3 copies.
- Passport + 3 copies.
- 3 color photographs.
- Employment contract (agreement) + 3 copies.
It is worth noting that obtaining a work visa, despite all its prosaic nature, is a relative concept. Immigrating to Switzerland in search of a well-paid job is almost a hopeless business. When a migrant has a unique specialty, a scientific degree, and has rich experience behind him, then his chances of becoming a real Swiss are high. Without a set of the above regalia, the prospects for moving to Switzerland are sharply reduced. In fairness, it should be noted that the country has a high demand for immigrants working in specific areas.
According to one Russian immigrant, native Swiss always start a conversation with immigrants with the question: “What do you do?” Usually they expect an answer like: "I work as a waitress in a strip bar" or "I work in a cabaret." Hearing that the girl works in the financial sector and at the same time she has not yet married a local, the interlocutors are very surprised.
In general, as the reviews of immigrants show, to find in Switzerland simple job, with an average salary, it is quite possible. It is much more difficult to get a highly paid position, for this you need to be a highly competent specialist.
Education
The Swiss education system occupies a leading position in the world. The country's constitution provides for free and absolutely accessible secondary education for everyone. But to continue learning, you have to spend money. Funding volume higher education depends on the level educational institution and his specialization. Students state universities studies are cheaper than those who entered private higher schools or boarding schools.
Diligent students can count on benefits and free education. As in the countries of the post-Soviet space, excellent students can not only study for free, but also receive encouragement in the form of scholarships. The Swiss scholarship reaches 1000 francs.
One of the Swiss immigrants says: “If I continue to study for good grades, then after each semester my scholarship will increase. I am studying in a specialty that will allow me to easily find a job in Switzerland in the future.”
Immigrants from Russia can apply for the following types of Swiss education:
- Schooling.
- Preparatory courses at universities.
- Language classes.
- Education in universities (public and private).
- Obtaining a second higher education.
On average, a semester of study at a Swiss university costs about 12,000 francs.
Pension provision
Switzerland topped the ranking more than once best countries for pensioners. But there is one important nuance- such ratings are usually calculated for wealthy pensioners. Especially for those in Switzerland there are investment programs. If an immigrant is ready to pay a tax in the amount of 100 thousand francs per year, then he is guaranteed a residence permit within six months from the date of arrival in the country. He also assumes extra bonus in the form of entry without a visa to any Schengen country.
The retirement age for Swiss men starts at 65 and for women at 64. The amount of the pension depends on former activities and can be from 8 to 50 thousand francs per year. When prices and average level change wages pensions are rapidly indexed. This is another reason why retirees love life in Switzerland.
W Velcro- this beautiful accessory was invented in the mid-40s of the last century by the Swiss engineer George de Mestral. The idea came to him after a hunt: he returned home covered in seeds that stuck to his boots, clothes and dog. After he examined them under a microscope to figure out what was what, he created the Velcro fastener. This material is heterogeneous in composition, consists of velvet and hooks, and resembles small hooks that seeds use.
Cellophane- another material of complex composition, combining cellulose and French diathan, was created in 1908 by Jacques Brandenberger, who saw how a client poured wine on a tablecloth in a restaurant. After that, Brandenberger began to look at waterproof fabric, but then he discovered that the cellulose material that he sprayed onto the fabric could be easily separated from it in the form of thin sheets. Then he realized that he had discovered something more.
swiss army knife- invented by Carl Elsener and named after his mother Victoria Victorinox (Victoria plus inox - stainless steel). The Swiss officer's knife, since its inception in the 1890s, has evolved from simple knife into something that includes a rich arsenal - from an ordinary corkscrew to such very modern additions as LED lights and MP3 players.
direct democracy- despite the fact that the ancient Greeks are considered the founders of the concept of democracy, it was founded by the Swiss Confederation in 1291, which introduced the principles of direct democracy at a time when monarchs still ruled everywhere in Europe. Today, popular initiatives and the referendums they generate are a special part of the Swiss legacy.
Helvetica font is one of the most popular typefaces ever created. It was developed in 1957 by Max Miedinger and Eduard Hoffmann. The classic Helvetica and its many variations are known for their crisp, slashed lines. By the way, for the popularity of the font, the New York Museum contemporary art in 2001 even hosted a 50th anniversary celebration for Helvetica. And not many fonts have their own exhibitions in art museums,
Absinthe- although most of the drink was drunk by the French, the anise spirit of absinthe originated in the Swiss canton of Neuchâtel. The "Green Fairy" was at one time all the rage in drinking establishments throughout Europe, until its consumption was eventually banned in several countries due to the narcotic nature and associated anti-social behavior the drink was blamed for. But in last years absinthe is experiencing a rebirth.
LSD- Hippies, artists, and other psychedelic adventurers can thank Albert Hofmann of Talence for creating yet another psychotropic substance, lysergic acid diethylamide, better known as LSD (or simply acid). She was born in the Sandoz laboratory in 1938. By the way, Bicycle Day (April 19, 1943) is also celebrated every year as the day when a doctor first experimented with LSD on a person - on himself.
Muesli. Not many people can boast of having a porridge named after them. Muesli, known in Switzerland as Birchermüesli, was created by the Swiss doctor Maximilian Bercher-Benner for patients at his sanatorium in Zurich. Original version includes a lot more fruit and is topped with orange juice, unlike today's heavy boxes of cereal mixes that are served with milk. During the cult healthy eating in the 1970s, muesli became a worldwide sensation.
Internet time. By allocating time zones, the Swiss company Swatch divided the day into 1000 .beats (beats), each .beats is equal to 1 minute 24.6 seconds. But while it's not exactly mainstream, we have to acknowledge the logic and ingenuity of the Swiss firm that brought change to the world we know.
And of course - milk chocolate. In the late 1800s, the Swiss Daniel Piet solved a problem that for a long time stood in front of chocolate manufacturers, using condensed milk instead of regular milk. It gave sweet taste dark chocolate, and made it popular in Europe. Milk farmers are still very grateful to him.
Yes, you probably know that Switzerland has the Alps, reliable cans and lots of chocolate. But you probably did not know other - sometimes strange and crazy - facts about this country. For example, that it is the only direct democracy in the world, that it has the most liberal gun laws, and yes, even palm trees grow in it! In general, let's get down to business and honor the most incredible and amazing facts about one of the richest countries in the world.
1. You probably would never have thought that Switzerland has some of the most liberal gun laws (2.3-4.5 million guns for a population of 8 million).
2. Also in this country one of the most low levels crime in the world.
3. Foreigners make up 23% of Switzerland's 8 million population.
4. Switzerland has more than just mountains! In the south of the country, for example, palm trees grow - you will find them in the region of Lake Lugano.
5. In Switzerland 4 national languages- German, French, Italian and Romansh.
6. According to the Economist Intelligence Unit Quality of Life Index, Switzerland - the best place in which to be born. This index includes indicators of population employment, crime rate, quality of life, healthcare system, feeling of satisfaction with life, etc.
7. The country has 208 mountains over 3,000 meters high and 24 over 4,000 meters high.
8. Stereotypes have come true - chocolate is indeed the largest export commodity.
9. In case of start nuclear war the Swiss built bunkers capable of accommodating the entire population of the country.
10. Also, in case of war, they can easily turn their roads into landing strips by removing interchanges and intersections.
11. Back to chocolate… The Swiss have come up with edible chocolate gold.
12. Swiss fines for speeding depend on the citizen's income. Recently, a Swiss driver was fined almost a quarter of a million dollars for speeding in a Ferrari because he was making about a million dollars a year.
13. The Swiss live in the world's only country with a direct democracy. This means that any citizen can question any law and propose changes to the constitution.
14. Have you ever wondered why the Swiss domain is denoted by the letters CH? Well, let's reveal a secret: because the name of the country in Latin (which, by the way, is often used in other areas) sounds like this - Confoederatio Helvetica.
15. Back to chocolate… Every year, 7 million Toblerone chocolate bars are produced in Bern.
16. In 2010, the average annual salary of a Swiss teacher was $120,000, while teachers in the US earn an average of $35,000 per year.
17. Military service for men is obligatory from the age of 18. Due to the fact that most of the adult male population is in the army reserve, all men must have weapons and the necessary ammunition at home in order to be ready for action at any moment. And you thought the Swiss were a bunch of pacifists?
18. In Bern there is a 500-year-old statue of a man devouring babies from a bag. No one knows why this creepy monument was erected.
19. The Swiss army prepared every potential mountain pass and tunnel for a possible undermining. What for? In the event of war, Switzerland will close all lines of advance to the enemy.
20. Switzerland does not have a head of state. Instead, there is a 7-person board that does all the work.
23. In 1802, the Swiss started a war called Stecklikrig. You know what's the craziest thing? They were only armed with sticks because Napoleon had taken their weapons.
24. The only part of a Swiss knife that is not made in Switzerland is the corkscrew. It's made in Japan.
25. Again, we are here to destroy your view of Switzerland as a country of pacifists... The army has well-stocked bunkers disguised as country houses that are located in the most populated villages. It is better not to quarrel with Switzerland ...
Famous people who were born or lived in Zurich are very a large number of famous scientists, writers and artists. Thanks to their creativity, this city became famous all over the world.
Notable scientists
Felix Bloch (1905 - 1983) was a Swiss physicist who was born in Zurich and later worked in the United States. In 1952 he became a laureate Nobel Prize in the area of. Bloch studied in Zurich, at the Higher Technical School. Then he continued his education at the University of Leipzig, where he received his doctorate in 1928. He was engaged in science for a long time in Germany, together with Pauli, Heisenberg, Fermi and Bohr. In 1933 he emigrated to the USA, where he began working at Stanford University. During the Second World War, Bloch took part in the atomic project at the Los Alamos laboratory. Subsequently, he worked in the field of nuclear magnetic resonance and nuclear induction - the basic principles of magnetic imaging. He was awarded the Nobel Prize "for the discovery of new methods of measurement in nuclear physics." Worked CEO at CERN. In 1961 he received the title of professor of physics.
famous writers
Johann Jakob Meyer - born in Zurich in 1798, worked as a newspaper editor in the besieged city of Messolongion during the War of Independence 1821-1829. in Greece. He died in 1826 during the breakthrough of the besieged.
Painters
Augusto Giacometti (1877 - 1947) - Swiss artist. Giacometti - major representative post-symbolism and postmodernism, master of monumental wall painting and stained glass. He was born into a family of sculptors, painters and architects. From 1894 to 1897 he studied painting at the School applied arts Zurich, later studied in Florence and Paris. The artist created beautiful stained-glass windows for the cathedral in Frauenfeld, for the church windows of the choir in Adelboden. Giacometti became one of the first artists of the 20th century who worked in the style of abstractionism.
