Editing Geography of Switzerland

{{Short description|none}} <!-- This short description is INTENTIONALLY "none" - please see WP:SDNONE before you consider changing it! -->
{{Country geography
|name = Switzerland
|image name = Satellite image of Switzerland in September 2002.jpg
|continent = Europe
|region = Western/Central Europe
|coordinates = 47° N 8° E
|area ranking = 134
|km area = 41293.2
|percent land = 95.8
|percent water = 4.2
|km coastline = 0
|borders = [[Land borders|Total land borders]]:<br />{{convert|1852|km|mi|abbr=on}}
<br />Italy: {{convert|734.2|km|mi|abbr=on}}<br />France: {{convert|571.8|km|mi|abbr=on}}<br />Germany: {{convert|345.7|km|mi|abbr=on}}<br />Austria: {{convert|165.1|km|mi|abbr=on}}<br />Liechtenstein: {{convert|41.1|km|mi|abbr=on}}
|highest point = [[Dufourspitze]]: 4,634 m
|lowest point = [[Lake Maggiore]]: 193 m
|longest river = [[Rhine]]: 375.5 km <br> (longest entirely in Switzerland: [[Aare]])
|largest lake = [[Lake Geneva]] <br> (largest entirely in Switzerland: [[Lake Neuchâtel]])
}}

The '''geography of Switzerland''' features a mountainous and [[landlocked country]] located in [[Western Europe|Western]] and [[Central Europe]]. Switzerland's natural landscape is marked by its numerous [[List of lakes of Switzerland|lakes]] and [[List of prominent mountains of Switzerland|mountains]]. It is surrounded by five countries: [[Austria]] and [[Liechtenstein]] to the east, [[France]] to the west, [[Italy]] to the south and [[Germany]] to the north. Switzerland has a maximum north–south length of {{convert|220|km|mi}} and an east–west length of about {{convert|350|km|mi}}.<ref name="BFS Environment">{{cite web
 | last = Bundesamt fur Statistik (Federal Department of Statistics)
 | title = Land and Environment (Raum und Umwelt: Panorama)
 | year = 2009
 | url = http://www.bfs.admin.ch/bfs/portal/de/index/themen/02/01/pan.html
 | access-date = 2009-09-25 }} {{in lang|de|fr}}</ref>

Switzerland is well known for the [[Swiss Alps|Alps]] in the south and south east. North of the Alps, the [[Swiss Plateau]] runs along the east–west axis of the country. Most of the population of Switzerland lives on the rolling hills and plains of the [[Swiss Plateau|plateau]]. The smaller [[Jura Mountains]] are located on the north west side of the plateau. Much of the northern border with Germany follows the [[Rhine]], though the Rhine enters Switzerland near [[Schaffhausen]]. The eastern border with Germany and a portion of Austria is drawn through [[Lake Constance]] ({{langx|de|Bodensee}}). A portion of the southwest border with France is drawn through [[Lake Geneva]].

Switzerland is divided into 26 [[Cantons of Switzerland|sovereign cantons]]. The cantons along the Swiss Plateau tend to be the most populous,<ref name="Statistics">{{cite web| url = http://www.about.ch/statistics/index.html| title = Switzerland: Statistical information}}</ref> industrial and religiously [[Protestant]].<ref name="Federal Statistics">{{cite web| url = http://www.bfs.admin.ch/bfs/portal/de/index/themen/01/05/blank/key/religionen.html| title = Swiss Federal Statistics Office, in German}}</ref> The cantons in the Alps tend to be less populous, [[Catholic Church|Catholic]], and have an agrarian or tourism-based economy.<ref name="Federal Statistics"/>

Switzerland is divided by language as well. There are four national languages: [[German language|German]] (spoken by 63.7% of population), [[French language|French]] (by 20.4% of population), [[Italian Language|Italian]] (by 6.5%) and [[Romansh language|Romansh]] (0.5%).<ref name="CIA Factbook">{{cite web| url = https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/switzerland/| title = CIA - The World Factbook - Switzerland| date = 9 April 2024}}</ref> From [[Bern]] east (except in the [[canton of Ticino]]) the population generally speaks German. West of Bern, the population generally speaks French. In the southern canton of Ticino, most people speak Italian. [[Romansh language|Romansh]], a group of dialects descended from [[Vulgar Latin]], is spoken in several regions in the [[canton of Graubünden]].

==Physical description==
[[File:Switzerland ESA370220.tiff|thumb|upright=1.6|Satellite image of Switzerland]]
Switzerland extends between the parallels 45°49'05 and 47°48'30 lat. and the meridians 5° 57'23 and 10°29'31 long. It forms an irregular quadrilateral, of which the greatest length from east to west is {{convert|350|km|mi}}, and the greatest breadth from north to south is nearly {{convert|220|km|mi}}. Switzerland is a landlocked country, the closest coastline being at the [[Gulf of Genoa]], 160&nbsp;km south of [[Chiasso]]. Its political boundaries often do not coincide with those of nature. The entire [[canton of Ticino]] is south of the [[Alps]], as are the valleys of [[Simplon Pass|Simplon]] ([[Valais]]), [[Mesocco]], [[Val Bregaglia|Bregaglia]], [[Val Poschiavo|Poschiavo]] and [[Val Müstair|Müstair]] (all in [[Graubünden]]); except for a very small part of municipality of [[Stein am Rhein]] the whole of the [[canton of Schaffhausen]], part of that of the [[canton of Basel-City]], and a small part of the [[canton of Zürich]] are north of the [[Rhine]], while the majority of Graubünden lies to the east of the Rhine basin, and [[Porrentruy]] is far down on the western slope of the [[Jura Mountains|Jura]]. Putting these exceptional cases aside, the physical geography of Switzerland may thus be described:<ref name=EB>{{cite EB1911 |wstitle=Switzerland/Geography |display=Switzerland § Geography |volume=26}}</ref>

*On the south runs the main chain of the Alps, which is joined (at [[Mont Dolent]] near [[Martigny]]) by the lower ranges that rise south of [[Lake Geneva]] and continue until [[Piz Lad]] to the east.
*To the north of this main chain there is another great range of mountains (wholly Swiss) only slightly inferior in extent and height, which starts from the hills known as the [[Jorat (Switzerland)|Jorat]] range above [[Lausanne]], reaches maximum in the great snowy summits of the [[Bernese Alps]] and the [[Glarus Alps|Tödi group]], before trending to the north near [[Chur]] and, after rising once more in the [[Säntis]] group, dies away on the southern shore of [[Lake Constance]].
*The Swiss portion of the main chain of the Alps and the great northern outlier run parallel to each other from Martigny to near Chur, while for a short distance they actually unite near [[Pizzo Rotondo]] (west of the [[St Gotthard Pass]]), parting again near the [[Oberalp Pass]] (east of the St Gotthard). Between these two great snowclad ranges flow two of the mightiest European rivers, the [[Rhône]] towards the west and the [[Rhine]] towards the east, their headwaters being only separated by the tangled mountain mass between Pizzo Rotondo and the Oberalp Pass, which sends the [[Reuss (river)|Reuss]] towards the north and the [[Ticino (river)|Ticino]] towards the south.
*To the north of the great northern outlier rises the [[Jura Mountains|Jura range]], a huge spur of the Alps (with which it is connected by the Jorat range), while between the northern outlier and the Jura extends what may be called the plains or [[Swiss Plateau|plateau of Switzerland]], consisting almost wholly of the undulating valley of the [[Aare]] (below [[Thun]]) with its numerous affluents. To that river valley, the valley of the [[Thur (Switzerland)|Thur]] (a direct affluent of the Rhine), that lies between the Aare basin and the Rhine basin (Lake Constance) must be added.

Putting aside the valleys of the [[Ticino (river)|Ticino]] and [[Inn (river)|Inn]], Switzerland may thus be described as consisting of three great river valleys (Rhône, Rhine and Aare) with the smaller one of the Thur, which all lie to the north of the main chain of the Alps and include the region between the Alps and the Jura. If matters are examined more carefully, it can be noted that the Rhône and Rhine valleys are shut off from that of the Aare (and of the Thur) by the great northern outlier of the Alps, which consists of the Bernese and Glarus Alps. Two wide and undulating valleys (Aare and Thur) and two deeply cut trenches (Rhône and Rhine) thus lie on the northern slope of the Alps, to the north and south respectively of the great northern outlier of the Alps. The main chain of the Alps rises in Swiss territory to the height of {{convert|4634|m|ft}} in the loftiest summit or [[Dufourspitze]] (wholly Swiss) of [[Monte Rosa]], though the [[Dom (mountain)|Dom]] ({{convert|4545|m|ft}}), in the Mischabel range, is the highest mountain mass which is entirely within Switzerland. The great northern outlier attains a height of {{convert|4274|m|ft}} in the [[Finsteraarhorn]], while the lowest level ({{convert|193|m|ft}}) within the Confederation, is on [[Lake Maggiore]] (on the course of the Ticino). The highest permanently inhabited village in Switzerland is [[Juf]] ({{convert|2126|m|ft}}) at the head of the high Alpine valley Avers (the ''Averser Rhein'' being a tributary of the Rhine), while the lowest is [[Ascona]] ({{convert|196|m|ft}}), on Lake Maggiore.<ref name="EB"/>

{| style="margin:1em auto;"
|+ 
|-
| [[File:Reliefkarte Schweiz.png|thumb|350px|Simple map of Switzerland]]
| [[File:General Map of Switzerland.jpg|thumb|350px|Detailed map of Switzerland]]
|}

==Geology==
{{See also|Geology of the Alps}}
[[File:Matterhorn from Domhütte - 2.jpg|thumb|The [[Matterhorn]], a geomorphosite of the Alps and natural symbol of Switzerland<ref>{{cite journal | url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2577444123000667 | title=The Matterhorn, an emblematic mountain in Switzerland, the time scales of a geomorphosite | author=Huguet, Francis | journal=International Journal of Geoheritage and Parks  | date=December 2023 | volume=11 | issue=4 | pages=624–633| doi=10.1016/j.ijgeop.2023.11.001 | bibcode=2023IJGP...11..624H | doi-access=free }}</ref>]]
Different geological phenomena shaped the actual landscapes of Switzerland. The [[Alpine orogeny]] had the most visible effects on the landscape: this term covers entire geological movements contributing to the [[Alps|Alps’ formation]].

A crystalline basement formed at the beginning of the [[Paleozoic]] era, between 540 and 360 million years ago. Later, between 205 and 96 million years ago, the alpine ocean or [[Tethys Ocean]] formed between Eurasia and Africa. The ocean reached its maximum width at the end of [[Jurassic]] period, 135 million years ago. The collision between the Eurasian and African plates made it progressively disappear. This plate collision (still in progress) began 100 million years ago. The Alps resulted from this geological movement, the two plates creating folding zones. The Central Plateau is mainly composed of [[molasse]], a sedimentary rock that formed at the bottom of the Tethys ocean.

Switzerland is situated in a relatively tectonically inactive area, although the city of Basel was [[1356 Basel earthquake|completely destroyed in 1356 by an earthquake]], the largest historical seismic event in central Europe. The most seismically active regions are the [[Rhine Rift Valley]] (region of [[Basel]]) and the [[Valais]].

==Physiographic divisions==
[[File:Trois régions suisses 1.png|thumb|The three main geographic regions:
{{legend|#3da40a|[[Jura Mountains|Jura]]}}
{{legend|#f3f582|[[Swiss Plateau|Plateau]]}}
{{legend|#ba923d|[[Swiss Alps|Alps]]}}]]

Switzerland is divided in three main geographic regions: the [[Swiss Alps]], the [[Swiss Plateau|Central Plateau]] and the [[Jura Mountains|Jura]], each corresponding to very different geological realities. In addition, two small regions are not part of those three. The first, north of the [[Rhine]] in the [[Basel]] area, is situated beyond the Jura. The second, on the south in the [[Mendrisio]] area, is located in the [[Po Valley]]. But these two territories are not extensive in comparison to the total area of the country.

The Swiss Alps occupy the southern part of Switzerland. They were formed by the thrust of the African plate, which also caused the formation of the Jura in the north-east and the plateau between the two massifs. In terms of area the Alps constitute about 60% of the country, the plateau 30% and the Jura 10%.

The rugged terrain of the Jura and the Alps are very sparsely populated, except for some large valleys such as the Valais. Most of the population lives on the plateau where the country's major cities such as [[Geneva]], [[Zürich]], [[Basel]], [[Lucern]], and [[Bern]] are located.

===Central Plateau===
{{Main|Swiss Plateau}}
[[File:2011-04-17 Balonveturo (Foto Dietrich Michael Weidmann) 159.JPG|thumb|left|Rolling hills of the [[Emmental]]]]

The Swiss Plateau extends from Lake Geneva on the French border across central Switzerland to Lake Constance on the German and Austrian borders. In the north and northwest, the Swiss Plateau is sharply delimited geographically and geologically by the Jura Mountains. In the south, there is no clear border with the Alps. Usually, the rising of the terrain to altitudes above 1500 metres, which is very abrupt in certain places, is taken as a criterion for delimitation. The plateau has an average altitude of {{convert|580|m|ft}}.<ref name="Plateau">{{Cite web |url=http://www.swissworld.org/en/geography/the_three_regions/the_swiss_plateau/ |title=The Swiss Plateau - Switzerland - Information |access-date=2007-12-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071225100547/http://www.swissworld.org/en/geography/the_three_regions/the_swiss_plateau/ |archive-date=2007-12-25 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Even though the Swiss Plateau forms a basin, it is by no means a flat territory and it is covered with rolling hills, lakes and rivers. Most of Switzerland's large lakes are located in the plateau. Both Lake Geneva ({{convert|581.3|km2|sqmi}}) and Lake Constance ({{convert|541.1|km2|sqmi}}) are located in the plateau but are shared with other countries. The largest lake totally in Switzerland, [[Lake Neuchâtel]] ({{convert|218.3|km2|sqmi}}), is located in the Swiss Plateau.

[[File:Rhine Falls2.jpg|thumb|The Rhine Falls ({{langx|de|Rheinfall}}) located near Schaffhausen is Europe's largest waterfall.]]

The Swiss Plateau is crossed by three great river valleys ([[Rhône]], [[Rhine]] and [[Aare]]) and the smaller [[Thur (Rhine)|Thur]] valley. While the [[Source (river or stream)|headwaters]] of these four rivers all lie in the Alps, they all cut across the plateau between the Alps and the Jura mountains. Near [[Schaffhausen]] the Rhine passes through the [[Rhine Falls]], Europe's largest waterfall. The Rhine Falls are {{convert|150|m|ft}} wide and {{convert|25|m|ft}} high.

The plateau occupies about one third of the land area of Switzerland, and about two thirds of the population live in this area. The population density on the plateau averages about 450 people per km<sup>2</sup> (1,166 per square mile).<ref name="Plateau"/> In the regions around Lake Geneva, [[Lake Zurich]] and other cities, the population density exceeds 1000 people per km<sup>2</sup>.<ref>[http://www.bfs.admin.ch/bfs/portal/de/index/regionen/thematische_karten/maps/bevoelkerung/bevoelkerungsstand/0/bevoelkerungsstand.parsys.0003.PhotogalleryDownloadFile2.tmp/k01.62s.pdf Swiss Federal Statistics Office Map {{in lang|de}}] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080409212805/http://www.bfs.admin.ch/bfs/portal/de/index/regionen/thematische_karten/maps/bevoelkerung/bevoelkerungsstand/0/bevoelkerungsstand.parsys.0003.PhotogalleryDownloadFile2.tmp/k01.62s.pdf |date=2008-04-09 }}</ref> As well as the majority of the population, the Swiss Plateau is also home to the majority of industry, manufacturing and farming in Switzerland. The farms are generally small and very organized. Most farms include small meadows alternating with fields with a variety of crops and small wooded areas.

===Alps===
{{Main|Swiss Alps}}
{{See also|Geography of the Alps}}
[[File:Finsteraarhorn and surrounding mounts.jpg|thumb|Culminating at the [[Finsteraarhorn]], the great northern range constitutes an important climatic barrier]]

The Swiss Alps form part of a chain of mountains that stretch across southern Europe and isolate Northern Europe from the [[Mediterranean Sea]]. Several important passes through the Alps are located in Switzerland, and control of the passes has been important throughout Switzerland's history. The Alps have an average altitude of {{convert|1700|m|ft}}<ref name="Swiss World Geography">{{Cite web |url=http://www.swissworld.org/en/geography/the_three_regions/the_alps/ |title=The Alps - Switzerland - Information |access-date=2007-12-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081016001204/http://www.swissworld.org/en/geography/the_three_regions/the_alps/ |archive-date=2008-10-16 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and cover nearly two thirds of the total surface area. Within the Alps there are 48 mountains that are {{convert|4000|m|ft}} or higher.

The Alps are the watershed of Western Europe. The Rhine, together with its tributaries the Aare and the Thur drain about two thirds of the water into the [[North Sea]]. The [[Rhône]] and the [[Ticino (river)|Ticino]] drain about 18% of the water into the Mediterranean Sea. The [[Inn (river)|Inn]] which flows into the [[Danube]] outside of Switzerland drains about 4.4% of the water into the [[Black Sea]].<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.about.ch/geography/index.html#CH_Geo_Rivers| title = Geography of Switzerland}}</ref> The Swiss Alps also contain many of Central Europe's [[glacier]]s. There are about 1,800 glaciers<ref name="Swiss World Geography"/> which cover {{convert|1200|km2|sqmi}} of the total glaciated area of the Alps.<!--This Reference states over 3000km2--> <ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.about.ch/geography/index.html#CH_Geo_Glaciers| title = Geography of Switzerland}}</ref>

[[File:Grindelwald.jpg|thumb|left|[[Bernese Alps]] in [[Grindelwald]]]]
The Alps are a popular tourist destination and are one of the most recognizable symbols of Switzerland. The tallest point in Switzerland, [[Monte Rosa]] ({{convert|4634|m|ft}}) in [[canton of Valais]], is located in the Alps as is tallest mountain wholly in Switzerland, the [[Dom (Mischabel)|Dom]] ({{convert|4545|m|ft}}). One of the most recognizable symbols of Switzerland, the [[Matterhorn]], is also located in the Alps. The Matterhorn ({{convert|4478|m|ft}}) is the seventh highest peak in the Swiss Alps and is the most photographed mountain in Switzerland. The tallest mountain in the northern outlier<ref name="EB"/> or [[Bernese Alps]] is the [[Finsteraarhorn]] ({{convert|4274|m|ft}}).

Switzerland encompasses a significant portion of the south side of the Alps. Most of it is constituted by the canton of Ticino, almost reaching the plains of the Po and including Switzerland's lowest point on Lake Maggiore ({{convert|193|m|ft}}).<ref name="EB"/> The [[canton of Graubünden]] is also partially located on the south side of the Alps with the four valleys of [[Misox]], [[Val Bregaglia|Bregaglia]], [[Val Poschiavo|Poschiavo]] and [[Val Müstair|Müstair]]. Finally, the [[canton of Valais]] comprises the upper [[Diveria]] valley, located south of the [[Simplon Pass]].

===Jura===
{{See also|Jura Mountains}}
[[File:Jura.jpg|thumb|[[Creux du Van]] in [[canton of Neuchatel]] showing the limestone layers visible in the Jura Mountains]]
The Jura is a [[limestone]] mountain range running from Lake Geneva to the Rhine river. This area makes up about 12% of Switzerland's land area. Located about {{convert|700|m|ft}} above sea level, this region is characterized by a limestone highland with deep river valleys.

The limestone rock in the Jura is a [[Jurassic]] period rock with numerous [[fossil]]s and [[dinosaur]] tracks. The name Jurassic actually refers to the Jura region where these fossils were studied at the end of the 18th century.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.swissworld.org/en/geography/the_three_regions/the_jura/ |title=The Jura - Switzerland - Information |access-date=2007-12-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081016005202/http://www.swissworld.org/en/geography/the_three_regions/the_jura/ |archive-date=2008-10-16 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The Jura is considered one of the most important sites for dinosaur footprints in the world. In one area near the village of [[Courtedoux]], over 13,000 footprints were discovered in between 2002 and 2011.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.letemps.ch/Page/Uuid/b9a87eb2-310b-11e3-8d12-114e9e6d89a0#.Ula6H-AsSlA| archive-url = https://archive.today/20131011185700/http://www.letemps.ch/Page/Uuid/b9a87eb2-310b-11e3-8d12-114e9e6d89a0%23.Ula6H-AsSlA| url-status = dead| archive-date = October 11, 2013| title = Le Temps article, October 10, 2013}}</ref>

The range is being continually built up and decreasing in width by mountain building, accommodating the compression from alpine folding as the main [[orogenic|Alpine orogenic]] front moves roughly northwards. The deformation becomes less pervasive away from the younger, more active Alpine mountain building.

[[File:Lac des Brenets 2008.jpg|thumb|left|The [[Doubs (river)|Doubs]], marking the border with France]]
Structurally, the Jura consists of a sequence of <!--"Owen" no references found for 'Owen fold or folds---> folds, the formation of which is facilitated by an [[evaporite|evaporitic]] [[decollement]] layer. The box folds are still relatively young, evidenced by their defining the shape of the overlying [[landscape]] (meaning they have not existed long enough to experience [[erosion]]). The folds comprise three major ([[lithological]] units) bands of building evidence dated roughly by [[era]]: the [[Late Jurassic|Malm]], [[Middle Jurassic|Dogger]], and [[Early Jurassic|Lias]] (<!--giving rise to the name for ??? unclear, so translating?-->part of the [[Jurassic]] [[Geologic period]]). Each era of folding represents effects on a previously shallow marine environment as evidenced by beds with particular [[calcite|carbonate]] sequences, containing abundant [[bioclast]]s and [[oolite|oolitic]] divisions between layers (called horizons).

The Jura Mountains rise in Swiss territory to a height of {{convert|1679|m|ft}} at [[Mont Tendre]]. Other high summits are [[La Dôle]] ({{convert|1677|m|ft}}), the [[Chasseron]] ({{convert|1607|m|ft}}) and the [[Chasseral]] ({{convert|1607|m|ft}}), all located in the western part of the range, in the cantons of [[canton of Vaud|Vaud]], [[Canton of Neuchâtel|Neuchâtel]] and [[Canton of Bern|Bern]].

==Hydrology==
{{Main|Hydrology of Switzerland}}
[[File:Aletschgebiet aus dem Flugzeug.jpg|thumb|Many rivers, such as the [[Aare]], take their source from the Alpine glaciers.]]
Often referred to as the water tower of Europe, Switzerland has 6% of all freshwater reserves of the continent, while only accounting for 0.4% of its total area.<ref>[https://www.bafu.admin.ch/bafu/en/home/topics/water/info-specialists/international-water-protection.html Water: international affairs], [[Federal Office for the Environment]] (FOEN). ("Switzerland is well known as a rich source of water: 6% of Europe's freshwater reserves are to be found in this country, although it only accounts for 0.4% of the total area of the continent."). Retrieved 26-02-2021</ref> The country shares five river basins and some of the largest lakes in western Europe with its neighbours. It is the source of several major European rivers that ultimately flow into the [[North Sea]] ([[Rhine]]), into the [[Mediterranean Sea]] ([[Rhône]]), into the [[Black Sea]] ([[Inn (river)|Inn]], through the [[Danube]]) and into the [[Adriatic Sea]] ([[Ticino (river)|Ticino]], through the [[Po (river)|Po]] and [[Rom (river)|Rom]] through the [[Adige]]).

Most of the great Swiss rivers, being in their origin mere mountain torrents, tend to overflow their banks. Much has been done to prevent this by embanking them, regaining arable land: the Rhine (between [[Bad Ragaz]] and Lake Constance), the Rhône, the Aare, the Reuss and in particular the great works on the [[Linth]] (carried out 1807–1810 by [[Hans Conrad Escher]], earning him the surname of "Von der Linth") and the [[Zihl]] near the lakes of [[Lake Neuchâtel|Neuchâtel]] and [[Lake Biel|Biel]], while the diversion of the [[Kander (Switzerland)|Kander]] from its junction with the Aare to a channel by which it flows into [[Lake Thun]] was effected as early as 1714.

[[File:Klöntal.jpg|thumb|left|The [[Klöntalersee]], one of the numerous Alpine lakes of Switzerland]]
Switzerland has considerable reserves of groundwater and a large number of lakes, large and small, can be found in most areas. The two most extensive, those of [[Lake Geneva|Geneva]] and of [[Lake Constance|Constance]], balance each other, as it were, at the south-west and north-east corners of the land. But neither of these is wholly Swiss, this distinction being claimed by the next in size, that of [[Lake Neuchâtel|Neuchâtel]], [[Lake Maggiore]] (partly Swiss only) coming next in the list, and being followed by the wholly Swiss lakes of [[Lake Lucerne|Lucerne]] and of [[Lake Zurich|Zurich]]. Then come [[Lake Lugano]], [[Lake Thun]], [[Lake Biel]], [[Lake Zug]], [[Lake Brienz]], [[Lake Walenstadt]] and [[Lake Murten]]. These thirteen only are over {{convert|20|km2|mi2|abbr=on}} in extent. Ten of them are in the Rhine basin (also in that of the Aare), two (Maggiore and Lugano) in that of the Po, and one (Geneva) in that of the Rhône. There are no large lakes in the Swiss portion of the [[Inn (river)|Inn]] basin, the most extensive being that of [[Lake Sils|Sils]]. Smaller Alpine lakes such as the [[Oeschinensee]] are innumerable, and often constitute popular tourist destination. Since the twentieth century a large number of dams have been built in the Alps and elsewhere, resulting in many artificial lakes. The largest are the [[Sihlsee]] and the [[Lake of Gruyère]] both approximately {{convert|10|km2|mi2|abbr=on}} in extent. Also notable is [[Lac des Dix]], withheld by the [[Grande Dixence]], the tallest gravity dam in the world.

In total, lakes and reservoirs contain 50% of the stored water, glaciers 28%, groundwater 20% and rivers 2%.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.unece.org/env/water/meetings/ecosystem/Reports/Switzerland_en.pdf| title = Switzerland National Report, Convention on Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes. unece.org}}</ref>

[[File:Chexbres - 1 - 2048x712.jpg|thumb|600px|centre|View of [[Lake Geneva]] from the vineyards between [[Montreux]] and [[Lausanne]]]]

==Climate==
<!--All numbers are based on the 1981-2010 period, see table for source. Do NOT make any time period update without updating all information and numbers-->
[[File:Koppen-Geiger_Map_v2_CHE_1991–2020.svg|thumb|300px|[[Köppen climate classification]] types of Switzerland]]
The geography of Switzerland encompasses a wide range of [[climate]]s, from subtropical to perennial snow climate. However, the lowlands are part of the [[temperate zone]] and typically experience neither extreme temperatures nor extreme weather conditions. In the [[Köppen climate classification]], the [[Swiss Plateau]] and most low-elevation areas are at the transition between [[oceanic climate]] (Cfb) and [[continental climate]] (Dfb). As a consequence, all four seasons (spring, summer, autumn and winter) are well marked and present distinct weather conditions. At the same time, the influence of the nearby seas (especially the [[Atlantic Ocean]]) tends to prevent extreme temperatures in summer and winter, with changeable, often overcast weather.<ref>[https://www.meteoswiss.admin.ch/home/climate/the-climate-of-switzerland.html The Climate of Switzerland], [[Federal Office of Meteorology and Climatology]] MeteoSwis. ("Switzerland's climate is heavily influenced by the Alps as well as by the Atlantic Ocean."). Retrieved 26-02-2021</ref> The [[Alps]], and in a minor way the [[Jura Mountains]], have a considerable impact on the Swiss climate. They influence it both on a horizontal level, by [[Mountain range#Climate|compartmentalizing]] it into distinct areas, and on a vertical level, by [[Altitudinal zonation|stratificating]] it into distinct layers. As a result, four other Köppen climate types are also found in Switzerland:<!--It is likely that without the Alps and Jura there would be only Cfb and Dfb--> [[humid subtropical climate]] (Cfa), [[subarctic climate]] (Dfc), [[tundra climate]] (ET) and [[ice cap climate]] (EF).

<!--The following paragraph concerns essentially low-elevation regions-->
At lower altitudes, the weather is generally moderate. On the Plateau, freezing temperatures generally occur during December-early March<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.myswitzerland.com/en.cfm/about_switzerland/weather| title = Weather - Switzerland Tourism<!-- Bot generated title -->}}</ref> with an average temperature of {{convert|9|°C|°F|1}} for elevations between {{convert|400|-|600|m|ft|0}}. On the Plateau, the average [[Precipitation (meteorology)|precipitation]] is {{convert|1000|mm|in}} with a range of about {{convert|800|-|1300|mm|in|1}}.<ref name="BFS Environment" /> Ticino, on the south side of the Alps, is usually {{convert|2|-|4|C-change|F-change}} warmer, and wetter than the Plateau, with often different weather conditions, which are particularly noticeable when crossing the [[Gotthard Base Tunnel#Description|Gotthard]]<!--Illustrations--> or other major tunnels through the Alps.

<!--The following paragraph concerns essentially low-elevation regions-->
Horizontally, the low-elevation regions having a distinct climate are essentially the Plateau (north of the Alps), southern Switzerland (south of the Alps) and the inner valleys (neither really north of south of the Alps but well within them). To those can be added the northerly regions of [[Ajoie]], both cantons of Basel ([[canton of Basel-City]] and [[canton of Basel-Country]]) and [[canton of Schaffhausen]] (well beyond the Jura Mountains), which are comparable to the Plateau. In those regions, the lowest averages temperatures can be found on the Plateau ([[Bern]]: {{convert|8.8|°C|°F|1}}) or north of the Jura Mountains ([[Fahy]]: {{convert|8.9|°C|°F|1}}). On the other hand, the highest average temperatures are found south of the Alps ([[Locarno]]: {{convert|12.4|°C|°F|1}}, [[Lugano]]: {{convert|12.4|°C|°F|1}}), which are partially subtropical. The precipitation levels are also deeply affected by the Alps, with the highest rainfalls being experienced south of the Alps (Locarno: {{convert|1897|mm|in|1}}, [[Lugano]]: {{convert|1559|mm|in|1}}). In general, the proximity to the Alpine foothills increases the precipitations ([[Interlaken]] {{convert|1196|mm|in|1}}), [[Lucerne]]: {{convert|1173|mm|in|1}}), while places further away from the Alps experience less precipitation ([[Basel]]: {{convert|842|mm|in|1}}). The driest regions of the country are, however, deep within the Alps (the inner valleys), particularly in Valais ([[Sion, Switzerland|Sion]]: {{convert|603|mm|in|1}}), which is often described as "semi-arid",<ref>[https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20210721-switzerlands-gravity-defying-solution Switzerland's gravity-defying solution], [[BBC]], 22 July 2021, ("The sight of a scuttling scorpion is a clue to the Valais semi-arid climate, where six species of cactus thrive, alongside figs and snakes.")</ref><ref>Christian Moser, [https://sgeo-ge.ch/les-bisses-du-valais-mythes-et-realites-par-christian-moser/ Les bisses du Valais : mythes et réalités], Société de Géographie de Genève, 11 July 2020  ("Si cette zone climatique que les géographes qualifient de semi-aride permet des cultures de céréales sans recours à l’irrigation, elle ne convient toutefois pas à une production intensive de fourrage indispensable à un élevage bovin.")</ref> but also in [[Graubünden]] ([[Chur]]: {{convert|849|mm|in|1}}). Precipitation levels do not always negatively correlate with sunshine hours. While Locarno is one of the wettest low-elevation locations in the country, it is also the one with the most sunshine hours (2,171). In comparison, the drier locations on the Plateau experience much less sunshine hours ([[Lucerne]]: 1,570, [[Zürich]]: 1,544). Being sheltered by the mountains, the regions well within the Alps also naturally experience more sunshine hours than the north side of the Alps (Sion: 2,093, Chur: 1,692).

The widest range of climates in Switzerland is spread vertically. As the elevation above sea-level ranges from {{convert|193|to|4634|m|ft}}, many [[ecosystems]] are naturally found, from the regions of olives, vines, oaks and beeches, pines and firs, to those of the high mountain pastures, rhododendrons, and of eternal snow. In general, rainfall increase with elevation, while temperature decrease with it. Just above the plains and the foothills zone, at roughly {{convert|800|m|ft|-3}}, is the [[Montane ecosystems|montane zone]], which still encompasses numerous inhabited regions of the Alps and Jura Mountains. In the montane zone, which comprehends a large diversity of ecosystems, coniferous trees and snowfall progressively replace deciduous tree and rainfall. At roughly {{convert|2000|m|ft|-3}} is the [[tree line]], which marks the beginning of the [[Alpine zone]]. The latter marks the end of the inhabited regions as well, with a few exceptions, such as [[Juf]]. The final layer lies above {{convert|3000|m|ft|-3}}. It is the snow zone ([[ice cap climate]]). It only concerns the high Alps, notably the [[Bernese Alps]] and [[Pennine Alps]]. The coldest meteorological station is at the [[Jungfraujoch]], and overlook one of Europe's largest glaciers. The Jura and Alpine foothills have more precipitation than the plains, with an average of {{convert|1200|-|1600|mm|in|1}}, while the high Alps may have over {{convert|3000|mm|in|1}}.

While the highest temperature ever recorded in Switzerland was {{cvt|41.5|C|F}} in August 2003 in [[Grono, Switzerland|Grono]], the lowest officially recorded was {{cvt|-41.8|C|F}} in January 1987 in [[La Brévine]]. Lower temperatures have also been registered, independently from the [[MeteoSwiss|Federal Office of Meteorology and Climatology]], for instance at [[Glattalpsee]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.luzernerzeitung.ch/zentralschweiz/muotathal-klirrende-kaelte-auf-der-glattalp-ld.62680 |title=Muotathal: Klirrende Kälte auf der Glattalp |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=15 December 2009 |newspaper=[[Luzerner Zeitung]] |access-date= February 21, 2021|language=German |quote=Am 7. Februar 1991 wurde auf der Glattalp mit -52.5 Grad der schweizerische Minusrekord gemessen. |trans-quote=On February 7, 1991, the Swiss minus record was measured on the Glattalp with -52.5 degrees.}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable" style="margin:1em auto;"<!--All numbers in this table are based on the climate diagrams and charts published by MeteoSwiss-->
|+ '''Climatic diversity''' (period between 1981 and 2010)<ref>[https://www.meteoswiss.admin.ch/home/climate/swiss-climate-in-detail/climate-normals/climate-diagrams-and-normals--per-station.html Climate diagrams and normals per station], [[Federal Office of Meteorology and Climatology]] (MeteoSwiss), Retrieved 24-02-2021</ref>
! scope="col" style="width: 150px;" | Place
!Altitude of meteorological station (m)
!Average rainfall (mm per year)
!Average sunshine in August (%)<!--Generally the sunniest period of the year-->
!Average sunshine in December (%)<!--Generally the least sunny period of the year-->
!Average maximum temperature in July (°C)<!--Warmest period of the year-->
!Average minimum temperature in January (°C)<!--Coldest period of the year-->
!Illustration<!--Ideally including vegetation in the foreground. NOT in winter.-->
|-----
|[[Jungfraujoch]] <br> (Alps)
| align="right" |3571
| align="right" |>3000<ref>[https://www.meteoswiss.admin.ch/home/climate/swiss-climate-in-detail/climate-normals/norm-value-ch Norm value charts]{{Dead link|date=June 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}, [[Federal Office of Meteorology and Climatology]] (MeteoSwiss), Retrieved 24-02-2021 (over 3000 mm according to Mean Yearly Precipitation map, no precise measurement)</ref>
| align="center" |49
| align="center" |48
| align="right" | +3.1
| align="right" | -15.7
| [[File:Sphinx et Jungfrau - img 06980.jpg|120px|The Sphinx and the Jungfraujoch. Note the prevalence of ice and snow and the absence of vegetation.]]
|-----
|[[Säntis]] <br> (Alps)
| align="right" |2501
| align="right" |2837
| align="center" |40
| align="center" |44
| align="right" | +8.8
| align="right" | -9.6
|[[File:Imposanter Säntis.jpg|120px|Below the summit of Säntis. Note the almost barren landscape with some patches of tundra and snow.]]
|-----
|[[Arosa]] <br> (Alps)
| align="right" |1878
| align="right" |1365
| align="center" |51
| align="center" |48
| align="right" | +15.4
| align="right" | -7.0
|[[File:Arosa Untersee.jpg|120px|Untersee in Arosa. Note the prevalence of coniferous forests and the presence of dwarf trees, indicating the proximity of the tree line.]]
|-----
|[[La Chaux-de-Fonds]] <br> (Jura Mountains)
| align="right" |1017
| align="right" |1441
| align="center" |50
| align="center" |35
| align="right" | +20.7
| align="right" | -6.0
| [[File:MaisonBlanche.jpg|120px|Maison Blanche in La Chaux-de-Fonds. Note the mixed coniferous-deciduous forest in background.]]
|-----
|[[Bern]] <br> (Swiss Plateau)<!--Bern / Zollikofen-->
| align="right" |553
| align="right" |1059
| align="center" |54
| align="center" |20
| align="right" | +24.3
| align="right" | -3.6
| [[File:Bern 007 (35250800705).jpg|120px|Aare river in Bern. Note the prevalence of deciduous trees.]]
|-----
|[[Sion, Switzerland|Sion]] <br> (Inner valleys)
| align="right" |482
| align="right" |603
| align="center" |64
| align="center" |50
| align="right" | +27.0
| align="right" | -3.6
| [[File:Valère castle in Sion, Switzerland, Photo by Giles Laurent.jpg|120px|Valère Basilica hill in Sion. Note the prevalence of steppic vegetation in the foreground and vineyards in the background.]]
|-----
|[[Locarno]] <br> (Southern Switzerland)<!--Locarno / Monti-->
| align="right" |367
| align="right" |1897
| align="center" |62
| align="center" |57
| align="right" | +27.1
| align="right" | +0.8
|[[File:Locarno from Monti Trinita.jpg|120px|Locarno from Monti Trinità. Note the presence of palm trees in the foreground and the brown mountains in the background, showing the prevalence of deciduous trees (before foliation) at even high elevations.]]
|-----
|}

==Political divisions and greater regions==
{{See also|Subdivisions of Switzerland}}
As a federal state, Switzerland is composed of [[Cantons of Switzerland|26 cantons]], which are further divided into [[Districts of Switzerland|districts]] and [[Municipalities of Switzerland|municipalities]]. Each canton was a fully [[sovereignty|sovereign]] state<ref>{{HDS|26414<!--Section 1-1-->|Cantons, In the Old Confederation until 1798}}</ref> with its own borders, army and currency from the [[Treaty of Westphalia]] (1648) until the establishment of the Swiss federal state in 1848. There are considerable differences between the individual cantons, most particularly in terms of population and geographical area; hence seven larger and more homogeneous regions have been defined. They do not, however, constitute administrative units and are mostly used for statistical and economic purposes.<ref>[http://www.bfs.admin.ch/bfs/portal/de/index/infothek/nomenklaturen/blank/blank/grossreg/01.html Nomenklaturen – Grossregionen] admin.ch</ref>

{| style="float: left; border: 0px; margin: 2.6em 0 0 0;"
|-
| valign="top" | [[File:Karte Grossregionen der Schweiz 2011.png|350px]]
|}
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Regions
! Cantons of
! Regions
! Cantons of
|-
| rowspan="3" style="background: #d9d4e9;" | {{center|[[Northwestern Switzerland|Northwestern<br>Switzerland]]}}
| style="background: #d9d4e9;" | [[Canton of Aargau|Aargau]]
| rowspan="6" style="background: #f5c491;" | {{center|[[Central Switzerland|Central<br>Switzerland]]}}
| style="background: #f5c491;" | [[Canton of Lucerne|Lucerne]]
|-
| style="background: #d9d4e9;" | [[Canton of Basel-Landschaft|Basel-Landschaft]]
| style="background: #f5c491;" | [[Canton of Nidwalden|Nidwalden]]
|-
| style="background: #d9d4e9;" | [[Canton of Basel-Stadt|Basel-Stadt]]
| style="background: #f5c491;" | [[Canton of Obwalden|Obwalden]]
|-
| rowspan="5" style="background: #d9e979;" | {{center|[[Espace Mittelland|Espace<br>Mittelland]]}}
| style="background: #d9e979;" | [[Canton of Bern|Bern]]
| style="background: #f5c491;" | [[Canton of Schwyz|Schwyz]]
|-
| style="background: #d9e979;" | [[Canton of Fribourg|Fribourg]]
| style="background: #f5c491;" | [[Canton of Uri|Uri]]
|-
| style="background: #d9e979;" | [[Canton of Jura|Jura]]
| style="background: #f5c491;" | [[Canton of Zug|Zug]]
|-
| style="background: #d9e979;" | [[Canton of Neuchâtel|Neuchâtel]]
| rowspan="7" style="background: #fffcc8;" | {{center|[[Eastern Switzerland|Eastern<br>Switzerland]]}}
| style="background: #fffcc8;" | [[Canton of Appenzell Ausserrhoden|Appenzell Ausserrhoden]]
|-
| style="background: #d9e979;" | [[Canton of Solothurn|Solothurn]]
| style="background: #fffcc8;" | [[Canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden|Appenzell Innerrhoden]]
|-
| rowspan="3" style="background: #b6ddc7;" | {{center|[[Lake Geneva region|Lake Geneva]]}}
| style="background: #b6ddc7;" | [[Canton of Geneva|Geneva]]
| style="background: #fffcc8;" | [[Canton of Glarus|Glarus]]
|-
| style="background: #b6ddc7;" | [[Canton of Valais|Valais]]
| style="background: #fffcc8;" | [[Canton of Grisons|Graubünden]]
|-
| style="background: #b6ddc7;" | [[Canton of Vaud|Vaud]]
| style="background: #fffcc8;" | [[Canton of Schaffhausen|Schaffhausen]]
|-
| style="background: #f8c6db;" | {{center|[[Canton of Zürich|Zürich]]}}
| style="background: #f8c6db;" | [[Canton of Zürich|Zürich]]
| style="background: #fffcc8;" | [[Canton of St. Gallen|St. Gallen]]
|-
| style="background: #ee9a85;" | {{center|[[Ticino]]}}
| style="background: #ee9a85;" | [[Canton of Ticino|Ticino]]
| style="background: #fffcc8;" | [[Canton of Thurgau|Thurgau]]
|}

==Land use==
{| border=1 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 width=280 style="float:right; border:1px solid gray; border-collapse:collapse; font-size:80%; margin:0 0.5em 1em;"
| colspan=4 | [[File:Re 482 mit Containerzug bei Oberrüti.jpg|280px|Countryside in Aargau]]
|-
! align="center" bgcolor="lightblue" colspan="4" |<big>'''Land use'''</big> <br/> <small>Source: [[Federal Statistical Office (Switzerland)|FSO]] (1992–1997)</small><ref name=bfsluse>{{cite web |url=http://www.bfs.admin.ch/bfs/portal/de/index/themen/02/03/blank/key/01/zustand_und_entwicklung__tabelle.html |title=Zustand und Entwicklung der Bodennutzung - Arealstatistik 1979/85 und 1992/97 |publisher=Bundesamt für Statistik |date=2010 |access-date=2010-06-03 |language=de |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090725063713/http://www.bfs.admin.ch/bfs/portal/de/index/themen/02/03/blank/key/01/zustand_und_entwicklung__tabelle.html |archive-date=2009-07-25 }}</ref>
|-
!scope=col|Main areas
!scope=col|Surface <br />(in %)
!scope=col|Land use
!scope=col|Surface <br />(in [[Hectare|ha]])
|-
!scope=row rowspan="5" |'''Surfaces of housing and infrastructure'''|| rowspan="5" align="right"|{{center|6.8}}
|Building areas ||align="right"|{{formatnum:137564}}
|-
|Industrial areas||align="right"|{{formatnum:20233}}
|-
|Special infrastructure areas||align="right"|{{formatnum:16111}}
|-
|Green spaces and recreation areas||align="right"|{{formatnum:15860}}
|-
|Transportation areas||align="right"|{{formatnum:89329}}
|-
!scope=row rowspan="3" |'''Agricultural land'''||rowspan="3" align="right"|{{center|36.9}}
|Orchards, vineyards, horticulture||align="right"|{{formatnum:60956}}
|-
|Arable land, local pastures||align="right"|{{formatnum:926378}}
|-
|Alpine pastures||align="right"|{{formatnum:537802}}
|-
!scope=row rowspan="3" |'''Forests'''||rowspan="3" align="right"|{{center|30.8}}
|Forest||align="right"|{{formatnum:1102160}}
|-
|Scrub forests||align="right"|{{formatnum:60514}}
|-
|Other woodlands||align="right"|{{formatnum:108978}}
|-
!scope=row rowspan="4" |'''Unproductive areas'''||rowspan="4" align="right"|{{center|25.5}}
|Lakes||align="right"|{{formatnum:142234}}
|-
|Rivers||align="right"|{{formatnum:31724}}
|-
|Unproductive vegetation||align="right"|{{formatnum:263051}}
|-
|Unvegetated surfaces||align="right"|{{formatnum:615597}}
|}

The Swiss territory is divided into four major types of [[land use]]. {{as of|2001}}, 36.9%<ref name="BFS">{{cite web |last=Bundesamt fur Statistik (Federal Department of Statistics) |title=Statistics for Switzerland |year=2008 |url=http://www.bfs.admin.ch/bfs/portal/de/index/international/laenderportraets/schweiz/blank/kennzahlen.html
 |access-date=2008-12-01}} {{in lang|de}}</ref> of the land in Switzerland was used for farming. 30.8% of the country is covered with forests and woodlands,<ref name="BFS"/> with an additional 6.8% covered with houses or buildings.<ref name="BFS Environment"/> About one-fourth (25.5%) of the country is either mountains, lakes or rivers and is categorised as unproductive.<ref name=bfsluse/>

===Surfaces of housing and infrastructure===
The habitat is mainly developed in the Swiss Plateau and the northern slopes of the Alps, near lakes and along major rivers. It occupies 14.6% of the Plateau, the Jura (7.4%), the southern (4.3%) and the northern Alps (4%), and finally the western central Alps (2.9%) and Eastern Alps (1.6%).

Habitat areas and infrastructure grow around the urban areas but also in the countryside, at the expense of agricultural land. This growth (called ''[[suburbanization]]'') is particularly pronounced along the main transport routes such as motorways and railways. New roads lead to a significant increase in construction activity in the affected regions. Many people who work in the city prefer to live in the countryside to take advantage of cheaper land and better quality of life. This is also reflected in the construction statistics: single-family homes arise mainly in rural areas, multi-family homes in the cities. Household structures are also evolving and tend to become smaller. In twelve years, the area devoted to housing increased by 25% while the increase of the population was only 9%.

===Farmland===
{{main|Agriculture in Switzerland}}
Although it is declining, agriculture represents the most important use of the territory in Switzerland. Farmlands dominates the Plateau, occupying just over half of the area. The situation is similar in the Jura (44%), on the northern slopes of the Alps (38.2%) and in the eastern Central Alps (31.4%). In the mountainous regions of the western Central Alps (Valais) and in the south, the agricultural areas (mostly pastures) are proportionately lower.

In 1993 it was estimated that {{convert|250|km2|sqmi}} (or about 0.6%) of the entire country was irrigated<ref name="CIA Factbook"/> meaning that most Swiss farms receive enough rainfall to grow.

The protection of forested areas led to numerous conflicts of interests around the farmland, especially on the Plateau and near urban areas where the habitat area development and infrastructure tend to reduce the amount of arable land. Conversely, the number of farms in the mountains tend to decrease, many areas are left for the benefit of woodlands to the detriment of landscape diversity. This decline is particularly marked in Valais and Ticino.

===Forests===
{{main|Forests of Switzerland}}
Forests cover less than a third of the territory, but the area is increasing year by year. The [[reforestation]] is essentially natural, mainly in the Alps where the forest areas reoccupy those abandoned by farmers. [[Afforestation]] contributes 13% to reforestation, and is conducted for compensation following a clearance or to provide protection against natural hazards in the mountainous areas (avalanches, landslides). Forests are more predominant in the Jura and in the southern Alps, occupying respectively 47.7% and 47.2% of the soil in these regions. On the northern slopes of the Alps, Alpine forest occupy 33.2% and on the Plateau 24.6%. It is in the Central Alps that forest areas occupy less floor with about 22% coverage.

Switzerland is home to mixed maple-ash forests of fertile and deep earth that collects at the base of slopes. They replace the moist oak-hornbeam forests in areas with higher rainfall. This type of forest has been called "one of the most productive in Switzerland" and the tree growth has been described as "aggressive". It takes one third of the time for trees to reach the same height as it would in a mull-beech forest and within 100 years trees in maple-ash forests can reach a height of 35m, though the quality of wood will not be as high. The rich undergrowth of these forests is dominated by the ''[[allium ursinum]]'' (wild garlic) common throughout Western Europe.<ref>{{cite book |title=Ecology of Central European Forests |date=22 September 2017 |publisher=Springer |pages=450–451 |isbn=9783319430423 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dOQ2DwAAQBAJ&pg=PA450 |access-date=28 March 2019}}</ref>

===Unproductive areas===
The unproductive areas correspond to all areas occupied by rocks, boulders, ice, snow fields and unproductive vegetation beyond the limits of forests. Lakes, rivers and wetlands are also unproductive areas. Occupying 25.5% of Swiss soil, these surfaces are in very slight decline (-0.1% over 10 years). They are predominant in the Central Alps (half of the soil), on the contrary they only cover 10% of the surface of the plateau and 1% of the Swiss Jura. The uncultivated mountain areas are exploited by the tourism and the production of [[hydroelectricity]]. Climatic conditions strongly affect the landscape of these areas: water [[seepage]], [[landslides]], [[avalanche]]s, [[torrent (stream)|torrent]]s in spate. Man intervenes on 0.2% of this surface area to create infrastructure protecting against floods or avalanches. The channels of communication, with many works of art occupy a portion of these surfaces.

In the plains, lakes and streams near areas of habitat are used for recreation and relaxation. Habitats, damp or dry, and nature reserves are managed and these areas contribute to maintain [[biodiversity]].

==Population==
{{Main|Demographics of Switzerland}}
[[File:CH-population-density-2007.png|thumb|Density of population by municipality (2007)]]
The population of Switzerland is heavily urbanised. In 2009, 74% of the 7,785,800 inhabitants lived in urban areas. The distribution of population is shaped by the topography of the country, the plateau being the most populous area and including the major cities of Switzerland. With a population density of 450 inhabitants per km<sup>2</sup>, it is one of the most densely populated region in Europe. There are large disparities of population densities between the cantons lying in the plateau and those lying in the Alps. Thus, the population densities of the cantons of [[Canton of Lucerne|Lucerne]], [[Canton of Solothurn|Solothurn]] and [[Canton of Zürich|Zürich]] are respectively 261.0, 319.7 and 813.6 inhabitants per km<sup>2</sup>. On the other hand, the cantons of [[Canton of Uri|Uri]] and [[Graubünden]] have very low population densities, respectively 33.4 and 27.0 inhabitants per km<sup>2</sup>. In the southern Alps, the [[canton of Ticino]] also has a population density less than the national average, with 122.5 inhabitants per km<sup>2</sup> (against 194.7).<ref>[http://www.bfs.admin.ch/bfs/portal/en/index/themen/01/02/blank/key/raeumliche_verteilung/agglomerationen.html Population size and population composition – Data, indicators] bfs.admin.ch. Retrieved 2011-04-11</ref>

==Environment==
{{See also|Environmental movement in Switzerland|Health in Switzerland#Environmental issues related to health	}}
[[Image:Gletscherschmelze.jpg|thumb|300px|The [[Retreat of glaciers since 1850|retreat]] of [[Aletsch Glacier]] (situation in 1979, 1991 and 2002), due to [[global warming]]]]
With the delicate alpine and glacial environments making up a significant portion of the country and providing a major industry, Switzerland has been concerned with environmental issues. Some of the main issues are listed below.

===Air===
The main environmental issues in Switzerland's air is [[air pollution]] from vehicle emissions and open-air burning as well as [[acid rain]].<ref name="CIA Factbook"/> In 2004, the average amount of [[carbon dioxide]] (CO<sub>2</sub>) emissions per resident was {{convert|6|t|ST LT|1|lk=on}}<ref name="BFS"/> and in 2005 was {{convert|6.2|t|ST LT|1}}.<ref name="MDG">[http://mdgs.un.org/unsd/mdg/Data.aspx United Nations Millennium Development Goals Indicators] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110317081247/http://mdgs.un.org/unsd/mdg/Data.aspx |date=2011-03-17 }} accessed December 2, 2008</ref> With these numbers, Switzerland is 31st to 33rd among the 45 nations listed by United Nations [[Millennium Development Goals]] Indicators as [[developed nation]]s and 69th worldwide.<ref name="MDG"/> In 2009 Switzerland announced that they expected by 2010 to reduce their total greenhouse gas emissions by 8% to 10% over emissions in 1990.<ref name="BFS Environment"/>

The population ({{as of|2005|lc=on}}) uses 3.76 [[Tonne of oil equivalent|tonnes of oil equivalent]] per person per year, of which 43.7% comes from [[petroleum]] and 19% from [[nuclear power]].<ref name="BFS"/>

===Water===
The major water issue in Switzerland is [[water pollution]] from the increased use of agricultural fertilizers as well as [[hydrocarbon]] pollution from transport and industry.<ref name="CIA Factbook"/> While improvements have been made, there are still issues with [[eutrophication]] (an increase in nitrogen and phosphates) in many lakes in the Swiss Plateau.<ref name="BFS Environment"/>

The total renewable [[water resources]] of Switzerland, {{as of|2005|lc=on}}, totals {{convert|53.3|km3|impgal USgal|abbr=on}},<ref name="CIA Factbook"/> of which the total [[freshwater]] withdrawal is {{convert|2.5|km3|impgal USgal|abbr=on}} per year. This breaks down to a ''[[per capita]]'' freshwater withdrawal of {{convert|348|m3|impgal USgal|abbr=on}} per year. Of that water ({{as of|2002|lc=on}}), 24% is used in households, 74% in industry and only 2% is used for agriculture.<ref name="CIA Factbook"/>

In Switzerland, there are officially 38,000 polluted sites, 4,000 of which represent a real threat to [[groundwater]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rts.ch/info/suisse/7982248-la-suisse-compte-encore-pres-de-38000-sites-pollues-a-assainir.html|title = La Suisse compte encore près de 38'000 sites pollués à assainir|date = 2 September 2016}}</ref>

===Biodiversity===
[[File:Alpine Ibex.jpg|thumb|An alpine ibex in the [[Lötschental]]]]
Switzerland is facing a [[Biodiversity loss|loss of biodiversity]].<ref name="CIA Factbook"/> While the country is quite small, the wide range of climates allow a variety of organisms to flourish. There are about 50,000 animal and plant species living in Switzerland.<ref name="BFS Environment"/> While most species that live on north and south foothills of the Alps are generally doing well, the Swiss Plateau is seeing a decrease in many species. The pressure from city and agricultural growth is reducing or eliminating the habitat of many species that once flourished along the plateau. There are about 60 species that are considered endangered that live in Switzerland.<ref name="BFS Environment"/> To help offset this, 28.6% of the country is set aside as a protected natural area.<ref name="MDG"/> In 2001, the [[Federal Office for the Environment]] FOEN launched a nationwide programme to systematically monitor biodiversity ([[Biodiversity Monitoring Switzerland]]).<ref>[http://www.biodiversitymonitoring.ch/en/home.html ''biodiversitymonitoring.ch.''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804055413/https://www.biodiversitymonitoring.ch/en/home.html |date=2020-08-04 }} Website of the Biodiversity Monitoring Switzerland. Retrieved 2019-05-08.</ref>

===International agreements===
''Party to:''
*[[Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution|Air Pollution]]
*[[Nitrogen Oxide Protocol|Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides]]
*[[Sulphur Emissions Reduction Protocol (disambiguation)|Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94]]
*[[Volatile Organic Compounds Protocol|Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds]]
*Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants
*[[Antarctic Treaty System|Antarctic Treaty]]
*[[Convention on Biological Diversity|Biodiversity]]
*[[United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change|Climate Change]]
*[[United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification|Desertification]]
*[[Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora|Endangered Species]]
*[[Convention on the Prohibition of Military or Any Other Hostile Use of Environmental Modification Techniques|Environmental Modification]]
*[[Basel Convention|Hazardous Wastes]]
*[[Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping Wastes and Other Matter|Marine Dumping]]
*[[Convention on Fishing and Conservation of Living Resources of the High Seas|Marine Life Conservation]]
*[[Nuclear Test Ban]]
*[[Montreal Protocol on Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer|Ozone Layer Protection]]
*[[International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships|Ship Pollution]]
*[[International Tropical Timber Agreement, 1983|Tropical Timber 83]]
*[[International Tropical Timber Agreement, 1994|Tropical Timber 94]]
*[[Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially As Waterfowl Habitat|Wetlands]]
*[[International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling|Whaling]]

''Signed, but not ratified:''
*[[Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty|Antarctic-Environmental Protocol]]
*[[Kyoto Protocol|Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol]]
*[[United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea|Law of the Sea]]<ref name="CIA Factbook"/>

==Area and borders==
{{anchor|Borders}}
{{Further|Swiss-German border|Swiss-Austrian border|Swiss-Italian border|Swiss-French border}}

The borders of Switzerland were established by the original formation of the [[Helvetic Republic]] in 1798, the accession thereto of [[Valais]] and [[Grisons]] and the incorporation of various remaining feudal territories such as the [[County of Neuchâtel]], [[Prince-Bishopric of Basel]] and [[Abbey of St. Gall]]. The cantons largely have had their current borders since 1815 (at the accession of [[canton of Valais]], [[canton of Neuchâtel]] and [[canton of Geneva]]), except for the notable change [[Jura separatism|when Jura seceded from Berne]] in 1979.
The total length of the border is 1,899&nbsp;km,<ref>[http://www.swisstopo.admin.ch/internet/swisstopo/en/home/topics/survey/border.html National boundary] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141020021751/http://www.swisstopo.admin.ch/internet/swisstopo/en/home/topics/survey/border.html |date=2014-10-20 }} ([[swisstopo]])</ref>
enclosing an area of {{convert|41290|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}} (land: {{convert|39770|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}}, water: {{convert|1520|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}}).
 
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Border
! km
! mi
! Cantons
! Lowest point
! Highest point
|-
| [[Swiss–Italian border|with Italy]]<ref group=note>[[Regions of Italy|Italian regions]] of [[Aosta Valley]] (canton of Valais), [[Piedmont]] (cantons of Valais and Ticino), [[Lombardy]] (cantons of Ticino and Graubünden) and [[Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol]] (canton of Graubünden)</ref>
| 734.2
| 460
| [[Canton of Valais|Valais]]<br>[[Canton of Ticino|Ticino]]<br>[[Canton of Graubünden|Graubünden]]
| [[Lake Maggiore]] (193 m)
| [[Grenzgipfel]] (4,618 m)
|-
| [[France–Switzerland border|with France]]<ref group=note>[[Regions of France|French regions]] of [[Grand Est]] (cantons of Basel-Stadt, Basel-Landschaft, Solothurn and Jura), [[Bourgogne-Franche-Comté]] (cantons of Vaud, Neuchâtel and Jura) and [[Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes]] (cantons of Geneva, Vaud and Valais)</ref>
| 571.8
| 356
| [[Canton of Basel-Stadt|Basel-City]]<br>[[Canton of Basel-Landschaft|Basel-Country]]<br>[[Canton of Solothurn|Solothurn]]<br>[[Canton of Jura|Jura]]<br>[[Canton of Neuchâtel|Neuchâtel]]<br>[[Vaud]]<br>[[Canton of Geneva|Geneva]]<br>[[Valais]]
| [[Rhine]] at Basel (246 m)
| [[Aiguille d'Argentière]] (3,901 m)
|-
| [[German-Swiss border|with Germany]]<ref group=note>[[States of Germany|German states]] of [[Bavaria]] (cantons of St. Gallen and Thurgau) and [[Baden-Württemberg]] (cantons of St. Gallen, Thurgau, Schaffhausen, Zürich, Aargau, Basel-Landschaft and Basel-Stadt)</ref>
| 345.7
| 208
| [[Canton of Basel-Stadt|Basel-City]]<br>[[Canton of Basel-Landschaft|Basel-Country]]<br>[[Canton of Aargau|Aargau]]<br>[[Canton of Zürich|Zürich]]<br>[[Canton of Schaffhausen|Schaffhausen]]<br>[[Canton of Thurgau|Thurgau]]<br>[[Canton of St. Gallen|St. Gallen]]
| [[Rhine]] at Basel (246 m)
| [[Randen (mountain)|Randen mountains]] near Beggingen (900 m)
|-
| [[Austria–Switzerland border|with Austria]]<ref group=note>[[States of Austria|Austrian states]] of [[Tyrol (state)|Tyrol]] (canton of Graubünden) and [[Vorarlberg]] (cantons of Graubünden and St. Gallen)</ref>
| 165.1
| 102
| [[Canton of St. Gallen|St. Gallen]]<br>[[Canton of Graubünden|Graubünden]]
| [[Lake Constance]] (395 m)
| [[Fluchthorn]] (3,398 m)
|-
| with [[Liechtenstein]]
| 41.1
| 25
| [[Canton of St. Gallen|St. Gallen]]<br>[[Canton of Graubünden|Graubünden]]
| [[Rhine]] near Sennwald (430 m)
| [[Grauspitz]] (2599 m)
|-
| '''Total'''
| 1852
| 1,151
| ''the ones mentioned above''
| [[Lake Maggiore]] (193 m)
| [[Grenzgipfel]] (4,618 m)
|}
The border of Switzerland has six [[tripoint]]s, of which two are located in rivers, one undefined location in the [[Lake of Constance]], and the three others in high mountains.

===Elevation extremes===
{{See also|List of extreme points of Switzerland}}
*Lowest point: [[Lake Maggiore]]: {{convert|193|m|ft|abbr=on}}
*Highest point: [[Monte Rosa]]: {{convert|4634|m|ft|abbr=on}}
*Deepest point: in Lake Maggiore: {{convert|-79|m|ft|abbr=on}}

==Western or Central Europe==
[[Image:Extreme points of Europe.png|thumb|Current measurements of extreme points of Europe and its centres]]

No subdivision of [[Europe]] is universally accepted, therefore naming the different European regions and defining the borders between them is subject to debates. Depending on the definition chosen, Switzerland can be either part of [[Western Europe|Western]] or [[Central Europe]]: both concepts depend heavily on context and carry cultural, economic and political connotations.

The term "Western Europe" commonly indicates the region west of the [[Baltic Sea|Baltic]] and [[Adriatic Sea]]. Countries described as Western European (including Switzerland, according to the [[United Nations Statistics Division]] and the [[National Geographic Society]]<ref>{{cite web| url = http://traveler.nationalgeographic.com/travel-books/western-europe-text/17| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090522011907/http://traveler.nationalgeographic.com/travel-books/western-europe-text/17| url-status = dead| archive-date = May 22, 2009| title = National Geographic Traveler: Switzerland}}</ref>) are invariably high-income developed countries, characterized by stable democratic political systems, [[mixed economy|mixed economies]] combining the [[free market]] with aspects of the [[welfare state]]. On the other hand, the term "Central Europe" refers to the region between Western and [[Eastern Europe]]. Central European countries (including Switzerland in the westernmost part, according to the [[World Factbook]]<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/switzerland/| title = World Factbook: Switzerland| date = 9 April 2024}}</ref> and various encyclopedias such as [[Encyclopædia Britannica|Britannica]] and [[Columbia Encyclopedia|Columbia]]) show high disparities with regard to income but possibly share similar cultural characteristics. The concept came back into use by the end of the Cold War, which had divided Europe politically into the [[Western World]] and the [[East Bloc]], splitting Central Europe in half. Before World War I, the German-speaking world used the somewhat-related term ''[[Mitteleuropa]]'' (from German: ''Middle Europe'') for an area larger than most conceptions of Central Europe, notably encompassing Switzerland among the other German-speaking countries.

Physically, Switzerland is situated approximately in the middle of the portion of Europe west of the [[Carpathian Mountains]]. Defining the [[Ural Mountains]] as the eastern limit of the continent, Switzerland is located within the western third of Europe, approximately 15 [[degree (angle)|degrees]] of [[longitude]] away from the extreme west and 50 degrees away from extreme east.<ref>Swiss World Atlas, Physical Map of Europe, 1993 edition</ref> [[Phytogeography|Phytogeographically]], the part of Switzerland that lies north of the Alps belongs to Central Europe, while the part south of the Alps belongs to [[Southern Europe]].<ref>[[Wolfgang Frey]] and Rainer Lösch; ''Lehrbuch der Geobotanik. Pflanze und Vegetation in Raum und Zeit''. Spektrum Akademischer Verlag, München 2004</ref>

==Natural World Heritage Sites==
{{See also|Culture of Switzerland#Cultural World Heritage Sites}}

<gallery widths="200px" heights="160px">
File:Lago di Lugano3.jpg|[[Monte San Giorgio]]
File:Sernftal.jpg|[[Glarus thrust]]
File:LakeOeschinen.jpg|[[Oeschinen Lake]]
File:Oberaletsch.jpg|[[Oberaletsch Glacier]]
File:Great Aletsch Glacier.jpg|[[Aletsch Glacier]]
File:Aletschhorn from Konkordiaplatz.jpg|[[Konkordiaplatz]]
File:Jungfrau from Jungfraujoch.jpg|[[Jungfraujoch]]
File:Lauteraarhütte.jpg| [[Unteraar Glacier]]
</gallery>

==Topography==
{{div col}}
*[[Extreme points of Switzerland]]
*[[Geographical centre of Switzerland]]
*[[List of glaciers in Switzerland]]
*[[List of islands of Switzerland]]
*[[List of lakes in Switzerland]]
*[[List of mountain passes in Switzerland]]
*[[Swiss Alps|List of mountain ranges in Switzerland]]
*[[List of mountains in Switzerland]]
*[[List of rivers of Switzerland]]
{{div col end}}

==See also==
{{Portal|Switzerland|Geography}}
*[[Geography of the Alps]]
*[[Swiss cartography]]
*[[Valleys of the Alps]]
*[[Little Switzerland (landscape)]]
*[[Spatial planning in Switzerland]]
*[[Swiss Federal Office of Topography]]

==Notes and references==
===Notes===
{{Reflist|2|group=note}}

===References===
{{Reflist}}

==Bibliography==
*{{In lang|fr|cap=yes}} [[Martine Rebetez]], ''La Suisse se réchauffe. Effet de serre et changement climatique'', fourth edition, collection « Le savoir suisse », [[Presses polytechniques et universitaires romandes]], 2011 ({{ISBN|9782880749224}}).

==External links==
{{EB1911 poster|Switzerland/Geography|Physical Description of Switzerland}}
{{Commons category|Geography of Switzerland}}
{{Commons category|Geology of Switzerland}}
*{{HDS|8266|Geography}}
*[https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/switzerland/ Switzerland] in ''[[The World Factbook]]''
*[http://www.about.ch/geography/index.html Geography of Switzerland (About.ch)]
*[http://map.geo.admin.ch Official on-line maps of Switzerland]

{{Geography of Europe}}
{{Europe topic|Climate of}}
{{Switzerland topics}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Geography of Switzerland| ]]