Campaign Analysis of Dre beats Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Campaign Analysis of Dre beats - Essay Example The media has also influenced the rights of many. The paper will present the history of feminism and post-feminism and to what extent different media have driven it. The success of Women feminism can thus be linked to the positive contribution of the media. Women before the 19th century suffered rampant abuse and shame that was propagated by culture and government. Women had little access to maternal health care. Women died during childbirth because of lack of proper mechanisms facilitate reproductive health rights. The women also had to deal with insecurity perpetuated by society that was characterized by wars and violence (Richardson & Wearing 2014). Women were raped and had to have male guardians to protect them from the risks in the society. Women’s participation in politics and society was limited and attracted critism. Men were raised to believe that the world rotates around them, and the women who tried to speak up for their rights were victimized and brutalized, physically and emotionally (Walsh 1917). The education of women was not a priority as girls were raised to become good housewives. Women were never allowed to make decisions in the family. The rise of feminist movements can be linked to the abolishment of slavery that set the tone for the respect human rights. The first two decades of the 20th century is significant as the right of women to vote was enshrined in the law. The voting of women in elections thus ensured that women were able to elect political leaders that addressed their issues. Once feminist movements got the right to vote, they shifted their attention to issues of education and maternal healthcare. The 1970s and 1960s saw the rise of feminism as a result of the revolutionary spirit that was vibrant at that time. The movements saw the adoption of equal pay act of 1963 and civil rights act of 1964. The women feminist movements hoped that the laws would address the discriminatory and sexist

Economics Unit †housing prices from different cities Essay Example for Free

Economics Unit – housing prices from different cities Essay The cost of housing is commonly the reflection of the value of the land plus the price of the house and the amenities that come with it. This is often affected by what’s around the place, the nearest recreation areas or sceneries. This affects how housing is priced, and is also usually affected by the supply and demand of the land. Because of this, there are various considerations when choosing where to have a house, including the total costs and what you’ll actually get from it. Usually, these prices also vary from city to city, as it is known that not all cities are the same regarding what you get from the housing deals, like the nearest public transportation, market, and schools. These all appeals to the needs of the people, and these are usually the ones that affect the pricing. The housing prices are directly affected by the changes in supply and demand of the land. This is because of the developments done in housing, wherein house prices are thoroughly based on the value of the amenities that are directly available in the neighborhood (Nelson). Because of this increase in demand, there will be an increase in the competition for the houses, since there are a lot of people wanting the same thing, and that is a good housing. As a number of residents are acquiring homes, the more the managers of the land would try and make sure to provide benefits for these residents. This includes additional security, recreation areas and shopping areas for the people. They are not only investing on the housing that they are being sold, but also with the things that come with it that would surely benefit the people. This is how the housing value is affected when there is an increase in demand: it is not only because you have to increase the price when a lot of people demand for housing in a specific city or area, it is also because of the increase in the services that one should provide for these increasing number of residents. The cost of those additional amenities would then be reflected in the housing price: the more amenities offered, the higher the price (Duca). Comparison of different cities In order to actually see how amenities affect the price of housing, the housing situations in various cities are compared. This is by comparing the price of a 3-bedroom, 2-bath house in several cities like San Francisco, California; Topeka, Kansas; Dallas, Texas; Concord, Massachusetts; and Seattle, Washington. The results for the housing prices in these different cities were varying, and it is because of the added amenities that you can find available upon purchase, plus the neighborhood and the type of house. The most obvious result was between the housing of a 3-bedroom, 2-bath house in San Francisco, California and Dallas, Texas. The cost of housing in San Francisco, California ranges from $600,000 to a million US dollars. Meanwhile, the cost of housing in Dallas, Texas for a 3-bedroom, 2-bath house ranges from $40,000 to a hundred thousand US dollars (Realtor. com). The difference is quite large, and this is roughly because of the amenities that are included upon purchasing these houses. Housing in Dallas, Texas doesn’t offer much, wherein it is far from public transportation, and are often in subdivision areas. On the other hand, housing in San Francisco, California has amenities like community exercise and recreation areas, hill/mountain view, Water view, and so much more. Because of those differences, the prices of these housing deals are comparatively far from each other. These differences in housing deals give the people choices, wherein they are free to choose what type of amenities they want in their house. Also this variety would give them a wide array of choices, either wanting a plain, not so costly house, or to a fully-packed house that would surely cost them money. Other amenities present (or lacking) in some of the houses in various cities which could have affected their prices includes access to shopping areas/markets, nearby elementary or high schools, parks and recreation areas, and the type and quality of the house itself. With all these, the price the housing offered in the various cities is greatly varying. References: Duca, J. V. (2005, September/October 2005). Making Sense of Elevated Housing Prices. Southwest Economy Retrieved May 5, 2007, from http://www. dallasfed. org/research/swe/2005/swe0505b. html Nelson, A. C. (2000 ). Effects of Urban Containment on Housing Prices and Landowner Behavior. Land Lines, Volume 12(Number 3). Realtor. com. (2007). Find A Home. Retrieved May 5, 2007, from http://www. realtor. com/Default. aspx

We Should Send Our Parents To Retirement Homes

We Should Send Our Parents To Retirement Homes In ancient time, filial piety is regarded as one of the virtues to be held above all else: a respect for the parents and ancestors, which means to be good to ones parents, to take care of ones parents and be definitely obedient to their parents in any case and do whatever their parents require. Parents have the supreme control over their children in traditional family. Filial piety has long been the virtue of the Chinese people. As time goes by, things have changed a lot. Parents power has weakened a lot. Recently the article Dear Son Mother Wants To Be A Dog in Your Home was widely spread among netizens in Q-zones, blogs and forums (na.2010). When I first read this article, I could not withdraw my tears. I believe anyone with conscience who has read it will be deeply moved and feels sorrow for the old women. It is high time that we considered the old-age support in our country. I think we should send our parents to retirement homes in the future. I divide my argumentation into two parts. The first part is about people in rural areas and the second part is about people in city. Part I Point 1 According to Wang (2008), The traditional family structure has collapsed and is replaced by one-child family pattern'(P.28). As the number of children reduce , the old-age support situation becomes more serious for the rural people. It is predicted that in the future every young people has two to four old people to support (Qin,J,2009,P32). It can be extremely difficult for these rural people with low incomes to sustain so many old. In order to relieve the pressure, it will be a good choice to send old people to the nursing home to pass their old age. Besides, it is also the governments responsibility to plan the budget for old-age support to help those poor young people. Thus, we can at least guarantee the old peoples basic living needs if we send our parents to a retirement home. We get someone to take care of them in the nursing home. When they are hungry, they have something to eat. When it is too cold or too hot, they have clothes to wear. When it rains or heats, they have room s to shelter. When they are ill, they can turn to the doctor in time. The most important thing is that they can turn to someone to help when an emergency happens. In this way, the tragedy like Dear Son Mother Wants To Be A Dog in Your Home will never happen again. Point 2 In rural areas, the necessity to send parents to a nursing home seems greater since old people in the countryside lead a much more difficult life than city people. Old people are often ignored or maltreated by their children in rural areas because they can not earn any money or work any more. Much of the family income is spent on the young children while very little even no money on the old people. According to Fan (2010) There is a shocking fact that the elderly suicide in rural areas are among the highest reported in any country in mainland China(P.84). It can not be denied that the rural elderly suicide has much to do with the ignorance and maltreatment of old people. To many old people, they had to stand the ill-treatment. Because they beileve domestic shame should not be made public. So to send old people to a retirement home can be a good way to protect their rights. Point 3 Another reason for sending rural old people to nursing home is that they can meet, play with people of the same age and feel less lonely. Nowadays young people go to work in downtown and bring their children together. They are busy with their work and seldom return home to see their parents. Many old people suffer from loneliness most of the time at home. So why not send the parents to a retirement home? In the retirement home, they can express and share opinions with other old people. It can be much convenient for them to play chess, mah-jong and do sports together. Part II Point 1 Like rural old people, those who live in the city slao suffer from loneliness. As Cai (2009) has pointed out that China is still a developing country, the advanced population aging has declined the economy development and caused further challenge to the under-funded pension system(P54). To be a 1980s generation, we are under great stress. In order to survive in the city, we have to work hard to pay off home loan, car loan, pay for food, drinks, clothes, water bill, electric charge childrens education and old-age support. We are busy with our work. We eat fast food,work extra hours come and go in a hurry. Life in the city is busy. Things changes rapidly. Little do we have time to spend with our family. Â ­ Point 2 The generation gaps between children and parents,grandchildren and grandparents are wide. Old people often find it difficult to catch up with the time, their children and grandchildren. For example, young children may find it interesting to search the Internet and play on-line games at home on weekends while the old people would like to go out to chat with some acquaints. Â ­ Its obvious that there are a lot of differences between old people and young people, such as their appetites, interests and values. These differences have caused much inconvenience for old people to live with children. Many old people in city suffer alienation and loneliness. It can be wise to send parents to a retirement home where they can find people of similar interest and hobbies. As people in the city generally worry little about their basic necessities, all they want is a light heart. With people of the common language, they can confide to each other, get rid of worry, feel understood and more valued. Point 3 Besides, the housing price continues to be high. It can be a great burdon for young people to purchase a larger house with special rooms provided for old people. As Luo Jiang (2009) state that the average housing space is only 7.1 squaremeters in the city (P50). The intense housing shortage has become a common and outstanding issue. In this background, it can not be a better choice than to send parents to nursing home. Objection However, some people may argue that it is not in accordance with filial piety to send our parents to retirement homes. It may sound unreasonable if one just sees the superficial and doesnt go deeper. However, imagine that you leave your old parents helpless in the rural areas, will you be guilt? So why not send your parents to the downtown retirement home? It isnt it nice for them to be in a convenient place which may be closer to where you work? Just think about leaving your parents with no one to talk to in the box house and getting old gloomily, do you feel sorry for them? So why not bring changes to it and send your parents to the retirement home where they can find some companions and live a more meaningful life? The most important reason is that old people should learn to be independent. As Russell(n.d.) wrote: A successful old age is easiest for those who have strong impersonal interests involving appropriate activities. And the best way to overcome death is to make ones interests gradually wider and more impersonal,until bit by bit the walls of the ego recede,and ones life becomes increasingly merged in the universal life.(P93) As Russell has pointed out that its important for old people to guard against clinging too much to youth in the hope of sucking vigor from its vitality. The nursing home can be a good place for old people to develop their own personal interests involving appropriate activities. Only when old people have strong wills can they enjoy a happy life no matter what difficulties they are faced with. Conclusion Because we are busy making money to support the family and dont have time to take of them, and the unevitable differences between old people and young generation, and the high housing price and the unability to both buy houses and support the old, we have to send our parents to a retirement home in the future. This is not to say that sending our parents to the retirement home is the whole thing. Filial piety includes much more details, such as we can pay visits to them as often as possible, celebrate important fesitivals with them, call them when we can not come to see them. Its very important to give them spiritual support and comfort. If possible, we can take them to travel together. Above all ,its up to our parents whether to go to the nursing homes or not. We can not force our parents to go. Its very important that we communicate with our parents in time and we should let them understand our decisions.In the future, the nursing home may be constructed as pleasant as kindergartens so that we can send our parents there in the day and pick them as well as our children up at night. Of course, we need the governments large financial support to built quality retirement homes.

Defending Pro-wrestling Essay example -- essays research papers

As people flip through the channels on Monday nights they pass over at least two different professional wrestling shows. When people notice the wrestling the most common thing for them to do is to keep flipping the channels. Why? Because the common view of professional wrestling is that it is not real and it is stupid. Two years ago I thought the same thing about professional wrestling, in fact I refused to watch it. During the summer of my junior year in high school my boyfriend and I made a deal - he would watch The Little Mermaid with me if I would watch wrestling, so I agreed. We watched wrestling first and to my surprise it was not as bad as I thought. There are actual story lines that go on through the whole show,just like a soap opera such as General Hospital. The wrestlers I saw were amazing they were so muscular and talented. I was in shock because I thought that I hated wrestling more than anything...didn’t I? After watching it a few more times I became hooked and I have since learned all about wrestling and what a truly great sport it is. People assume that wrestlers are just faking all the moves they perform ,and that they really are not that strong. After watching wrestling for so long I have learned a lot about the wrestlers and their backgrounds. Many of the professional wrestlers played high school and college football. A prime example of this is my favorite wrestler The Rock, he played football for the Miami Hurricanes and was an All-American play... Defending Pro-wrestling Essay example -- essays research papers As people flip through the channels on Monday nights they pass over at least two different professional wrestling shows. When people notice the wrestling the most common thing for them to do is to keep flipping the channels. Why? Because the common view of professional wrestling is that it is not real and it is stupid. Two years ago I thought the same thing about professional wrestling, in fact I refused to watch it. During the summer of my junior year in high school my boyfriend and I made a deal - he would watch The Little Mermaid with me if I would watch wrestling, so I agreed. We watched wrestling first and to my surprise it was not as bad as I thought. There are actual story lines that go on through the whole show,just like a soap opera such as General Hospital. The wrestlers I saw were amazing they were so muscular and talented. I was in shock because I thought that I hated wrestling more than anything...didn’t I? After watching it a few more times I became hooked and I have since learned all about wrestling and what a truly great sport it is. People assume that wrestlers are just faking all the moves they perform ,and that they really are not that strong. After watching wrestling for so long I have learned a lot about the wrestlers and their backgrounds. Many of the professional wrestlers played high school and college football. A prime example of this is my favorite wrestler The Rock, he played football for the Miami Hurricanes and was an All-American play...

Careers in Psychology Essay

Career Options After Pursuing a Degree in Psychology Choosing a major or a degree field to go into after graduating from high school is one of the more difficult things that recently graduated young adults have to go through. Many different aspects of a future career field are evaluated to help the individual in choosing the best career path for them. These evaluations include required education, salary, future places of employment and most importantly, what an employee in this specific area of employment will be doing. Choosing to earn a degree in Psychology offers many different possibilities for future areas of employment that can fit almost any type of person. In addition to the diversity of the field, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicted an increase in psychology job opportunities over the next decade due to increased demands for these services in education, law, hospitals, and private companies along with many more options (BLS, 2010). With so many different areas of society requiring these services pursuing a degree in psychology opens up many career paths outside the commonly stereotyped job description of psychologists. Even though many people assume that clinical psychology or other types of therapy are the only options with this degree, an individual in this study can go into fields such as neuropsychology, developmental psychology, and educational psychology. A neuropsychologist is one who has received a doctoral degree, typically a PhD, from an accredited American Psychological Association university along with completing the one year internship required for the degree, and a two year training period within a neuropsychology practice (Moberg,2006). The job description includes, studying the relations among brain structure and behavioral, cognitive, emotional, and sensory and perceptual functions along with the diagnosing and treatment of disorders related to the central nervous system. Most neuropsychologists organize and conduct academic  research relating to the aforementioned topics, along with assisting and witnessing testimony in court cases that involve judgment to the psychological conditions of the people involved. Outside of the court system, neuropsychologists usually work in laboratories, along side medical professionals at hospitals, or privately making starting salaries between $60,089 and $91,476 annually. After some years of experience an accredited neuropsychologist can make anywhere up to $300,000 a year, but the average yearly salary as of 2010 was approximately $127,460 (BLS, 2010). On top of earning a relatively large wage neuropsychologists report to having overall high job satisfaction, with less than twenty percent of them considering changing jobs or leaving the psychology field for a different one all together (Moberg, 2006). Being strongly interested in the functioning of the central nervous system and wanting to go into an area of research would make neuropsychology a top choice for anyone interested in pursuing a doctoral psychology degree. For a person who is more interested in a field dealing with people as a whole and not just the internal functioning of them, developmental psychology could be a possible career option. A developmental psychologist is someone who studies human growth and development that occurs throughout the entire lifespan. This includes biological development, but also focuses on cognitive, social, intellectual, personality, and emotional growth. Although the specific tasks of the psychologists vary based on the area they specialize in, most of them perform research and evaluations in the area of their study, such as studying a particular age range (Beilock, 2012). For example one could study how moral reasoning develops in children, or how people influence the personalities of others. Many developmental psychologists work in educational settings at colleges or universities where they conduct research as well as teach courses. Others could possibly be employed at teen rehabilitation centers, psychi atric clinics, government agencies, etc. The education required to become a developmental psychologist is a master or doctoral degree (PhD) with those holding the doctoral degree more in demand and having the greater range for employment options. The earned income of a developmental psychologist is also highly varied due to area of employment and subtopic of study. Those employed in offices of other  health practitioners earn around $68,400 annually while those employed at Individual and family services earn $57,440 a year (BLS, 2010). A career in developmental psychology allows for diversity among studies and the ability to change topics while still staying in your general field. Another non clinical or therapy related career in the area of psychology is education psychology. Going in this direction involves conducting research on how people learn, and/or designing methods and materials to enhance learning and intellectual, social, and emotional development. This area includes a number of other regions of psychology including developmental, cognitive, and behavioral. Based on the title of this career it is highly possible that an educational psychologist would be working in elementary and secondary schools, along with colleges and universities. Another possible place of employment is with government agencies specializing in education. As an educational psychologist a person could work on curriculum development, incorporationg technology into education, or the studying of gifted learners or those with learning disabilities (Doovis, 2013) The salary earned by educational psychologists was not absolutely defined, however it would have some variation pertaining t o where one was employed. A ccording the Bureau of Labor Statistics general psychologists could earn anywhere between $66,810 and $89,900 depending on who was employed where and experience of each individual (BLS, 2010). Educational psychology would be a good career for individuals interested in the betterment of educational system to produce more productive adults for society, as well as a good place for people who enjoy working with kids through young adults. Psychology degrees contain such a wide area of options for employment that almost anyone could find a job they enjoy with this major. Many of these areas also contain sub level areas for example, a person could possibly be a developmental psychologist working with elderly people on how they learn and obtain information and the connections their brain makes while doing this. Overall, whichever area of psychology one may choose to go into after receiving their psychology degree will provide many benefits to our society whether its improved schools, understanding of mental disorders, understanding of development, or even counseling. The career options are endless. References Beilock, C. L. (2012). Areas of Development in Developmental Psychology. Topics in Cognitive Science, 4, 731-739. Retrieved from http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost Dozois, D. J. A.1. (2013). Psychological Treatments: Putting Evidence Into Practice and Practice Into Evidence. Canadian Psychology, 54, 1-11. Retrieved from http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost Moberg, P.J (2006). The TCN/AACN 2005 â€Å"Salary Survey†: Professional Practices, Beliefs, and Incomes of U.S. Neuropsychologists. Clinical Neuropsychologist, 20, 325-364. Retrieved from Retrieved from http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2010). Occupational Outlook Handbook (2009-2010 ed.). Retrieved from http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos056.htm

Violent Video Games and School Violence

Violent Video Games and School Violence Violent Video Games and School Violence. Is There a Correlation? A large amount of research has been done to create or understand a potential correlation between the playing of violent video games and the action of violence perpetrated by youth, especially within the school environment. Through psychological and scientific studies, different aspects have been considered and there have been decisions to substantiate both sides of the issues, however, the majority of evidence that has been returned shows overwhelmingly that youth who participate in violent video games are no more or less likely to perpetrate violence within their school than youth who do not. Violent Video Games Cause Youth to Feel Less Compassion for Victims The idea of a correlation between violence and video games comes from the idea that violent video games cause youth to feel less compassion for victims of violence. Parents and other concerned adults have long stated that youth who participate in violent video games are more likely to act out the violence that they see and participate in during real life situations because they have been desensitized, however, research has shown this is not the case. According to psychological studies, simply playing a violent video game does not have any long-term impact on the capacity for violence in the youth or on their ability to feel compassion for others. Video games are a method of play and fun for youth and allow them to spend time with friends and engage in make-believe situations and experiences that they would otherwise be incapable of enjoying. The violent video games that youth are encouraged to play allow them to take on a different persona in much the same way as dress up games and make-believe with dolls or action figures. In this way, they are encouraged to try something new and to enhance skills in order to achieve an objective, thereby developing abilities that continue to help them outside of the game, such as dedication, follow through and attention to detail. Related articles: Computer Games Have a Negative Effect on Individuals Media Influence Female Perception of the Body Image: Agree or Disagree? Young People Are Predisposed to Negative Influence The World Needs More Funny Cat Videos on Youtube? Sexual Content on TV Has a Negative Impact on Teenagers Video Games Improve Thought Processes Another important aspect of video games that can be beneficial for youth is the ability to improve thinking and thought processes in general. Youth who engage in video games are required to solve complex problems, often under extreme pressure to beat the high scores of their friends or to avoid a negative aspect of the game. Because of this, it enhances the abilities of the youth to think critically and creatively in other aspects of their lives as well, leading to improvement in their cognitive abilities in school and even in the future workforce. Video games are also considered to be a method of reducing stress levels and are used by a number of young people for just this reason. Whereas some adults or youth will engage in reading, listening to music or puzzles as ways to decrease their stress, anxiety or anger levels, other youth engage in video games as a way to calm down and relax. Because video games take them outside of their own world and problems as well as requiring attention and thought rather than simply being mindless entertainment, they allow the youth to overcome the negative thoughts and fears. Video Games Are Helpful for Children with  MS, Autism, Attention Deficit Disorder or Dyslexia Finally, video games have actually been found to improve the symptoms associated with several medical conditions that youth may have such as MS, autism, and even attention deficit disorder or dyslexia. The increased interaction with others that occurs through the video game helps children with social problems as a result of autism to feel more comfortable in these situations. Likewise, video games that require full body movement are more likely to reduce the balance problems that may occur for MS sufferers. The focus required for improved video game play also improves the focus of those suffering from attention deficit disorder and dyslexia, thereby reducing the suffering that occurs. With all of these reasons to play video games and all of these ways in which video games can aid youth throughout their lives, it is unfortunate that youth are stymied on many turns toward these games. Though parents have feared for a long time that violence in video games shows a correlation with violence in children outside of said video games, the research shows not only that this is unfounded, but also that there are a number of reasons to encourage video game play amongst children of all ages.

Profile of Switzerland

Profile of Switzerland Population: 7,623,438 (July 2010 estimate) Capital: Bern Land Area: 15,937 square miles (41,277 sq km) Bordering Countries: Austria, France, Italy, Liechtenstein, and Germany Highest Point: Dufourspitze at 15,203 feet (4,634 m) Lowest Point: Lake Maggiore at 639 feet (195 m) Switzerland is a landlocked country in Western Europe. It is one of the richest countries in the world and it has consistently ranked high for its quality of life. Switzerland is known for its history of being neutral during wartimes. Switzerland is the home of many international organizations like the World Trade Organization but it is not a member of the European Union. History of Switzerland Switzerland was originally inhabited by the Helvetians and the area that makes up todays country became a part of the Roman Empire in the 1st century B.C.E. When the Roman Empire began to decline, Switzerland was invaded by several German tribes. In 800, Switzerland became a part of Charlemagnes Empire. Shortly thereafter control of the country was passed through the Holy Roman emperors. In the 13th century, new trade routes across the Alps opened and Switzerlands mountain valleys became important and were given some independence as cantons. In 1291, the Holy Roman Emperor died and according to the U.S. Department of State, the ruling families of several mountain communities signed a charter to keep peace and keep independent rule. From 1315 to 1388, Swiss Confederates were involved in several conflicts with the Habsburgs and their borders expanded. In 1499, the Swiss Confederates gained independence from the Holy Roman Empire. Following its independence and a defeat by the French and Venetians in 1515, Switzerland ended its policies of expansion. Throughout the 1600s, there were several European conflicts but the Swiss remained neutral. From 1797 to 1798, Napoleon annexed part of the Swiss Confederation and a centrally governed state was established. In 1815 the Congress of Vienna preserved the countrys status as a permanently armed neutral state. In 1848 a short civil war between Protestant and Catholic led to the formation of a Federal State modeled after the United States. A Swiss Constitution was then drafted and was amended in 1874 to ensure cantonal independence and democracy. In the 19th century, Switzerland underwent industrialization and it remained neutral during World War I. During World War II, Switzerland also remained neutral despite pressure from surrounding countries. After WWII, Switzerland began to grow its economy. It did not join the Council of Europe until 1963 and it is still not a part of the European Union. In 2002 it joined the United Nations. Government of Switzerland Today Switzerlands government is formally a confederation but it is more similar in structure to a federal republic. It has an executive branch with a chief of state, a head of government that is filled by the President, a bicameral Federal Assembly with the Council of States, and the National Council for its legislative branch. Switzerlands judicial branch is made up of a Federal Supreme Court. The country is divided into 26 cantons for local administration and each has a high degree of independence and each is equal in status. People of Switzerland Switzerland is unique in its demography because it is made up of three linguistic and cultural regions. These are German, French, and Italian. As a result, Switzerland is not a nation based on one ethnic identity; instead it is based on its common historical background and shared governmental values. The official languages of Switzerland are German, French, Italian, and Romansh. Economics and Land Use in Switzerland Switzerland is one of the wealthiest nations in the world and it has a very strong market economy. Unemployment is low and its labor force is also very highly skilled. Agriculture makes up a small part of its economy and the main products include grains, fruit, vegetables, meat, and eggs. The largest industries in Switzerland are machinery, chemicals, banking, and insurance. In addition, expensive goods such as watches and precision instruments are also produced in Switzerland. Tourism is also a very large industry in the country due to its natural setting in the Alps. Geography and Climate of Switzerland Switzerland is located in Western Europe, to the east of France and to the north of Italy. It is known for its mountain landscapes and small mountain villages. The topography of Switzerland is varied but it is mainly mountainous with the Alps in the south and the Jura in the northwest. There is also a central plateau with rolling hills and plains and there are many large lakes throughout the country. Dufourspitze at 15,203 feet (4,634 m) is Switzerlands highest point but there are many other peaks that are at very high elevations as well- the Matterhorn near the town of Zermatt in Valais is the most famous. The climate of Switzerland is temperate but it varies with altitude. Most of the country has cold and rainy to snowy winters and cool to warm and sometimes humid summers. Bern, Switzerlands capital, has an average January low temperature of 25.3 degrees F (-3.7 degrees C) and an average July high of 74.3 degrees F (23.5 degrees C). References Central Intelligence Agency. (9 November 2010). CIA - The World Factbook - Switzerland. Retrieved from: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/sz.html Infoplease.com. (n.d.). Switzerland: History, Geography, Government, and Culture- Infoplease.com. Retrieved from: infoplease.com/ipa/A0108012.html United States Department of State. (31 March 2010). Switzerland. Retrieved from: state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/3431.htm Wikipedia.com. (16 November 2010). Switzerland - Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Switzerland