Trek Zone

Country Facts:
Switzerland vs. France

Learn about the similarities and differences between Switzerland and France by reviewing data on key indicators such as population, economy, energy, religion, language and many other relevant factors.

Country #1
Country #2

Geography

Switzerland vs. France - comparison of geographical features.

Country area

The surface area of Switzerland is 15 940 mi², while the surface area of France is 210 026 mi². This means that the area of France is 1218% larger.

Statistics: Countries of the World Compared by Area
15 940 mi²
210 026 mi²

Coastline length

Switzerland has a coastline of 0.0 mi, while France has a coastline of 3 015.5 mi.

0.0 mi
3 015.5 mi

Largest city

The largest city in Switzerland is Zürich, with a population of about 390 474 people. In contrast, the largest city in France is Paris, where the population is 2 241 350.

390 474 ppl
2 241 350 ppl

Highest peak

The highest peak in Switzerland is Monte Rosa, its height is 15 203 ft. The highest peak in France is Mont Blanc, which rises to a height of 15 781 ft.

15 203 ft
Monte Rosa
15 781 ft
Mont Blanc

Highest recorded temperature

In Switzerland, the highest temperature ever measured was 106.7°F and was recorded in Grono, Moesa District, while in France the highest temperature was 111.4°F and was recorded in Conqueyrac / Saint-Christol-les-Ales.

106.7°F
Grono, Moesa District
111.4°F
Conqueyrac / Saint-Christol-les-Ales

Lowest recorded temperature

In Switzerland, the lowest temperature ever measured was -43.2°F and was recorded in La Brévine, while in France, the lowest temperature was -41.8°F and was recorded in Mouthe, Doubs.

-43.2°F
La Brévine
-41.8°F
Mouthe, Doubs

Society

Switzerland vs. France - comparison of aspects of social life.

Population

The population of Switzerland is about 8 654 622, while France is home to 65 273 511 people.

Statistics: World Population by Country
8 654 622 ppl
65 273 511 ppl

Life expectancy

Life expectancy is 83.0 years in Switzerland and 82.4 years in France.

83.0 years
82.4 years

Average age

The average age is 42.7 years in Switzerland and 41.7 years in France.

42.7 years
41.7 years

Birthrate

The birth rate is 0.65% in Switzerland and 0.33% in France.

0.65%
0.33%

Literacy

Literacy is 99.0% in Switzerland and 99.0% in France.

99.0%
99.0%

Language

In Switzerland, the main language is German, French, Italian, and in France the primary language is French.

german, french, italian
french

Religion

In Switzerland, the main religion is Christianity; in France, the main religion is Christianity.

christianity
christianity

Tourism

Foreign tourists in 2015

9 305 000 ppl
Ranking: 32/174
84 452 000 ppl
Ranking: 1/174

Economy

GDP per capita

Switzerland: 71 761 Int$. France: 46 712 Int$.

71 761 Int$
Ranking: 6/194
46 712 Int$
Ranking: 26/194

Currency

Switzerland: Swiss Franc (CHF). France: Euro (EUR).

Tools: Currency Calculator
CHF
Swiss Franc
EUR
Euro

Practical information

Electricity

Electricity in Switzerland: frequency and voltage are 230V 50 Hz (plug type: C, J). Electricity in France: frequency and voltage are 230V 50 Hz (plug type: C, E).

230V 50 Hz
Plug type: C, J
230V 50 Hz
Plug type: C, E

Driving side

Switzerland has right-hand traffic, France has right-hand traffic.

right-hand traffic
right-hand traffic

Useful when traveling

USDCHFEUR

Best months to visit

The best months in terms of weather are: Switzerland - July, August; France - June, July, August.

Traveler's essential: Tourist Season Around the World

Safety level

Scale from 1 (safe) to 4 (unsafe)
Traveler's essential: Travel Safety Map
Exercise normal safety precautions
Level 1
Exercise a high degree of caution
Level 2

Visa requirements

For citizens of United States (Settings → Your Country)
Traveler's essential: With or Without a Visa?
Visa not required
A visa is not required.
Visa not required
A visa is not required.

Expected daily budget for 1 person

B - backpacker's budget 1
T - tourist's budget 3
B121 USD - 154 USD
T247 USD - 320 USD
B70 USD - 83 USD
T126 USD - 166 USD

Countries Frequently Compared
(Country Facts)