Religions and languages in Switzerland

Switzerland is one of the most democratically developed countries in the world. That is why the state language here isn’t just one. There are three of them, German, French, and Italian. In these languages, state legislative acts are drawn up and meetings with federal government bodies are held. Most of Swiss speak the German dialect, Schweizerdeutsch. About 20 percent of the population speaks French. It is distributed in the adjoining lands of Geneva, Friborg and Valais. No more than 5 percent of Swiss citizens speak Italian. Even Rhaeto-Roman has the status of the national language. It is considered a derivative of the old Latin language, and only about 1 percent of the population speaks it. It is distributed mainly in the mountainous region of Graubünden.

What you need to know about Switzerland prior to visit - advices

1. Switzerland is not part of the European Union. This country has its own currency, francs. It's better to change money in banks, as they offer the …
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Historically, Switzerland has an extremely religious population. Christianity has always had a huge impact on the development of the state, although it was divided into the Catholic and Protestant regions. To date, the church is completely separated from the state, and the country is recognized as absolutely secular. Citizens of the country are free in their religious preferences; the state isn’t engaged in the propaganda of a certain religion. Statistics show that about half of Switzerland population considers themselves to be believers. Such holidays as Easter, Christmas, and the Assumption of the Virgin are celebrated in every city. Moreover, even the religious strata of the population are absolutely not fanatical. They almost do not attend temples and churches, because of what perishes suffer a significant decline and gradually close. State support does not apply to them.

The number of Catholics and Protestants in the country is almost the same. Catholic faith is more prevalent in the central and southern parts of Ticino. Virtually all major cities, including Bern, Zurich, and Geneva adhere to Protestantism. The disputes of these two faiths have ceased long ago, and now citizens can get along with each other. Although a few centuries ago, real bloody trials were played out because of religion. Modern Swiss people are absolutely tolerant to any existing religion on earth, so Jewish, Hindu, Buddhist, and Muslim communities form there. About one and a half percent of residents are Orthodox Christians. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

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Fantastic City Tours and Excursions in Switzerland

Original sightseeing of Switzerland

Verzasca Dam

From the series “Thrilling Points for Bungee Jumping”

For the Bungee jumpers the dam was converted in Switzerland Verzasca dam. Guests of the unusual attraction can jump from the height of 220 meters. The history of the emergence of the popular attraction on the embankment of the Verzasca river is very interesting. While filming the film 'Agent 007', the director Martin Campbell has selected this dam for shooting on one of the episodes.

According to the script, James Bond has jumped during the pursuit of this dam. Thousands of people from all over the world wanted to repeat his heroic deed. The attraction is not only accessible during the day, but also at night. At dawn the jump becomes a bit more expensive. In order to enjoy the unforgettable entertainment, you have to go through the medical examination, book the time of the jump and pay … Read all

All unique sightseeing Switzerland

Traditions in Switzerland cities

Zurich

Zurich is the most important administrative center of Switzerland and the financial capital of Europe. The very name of a metropolis is associated exclusively with the word "quality", and not without reason. Zurich has headed various prestigious ratings, which almost every year awarded it the status of a city with the highest standard of living in Europe. The same can be said about the well-being of local residents, as well as prices: Zurich has traditionally been considered one of the most … Read more

Zermatt

If you manage to start a conversation with one of the townspeople, you will find that they tend to understate personal achievements. For example, if you ask a Swiss man if he can play a musical instrument, your interlocutor will answer "a little". In most countries, this answer will mean knowing the simplest guitar chords or compositions. A person who has studied at a music school for several years or even graduated from it with honors will give you this answer in Zermatt. It is so accepted … Read more

Geneva

Escalade, which is celebrated each December, is one of most famous and colorful national holidays. A large historical procession is the culmination of the festival. The townspeople dress up in medieval costumes and walk on main city streets with an orchestra consisting of flute and drum players. Hot red wine is considered the main drink of the holiday. It can be tasted in many coffee houses of the city. From early morning till late at night the Old Town becomes the venue of numerous music … Read more

Interlaken

Festivals in Interlaken are always fantastic and unforgettable events that you will definitely not want to miss. At the beginning of June, vacationers will find it very interesting to visit the event named Greenfield. It lasts three days. This is the time when the festival’s venue (namely, Flugplatz military base) is filled with the sound guitar riffs, inviting all visitors to dance as they have never danced before. Among headliners, there are always popular and famous performers because the … Read more

Luzern

The main events of the festival are grand marches or mask parades. Traditionally there are two parades during the Carnival. The first one is considered to be official and austere. The representatives of different non-governmental organizations and guilds are commonly participating in the march. Tourists are commonly more interested in the second parade – the Monster parade in which any enthusiast may participate. To take part in the mask parade one should just get a monster suit. Many city … Read more

Basel

The end of October is the time for a large gastronomic fair, on which the local companies show off their products. Travellers really enjoy purchasing delicious Swiss cheese, dairy products and sweets from street vendors at very competitive rates. If you’re an art lover, the best time to visit Basel is June, when the city hosts the International Exhibition of Art. In the galleries of the exhibition you will find priceless works of Swiss artists. In addition to old and beautiful paintings, … Read more

Locarno

Townspeople are big fans of such holidays and always take an active part in them. Their behavior may even seem strange to many foreigners since it is not at all associated with the restrained nature of local residents. Here, it is extremely rare to witness excessive emotions or see people chatting with each other in crowded places. All communication usually takes place in a more secluded and less crowded setting. It goes without saying that talking to strangers on the streets is not accepted … Read more

Saas-Fee

You can participate in a candle-lighting ceremony near the church before Christmas. Anyone can join it. You don't have to be a Catholic or have a good command of French or German to do this. You can even donate candles purchased at local church or abroad Saas-Fee to the ceremony’s foundation in advance. This way you will contribute to the celebration. You will be able to experience the spirit of Christmas. But you will also be able to taste the fine local mulled wine at the ceremony. If you … Read more

Religions and languages in Switzerland

Fantastic City Tours and Excursions in Switzerland

Original sightseeing of Switzerland

Verzasca Dam

Photogallery of iconic places of Switzerland

Traditions in Switzerland cities

Switzerland: traditions in the regions