Switzerland boasts an extraordinary variety of landscapes and habitats, ranging from the Central Plateau to the high peaks of the Alps. Its abundant natural ecosystems like the Alps, wetlands and forests are in close proximity to urban centres and are a particular feature of the Swiss landscape. The country may be small but it is home to no fewer than 12 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The Swiss Alps are high, snow-covered mountains most of which are over 13,000 feet (4,000 meters). The most famous peak is the Matterhorn which is 14,692 feet (4,478 meters) tall, but the highest peak is Dufourspitze at 15,203 feet (4,634 meters).
Scientists are concerned that glaciers in the Swiss Alps have lost a lot of ice coverage in the past 40 years. This may be related to global climate change. Rapid melting of the glaciers could cause flooding to the villages below.
Most animals in Switzerland live in the mountains. The ibex, a species of mountain goat, was hunted to near extinction in the early 1800s. The species has since been reintroduced and more than 15,000 ibex now live in the Swiss Alps. Hikers may also encounter chamois, another goatlike animal, and marmots. The forests of Switzerland are also home to deer, rabbits, foxes, badgers, squirrels, and many bird species.
Switzerland has 6% of Europe's freshwater reserves. It is considered the 'water tower of Europe'. These reserves are fed by excess rainwater, spring water and run-off from snow and glacier melt. Groundwater provides 80% of drinking and process water, and 40% of tap water does not require treatment before it reaches consumers. Swiss households consume an average of 162 litres of water per day, per person. The water in most Swiss public fountains is safe to drink. Since the 1980s, total water consumption in Switzerland (including industry, trade and agriculture) has fallen by around 30%, even though the population has grown. Roughly 56% of the electricity generated in Switzerland comes from hydropower. Two thirds are produced in the mountain cantons of Uri, Graubünden, Ticino and Valais.