Europe Chronicle |
SwitzerlandSwitzerland is a small European country known for its beautiful, snow-capped mountains and freedom-loving people. The Alps and the Jura Mountains cover more than half of Switzerland. But most of the Swiss people live on a plateau that extends across the middle of the country between the two mountain ranges. In this region are most of Switzerland's industries and its richest farmlands. Switzerland's capital, Bern, and largest city, Zurich, are also there...More Information on Switzerland. Also Read: A short feature on background of Switzerland Full country name: Swiss Confederation History of SwitzerlandOriginally inhabited by the Helvetians, or Helvetic Celts, the territory comprising modern Switzerland came under Roman rule during the Gallic wars in the 1st century BC and remained a Roman province until the 4th century AD. Under Roman influence, the population reached a high level of civilization and enjoyed a flourishing commerce. Important cities, such as Geneva, Basel, and Zurich, were linked by military roads that also served as trade arteries between Rome and the northern tribes...More on Switzerland's History. Overview of Switzerland EconomyGDP: US$233.4 billion Also read: An insight into the Economy of Switzerland Political System of Switzerland- Foreign Relations of Switzerland Climate, Vegetation and FaunaPlants and trees such as the palm, magnolia, chestnut, walnut, apple, pear, cherry, and almond grow in the lowlands and on the Swiss plateau. Highly productive forests cover 30 % of the total land area, primarily at elevations between about 550 and 2,000 m.Deciduous forests of beech, maple, and oak are characteristic below about 1,400 m ,and coniferous forests, primarily of pine and fir, flourish above that height. At higher elevations, the flora consists of Alpine species such as edelweiss, anemone, lily, and mugho and Swiss pines. Chamois and marmots inhabit the Alpine regions. The forests contain foxes and many species of birds, including woodpeckers and blue jays. Trout are common in the streams, and salmon are found in several rivers. People: The population of Switzerland is 7,283,274, yielding an overall population density of 176 persons per sq km...more on people and population in Switzerland. Facts for the TravelerVisas: Citizens of Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, the UK and the USA do not require a visa. A maximum stay of three months applies, though passports are rarely stamped. Severe symptoms include breathlessness, a dry, irritating cough (which may progress to the production of pink, frothy sputum), severe headache, lack of coordination and balance, confusion, irrational behavior, vomiting, drowsiness and unconsciousness. There is no hard-and-fast rule as to what is too high: AMS has been fatal at 3000m (9842ft), although 3500m (11482ft) to 4500m (14763ft) is the usual range at which it becomes dangerous. Treat mild symptoms by resting at the same altitude until recovery, usually a day or two. Paracetamol or aspirin can be taken for headaches. If symptoms persist or become worse, however, immediate descent is necessary; even 500m (1640ft) can help. To prevent acute mountain sickness, note the following: ascend slowly - have frequent rest days, spending two to three nights at each rise of 1000m (3280ft). If you reach a high altitude by trekking, acclimatisation takes place gradually, and you are less likely to be affected than if you fly directly to high altitude; if possible, sleep at a lower altitude than the greatest height reached during the day. Once above 3000m, care should be taken not to increase the sleeping altitude by more than 300m (984ft) per day; drink extra fluids. The mountain air is dry and cold and moisture is lost as you breathe. Evaporation of sweat may go unnoticed and result in dehydration; eat light, high-carbohydrate meals for more energy; avoid alcohol as it may increase the risk of dehydration, and avoid sedatives), hypothermia (This occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it and the core temperature of the body falls. It is frighteningly easy to progress from very cold to dangerously cold due to a combination of wind, wet clothing, fatigue and hunger, even if the air temperature is above freezing. If the weather deteriorates, put on extra layers of warm clothing immediately: a windproof and/or waterproof jacket, plus wool or fleece hat and gloves, are all essential. Have something energy-giving to eat and ensure that everyone in your group is fit, and feeling well and alert. Symptoms of hypothermia are exhaustion, numb skin (particularly toes and fingers), shivering, slurred speech, irrational or violent behaviour, lethargy, stumbling, dizzy spells, muscle cramps and violent bursts of energy. Irrationality may take the form of sufferers claiming they are warm and trying to take off their clothes. To treat mild hypothermia, first get the person out of the wind and/or rain, remove their clothing if it's wet and replace it with dry, warm clothing. Give them hot liquids - not alcohol - and some high-energy, easily digestible food. Do not rub victims: instead, allow them to slowly warm themselves. This should be enough to treat the early stages of hypothermia. The early recognition and treatment of mild hypothermia is the only way to prevent severe hypothermia, which is a critical condition), sunburn (At high altitude you can get sunburned quickly and seriously, even through clouds. Use a strong sunscreen, hat and barrier cream for your nose and lips. Calamine lotion and aloe vera are good for mild sunburn. Protect your eyes with good-quality sunglasses, particularly if you will be near water, sand or snow) Also Read: Money and Cost Required | Means of Transportation in Switzerland When to Go to SwitzerlandYou can visit Switzerland any time throughout the year. Summer lasts roughly from June to September, and offers the most pleasant climate for outdoor pursuits. Unfortunately, you won't be the only tourist during this period, so prices can be high, accommodation hard to find and the mainstream sights crowded. You'll find much better deals and fewer crowds in the shoulder seasons of April-May and late-September-October. If you're keen on winter sports, resorts in the Alps begin operating in late-November, move into full swing around Christmas, and close down when the snow begins to melt in April. Also Read: Getting Around Switzerland | Switzerland: Getting There and Away What to See in SwitzerlandMajor Tourist Attractions in Switzerland Other Tourist Attractions in Switzerland |