Switzerland is a small country that offers the magnificent landscapes, various cultures and irresistible chocolates.

The country’s 700-year-old history still remains intact in old castles, museums and towns. Swiss folk culture includes yodelling, playing the alp horn and Swiss wrestling. The main event of the country is Fasnacht. It is celebrated in February with a carnival in most of the towns. From March to October, Combat de Reines which means cow fighting takes place. World renowned festival Montreux Jazz Festival is celebrated in July. National Day is celebrated on August 1 with fireworks throughout the country. In November, Bern hosts its famous onion market, Zibelmarit, where traders take over the whole town centre. One of the major attractions of the country is Chateau de Chillon, a castle built in 11th century and occupies a stunning position on Lake Geneva.

Geneva is the third largest city with numbers of museums, rich culture and cuisine. Jungrau Region is famous for the country’s most magnificent views. Luce-rne is a picturesque town with mountains, lakes, cowbells and alpine villages. Zurich is a city with trendy bars, restaurants and shops.

Swiss dishes are mainly influenced by German and French cuisine. Rosti — crispy, fried, shredded potatoes is the country’s national dish. Cheeses

are an important part of the Swiss diet.

Swiss chocolates, famous the world over, are often used in desserts and cakes.

Location : Central Europe, east of France, north of Italy

Area : 41,290 sq km

Highest Point : Dufourspitze 4,634m

Climate : Temperate, but varies with altitude, cold, cloudy, rainy/snowy winters, cool to want, cloudy, humid summers with occasional showers

Full Country Name : Swiss Confederation

Capital City : Bern

Government : Federal Republic

Head of the State : President Pascal Couchepin

Major Industries : Banking, insurance, pharmaceuticals, chemicals & precision instruments, tourism

Major Trading Partners : Germany, France, Italy, UK, US, Japan

Currency : Swiss franc (CHF)

Population : 7,489,370

Language : German, French, Italian, Raeto-Romance

Religion : Roman Catholic, Protestant

QUIZ:

1. Name the world renowned festival celebrated in the country.

2. Where castle is situated on Lake Geneva?

3. What all does Chateau de Chillon offers?

4. What is the national cuisine of Switzerland?

5. What do you mean by Zibelmarit?

Winners of September 10th quiz Sweden

Rs 1,000: Sujan Raj Khanal, Class IX, Baba Boarding High school, Kathmandu.

Rs 500: Shreya Mainali, Class IV, Sewa Sadan Boarding School, Kathmandu

Rs 500: Sneha Pradhanang, Class IX, Triyog High School, Kathmandu

Winners are requested to collect their cheques from The Himalayan Times reception between 2-5 pm from September 25 to October 2nd.

A lucky draw of correct entries will select three winners who will get a prize of Rs 1,000 and two Rs 500 gift cheques respectively, from The Himalayan Times. Only students below 18 years of age are eligible, winners are required to show I-cards. Send in your entries latest by

Thursday, September 22, 2005 to justforyou@thehimalayantimes.com