Switzerland Bandiera della Switzerland

Cartina geografica della Switzerland

 General informations

Country Name

Swiss Confederation

Continent

Europe

Surface area

41,277 Km2

Capital

Bern

Population

8,544,000

Language

German, French, Italian, Romansh

Currency

Swiss Franc (CHF)

Time zone

The same as Italy

Area code for Italy

0039

Area code from Italy

0041

 Prevention

Yellow fever

Yellow fever vaccination is not required.

Tick-borne encephalitis

This viral disease is transmitted by the bite of infected ticks. Vaccination is recommended when staying in areas with a higher risk of infection. The risk decreases in the winter months.

Rabies

Infection typically occurs through contact with the saliva of an infected animal, usually caused by bites, scratches or licks near open wounds or mucous membranes (e.g. mouth, nose, eyes). The most common vectors are dogs and bats, but cases of infection in other domestic animals have also been reported.

Tetanus

Caused by toxins released by the bacterium Clostridium tetani, the risk of tetanus infection is present throughout the country.

Insect bites and stings

Diseases such as Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever, Leishmaniasis, and West Nile virus are present in Southern Europe. As these diseases are transmitted by insect bites and there are no vaccines, it is important to adopt careful behavioural and preventive measures.

The following vaccinations are strongly recommended as these diseases can be contracted anywhere in the world. Experts advise that you protect yourself and other travellers by making sure you are up-to-date with all of the recommended vaccinations. This will allow you to travel safely, while minimising the risk of exposure to infection.

 Territory and climate

Switzerland borders Germany to the north, Austria and Lichtenstein to the east, Italy to the south, and France to the west and northwest. The territory is predominantly hilly and mountainous, and covered in valleys, from which the headwaters of several major rivers originate.

On the north-western border with France lie the Jura Mountains, which reach a maximum height of approx. 1,680 metres; whereas, to the south, the alpine extension has much higher peaks, including the largest, Monte Rosa, which is over 4,600 metres. Between these two elevations is a hilly region that ends at Lake Geneva to the south and Lake Constance to the north.

The climate is relatively varied and influenced by the various landforms, such as the many valleys, extensive lakes, and mountains.

Jura and the northeast have a continental climate, while the central region is significantly windy. Temperatures are low overall, with averages below 10°C even in the hills. Precipitation is abundant at higher altitudes, and is usually in the form of snow in the winter.

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