NOV20
All country briefings

Europe · Country briefing

Switzerland

A child-friendly mission briefing for 20 November — capital, climate, school day, languages, fun facts, native animals, and five questions to ask the class on the other side of the world.

Briefing being written. The capital, map, languages and time-zone are right. We’re still hand-writing the rich cultural sections — highlights, native animals, food, music, sport and festivals — country by country. Switzerland is on the list.
  • Capital
    Bern
  • Population
    ~9.1 million
  • Time zone
    Europe/Zurich (UTC +1)
  • Currency
    Swiss franc (CHF)
Switzerland, with Bern marked
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Climate in November: Cold autumn moving towards winter; short daylight in the north.

Bern, the capital of Switzerland

The capital

Bern

Photo · Wikimedia Commons

School life

In a Switzerland classroom

Local school customs vary. The best way to learn about a class's day is to ask them directly.

Greetings to learn

Say hello like a local

  • Hello!
    French

Five questions to ask

Conversation starters

  1. 01What does your school day look like?
  2. 02What do you eat at lunch?
  3. 03What games do you play at break?
  4. 04What's the weather like today?
  5. 05What do you wish more children around the world knew about your country?

What not to assume

Friendly cautions

  • ℹSwitzerland has many regions and communities — there is no single experience.
  • ℹClimate, food, and traditions can vary widely from one part of the country to another.
Reflection prompts
  • “What's something you'd love to share about your school day?”
  • “What's the most surprising thing you'd love to ask the other class?”

Could your class meet Switzerland?

Choose Switzerlandwhen you register — we’ll show you the time-zone feasibility.

Register your classroom