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Region |
Central Europe, east of France, north of Italy
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Capital |
Bern
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Government |
Federal republic
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US Embassy |
Chief of mission: Ambassador Mercer REYNOLDS III embassy: Jubilaeumsstrasse 93,
3001 Bern mailing address: use embassy street address telephone: [41] (031) 357
70 11 FAX: [41] (031) 357 73 44
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Legal System |
Civil law system influenced by customary law; judicial review of legislative acts,
except with respect to federal decrees of general obligatory character; accepts
compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations
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Languages |
German (official) 63.7%, French (official) 19.2%, Italian (official) 7.6%, Romansch
(official) 0.6%, other 8.9%
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Currency |
Swiss Franc |
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Currency Code |
CHF |
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Exchange Rate |
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Holidays |
Founding of the Swiss Confederation, 1 August (1291)
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Climate |
Temperate, but varies with altitude; cold, cloudy, rainy/snowy winters; cool to
warm, cloudy, humid summers with occasional showers
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Terrain |
Mostly mountains (Alps in south, Jura in northwest) with a central plateau of rolling
hills, plains, and large lakes
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Driving Information |
Instead of tolls on Swiss Highways, an annual road tax called a 'vignette' is levied
on all cars using Swiss motorways. The'vignette is valid from 01 December of the
preceding year until 31st January of the year following the year printed on it. |
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Road Conditions |
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Speed Limits |
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Driving Tips |
Seats belts are obligatory. It is strickly prohibited to overtake on the right,
even on motorways. |
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Road Side Assistance |
Emergency road service_ The touring Club of Switzerland(TCS) 022 417 2727 and the
Swiss Automobile club(ACS)Wasserwerkgasse 39,CH-3000, BERN 13 031 3100 |
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Comments |
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