COUNTRY FILE · 172
Europe · 198 DESTINATIONS
Switzerland
Capital: BernMeet Switzerland
Switzerland is in Europe, and its capital is Bern. Study the flag in its correct proportions, then connect its design with the country's location and outline.
Outline of Switzerland
Capital and coordinates
- Capital
- Bern
- Region
- Europe
- Latitude
- 46.95° N
- Longitude
- 7.45° E
- Country code
- CH
- Collection
- 198 destinations
World Rankings
Design and meaning
The Swiss flag is square, with a bold white cross on a red field. Its proportions make it immediately distinctive among national flags.
Look closely at the placement of the colours, symbols and flag elements. Describing these features aloud is a simple way to remember the design.
Geography
Explore the geographic features that help explain Switzerland.
Alps, Central Plateau and Jura
Switzerland is easiest to read as three regions: the Alps in the south, the Central Plateau and the Jura in the northwest. The Alps cover more than half the country, while many towns, farms and transport routes concentrate on the gentler Central Plateau. Relief strongly shapes settlement and land use.
[1]A landlocked country at the heart of Europe
Landlocked Switzerland borders Germany, France, Italy, Austria and Liechtenstein. Alpine passes and tunnels connect valleys inside the country and also form important north–south routes across Europe. Its position is central even though its territory is relatively small.
[1]Europe's water tower
Snow and rain in the mountains feed many lakes and rivers. Major European rivers including the Rhine and Rhône rise in the Swiss Alps, and Swiss waters eventually drain toward the North Sea, Mediterranean and Black Sea systems. This is why Switzerland is often called Europe's water tower.
[1]Geography sources (1)
See Switzerland's flag from another angle
Compare its shape, colours and symbols with flags from around the world.
Questions about Switzerland
What is the capital of Switzerland?
The capital of Switzerland is Bern.
Where is Switzerland?
Switzerland is in Europe, at approximately 46.95° N, 7.45° E.
What does the flag of Switzerland show?
The Swiss flag is square, with a bold white cross on a red field. Its proportions make it immediately distinctive among national flags.
Explore the source material
KOKKI EARTH checks flag and geographic information against material published by public institutions.