The most mountainous country of Europe. Formerly a league of semi-independent States, but since 1848 a federal republic. Number of Cantons, 22. President elected for a term of 1 year, and not eligible for two consecutive terms; salary, $3,000.
Area, 15,992 square miles. Pop., 2,846,102. The Alps extend nearly through the length of the country; from many peaks 300 snow-capped summits are visible. Rigi presents the finest view; Monte Rosa, the Matterhorn (steepest in the world), Finsteraarhorn and Jungfrau range from 13,700 to 15,200 ft. high. The Mer de Glace is the largest glacier in the world.
The general climate is milder than that of other mountain countries in the same latitude. Average temperature at Geneva, 52°. Average rainfall at Geneva, 32 inches; at Zurich, 34 inches.
Bern is the capital; pop., 44,087. Geneva, seat of watch and jewelry industry; pop., 68,320. Basel, centre of silk industry; pop., 61,399.
About 59 per cent. of the population is Protestant, and 41 per cent. Roman Catholic. Education is compulsory. Number of public schools, 1882, 5,314; pupils, 516,425; school pop., 573,713. There are four universities,—the one at Basel, founded in 1460; and those of Bern, Zurich and Geneva, since 1832. The government maintains a polytechnic school at Zurich, and a military academy at Thun. Number of public libraries, 1,654.
The laws of the republic forbid the maintenance of a standing army within its limits; but every Swiss is liable to serve in the defense of his country.
Of the total area 17 per cent. is forest, 30 per cent. mountains, lakes, glaciers and rivers; 51 per cent. under crops and grass. Of the cultivable area only 16.5 per cent. is devoted to agriculture. Less than 1 per cent. is in vineyards. Rye, oats and potatoes are most important crops. The dairy products are of most commercial importance.
Number engaged in agriculture and dairy farming, census 1880, 1,138,678. The average yearly production of cheese is 40,000 tons.
The manufacturing industry is one of importance. Latest reports give yearly value of watch manufactures $16,000,000; St. Gallen embroideries, $15,000,000; silk ribbon produced at Basel, $7,200,000; and the silk industry at Zurich, $15,200,000. There are 399 cotton factories, employing 38,500 people; 224 silk factories, with 23,500 people; 838 embroidery factories, with 17,200 people; 45 woolen factories, with 2,500 workers.
Number of miles of railway, January, 1883, 1,810. Telegraph system very complete; with the exception of wires for railway service, it is wholly under the control of the government. January, 1884, there were 4,270 miles of lines, and 10,346 of wire; number of offices, 1,271. Number of postoffices, 807; boxes, 2,081.