The Great Californian Squeeze: How Many Switzerlands Can We Shoehorn In?
Ever looked at a map and thought, "California's big, but is it BIG big?" Well, my friend, buckle up, because we're about to embark on a geographical odyssey to answer the question that's plagued philosophers for ages (or at least since Tuesday afternoon): How many Switzerlands can you fit in California?
The Size Showdown: A Tale of Two Titans (Well, One Tiny Titan)
Let's get down to brass tacks (or should we say, cheese curds?). Switzerland clocks in at a respectable 41,285 square kilometers. That's about the size of a large pizza with a generous amount of crust (hold the anchovies, please). California, on the other hand, is a whopper – a landmass so vast it could house Switzerland several times over, with room leftover for a double In-N-Out cheeseburger (animal style, naturally). We're talking a whopping 404,653 square kilometers.
In layman's terms, California is roughly 10 times the size of Switzerland. Think of it this way: Switzerland is a chihuahua, cute and feisty, while California is a Great Dane, all gangly legs and a heart of gold (and probably drool).
Squeezing In The Swiss: How Many Can We Fit?
So, the question remains: how many Switzerlands can we Tetris into California? Here's where things get fuzzy, folks. Buckle up for two main approaches:
- The Perfect Fit (Emphasis on "Perfect")
Imagine smooshing Switzerland like a pool float – no mountains, just flat land. In this unrealistic scenario, where land conformity is key, we might be able to squeeze in a staggering 206 Switzerlands. But let's be honest, that's like wearing skinny jeans two sizes too small – uncomfortable and impractical. You wouldn't be able to swing a yodeling yodeler, let alone yodel freely.
- The Jigsaw Puzzle Play (A More Realistic Approach)
Now let's get strategic. We'll rotate those Switzerlands, contort them like pretzels, and play Switzerland Tetris like a champ. This method, accounting for mountains and whatnot, might yield a more realistic number: somewhere around 142 Switzerlands.
The Verdict: It Depends on Your Tolerance for Neighbors (and Fondue)
Ultimately, the answer depends on how cozy you want things to get. Do you crave a little Swiss chalet nestled between your Californian bungalow? Then go all-in with the 206 squeeze. But if you prefer a bit more breathing room (and maybe some space for a backyard fire without setting off cheese fondue alarms), stick to the 142 jigsaw puzzle approach.
Remember: this is all hypothetical, of course. Switzerland is a sovereign nation, and shoving them into another state (even a very large state) might be frowned upon by international law (and the Swiss army, which is very well-equipped and let's be honest, pretty badass).
But hey, it's a fun thought experiment! So next time you're marveling at California's vastness, cast a thought towards Switzerland – a tiny but mighty country that, if need be, could be California's pocket-sized cheese-loving companion.
