Capital City: Bern

Language: German- French- Italian

Government: Federal assembly-independent, directorial republic under a semi-direct democracy

Population: 8,570,146

Region: Switzerland is divided in three main geographic regions: the Swiss Alps, the Central Plateau and the Jura, each corresponding to very different geological realities. In addition, two small regions are not part of those three. The first, north of the Rhine in the Basel area, is situated beyond the Jura.

ClimaticCondition: The climate is moderate with no excessive heat, cold or humidity. From July to August the daytime temperature range is 18 to 28 °C (65° - 82° F) and from January to February the range is -2 to 7 °C (28° - 45° F). In spring and autumn, the daytime temperature range is 8 to 15 °C (46° - 59° F)

Currency: Swiss franc (CHF)