Simplon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Simplon
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| Country | Switzerland | |
| Canton | Valais | |
| District | Brig | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 91.01 km2 (35.14 sq mi) | |
| Elevation | 1,476 m (4,843 ft) | |
| Population
(Dec 2020 )
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| • Total | 292 | |
| • Density | 3.208/km2 (8.310/sq mi) | |
| Postal code |
3907
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| Surrounded by | Brig-Glis, Eisten, Ried-Brig, Saas Almagell, Saas Balen, Saas Grund, Visperterminen, Zwischbergen | |
Simplon is a small village and a municipality (which is like a local government area) located in the Valais region of Switzerland. It's part of the Brig district. Simplon is known for its beautiful mountain scenery and its important location near the Simplon Pass.
Contents
About Simplon
Simplon is a quiet place nestled in the Alps, a famous mountain range in Europe. It's a great spot for people who love nature and outdoor activities. The village is quite small, with only a few hundred people living there.
Location and Geography
The village of Simplon is found in the southern part of Switzerland. It sits at an elevation of about 1,476 meters (around 4,843 feet) above sea level. This high location means it often gets a lot of snow in winter, making it very scenic.
The area around Simplon is very mountainous. It's close to the Simplon Pass, which is a famous mountain pass. A mountain pass is like a natural pathway through mountains. This pass has been important for travel and trade for hundreds of years.
What is a Municipality?
In Switzerland, a municipality is a local area that has its own government. It's similar to a town or a small county in other countries. The people in Simplon elect their own leaders to manage local services. These services include things like schools, roads, and keeping the village safe.
Famous People from Simplon
Even though Simplon is a small village, a very important person was born there. His name was Josef Escher.
Who was Josef Escher?
Josef Escher was a Swiss politician. He was born in Simplon in 1885. A politician is someone who works in government and helps make decisions for the country.
Member of the Swiss Federal Council
Josef Escher became a member of the Swiss Federal Council. This council is like the main government group in Switzerland. It's made up of seven people who lead the country. Being on the Federal Council is a very high honor and a big responsibility. Josef Escher helped make important decisions for all of Switzerland during his time on the council.
The Simplon Pass
While the village of Simplon is small, the nearby Simplon Pass is very famous. It connects Switzerland with Italy. For centuries, people have used this pass to travel between the two countries.
History of the Pass
The Simplon Pass was used by traders, soldiers, and travelers for a long time. In the early 1800s, a famous road was built over the pass. This road made it much easier to travel through the mountains. Later, a long railway tunnel was also built under the pass. This tunnel, called the Simplon Tunnel, is one of the longest railway tunnels in the world. It allows trains to travel quickly and safely through the Alps.
Life in Simplon
Life in Simplon is peaceful and connected to nature. Many people who live there work in farming or tourism. Visitors come to Simplon to enjoy hiking, skiing, and the beautiful mountain views. The village is a great place to experience traditional Swiss mountain life.
