Switzerland

Surrounded by four other countries in Europe lies the beautiful country

of Switzerland. A country with a population of about 8.5 million
people. With Germany to the north, France to the west, and Italy to the
south, it is also a country that speaks three languages.
Switzerland is a country of mountains and lakes. Many of its mountains
are over 4,000metres high, and there are more than 1,500 lakes. The
scenery in Switzerland attracts visitors from all over the world.

This is the beautiful town of Interlaken. The name means ‘between two
lakes’. Interlaken is the adventure capital of Switzerland. A place to
climb, ski, kayak, water-ski, dive and canoe.
Close to Interlaken is the ‘Jungfrau’, one of the tallest mountains in
Switzerland at 4,158metres.
The capital of Switzerland is Berne, but the biggest city is Zurich. Zurich
is famous for its beautiful buildings, shopping, museums and
restaurants. Zurich is said to be one of the top 3 cities to live in, in the
world. It is clean, the air quality is very good, and there is little crime.
However, all of these good things make it a very expensive place to live.
Switzerland is a peaceful country. It has not been involved in fighting or
war with another country for over 200 years.
So, what is Switzerland world famous for?
1. Swiss banks. The banks of Switzerland are probably the safest in
the world. There is probably more gold in Swiss banks than any
other country in the world.
2. Swiss watches. The best clocks and watches in the world, are
made by the Swiss. World famous names like Rolex, Longines,
Omega and IWC. Switzerland is also famous or its cuckoo clocks.
3. Chocolate. The swiss make lots of chocolate. It is made from the
best milk and Swiss chocolate is only made in Switzerland.

Here are some examples of chocolate made by the Swiss.

 4. Swiss cheese. In the hills and lower areas of the Swiss
mountains, cows feed on the rich green grass. Grass that grows
fast in the fresh mountain air and with lots of fresh mountain rain
and water. The cows make the best milk, and the farmers use this
to make some of the world’s best cheeses. Emmental and
Gruyere are the best known.

Emmental Gruyere

Switzerland doesn’t have its own language. Swiss people speak

German, Italian or French. Some of them probably speak all three
languages. English is spoken by most people in Switzerland too.
Because of its position and excellent railways, travel from Switzerland
to Italy, France, Germany and Austria is easy and quick. Most train
journeys pass along mountains and close to lakes. There are also many
tunnels through the mountains.
Famous Swiss people:
Roger Federer- tennis player
Albert Einstein.
If you visit Switzerland for a long or short holiday, you will probably
want to take a souvenir home with you. Maybe a watch or a cuckoo
clock.
Or perhaps a Swiss Army Knife! It’s a great gift for a friend, your
brother, father, uncle or even yourself.

This is a Swiss Army Knife with 6 tools.

Or this knife with about 15 tools.

Swiss Army Knives are well made like everything from Switzerland.

Class prepared for audition class November15/2021/Alan Chapman