Western Europe.

GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).

41,293 sq km (15,936 sq miles).

7.5 million (2006 estimate).

172 per sq km.

Bern. Population: 127,650 (2007).

Landlocked Switzerland shares borders with France to the west, Germany to the north, Austria and Liechtenstein to the east and Italy to the south. It has the highest mountains in Europe, together with waterfalls, rivers and lakes set amid green pastures. The highest peaks are Dufourspitze, 4,634m (15,203ft), on the Italian border; the Dom, 4,545m (14,911ft); the Matterhorn, 4,478m (14,691ft); and the Weisshorn, 4,506m (14,793ft).

Federal Republic since 1848.

President Micheline Calmy-Rey (since January 2007).

Switzerland has a long tradition of neutrality in its international relations, and is still not a member of the EU, following a negative vote in a referendum in 2001. Nine years earlier, membership of the European Economic Area was also rejected by referendum. Switzerland did, however, join the United Nations in 2002, and relations with the EU are now based on a wide range of bilateral agreements.

However, times are changing and, as a result of a popular vote, Switzerland joined the Schengen treaty and Dublin Convention in 2005, bringing the country into Europe's passport-free zone and increasing co-operation on crime and asylum issues. A further referendum the same year opened the job market to workers from the 10 newest EU member countries.

Seats in the Swiss Parliament, based in Bern, are allocated by proportional representation and by canton size.  The largest party is currently the SVP (Swiss People's Party).

German in central and eastern areas, French in the west and Italian in the south. Romansch is spoken in parts of the southeast. English (as a second or third language) is widely spoken.

Roman Catholic (48%), Protestant (44%), others (8%).

220 volts AC, 50Hz.

It is customary to give unwrapped flowers to the hostess when invited for a meal. Avoid red roses; never give chrysanthemums or white asters as they are considered funeral flowers. Informal wear is widely acceptable. First-class restaurants, hotel dining rooms and important social occasions may warrant jackets and ties. Black tie is usually specified when required.