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Geography
Switzerland is bounded on the north by France and Germany, on the
east by Austria and Liechtenstein, on the south by Italy,and on
the west by France.
It is one of the most mountainous countries of Europe, with more
than 70 percent of its area covered by the Alps, in the central
and southern sections, and the Jura, in the northwest. The Swiss
Alps are part of the largest mountain system in Europe and are famous
for their jagged peaks and steep gorges.
There are several ranges within the Alps, including the Pennine
range, which has Switzerland’s highest peak,4,634 meter. Dufourspitze
of Monte Rosa. The Jura (Celtic for 145forest’) are much
lower and smaller than the Alps and are popular for cross–country
skiing. The renowned Swiss watchmaking industry began in the Jura
Mountains.
Between these two mountain systems lies the Swiss plateau, an average
of 400 meters ,above sea level and some 50 kilometers ; it extends
from Lake Geneva (Lac Lιman) in the extreme southwest to the
Lake of Constance (Bodensee) in the extreme northeast.
The plateau is thickly studded with hills. Between the ranges of
the Alps and Jura also stretch long valleys connected by transverse
gorges; one such valley is the Engadine along the Inn River in the
southeast. Nearly every Swiss valley is traversed by streams, often
interrupted by picturesque waterfalls, including the Staubbach Falls
(about 290 meters / 950 feet) in the canton of Bern.
The principal river system is formed by the Rhine and its tributaries.
Other important rivers are the Rhone, Ticino, and Inn. However,
Swiss rivers are not navigable for any appreciable extent. Switzerland
is famous for its many lakes, particularly those of the Alpine region,
known for their scenic beauty.
The most important include Lake Geneva, Lake of Constance, Lake
of Lugano, and Lake Maggiore (at which lies Switzerland’s
lowest point, 194 meters / 636 feet above sea level), which
are not wholly within Swiss borders; and Lake of Neuchβtel, Lake
of Lucerne and Zόrichsee, Brienzersee, and Thunersee, which are
entirely within Switzerland.
Climate
The climate is moderate with no excessive heat, cold or humidity.
From July to August the daytime temperature range is 65-80F from
January to February the range is 30-40F. Depending on the altitude
the temperature range may vary.
Under normal cirumstances, summer in all parts of Swizerland should
be sunny and warm but unfortunately we have no means of giving long
term forecasts.
During spring, summer and autumn it is advisable to take good clothes,
including a warm jacket and good walking shoes, as excursions are
often to mountains which are snow-covered during summer. A warm
jacket, good trousers and shoes are necessary in the winter months.
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