What are the names of the two major mountain ranges of Switzerland?

Switzerland's dramatic landscape is defined by two primary mountain systems. The most famous and imposing of these is the massive chain of the Alps, which sweeps across the southern and eastern two-thirds of the country. In the northwest, running along the border with France, lies the smaller and gentler range of the Jura Mountains. Together, these two ranges flank the Swiss Plateau, the relatively flat and fertile region where most of the population lives.

The Swiss Alps are a globally recognized symbol of the nation, containing some of Europe's most iconic peaks like the Matterhorn and the Dufourspitze, Switzerland's highest point. This rugged, glaciated landscape is the heart of the country's tourism industry, famous for world-class skiing and mountaineering. They are a core part of the national identity, shaping culture, history, and even transportation.

In contrast, the Jura is a lower, more rolling range characterized by forested hills and deep valleys. This crescent-shaped chain is geologically significant; it gave its name to the Jurassic period because the limestone formations from that era were first studied and identified here. Historically, the isolated valleys of the Jura also became a cradle for the renowned Swiss watchmaking industry, adding another layer to the country's rich heritage.