Switzerland lies at the heart of Europe. To its west is France, to the north is Germany, to the east lies Austria and to the south, Italy. All of these countries have had an influence on Switzerland' s history, culture and language. Switzerland covers an area of 41,288 square km. Its magnificent mountains and lakes draw many visitors each year, and it is famous around the world for its clock- and watch-making industries, its chocolate, its cheese and its banking system. Some 70 percent of the land area of Switzerland is mountainous. This has made the country difficult to invade and is one of the reasons why it has avoided the angry territorial wars that have plagued other countries in Europe. It has not been involved in a foreign war since the year 1515 and has maintained an armed neutrality since 1815. Individuals have traditionally offered their services to the armies of other countries. Swiss mercenaries have gained a reputation for discipline and have been well paid for their services. The snow-capped Alps is the highest mountain region in Europe and is popular with climbers and hill walkers, who come to the area in summer. The Alps dominates the central and southern part of the country and is home to Europe' s highest mountain, Mont Blanc. The less dramatic Jura Mountains lie to the northwest. In between these two mountainous areas lies the central Swiss plateau, which is about 50 km wide and runs from southwest to northeast. The major urban centers are situated here, on the shores of Switzerland' s major lakes. They include the capital city of Bern, the largest city, Zurich, and the major cultural, financial and manufacturing center of Geneva. The cities of Basel and Lausanne are also important manufacturing centers. Most people in Switzerland live in small towns, despite the importance of the cities. People who live in the countryside and in the alpine valleys work mainly on small family farms, rearing sheep, goats, pigs, cows and chickens and growing such crops as wheat, potatoes, apples and pears. The land is generally poor, however, and the climate is not favorable to agriculture on a large scale. Switzerland must import most of its food. The Swiss have made good use of their country's scant natural resources. Many rivers and mountain waterfalls have been harnessed to provide cheap hydroelectric power, although there are also several nuclear power stations. Switzerland's heavily forested hills and mountain slopes provide timber and furniture industries, and also for paper pulp. Much of its milk output is turned into Swiss 'mousetrap' cheese, famous for its holes and its distinctive flavor. Zurich is______in Switzerland.