Geography and Topography
Switzerland covers 41,285 square kilometres and is divided into three distinct geographical regions. Around 70 percent of the country is mountainous, with half of it lying more than 1,080 metres above sea level. In total, there are 48 mountain peaks over 4,000 metres; the highest point reaches 4,634 metres.
Climate and Geology
Due to the central European location and the complex Alpine topography, temperatures, precipitation and sunshine duration vary significantly from region to region. In the climate average from 1991 to 2020, the annual mean temperature nationwide was 5.8 °C, while in the lowlands it was mostly between 8 and 12 °C. In mountainous regions, more precipitation falls than in some inner-alpine valleys and in the Swiss lowlands.
The Swiss Geological Survey organizes geological mapping and modelling along the country’s major geographical units. In the process, near-surface layers and deeper underlying bedrock are documented.
Viticulture and Wine Law
Vineyards are found in all 26 cantons; together they cover about 14,500 hectares. The average annual production is around 90 million litres. Grape varieties grown in Switzerland include Chasselas and Pinot Noir. Steep slopes are frequently farmed using terraces.
Swiss wines are classified as wines with a protected designation of origin, as country wines, or as table wines. The register of protected designations of origin as of 1 January 2026 lists such a designation for Graubünden. The mandatory vintage control ensures traceability of the harvest intended for wine or grape must, from the vineyard plot to the cellar. Wine businesses also have to keep cellar records of treatments, storage and other processes relating to wine products.
History
The area of present-day Switzerland was gradually incorporated into the Roman Empire between the 1st century BC and the beginning of the 1st century AD. Roman rule ended in the year 401 AD.
