Time Difference:
UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Travel Climate:
Because of the varied topography (from an altitude of 633 feet above sea level in the Ticino Canton to 15,203 feet — the Monte Rosa peak — in the Alps), climate and vegetation vary from Mediterranean to arctic. Bern does not have great extremes of hot or cold weather. Rain is common in summer as well as winter, with snowfalls in Bern occurring with more regularity in recent years. Humidity is high during spring and fall. Winter brings some warm spells, and all-day fog and cloudy weather are common. Often a 30-minute drive will get you out of the clouds and into sunshine. The Föhn, a dry south wind that passes over the Alps changing the air pressure, has an enervating and otherwise unpleasant effect on some people. The average high temperature in July is 30°C (86°F), and the average low for that month is 6.1°C (43°F). In February, the thermometer reaches 5.4°C (42°F) and dips to about -10°C (14°F).
Travel Currency:
Swiss franc (CHF)
Languages:
German (official) 63.7%, French (official) 19.2%, Italian (official) 7.6%, Romansch (official) 0.6%, other 8.9%
Ethnic Groups:
German 65%, French 18%, Italian 10%, Romansch 1%, other 6%
National Holiday:
Founding of the Swiss Confederation in 1291; note - since 1 August 1891 celebrated as Swiss National Day
Geographic Coordinates:
47 00 N, 8 00 E
Location:
Central Europe, east of France, north of Italy
Airports:
40