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| Switzerland is a small multi-cultural, multi-lingual country located
in the very heart of Europe. It shares common frontiers with five
countries - Germany, France, Italy, Austria and the tiny Principality
of Liechtenstein. Switzerland is therefore at the crossroads of
the continent. It is a focal point of international air, road
and rail traffic and easily accessible within hours from major
European cities and centres. |
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Switzerland's main international airports of Zurich and Geneva are among the most modern in Europe. They are served by the leading
airlines of nearly 100 countries - among them award-winning Swissair and European carrier Crossair - and both airports are linked
to the nation's rail network. Smaller international airports are located in Basel, Berne and Lugano.
Thanks to its convenient central location, Switzerland is also
served by fast reliable inter-European rail services from at least a dozen countries. Daily services operate from
major cities in Germany, Italy, Austria, Spain, France, the Czech
Republic, Hungary, Scandinavia, and the Benelux countries. Most
trains include dining cars, bars and a wide range of other amenities
and - for night travel - comfortable sleeping compartments.
For travellers arriving by road, Switzerland is linked to Europe's
extensive motorway network. Cross-border travel is trouble free, with the minimum of delay
and formalities.
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Land of languages.
Switzerland has a resident population of 7 million.
| 64% |
speak German as their mother tongue, |
| 19% |
French |
| 8% |
Italian, and |
| 1% |
Rhaeto-Romansh. |
A variety of languages are spoken by the remaining 8% of the population,
most of whom are of foreign nationality. |
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