Switzerland

Flag Description Red square with a bold, equilateral white cross in the center that does not extend to the edges of the flag. Currency The Swiss Franc. The value of one U.S. dollar is equivalent to - francs. Astronomy Today's date is May 16, 2008. There is currently a First Quarter Moon. Location Central Europe, east of France, north of Italy. Climate Temperate, but varies with altitude; cold, cloudy, rainy/snowy winters; cool to warm, cloudy, humid summers with occasional showers. Terrain Mostly mountains (Alps in south, Jura in northwest) with a central plateau of rolling hills, plains, and large lakes. Elevation Extremes The lowest point is at Lake Maggiore (195 m). The highest point is at Dufourspitze (4,634 m).

Nature & Science News

Evolution rolls on for Mars rover - The wheels continue to turn on Europe's billion-euro project to put a robotic rover on the Red Planet's surface.

US lists polar bear as threatened - The US lists the polar bear as a threatened species but says the decision will not affect climate change policies.

Charles urges forest logging halt - Prince Charles says halting logging in the rainforest is the single greatest solution to climate change.

Changes pinned on warming - A survey concludes that shifts in the Earth's physical and biological systems are driven by global warming.

Mars probe set for risky descent - Scientists prepare for "seven minutes of terror" as the Phoenix spacecraft attempts to land on the surface.

Europe could get own spaceship - EADS Astrium plans a variant of its space station truck, the ATV, that could fly European astronauts.

Switzerland

This is a map of Switzerland. The map illustrates the location of Bern and its proximity to Geneva, Lugano, Chur

Other countries on this map include: France / Germany / Austria / Italy

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