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, 52deg. 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.