<P> The Swiss Alps comprise almost all the highest mountains of the Alps, such as Dufourspitze (4,634 m), the Dom (4,545 m), the Liskamm (4,527 m), the Weisshorn (4,506 m) and the Matterhorn (4,478 m). The other following major summits can be found in this list of mountains of Switzerland . </P> <P> Since the Middle Ages, transit across the Alps played an important role in history . The region north of St Gotthard Pass became the nucleus of the Swiss Confederacy in the early 14th century . </P> <P> The Alps cover 65% of Switzerland's total 41,285 square kilometres (15,940 sq mi) surface area, making it one of the most alpine countries . Despite the fact that Switzerland covers only 14% of the Alps total 192,753 square kilometres (74,422 sq mi) area, 48 out of 82 alpine four - thousanders are located in the Swiss Alps and practically all of the remaining 34 are within 20 kilometres (12 mi) of the country's border . </P> <P> The glaciers of the Swiss Alps cover an area of 1,220 square kilometres (470 sq mi)--3% of the Swiss territory, representing 44% of the total glaciated area in the Alps i.e. 2,800 square kilometres (1,100 sq mi). </P>

How much of switzerland is covered by the alps