Altitude
374 m (1,227 ft) above sea level

Area of the canton
282 km2 (107 sq ml)

Climate
Average temperatures according to the Swiss Meteo: winter 3°C (35°F), summer 18°C (64°F). Although the last couple of years, the average temperature in summer must have increased a lot.

Currency
Swiss franc (CHF). 1 CHF divided into 100 centimes.

Currency & Euro
Average rate: 1 Euro = CHF 1.50
The exchange rate for the Euro and the Swiss Franc is not officially fixed and is subject to daily market fluctuations. Conversion rate is available at exchange offices, banks and in newspapers.

Driving
In town 50 km/hr. (some zones 30 km/hr.), outside built-up areas (national roads) 80 km/hr., motorways 120 km/hr. A tax sticker, "vignette", is compulsory todrive on motorways and semi-motorways. Valid for 1 year at CHF 40.– (on sale at post offices, garages and customs posts). The wearing of seat belts both in front and back seats of vehicles is compulsory.

Electricity
Voltage 230 volts

Languages
Official language: French
Other languages spoken: English and German

Parking
Parking zones: white = unlimited / blue = 1 1/2 hrs maximum (parking disks compulsory, can be obtained from police stations). Individual and collective parking meters.

Population
City and Canton: 434,473 inhabitants
City of Geneva: 184,758 inhabitants

Tipping
Prices in hotels, restaurants, taxi fares, etc., are calculated to include taxes and service. A tip, therefore, is not ndispensable, but justified for good service.

Vaccinations
No vaccinations are required to enter Switzerland.

Veterinary
The import of domestic animals from urban rabies free countries may be imported into Switzerland without permit. A veterinary certificate confirming that animals have been vaccinated against rabies must be submitted. The vaccination must have been carried out within the last year and at least 30 days prior to entry. For more information please consult www.bvet.admin.ch

Visas
Travellers requiring a visa to enter Switzerland should ensure that it entitles them to re-enter after having visited neighbouring countries. A valid passport is essential for excursions into France and Italy and, for certain nationals, visas must be obtained beforehand.