Switzerland, officially the Swiss Confederation, is a landlocked country located in west-central Europe. It is bordered by Italy to the south, France to the west, Germany to the north, and Austria and Liechtenstein to the east. Switzerland is geographically divided among the Swiss Plateau, the Alps and the Jura; the Alps occupy the greater part of the territory, whereas most of the country's 9 million people are concentrated on the plateau, which hosts its largest cities and economic centres, including Zurich, Geneva, and Lausanne.

Switzerland is a federal republic composed of 26 cantons, with federal authorities based in Bern. It has four main linguistic and cultural regions: German, French, Italian and Romansh. Although most Swiss are German-speaking, national identity is fairly cohesive, being rooted in a common historical background, shared values such as federalism and direct democracy, and Alpine symbolism. Swiss identity transcends language, ethnicity, and religion, leading to Switzerland being described as a Willensnation ("nation of volition") rather than a nation state.

Switzerland originates from the Old Swiss Confederacy established in the Late Middle Ages as a defensive and commercial alliance; the Federal Charter of 1291 is considered the country's founding document. The confederation steadily expanded and consolidated despite external threats and internal political and religious strife. Swiss independence from the Holy Roman Empire was formally recognised in the Peace of Westphalia in 1648. The confederation was among the first and few republics of the early modern period, and the only one besides San Marino to survive the Napoleonic Wars.

 

FAST FACTS

• OFFICIAL NAME: The Swiss Confederation.
• POPULATION: 8,292,809.
• CAPITAL: Bern.
• AREA: 15,940 square miles (41,284 square kilometers)
• OFFICIAL LANGUAGES: German, French, Italian, Romansch.
• MONEY: Swiss franc.
• MAJOR MOUNTAIN RANGES: Jura, Alps.
• MAJOR RIVERS: Rhône, Rhine.

 

 

Kenya, officially the Republic of Kenya, is a country located in East Africa. With an estimated population of more than 52.4 million as of mid-2024, Kenya is the 27th-most-populous country in the world and the 7th most populous in Africa. Kenya's capital and largest city is Nairobi. Its second-largest and oldest city is Mombasa, a major port city located on Mombasa Island. Other major cities within the country include Kisumu,Nakuru & Eldoret.Going clockwise, Kenya is bordered by South Sudan to the northwest (though much of that border includes the disputed Ilemi Triangle), Ethiopia to the north, Somalia to the east, the Indian Ocean to the southeast, Tanzania to the southwest, and Lake Victoria and Uganda to the west.

Kenya's geography, climate and population vary widely. In western, rift valley counties, the landscape includes cold, snow-capped mountaintops (such as Batian, Nelion and Point Lenana on Mount Kenya) with vast surrounding forests, wildlife and fertile agricultural regions to temperate climates. In other areas, there are dry, arid and semi-arid climates as well as absolute deserts (such as Chalbi Desert and Nyiri Desert).

Millions of people visit Kenya each year to see its endless savanna and the animals that inhabit it: elephants, lions, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, hippos, rhinos, and more. The Kenyan government has set up more than 50 reserves and parks to protect these animals.

People seeking African wildlife usually focus on Kenya's lowland savannas. But Kenya's ecosystems also include deserts, swamps, mountain, and forests. Each region has its own mix of plants and animals that are suited to the area's particular conditions. Kenya's highland forests are home to many animals found nowhere else in the world.

FAST FACTS

Kent is a traditional county in South East England with long-established human occupation. Kent is known as the "Garden of England", particularly for its blooming orchards and hop gardens. The county is an excellent spot for those who enjoy strawberry and hazelnut picking. 

Places to visit in Kent 

Head to Kent's award-winning coastline, a beautiful place to visit all year round. Explore the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, the infamous Dover Castle, or join a exhilarating trip to White Cliffs from the water and see seals in their natural environment.

Kent is the home of famous Leeds Castle, an ideal place for exploring the beautiful Kent countryside. 

Top 15 things to Do in Kent:

Hever Castle and Gardens

Kent and East Sussex Railway 

Bedgebury National Pinetum

Leeds Castle

Dover Museum and Bronze Age Boat Gallery

The Historic Dockyard Chatham

Action Watersports

Betteshanger Park

Walking & Sightseen at the White Cliffs of Dover

Eagle Heights

Rare Breeds Centre

Balfour Winery

Dickens House Museum

Walmer Castle and Gardens

Mote Park