Switzerland is located at the crossroads of Europe. Although a small country, it is the meeting point for three of Europe’s major cultures—German, French and Italian. It is a country known for its stability, multiculturalism, and prosperity.

Switzerland has four national languages. Speakers of Schwyzerdütsch (the German dialects spoken in Switzerland), account for about two-thirds of all Swiss. Another 18 percent speak French, about 10 percent—mostly in the Ticino region—speak Italian, and roughly 1 percent speak Romansh, a dialect spoken mostly in the Grison region. The remainder of the population consists of foreign workers who speak the languages of their homelands. Most native Swiss are bior multi-lingual, and many speak English.

Switzerland has made a unique contribution to world culture by providing a neutral refuge for leading intellectuals fleeing their own countries for political or other reasons. Distinguished emigrés (emigrants) welcomed by the Swiss include authors Thomas Mann, James Joyce, and Alexander Solzhenitsyn, film star Charlie Chaplin, scientist Albert Einstein, philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, and musician Richard Wagner.

Traveling around Switzerland allows you to get a taste of France, Italy and Germany, since it is bordered by these countries and their influence can be seen in the neighboring Swiss towns and cities. Visitors come to Switzerland for everything from alpine skiing to chocolate and fondue. According to Lonely Planet, Switzerland is the first place that people skied for fun. Regardless of what you want to see in Switzerland, getting around the country is easy.

India’s Association:

• To act as a forum for Indian communities to perform cultural and social activities.
• To promote friendship with the Global as well as Swiss resident communities in the city of Geneva.
• To represent the cultural and social life of Geneva.
• To strive for noble causes.

INDIAN MISSIONS IN SWITZERLAND

Ambassador of India, Ms. Chitra Narayanan
Kirchenfeldstrasse 28,
Berne,
3005.

Telephone: +0041313501130
Fax: +0041313501557
E-Mail:ambassador@indembassybern.ch
Website:www.indembassybern.ch