Switzerland snapshots, including introduction, tourist attractions, and photographs

As an independent and neutral nation, Switzerland is a prosperous and stable modern market economy with a per capita GDP 20% above that of the big western European economies. It is also a beautiful country and one of the world's major travel destinations.

Switzerland is located in Central Europe, east of France and north of Italy, with total land area about 39,770 square kilometers, slightly less than twice the size of New Jersey of the United States.

Switzerland has 7,450,867 (2004 estimate) population, including German 65%, French 18%, Italian 10%, Romansch 1%, other 6%. German, French and Italian are official languages in Switzerland. About 63.7% of Swiss people speak German, French 19.2%, Italian 7.6%, Romansch 0.6%, other 8.9%.

Zurich, the Europe's financial capital, is a charming lakeside city.

Lucerne is a medieval city surrounded by snow-capped mountains and Alpine villages. This beautiful lakeside city offers tourists some attractions including Lion Monument and Chapel Bridge, and opportunity to wander through the narrow streets shopping for Swiss watches and chocolate.

Zermatt, the popular resort beneath the Matterhorn, retains the atmosphere of a traditional Swiss village with window boxes and wooden chalets. From here, visitors have opportunity to see spectacular Matterhorn panoramic views by taking a ride on the Gornergrat railway.

Montreux, on the shore of Lake Geneva, is one of Switzerland's most popular international resorts. Nearby Chateau de Chillon is a famous 12th century castle with stunning lakeside setting.

Geneva is a peace-loving international city and home to the multinational World Health Organization (WHO) and many other international organizations. The Old City with narrow cobblestone lanes, the Palais des Nations, the Red Cross Museum, the Jet d'Eau, the flower clock, the Reformation Monument, the Watch and Clock Museum are some sightseeing highlights that attract worldwide tourists every year to visit this famous city.