Switzerland Culture Smart

Set aside your preconceptions of postcard scenery, chocolate and cheese, faceless bankers, and spotless cities. The real Switzerland is anything but bland. This small, multilingual, and fiercely independent country at the heart of Europe is full of surprises. Culture Smart! Switzerland reveals the human dimension of this enigmatic country. It provides a historical overview, explores Swiss values and attitudes, and looks at the cultural continuity of festivals and traditions.

There is far more to Switzerland than beautiful scenery, chocolate, watches, faceless bankers, and spotless cities. The real Switzerland is full of surprises and anything but bland. This small, rugged, landlocked country at the heart of Europe has been a confederation since the first three cantons came together in a defensive alliance in 1291. Four national languages are spoken within its borders. Its present 26 cantons are largely autonomous and retain their individual characters.

Switzerland is a remarkable country, half of whose territory lies in the Alps. This is the history of one Swiss alpine village. Raising cattle and making cheese brought modest wealth to its struggling peasants until a destructive Napoleonic invasion brought revolution and poverty. Well-being was slowly restored by a democratic unification of Switzerland. The Alps took on a romantic tourist glow in the Edwardian age and after the disruptions of two world wars the highland farmers and guest house keeps began to prosper.

Switzerland is a tourist country full of magnificent wonders with an amazing array of landscapes extending from the vast mountains to the rolling valleys. It is a country blessed with many authentic villages, modern ski resorts, old towns, and urban cities. Let this audiobook guide you to the many places you must see in Switzerland to make your visit a life-changing experience.

Explore the amazing country of Switzerland. How they became a world power, their wealth, renewable energy sources, the holidays, the culture, and the history of the country. Find out fun facts about Switzerland. Great for five- to 12-year-olds. Discover Switzerland today, and learn about a great country that has shaped world history.