All about the nature and geography of Switzerland
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Switzerland is a landlocked country in the middle of Europe. The country is divided into three natural regions: the Jura mountains in the north, the Swiss plateau in the centre and the Alps in the south, which cover 61 % of the Swiss territory.
Geography
Switzerland's neighbours are France, Germany, Italy, Austria and Liechtenstein.
The Alpine mountains cover 59% of the country and the Jura mountains 10%. The highest point of the country is Dufour peak (4,634 m); the lowest point is Lake Lago Maggiore (193 m). The highest point of the Massif de l'UrA is in Switzerland (Mount Mont Tandre) at 1,679 m. The most famous mountain in the country is the Matterhorn. In the centre of the country is the Swiss Plateau. Its average height is 580 metres above sea level. The area is characterised by a high population density, a concentration of industry and well-developed agriculture and cattle breeding.
The southern part of the Upper Rhine Lowland is situated in the north.
There are practically no minerals on the territory of the country. There are only small deposits of coal, iron ore and small deposits of graphite, talcum and asphalt. Salt production is important upstream of the Rhône and along the Rhine near the German border, and covers most of the country's needs. Raw materials for the construction industry are available in relatively large quantities: sand, clay and stone. 12% of energy is generated from water power. 55% of electricity consumption comes from hydroelectric power plants.
Climate and climate zones
Switzerland has a moderate continental climate, typical of Central Europe, which varies widely in relation to altitude. To the west, the country is influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, while further east and in the southern mountains the climate becomes more continental. Winters are cold, with temperatures in the plateaus and valleys reaching zero degrees Celsius and in the mountainous areas -11 degrees Celsius and below. The average summer temperatures range from 18 to 20 degrees Celsius in the lowlands and are milder in the mountains. In Geneva the average July temperature is +19 degrees, while the average January temperature is +3 degrees. The annual precipitation is 850 mm. Strong northerly and southerly winds are characteristic.
Annual precipitation in the Zurich Plateau is 1,000 mm, while in Zenta it is over 2,000 mm. A special feature of the eastern Alps is that about 65% of annual precipitation falls as snow. It is not uncommon for snowdrops to fall even in May-June, at altitudes above 1,500 m. Some areas are permanently covered by a layer of ice.
The climate and scenery vary from region to region. Mosses and lichens, typical of the tundra, as well as palms and mimosas, typical of the Mediterranean coastline, can be found in Switzerland.
The natural areas in Switzerland are broadleaved, mixed and coniferous forests (in the plains) and high altitude belts (in the mountains).
Inland waters
Switzerland is home to 6% of Europe's freshwater resources. The largest rivers are the Rhône, the Rhine, the Limmat and the Aré. Switzerland is famous for its large lakes, the most beautiful of which lie on the edge of the Swiss plateau: the Geneva, Firwaldstein and Thun lakes in the south, the Zurich lake in the east, the Biel and the Neuchâtel lakes in the north. Most of them are of glacial origin, dating back to the time when big glaciers descended from the mountains to the Swiss Plateau. Lakes Lago Maggiore and Lugano are situated to the south of the Alps, in the canton of Ticino.
Flora and fauna
The Swiss plateau is in a zone of European broadleaved forests. The dominant species are oak and beech, with the occasional pine tree. Chestnut trees are common on the southern slope of the Alps. Higher up the slopes, coniferous forests grow, forming a transition zone between broad-leaved forests and alpine meadows (at higher altitudes). The mountains are full of colourful flowers. Crocuses and daffodils bloom in spring and rhododendrons, stonecrop, gentians and edelweiss in summer.
The animal world has been strongly influenced by human activities. While the snow grouse and the hare are still fairly common, such characteristic animals of the upper mountain range as the roe deer, marmot and chamois are much less common. Great efforts are being made to protect the wildlife. The Swiss National Park, near the border with Austria, is home to deer, roe deer and chamois, less frequently the alpine ibex and fox, as well as the Willow Grouse and several species of birds of prey.
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