Switzerland is a European country, bordered by Italy to the south, France to the west, Germany to the north, and Austria and Liechtenstein to the east. The total area, greater part of which is occupied by the Alps, is more 41 thousand square kilometers. The largest cities, where most part of the 8-million population live, are situated on the Plateau.

The de facto capital of Switzerland (de jure there is none) is Berne.

The country has 4 official languages: German, French, Italian and Romansh.

The national currency is the Swiss franc.

Switzerland has a temperate climate which varies with altitude. Winters are cold, cloudy, snowy, and summers are cool to warm, cloudy, humid with occasional showers. In Switzerland everybody can find leisure to their taste: from hiking and climbing mountains to basking in the sun. The most popular tourist attractions include

The Jungfrau Region, where you can enjoy the fresh mountain air and spectacular mountain view.

Matterhorn in Zermatt, the most famous peak in the Alps, whose height is 4,478 meters. Many mountaineers are attracted by this technically difficult peak. Those who don’t like climbing can just enjoy breathtaking nature.

A famous winter resort St. Moritz, offering skiing, various kinds of sport and spa treatment.

The Swiss Natural Park, which covers 169 square kilometers and consists of mountains and woodland. It is inhabited by various species such as large red deer, chamois, ibexes, and marmots.

Lake Geneva, which is situated near the third biggest city of the country. Here you can see the world's tallest fountain, visit interesting museums, and enjoy delicious food in fine restaurants here. On the eastern shore of Lake Geneva there is Chillon Castle, the most famous castle in Switzerland.

The Rhine Falls, the largest in Europe. Near the falls is the medieval castle, Schoss Laufen.

Swiss cities are also very interesting touristic places. In Basel you can see the ancient university and trading center; Bern will charm you with its unique 11th-century arcaded streets, the famous 13th-century clocktower, and ancient medieval bear pits.

Airports

Zürich Airport (ZRH), the largest international airport of Switzerland, situated 13 kilometers of central Zürich

Geneva International Airport (GVA), the international airport of Geneva, located 4 km of the city center.

EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg (MLH, BSL), an international airport of Basel. It is located in France, near the Swiss and German borders. The airport serves as a base for EasyJet Switzerland.

Diving in Switzerland

Though Switzerland is a land-locked country, Swiss lakes and rivers give worthwhile opportunities for diving.

The most popular places are Lake Geneva and Lake Zurich, as they are large and deep, with hundred-meters steep walls, ideal for wall-diving. In Lake Geneva, at a depth of 43 meters there is the Hirondelle, passenger cruiser, sunk in 1862. Another interesting wreck here is La Cochère, situated at a depth of 40-47 meters.

In Lake Constance you can explore the wreck of the Jura, sunk in 1865. She is situated at a depth of 36 meters.

Those, who are interested in river diving, will like the Verasca River for perfect visibility and beautiful river scenery. Another great river dive is the Maggia River, where there is a lot of fish. It flows into Lago Maggiore, a beautiful mountain lake with many wrecks and steep walls.

Diving in Switzerland is possible all year round. Water temperatures range between 3 degrees Celsius in winter and 20 degrees in summer.