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Natural beauty and an intact environment
The countryside in Switzerland and the Greater
Zurich Area is exceedingly diverse, offering everything within
the shortest possible distances. Hills, plains, lakes and
forests, mountainous or Mediterranean settings, cosmopolitan
flair or untouched natural landscapes: each of Switzerland’s
regions has its own characteristic appeal. Unspoiled natural
environments are a high priority, as reflected in the remarkable
air and water quality and exemplary landscape conservation
efforts. Cleanliness is a national asset and a formative element
in Switzerland’s positive image.
Moderate central European climate
North of the Alps, the climate is moderate and
typical of central Europe; south of the Alps it feels more
Mediterranean. The climate in Switzerland differs greatly by
region, due to differences in altitude as well as geographic
location.
 Current
Weather in Switzerland –
Federal Office of Meteorology and Climatology
Remarkably diverse landscapes
The Swiss countryside is dominated by water,
mountains and forests. The Alps and their foothills cover some
60% of the country’s area, but only about 20% of the population
live in the Alpine regions. Switzerland’s highest mountain is
the «Dufourspitze»
at 4’634 meters above sea level; the country’s most famous peak
and national landmark is the Matterhorn, which soars 4’478
meters above sea level. Roughly 31% of Switzerland is covered in
forest, used for recreational purposes as well as to preserve
natural resources. Wood is one of the few resources that occur
abundantly in Switzerland.
The Greater Zurich Area is the by far most densely populated
region in Switzerland, which also makes it the country’s
foremost greater metropolitan region from an economic and
traffic viewpoint. Immediately beyond the city borders, the
countryside is one of river valleys, lakes, fields, hills and
picturesque villages. Even in the urban areas, green belts and
recreation areas are within immediate reach. This is the result
of systematic space and urban planning with the aim of creating
living spaces that are tailored to their inhabitants’ needs and
provide the highest quality of life.
Excellent water and air quality
With more than 1'500 lakes and many rivers,
Switzerland is a veritable paradise of water. Roughly two-thirds
of the country’s electricity is produced with hydroelectric
power. Groundwater reservoirs and freshwater springs supply 42%
of Switzerland’s drinking water, and lakes supply another 16%.
Compared with other countries, the wastewater treatment systems
are of a very high standard. Most of the bodies of water found
in Switzerland have excellent water quality, and tap water is as
good as many of the commercially available bottled waters. The
air quality in Switzerland also reflects exemplary policies and
efforts. Very strict limits on traffic, industrial, commercial
and residential emissions have caused a marked decrease in air
pollution in Switzerland since the 1980s.
FOEN
– Federal Office for the Environment
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