View of St. Motitz

Location-

Switzerland is boardered by Austria to the East, France to the West, Germany to the North, and Italy to the South. The Alps and Jura Mountains are on the West and East of Switzerland which leaves a plateau in the center, where most people live.

Physical Geography-

Snow- capped mountains, a large plateau, abundance of farm land, and beautiful lakes surround the area of Switzerland. Because of so many mountains around, the climate in Switzerland is quite wonderful. Snowy winters and warm summers, this country is a beautiful place to visit. Three places I would love to visit is the Lion Monument, the Zytglogge, and the Glacier Express. The Lion Monument is a 19th century monument that was carved out of natural rock and is dedicated to swiss soldiers who died during the French Revolution. Mark Twain described the Lion Monument as, "the saddest and most touching piece of rock around the whole world." The Zytglogge was built around the 13th century and serves as a clock tower, guard tower, and used to serve as a prison. The Glacier Express is the most famous train in Switzerland and has been operating since 1930. It is konwn as the 'world's slowest express train' moving at twenty two miles per hour. Pictures of the Lion Monument, The Zytglogge, and the Glacier Express are in the photo gallery below.

Human Geography-

 People of Switzerland are very freedom loving and have great pride in their country and its independence. Ever couple of months they hold big festivals in honor of their countries seven hundred year independence. During the festivals, people wear traditional costumes showing their culture and heritage. People in Switzerland have very diverse ways of living and speak different languages and have different customs. Each costume represents there way of life. The biggest festival is held on August 1, and is named the Swiss National Holiday. People parade the historic bulidings and streets of Bern, Lucerne, Fribourg, and Geneva dancing and promoting their countries freedom. Since Switzerland has been free for seven hundred years, they dont have a regular army. Instead, they have a group of people who have the capabilities of making up an army if they ever need one.

Movement-

Switzerland has been a magnet for tourism since the eighteenth century. It has clean air, beautiful scenery, abundance of winter and summer sports, lots of history, and plenty of culture. More than eleven million people visit Switzerland year round. The most common way people get around is by train. Since Switzerland has so many towns and country close by, you can get on a train, go to Germany, and get back in time for dinner. The Glacial Express is the slowest moving train, moving at twenty-two miles per hour, and is a great tourist attraction. It takes you through the beautiful snowy Alps and around many other places. If you dont want to leave Switzerland, there are many lakes and rivers around which help provide the hydroelectric power, which keeps the air clean.

 

The Alps

Impact-

Demand for new ski resorts and hotels have made claims on an already shrinking countryside. Laws have been introduced to control the design of the new resorts and to protect endangered species. Tourists are now encouraged to visit during the less busy season-spring and fall.

 

Ski Resort In Murren

Photo above here with caption.

Photo above here with caption.

Photo above here with caption.

Photo above here with caption.

Photo above here with caption.

Photo above here with caption.