Switzerland: flag, capital, currency and history
Switzerland, officially the Swiss Confederation, is a country in Western Europe, Europe. Its capital is Bern. The currency is the Swiss franc. Languages spoken include French, Swiss German, Italian and Romansh.
Quick facts about Switzerland
- Official name
- Swiss Confederation
- Capital
- Bern
- Region
- Europe, Western Europe
- Currency
- Swiss franc (CHF, Fr.)
- Languages
- French, Swiss German, Italian, Romansh
- Calling code
- +41
- Internet domain
- .ch
- Area
- 41,284 km² (15,940 sq mi)
- Land borders
- Austria, France, Italy, Liechtenstein, Germany
- Demonym
- Swiss
- National day
- Swiss National Day, August 1
Flag of Switzerland
Download the flag of Switzerland as a scalable SVG or as a PNG in three sizes. The flag emoji is 🇨🇭.
History of Switzerland
Celtic Helvetii lived in the region before Roman conquest, and later the area passed to Burgundians, Alemanni and the Frankish realm. According to tradition, three forest cantons formed an alliance in 1291, and other cantons joined over the following centuries. The Swiss Confederation became effectively independent of the Holy Roman Empire in 1499, and its independence was recognised in 1648. Napoleonic France imposed the Helvetic Republic in 1798, and the Congress of Vienna in 1815 confirmed Swiss neutrality. After a brief civil war, the federal state was founded in 1848. Switzerland joined the United Nations in 2002.
Key dates
- 1291Traditional date of the federal charter among the first Swiss cantons.
- 1499The Swabian War leaves the Confederation effectively independent of the Empire.
- 1648The Peace of Westphalia recognises Swiss independence.
- 1798French forces establish the Helvetic Republic.
- 1815The Congress of Vienna recognises permanent Swiss neutrality.
- 1848A new federal constitution creates the modern Swiss federal state.
- 2002Switzerland joins the United Nations.
A short overview, not a full history. Dates are given for well-documented events only.
Currency of Switzerland
Switzerland uses the Swiss franc (CHF, Fr.). Use our free currency converter to check exchange rates.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Switzerland?
The capital of Switzerland is Bern.
What currency does Switzerland use?
Switzerland uses the Swiss franc (CHF, symbol Fr.).
What languages are spoken in Switzerland?
Languages used in Switzerland include French, Swiss German, Italian and Romansh.
What is the calling code of Switzerland?
The international calling code of Switzerland is +41. Its internet domain is .ch.
Which countries border Switzerland?
Switzerland shares land borders with Austria, France, Italy, Liechtenstein and Germany.
On which continent is Switzerland?
Switzerland is in Europe, in the region of Western Europe.
What is the national day of Switzerland?
Switzerland marks Swiss National Day on August 1.
Neighbours of Switzerland
More countries in Western Europe
Country data from the open mledoze/countries dataset (ODbL), with corrections. Flags from flag-icons (MIT).