Population and Settlement
Switzerland has a rich history of settlers who have come and go throughout the country. The first known settlement within Switzerland dates back to 4000 B.C. and 500 B.C. These people were categorized as lakeside settlers. Settlements were built along the lakeside propped up on stilts. Due to the rich ecosystem of the lake it pulled many people into this type of land and country. There was easy access to water and food along the lake which allowed settlements to be grown around this environment in Switzerland. Fishing was a big pulling factor in settling in this area as it brought a steady income of food for many. Off the lake shore there was also plenty of wood, and other natural resources that gave the people access to building materials for homes and tools.
The best known lakeside settlement found in Switzerland was called the Celtic Village which is located in La Tène on Lake Neuchâtel. However, there were many other lake settlements during this time surrounding the lake varying from Lake Zug and Constance. Trade between the lake settlements was common and they shared fishing techniques and tools among each other. Also different crops and seeds were traded along the lake side allowing for a variety of vegetation to be produced.
As time passed another settlement within Switzerland appeared, however these settlers were drawn to the mountains and hills of the country. From 500 B.C. to 400 A.D. the Helvetians occupied the mountains of the country. These groups of people were referred to as Indo-Europeans as they were made up of Romans, Germans, French and Greek descents. These migration patterns came from a vertical west to east move in which it was easier and more adaptable for the settlers to become accustomed too (climate). The mountains provided plenty of wildlife that produced an optimal environment for hunting. Along with this the wet lands within the mountains gave settlements areas in which they could grow crops and other sources of food. Additionally, the various vegetation that grows higher up in Switzerland made useful for building shelter and creating tools for hunting.
In 58 B.C. the Helvetians tried to move south from Switzerland to Southern France in search of expansion of their tribes. However, this was during the time of C. Julius Cesar and the Helvetians were in fact forced back into Switzerland by conflict from the Romans. Due to this Romans took over areas within the country building military grounds and Roman cities. To This day many Swiss towns and villages have Roman origins to them. Due to the conflict between the Romans and Helvetians, both groups of people settled within Switzerland picking places in which the land was easy to cultivate. There presence within the country was definite and the time thus settled in areas such as the Mitteland region and some alpine valleys, which were convenient and abundant with resources and had a mild climate.
Due to the various groups of people migrating into Switzerland, the country has a variety of languages that it has adopted over the years. The population is split into four main languages; French, Romansh, German and Italian. In fact, the word Helvetia which derives from the Helvetians is a Latin word for Switzerland. Settlement and migration patterns over the years have contributed to the populations culture and the overall languages that make up the country of Switzerland.
The best known lakeside settlement found in Switzerland was called the Celtic Village which is located in La Tène on Lake Neuchâtel. However, there were many other lake settlements during this time surrounding the lake varying from Lake Zug and Constance. Trade between the lake settlements was common and they shared fishing techniques and tools among each other. Also different crops and seeds were traded along the lake side allowing for a variety of vegetation to be produced.
As time passed another settlement within Switzerland appeared, however these settlers were drawn to the mountains and hills of the country. From 500 B.C. to 400 A.D. the Helvetians occupied the mountains of the country. These groups of people were referred to as Indo-Europeans as they were made up of Romans, Germans, French and Greek descents. These migration patterns came from a vertical west to east move in which it was easier and more adaptable for the settlers to become accustomed too (climate). The mountains provided plenty of wildlife that produced an optimal environment for hunting. Along with this the wet lands within the mountains gave settlements areas in which they could grow crops and other sources of food. Additionally, the various vegetation that grows higher up in Switzerland made useful for building shelter and creating tools for hunting.
In 58 B.C. the Helvetians tried to move south from Switzerland to Southern France in search of expansion of their tribes. However, this was during the time of C. Julius Cesar and the Helvetians were in fact forced back into Switzerland by conflict from the Romans. Due to this Romans took over areas within the country building military grounds and Roman cities. To This day many Swiss towns and villages have Roman origins to them. Due to the conflict between the Romans and Helvetians, both groups of people settled within Switzerland picking places in which the land was easy to cultivate. There presence within the country was definite and the time thus settled in areas such as the Mitteland region and some alpine valleys, which were convenient and abundant with resources and had a mild climate.
Due to the various groups of people migrating into Switzerland, the country has a variety of languages that it has adopted over the years. The population is split into four main languages; French, Romansh, German and Italian. In fact, the word Helvetia which derives from the Helvetians is a Latin word for Switzerland. Settlement and migration patterns over the years have contributed to the populations culture and the overall languages that make up the country of Switzerland.
Maps
Languages Spoke in Switzerland
There are four main languages spoken within Switzerland. Due to settlement developments each language generally has its own region within the country.
Swiss Languages (n.d.). Retrieved January 30, 2017, from http://www.zum.de/whkmla/histatlas/italy/haxswitzerland.html
There are four main languages spoken within Switzerland. Due to settlement developments each language generally has its own region within the country.
Swiss Languages (n.d.). Retrieved January 30, 2017, from http://www.zum.de/whkmla/histatlas/italy/haxswitzerland.html
Major Lakes In Switzerland
These are the major lakes that are within the country of Switzerland. The map provides a visual view to the different areas of lake dwellers.
Switzerland Region and City (n.d.). Retrieved January 30, 2017, from http://mrs-map.blogspot.com/2012/08/map-of-switzerland-region-and-city.html
These are the major lakes that are within the country of Switzerland. The map provides a visual view to the different areas of lake dwellers.
Switzerland Region and City (n.d.). Retrieved January 30, 2017, from http://mrs-map.blogspot.com/2012/08/map-of-switzerland-region-and-city.html
Additional Resources/ Information
Encyclopedia Britannica
This website provides further insight into the history of Switzerland. It gives a more in depth search into the later settlers going into present day, along with early settlements. Under the History tab it highlights more settlers and has a timeline in which one is visually able to see the progression and movement of the population grow.
Egli, E., & Diem, A. (2017). Switzerland. Retrieved January 30, 2017, from https://www.britannica.com/place/Switzerland
Nations Online
This website also brings in good insight into early settlements and settlers within Switzerland. Under the history tab one is able to explore more into the culture of the settlers. I think this website provides a unique perspective into the lives of those early settlers and the issues they had to face.
History of Switzerland. (2017). Retrieved January 30, 2017, from http://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/History/Switzerland-history.htm
This website provides further insight into the history of Switzerland. It gives a more in depth search into the later settlers going into present day, along with early settlements. Under the History tab it highlights more settlers and has a timeline in which one is visually able to see the progression and movement of the population grow.
Egli, E., & Diem, A. (2017). Switzerland. Retrieved January 30, 2017, from https://www.britannica.com/place/Switzerland
Nations Online
This website also brings in good insight into early settlements and settlers within Switzerland. Under the history tab one is able to explore more into the culture of the settlers. I think this website provides a unique perspective into the lives of those early settlers and the issues they had to face.
History of Switzerland. (2017). Retrieved January 30, 2017, from http://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/History/Switzerland-history.htm
References
First settlers in Switzerland. (2017). Retrieved January 30, 2017, from http://www.myswitzerland.com/en-us/erste-siedler-in-der-schweiz.html
Switzerland, M. G. (2010). A Short History of Switzerland. Retrieved January 30, 2017, from http://history-switzerland.geschichte-schweiz.ch/swiss-history-summary.html
Switzerland, M. G. (2010). A Short History of Switzerland. Retrieved January 30, 2017, from http://history-switzerland.geschichte-schweiz.ch/swiss-history-summary.html
Population Pyramid
The two population pyramids depict Switzerland in two different years. The first pyramid shows the population of Switzerland in 2016, and the second one is 2080. The first pyramid shows a more recent idea of Switzerland's population. It has a low birth rate and a low death rate, as many are living into their 70's. The main majority of the population rests within the working age of 40-50. The second pyramid shows the country of Switzerland in the future. It takes on a box shape form that shows the leveling out of the age groups. It depicts a steady overall quality of health within all ages of the population. This is different from the first pyramid as it takes on a Christmas Tree shape. Looking at the two pyramids in 2080 Switzerland's population has a higher percentage of people living longer into their 90's. The population in the future has mostly evened out and has a steady low rate of birth that sustains its higher rate of mortality.