Switzerland is one of the three well known Alpine countries. The other two are Austria and Liechtenstein. The reason these countries are called the Alpine countries is because the Alps form most of the territory. The Alps are a perfect barrier between northern and southern Europe. For centuries, the Swiss have guarded the few only passages through the Alps. Because of it's location, Switzerland practices peace and refuses to take part in any conflict. As a result, the Swiss haven't been to war since the 1500's!
The Alps make Switzerland the continental divide of Central Europe. A continental divide is a high place where water flows into separate rivers. Believe it or not, the Rhine and Rhone rivers start in the Alps. Another mountain range, the Jura mountains, runs along the northern side of Switzerland. Between the Jura and Alp mountains, there is a low valley called Mittelland, or Middle Land. This is where most of the industries and lush farmlands are found.
And what is made in Switzerland, you might ask? Well, Swiss watches, Swiss cheese, and my personal favorite, Swiss chocolate. Switzerland is VERY well known for the making of it's delicious chocolate. Just under half of Switzerland is Catholic. A slightly smaller number are Protestants. The Protestant Reformed Faith developed in Switzerland during the 1500's and soon carried over to many other countries.
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