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Flag of SwitzerlandWestern Europe

Switzerland

Schweiz

Switzerland is a country or territory in Western Europe. Its capital is Bern.

Population
9.0M218 /km²
Surface area
41,291 km²
GDP
$936.6B$104K per capita
Capital
Bern

Switzerland is located in Western Europe, and its capital is Bern. It has a population of approximately 9,005,582 and covers an area of about 41,291 km². Its official currency is the Swiss franc (CHF).

What stands out

People & place

218 /km² across 41,291 km²

Switzerland has a recorded population of 9,005,582 and a reported surface area of 41,291 km².

Economic snapshot

$936.56 billion nominal GDP

Nominal GDP is recorded at $936.56 billion and GDP per capita at $103,998 for 2024. These measures do not describe income distribution or household wealth.

Practical reference

Swiss franc (CHF)

Switzerland uses Swiss franc (CHF), calling code +41, internet domain .ch.

About Switzerland

Switzerland, officially the Swiss Confederation, is a landlocked country located at the confluence of Western, Central, and Southern Europe. It is a federal republic composed of 26 cantons, with Bern as its seat of government. Famous for its neutrality, diverse landscapes, and high quality of life.

Switzerland is characterized by its mountainous terrain, dominated by the Alps in the south and the Jura Mountains in the north. It features numerous lakes, including Lake Geneva, Lake Zurich, and Lake Lucerne, and is home to many of Europe's major rivers, such as the Rhine, Rhône, and Inn. Its climate varies from temperate to alpine.

Swiss culture is a rich blend of its four national languages (German, French, Italian, and Romansh) and neighboring influences. It is renowned for its precision, punctuality, and craftsmanship, particularly in watchmaking and chocolate production. Skiing, hiking, and mountaineering are popular activities, reflecting the country's stunning natural beauty.

Switzerland's history dates back to the founding of the Swiss Confederation in 1291. It maintained its neutrality through periods of European conflict, including both World Wars. Its long tradition of direct democracy and federalism has shaped its political system.

Key facts

  • Capital: Bern
  • Population: Approximately 8.7 million
  • Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF)

This overview is AI-assisted and grounded with available atlas facts and reference material. Treat linked primary data as authoritative. Read the methodology.

Country data & reference

Capital

Bern

Population

9,005,582 (218 /km²)

Surface Area

41,291 km²

GDP

$936.56 billion (2024)

GDP per Capita

$103,998 (2024)

Region / Subregion

Europe / Western Europe

Native Name

Schweiz

Nationality

Swiss

Phone Code

+41

Top-Level Domain

.ch

ISO Codes

CH / CHE

Coordinates

47, 8

Time zones

  • Europe/Zurich (UTC+01:00)

Population, area and economic figures use the latest available values from World Bank Open Data; reporting years can vary by country. See sources and methodology for indicator definitions, mapping attribution, and editorial limitations.

Switzerland: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the capital of Switzerland?

The capital of Switzerland is Bern.

What is the population of Switzerland?

Switzerland has a recorded population of approximately 9,005,582 people.

How big is Switzerland?

Switzerland covers an area of about 41,291 km².

What is the population density of Switzerland?

Switzerland has a population density of roughly 218 /km² (people per square kilometre).

What is the GDP of Switzerland?

Switzerland has a gross domestic product (GDP) of approximately $936.56 billion as of 2024.

What is the GDP per capita of Switzerland?

Switzerland has a GDP per capita of approximately $103,998.

What currency is used in Switzerland?

Switzerland uses the Swiss franc (CHF), with the symbol CHf.

Where is Switzerland located?

Switzerland is located in Western Europe, Europe.

What is the native name of Switzerland?

The native name of Switzerland is Schweiz.

What are people from Switzerland called?

People from Switzerland are referred to as Swiss.

What is the phone calling code for Switzerland?

The international dialing code for Switzerland is +41.

What is the internet domain for Switzerland?

The country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Switzerland is .ch.

What time zone is Switzerland in?

Switzerland uses the Europe/Zurich time zone.

What is Switzerland known for?

Switzerland, officially the Swiss Confederation, is a landlocked country located at the confluence of Western, Central, and Southern Europe. It is a federal republic composed of 26 cantons, with Bern as its seat of government. Famous for its neutrality, diverse landscapes, and high quality of life.