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People in Switzerland
There are four main languages spoken in Switzerland: German, French, Italian, and Rumantsch. Spoken by about 63% of the population, German is the most common language. Of the 26 cantons (administrative divisions), 19 of them are predominately German-speaking. Second in prevalence is French. The French speaking Suisse Romande includes Geneva, Vaud, Neuchâtel, and Jura. This population accounts for 20% of the nation. Italian is spoken in the region around Ticino and the Graubunden canton, in the south. About 6.5% of the population speaks Italian. The final major tongue in Switzerland is Raeto-Romansh. With only half a percent of citizens speaking this language, it is not widely known, and the canton Graubunden, where the language is spoken, is also a German- and Italian-speaking region.
The Alpine culture is very popular in Switzerland. The alphorn is a traditional Alpine musical instrument that is akin to a wooden trumpet. Typically played to accompany yodelling, the alphorn is an iconic piece of Alpine culture. The traditional favourite activities in the Alpine regions include winter sports, hiking, and mountain biking. The lower areas are typically used for farming or for livestock.
Many famed literature artists were born in Switzerland, such as Johanna Spyri, who penned the novel Heidi, author Gottfried Keller, and author Max Frisch. Athletes such as Roger Federer, Ernesto Bertarelli, and figure-skater Denise Biellmann were also born in Switzerland. Other Swiss nationals include Claude Nicollier, who was the first Swiss astronaut, Auguste and son Jacques Picard, and grandson Bertrand Piccard.
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