Switzerland, the country of mountains and lakes, is the largest and most populous country in Europe. It is also the world’s fifth largest nation, spanning about 80,000 square miles and containing more than 8 million people. Switzerland has been inhabited since prehistoric times and was first known as Helvetia, meaning “Land of the Helveteans.” In the 5th century, the Roman Empire conquered Switzerland and ruled it for nearly 500 years. The Romans called their new province “Swissonia,” which evolved into the modern name of “Switzerland.”
Switzerland is a federal republic and has a unitary state government. Its official language is German. English is widely spoken throughout the country. The capital city of Switzerland is Bern. Other important cities include Geneva, Zurich, Basel, Lucerne, and Lugano.
The history of Switzerland is divided into four periods:
1. Prehistoric Period
2. Ancient and Early Medieval Period
3. Middle Ages
4. Modern Period
Prehistoric Period
During the prehistoric period, the Alps were formed when the two continental plates of Europe and Africa collided. The Alps are the highest mountain range in Europe. During this time, Switzerland was an area of glaciers, ice sheets, and snow fields. This period ended with the end of the last ice age, about 10,000 BC.
Ancient and Early Medieval Period
During the early medieval period, the Romans established a trading post at Geneva. They built roads through the Alps, constructed bridges across rivers, and built fortresses. During this period, Switzerland was an independent republic, ruled by the Patricians. They were overthrown by the Etruscans, who established a monarchy. The Patricians returned and regained power. They established the Helvetii tribe, who were defeated by the Romans. The Romans then took control of the region.
Middle Ages
The Romans were defeated by the Visigoths, who ruled from 400 AD until 476 AD. They were then replaced by the Franks. The Franks were defeated by the Burgundians, who were in turn defeated by the Huns. The Huns were driven out by the Romans. The Romans continued to rule the area until the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 AD.
Modern Period
The Swiss Confederation was formed in 1291. In 1848, Switzerland became a republic and in 1874, it joined the Swiss Federation. The Swiss Confederation was founded in 1291 and consisted of six cantons: Berne, Fribourg, Geneva, Luzern, Neuchatel, and Solothurn. By 1798, these cantons had joined together to form the Helvetic Republic.
In 1815, the Helvetic Republic was defeated by France. It was reorganized as the Swiss Confederation. The Confederation was divided into 26 cantons: Appenzell Innerrhoden, Appenzell Ausserrhoden, Basel, Bern, Freiburg, Glarus, Graubunden, Grisons, Jura, Lucerne, Nidwalden, Obwalden, Schwyz, Solothurn, St. Gallen, Thurgau, Uri, Valais, and Zug.