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The very mention of this land evokes a myriad of images – snow-capped mountain peaks,
glistening lakes and beautiful pastures that flourish each spring with alpine flowers.
Switzerland can be proud of its impressive cultural heritage. Baroque monasteries,
Gothic abbeys, castles and many other historical structures are reminders of Switzerland’s
rich history. Along the roads of antiquity, stand the remains of Roman amphitheatres,
the painted houses, and the chapels that remain as silent witnesses to the many
people and cultures who have left their mark throughout the course of time. Now
you can travel the roads used by ancient Romans as trade routes, taken by pilgrims,
and traveled by artists bringing Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque influences into
Switzerland to discover the thousands of joys that Switzerland has to offer.
Switzerland benefits from an ideal location in central Europe. The northern borders
are shared with Germany; France lies to the west; Italy is immediately to the south;
and Liechtenstein and Austria form the eastern frontiers. The Swiss and French Alps
provide the backbone for the dramatic scenery of the country. The Rhône Valley splits
the canton of Valais, which has a temperate climate that permits vineyards to flourish
on its slopes. The Upper Rhine River runs through the eastern section, forming the
border with Germany. In the west of the country is the Jura region, the most heavily
forested area of Switzerland. More than half of the total land area is used for
agriculture, forests cover one-quarter of the space, and the remaining quarter is
made up of glaciers, rocks and lakes.
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