" a gem in the heart of Europe. It offers the visitor the most exciting concentration of different scenery, cultures, languages, customs and architecture to be found anywhere in Europe ".
	People
	A total of 7 million people live in a mosaic of 26 cantons. All are autonomous political entities but share, among other things, a common currency, national defense and a common foreign policy. Switzerland has 4 national languages: German is spoken by 75 %, French by 20 %, Italian by 4 % and Romansch by 1 %. English is widely spoken and understood throughout the country. Each language community has its own traditions, literature, foods and distinct way of life. Historically, subtle compromise has preserved Swiss unity.
	Geography
	Switzerland is divided into 4 different geographical areas: The JURA : A range of rolling hills and forestlands with an average elevation of 1'000 meters (3'000 ft). The SWISS PLATEAU : Land of lush farmland and thick forests, beset with scenic Lakes Geneva, Neuch‰tel and Constance. The ALPS : With their towering snow-capped peaks and famed ski resorts. Most communities are situated between 1'200 and 1'800 meters (3'600 to 5'400 ft). The TICINO : South of the Alps, the Italian-speaking region with its subtropical vegetation and lakeside setting.
	Air transportation
	SWISS Airlines, the national airline of Switzerland, links the country's 3 main airports of Zurich (ZRH), Geneva (GVA) and Basel (BSL) to the rest of the world.
	Driving
	Driving in Switzerland is easy. Speed limits are strictly enforced: 50 to 80 km/hr on main roads and 120 km/hr on motorways. A valid driver's license and credit card are all you need to rent a car in Switzerland. Offices in most major cities are open 7 days a week and manned by multilingual staff.
	Electricity
	If you bring appliances such as hair dryers, curling irons or travel irons, remember that voltage is 220 in most European countries (including Switzerland) compared to 110 in countries such as the U.S. Therefore do NOT plug your device directly into the socket unless you know it is rated or set for 220. To be safe, bring with you a small transformer (to convert from 220 to 110) and an adapter (to plug your device into a wall socket). Most hotels have a few of these items on hand for emergencies but it's better to take your own.
	Food
	While Swiss cooking has been influenced by French, German and Italian food, the quality is uniformly excellent. Specialties are different in the French, German and Italian-speaking regions but you are able to enjoy them almost anywhere in Switzerland. For example : Cheese fondue and raclette, (melted cheese). Rebibes, (cheese in paper-thin slices) ZŸrcher Geschnetzeltes Kalbfleisch, (sliced veal in a cream and mushroom sauce). Roesti, (Swiss hash brown potatoes). Double Gruyres cream, fresh mountain berries and meringues. Zugertorte, (a thick, spongy cake perfumed with kirsch). In Switzerland you will also enjoy some of the finest and most elaborate "nouvelle cuisine" creations. Rochat's in Crissier, near Lausanne, is one of the world' s foremost restaurants (originally Girardet's). Generally speaking, eating out in Switzerland is very affordable. Moreover, many Swiss restaurants offer their guests generous second helpings!
	Wine
	Swiss wines are excellent. Whites are best enjoyed when less than 2 years old. Reds will be at their peak when between 2 and 5 years. It is interesting to note that most Swiss wines are grown, produced, bottled and marketed by the winegrowers themselves. Their names and a view of the estate are often found on the label. When dining in a restaurant, expect to pay between 30 and 50 Swiss francs for one of these high-quality, estate-bottled products. Almost 70% is produced between Lake Geneva and the Valais (a stretch of almost 200 km!).
	Gambling
	As of 2002 high stakes gambling is available throughout Switzerland. Resorts such as Montreux, Interlaken
	Dress code
	When you travel in summer, bring a light raincoat and a jacket, just in case.... As a rule, the Swiss dress fairly conservatively. However, during the day, casual dress is common. In the evening, "sport chic" (casual elegant) or jacket and tie are recommended.
	Daylight
	The summary below indicates average sunrise and sunset times each month. Consult this table to schedule your sunset cocktail party or sunrise champagne breakfast JAN 08h00 17h18 JUL 05h37 21h25 FEB 07h15 18h05 AUG 06h09 20h55 MAR 06h21 18h46 SEP 06h50 20h00 APR 06h22 20h28 OCT 07h30 19h00 MAY 05h41 21h07 NOV 07h14 17h05 JUN 05h32 21h26 DEC 07h56 16h38 The above table is based on sunrise and sunset in Central Switzerland (Lucerne). Please allow an additional 10 minutes for the western part of Switzerland (Lake Geneva) and substract 10 minutes for the eastern part of Switzerland (Zurich). Also, remember to take into consideration daylight saving time in the spring and fall.
	Roads
	Due to Switzerland's exceptional geographic location within Europe, the Swiss operate an effective and superbly maintained communications network. Despite the incredible technical challenges, Swiss engineers have built what must be the most elaborate road and rail system in the world. Winding tunnels and spectacular bridges let you travel at full speed through stunning scenery in no more time than if the country were flat.
	Water
	With the Rhine and Rhone rivers originating in the Alps, Switzerland is the water tower of Europe. Mineral springs are innumerable and many health spas have been in operation since Roman times. Today, water conservation laws are particularly strict. Water is safe to drink from the tap in any public restaurant or hotel throughout the country.
	Guestrooms
	No two guestrooms are alike in the grand traditional hotels of Switzerland used in our incentive programs. This is one of the things that make up the charm of these extraordinary properties. Most often, Swiss hotels do not feature double beds. King-size beds are almost non-existent. Most guestrooms come with twin beds that can be pushed together. Important: while single rooms do exist in traditional hotels, they are generally small and seldom face south. If a V.l.P. travels alone, it would be better to secure a double room for single use.
	Service charge
	Service charges (gratuities) are included in all hotel and restaurant bills. However, if the service was especially good, an additional gratuity is customary. Hotel porters and room service staff expect a tip.
	Public transportation
	Switzerland's super federal railways system operates hourly train service to every city and town. But there is more to Switzerland's transportation system than the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB/CFF) ie : cable cars, cogwheel trains and funiculars whisk visitors through tunnels and up sheer rockfaces to hundreds of interesting places, vistas and lookouts.
	Time zone
	Central European Time (GMT + 1) applies to Switzerland, in summer
	Weather
	There is no "Swiss" weather as it may be influenced by the ocean from the west or by the continental land mass from the east, arctic air blowing from the north and warm dry or moist wind from the south. The country's variety in topography is such that general statements on weather cannot be made. Switzerland is a land of microclimates. General weather conditions prevalent in the main resorts and cities of Switzerland are as follows: Submediterranean : Lugano, Locarno Exceptionally mild : Montreux Average continental European : Geneva, Lausanne, Berne, Basel, Luceme, Zurich Cooler : Interlaken Mountain : Gstaad, St.Moritz, Zermatt
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