Trek Zone

Country Facts:
Switzerland vs. Iceland

Learn about the similarities and differences between Switzerland and Iceland 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. Iceland - comparison of geographical features.

Country area

The surface area of Switzerland is 15 940 mi², while the surface area of Iceland is 39 769 mi². This means that the area of Iceland is 149% larger.

Statistics: Countries of the World Compared by Area
15 940 mi²
39 769 mi²

Coastline length

Switzerland has a coastline of 0.0 mi, while Iceland has a coastline of 3 088.2 mi.

0.0 mi
3 088.2 mi

Largest city

The largest city in Switzerland is Zürich, with a population of about 390 474 people. In contrast, the largest city in Iceland is Reykjavík, where the population is 121 841.

390 474 ppl
121 841 ppl

Highest peak

The highest peak in Switzerland is Monte Rosa, its height is 15 203 ft. The highest peak in Iceland is Hvannadalshnúkur, which rises to a height of 6 923 ft.

15 203 ft
Monte Rosa
6 923 ft
Hvannadalshnúkur

Highest recorded temperature

In Switzerland, the highest temperature ever measured was 106.7°F and was recorded in Grono, Moesa District, while in Iceland the highest temperature was 86.9°F and was recorded in Teigarhorn, Djúpivogur.

106.7°F
Grono, Moesa District
86.9°F
Teigarhorn, Djúpivogur

Lowest recorded temperature

In Switzerland, the lowest temperature ever measured was -43.2°F and was recorded in La Brévine, while in Iceland, the lowest temperature was -36.2°F and was recorded in Grímsstaðir.

-43.2°F
La Brévine
-36.2°F
Grímsstaðir

Society

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

Population

The population of Switzerland is about 8 654 622, while Iceland is home to 341 243 people.

Statistics: World Population by Country
8 654 622 ppl
341 243 ppl

Life expectancy

Life expectancy is 83.0 years in Switzerland and 83.5 years in Iceland.

83.0 years
83.5 years

Average age

The average age is 42.7 years in Switzerland and 37.1 years in Iceland.

42.7 years
37.1 years

Birthrate

The birth rate is 0.65% in Switzerland and 0.97% in Iceland.

0.65%
0.97%

Literacy

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

99.0%
99.0%

Language

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

german, french, italian
icelandic

Religion

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

christianity
christianity

Tourism

Foreign tourists in 2015

9 305 000 ppl
Ranking: 32/174
1 289 000 ppl
Ranking: 93/174

Economy

GDP per capita

Switzerland: 71 761 Int$. Iceland: 55 225 Int$.

71 761 Int$
Ranking: 6/194
55 225 Int$
Ranking: 16/194

Currency

Switzerland: Swiss Franc (CHF). Iceland: Iceland Krona (ISK).

Tools: Currency Calculator
CHF
Swiss Franc
ISK
Iceland Krona

Practical information

Electricity

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

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

Driving side

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

right-hand traffic
right-hand traffic

Useful when traveling

USDISKEURCHF

Best months to visit

The best months in terms of weather are: Switzerland - July, August; Iceland - 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 normal safety precautions
Level 1

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
T248 USD - 321 USD
B109 USD - 133 USD
T191 USD - 265 USD

Countries Frequently Compared
(Country Facts)