Switzerland,officially the Swiss Confederation (Confoederatio Helvetica in Latin, hence its ISO country codes CH and CHE), is a landlocked alpine country of roughly 7.7 million people (2009) in Western Europe with an area of 41,285 km². Switzerland is a federal republic consisting of 26 states, called cantons. Bern is the seat of the federal authorities, while the country's economic centres are its two global cities, Geneva and Zürich. Switzerland is one of the richest countries in the world by per capita gross domestic product, with a nominal per capita GDP of $67,384.Zürich and Geneva have respectively been ranked as having the second and third highest quality of life in the world.

Switzerland is bordered by Germany to the north, France to the west, Italy to the south and Austria and Liechtenstein to the east. The country has a long history of neutrality,it has not been at war internationally since 1815—and hosts many international organisations, including the Red Cross, the World Trade Organization and one of the U.N.'s two European offices. It is not a member of the European Union, but it is part of the Schengen Agreement.

Switzerland is multilingual and has four national languages: German, French, Italian and Romansh. The country's formal name is Schweizerische Eidgenossenschaft in German, Confédération suisse in French, Confederazione Svizzera in Italian and Confederaziun svizra in Romansh. The establishment of Switzerland is traditionally dated to 1 August 1291; Swiss National Day is celebrated on the anniversary.

Cities

• Zurich - Switzerland's biggest city and a major center of banking also has a thriving nightlife.
• Geneva - This center of arts and culture, the second-largest city in Switzerland, is by far the international capital-- home to around 200 governmental and non-governmental organisations. Geneva was the home of John Calvin during the Reformation, elevating the city to the rank of "Protestant Rome," the effects of which drive Geneva today.
• Berne - The Swiss capital features an amazingly well preserved old-town with arcades along almost every street. Great restaurants abound, as do bars and clubs. Check out the Einstein sites as well.
• Basel - Slightly smaller than Geneva, Switzerland's third city is the traveller's gateway to the German Rhineland and Alsace.
• Lausanne - While Geneva is busy being the international capital, Lausanne fills the role in most of the rest of French-speaking Switzerland. Scenery, dining, dancing, boating and the Swiss wine-country are the draws.
• Lugano - Italian-speaking Switzerland's top destination, with a gorgeous old-town and a pretty lake. The food is simply amazing.
• Lucerne - Central Switzerland's main city with direct water links to all of the early Swiss historic sights. It's pretty too, and though it is heavily touristed the views and museums make putting up with the crowds well worthwhile.
• Zermatt - There are a lot of mountain resorts in Switzerland, but only one of them has the Matterhorn.
• Solothurn - Solothurn, situated on the river Aare and ont he foot of the Jura mountain range is referred to as 'Switzerland's Finest Baroque town'.
• Interlaken - The outdoor and action sports capital of Switzerland. Anything from skydiving, bungee jumping, hiking, white-water rafting, to canyoning.

Switzerland is the country for the tourists. It is the country of hills and mountains, it is the country of natural beauties, ,it is the place of cool winds, it is the place of snows. It is the place where you would feel yourself very close to nature. Switzerland has been considered as one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.

But this is certainly not enough for Switzerland. The country is also a popular destination for the medical tourism as well. The Medical Tourism in Switzerland has become so popular these days. Currently, Switzerland is considered as one of the most happening places in the world in respect of medical tourism. The Medical Tourism in Switzerland has been boast of high qualities of treatments. The hospitals and the clinics of this country are armed with modern day's high technological instruments. The facilities of treatments in the hospitals and clinics are simply outstanding. And these has been the reason behind the flourishment of Medical Tourism in Switzerland. If you are planning to visit the country for the purpose of medical treatment, you have just taken a perfect decision.

Medical Tourism in Switzerland is a big industry in Switzerland. The country offers some world class medical treatments to the medical tourists from all over the world. The country has earned a good reputation in the medical treatments. Due to the high quality of treatments that are available in the country, Switzerland has become a perfect destination for the medical tourists. The hospitals and the clinics here are well equipped with modern medical instruments.

Switzerland attracts a lot of medical tourists who want to undergo plastic surgery. Swiss doctors are world famous for plastic surgery. They are more of artists than doctors. Many people around the world come to this country in order to enhance the beauty of their physique. Some patients also have to undergo plastic surgery due to any damage of their organs. With the help of plastic surgery, the damaged organs could be given the old shape.

The country also has a number of Spas where people come to re-energize their body and soul and rejuvenate themselves. This could well be an experience of your lifetime if you visit any one of these Spas. Come and rejuvenate yourself here. You will come back home as a different individual with more power and energy. The country also offers a number of more medical treatment facilities.

Switzerland has its own unique cultural traditions, which are a mixture of the cultures of Germany, Italy and France. The combination of cultural, linguistic, culinary, musical and literary influences from these three nations has led to the creation of a Swiss culture that is a synthesis of elements. Creative artists and designers such as the sculptor Alberto Giacometti and the architect Le Corbusier are from Switzerland. Albert Einstein worked at the Swiss patent office while independently developing his Theory of Relativity.

Festivals in Switzerland:

The Swiss people are known for their warm heartedness and love of life. They celebrate many festivals in Switzerland with great gusto and tourists are welcome to join in while traveling in Switzerland. Many towns and villages have a feast day in honor of a local saint. There are also harvest festivals to celebrate the gathering of seasonal crops including fruit and wine. These secular festivals are a celebration of the bounty of the Swiss countryside. Christmas is a grand celebration in Switzerland when young and old celebrate this festival of brotherhood. Swiss wrestling or Schwingen tournaments are also the focus of local festivals. Specialized events such as the Locarno Film Festival and the Montreux Jazz Festival are important events in the cultural life of Switzerland and attract filmmakers and actors from around the world. You can enjoy participating in the festivals of Switzerland on tours of Switzerland with Switzerland Flexi Tours.

Switzerland Museums and Libraries:

The Swiss people have a love for learning which is reflected in their fine institutions including some of the world's most renowned museums and libraries. The United Nations headquarters in Geneva, the Swiss National Library in Berne, the National Museum in Zurich and museums of fine art have extensive collections of books and works of art that are a cultural treasure. Works of the great masters of western oil painting are exhibited in museums across Switzerland. Swiss painters such as Henry Fuseli and Paul Klee have achieved international recogition. Many of the monasteries and castles in Switzerland also have historically valuable collections of artifacts and are open to the public. You can view the artistic and historical attractions of Switzerland on tours of Switzerland with Switzerland Flexi Tours.

Swiss Literature:

Some Swiss writers have achieved international fame with their work. One of the most popular of these is Johanna Spyri whose children's classic Heidi describing the life of a young girl who lives on the Alpine slopes, is an evergreen children's favorite. Other Swiss writers who are internationally known include Hermann Hesse, Friedrich Durrenmatt and Max Frisch.

Swiss Music:

Switzerland has a long musical tradition. Folk music including yodeling continues to be a popular musical style. Instruments such as the Alpenhorn are played by musicians even today. Switzerland hosts many music festivals annually including the Montreux Jazz Festival. The Opera House in Zurich is a grand auditorium where the world's best opera singers perform. Switzerland Flexi Tours, Hospitality and Cuisine of Switzerland

Swiss Cuisine:

Switzerland is known for Swiss chocolates, Swiss Cheese and many local specialties, including Fondue, a dish made of melted cheese. Baking is a traditional Swiss occupation and Swiss Bread including rolls, pastry and strudel are popular food items. Apple cider, wines, and various meat dishes including sausages and pies are made in Switzerland, which is known for its delicious cuisine. Ovaltine, a chocolate-based drink is also a favorite in Switzerland. Enjoy tasting the mouth-watering confections of Switzerland on tours of Switzerland with Switzerland Flexi Tours.

Switzerland is one of the most beautiful places in the world. From lovely scenic destinations, to many facilities for adventure sports, boating and shopping, Switzerland is a paradise for holidaymakers, a place where the fun never stops. Visit the sun kissed vineyards of Montreux- Vevey, or the tranquil lakeside resorts of Zermatt, and explore the tourist attractions of Switzerland with Switzerland Hub.

Switzerland is a Mecca for adventure sports enthusiasts. To those who love the thrills of skiing, snowboarding, hiking, mountaineering, skydiving, rappelling, and kayaking, the lakes, rivers and mountains of Switzerland offers many options to indulge in the same. The Alps Mountains of Switzerland are also a godsend for adventure sports lovers. Hiking, trekking, rappelling - all is made possible due to the many gradients that the Alps slopes provide.

The castles in Switzerland, another Switzerland tourist attraction, are situated either in urban or rural areas, but the architecture does not differ very much. Some castles house hotels and museums, still others are available on rent. Some castles also house low budget hostels to allow budget travelers to experience a royal Switzerland stay. The Chillon Castle, the Aigle Castle, Trachselwald Castle are among the better known of the Switzerland castles.

Switzerland has special scenic rail journeys for tourists, another of the Switzerland tourist attractions. The Glacier Express takes you through Zermatt, Andermatt, and Chur to St. Moritz. The William Tell Express takes you through central and Southern Switzerland. Enjoy the warm climes of Locarno!

Geneva Tourism

Geneva is a world city, a city characterised by its cosmopolitan population. People come here for many reasons, from humanitarian commitments, attending trade fairs and festivals to diplomatic and cultural activities. Geneva can be considered as the world's smallest metropolis and the headquarters of some of the most prestigious organizations in the world such as The Red Cross and European HQ of the United Nations.

Zurich Tourism

Zurich is truely a wonderful place set among some of the most beautiful scenic vistas on the shores of Lake Zurich. Zurich is just a stone's throw from the Alps. Gentle hills, peaceful woods, the unpolluted lakes and rivers, picturesque villages, all provides an ideal starting point for all kinds of excursions from Zurich.

Lucerne Tourism

Lucerne is easily accessible due to its central location. The town is a car free zone and small enough to be explored by foot. Have a walk around Lucerne and explore the picture perfect town.

St. Moritz Tourism

Located almost 6'000 feet high up in the Swiss Alps, the famed tourist destination of St. Moritz is a terrific place to be visited. St.Moritz enjoys more sunshine than any other place in Switzerland. When in St.Moritz, enjoy the pleasant climate and its wonderful cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Swiss Alps Tourism

Covering an area of almost 60% of Switzerland, the Alps Mountain Range covers most of Switzerland extending from France and leveling out further into Austria. With the Alps mountain system in the south and the Jura in the northwest, mountains form the majority of the Swiss terrain causing The Alps Mountain to be known as Swiss Alps.

Montreux Tourism

The lovely little towns of Montreux and Vevey are nestled on the waterfront of a pristine lake. Enjoy the 15 km of lakeside where steamships ply up and down, the snow-capped mountains, the charming hotels and their many international celebrities.

Interlaken Tourism

Situated in Bernese Oberland, Interlaken is a striking tourist destination in Europe. The Interlaken resort region consists of the quaint villages of Iseltwald, Bönigen and Ringgenberg-Goldswil on Lake Brienz, Wilderswil at the entrance to the mountain valleys and the mountain villages of Beatenberg and Habkern.