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Society
The main driver of demographic growth in Switzerland over the last few decades has been migration
Throughout the year, Switzerland hosts hundreds of festivals and sporting, cultural and political events. Roughly every 25 years, Switzerland holds a National Exhibition.
Switzerland has four language regions: German, French, Italian and Romansh.
Traditions and customs are an integral part of everyday life in Switzerland.
Switzerland is a Christian country. Around two-thirds of the population are either Roman Catholic or Protestant (Reformed-Evangelical).
Switzerland owes its rich culinary heritage to its great many regional specialities.
Thanks to its location at the crossroads of three major European cultures (German, French and Italian), Switzerland has a rich and varied arts and culture scene.
The Swiss are keen sports enthusiasts, especially outdoor pursuits.
History
Switzerland evolved over many centuries from a loose alliance of small self-governing towns and states to a fully-fledged federal state of 26 cantons.
Politics
Federalism and direct democracy reflect the great importance that the Swiss political system places on the freedom of choice and self-determination.
Switzerland pursues an active foreign policy.
Economy
One of the most competitive economies in the world at a glance: facts, figures and articles on business, exports, taxes and public finance.
The Swiss telecommunications market is dominated by the incumbent telecoms operator, Swisscom.
A global leader in wealth management, Switzerland's banks, insurance providers and pension funds generate around 10% of the country's value-added.
The Federal Council is pursuing plans to free Switzerland from reliance on imported, non-renewable energy. Its Energy Strategy 2050 seeks to reduce consumption and increase the share of renewables.
The Swiss economy is service-oriented, but also has a strong, export-focused industrial sector. Swiss watches, which are a product of this sector, are known worldwide for their high quality.
Switzerland has a dense and reliable rail and road network.
Switzerland's stable labour market and low unemployment rate account for a high GDP per capita, excellent healthcare and a social security system that leaves no one behind.
Science
Switzerland is not only one of the world’s most innovative research nations, but also one of the most competitive.
International research collaboration is high on Switzerland’s agenda.
Education
In Switzerland the 26 cantons are responsible for compulsory education
Primary schoolchildren acquire and develop the basic skills and knowledge needed to further their education.
Environment
Switzerland has three main geographic regions: the Alps covering around 60% of the country's total surface area, the Swiss Plateau (30%) and the Jura (10%).
Switzerland has a very varied landscape and great habitat diversity.
Graphics
Various aspects of the Swiss population at a glance: social demographics, language, religion, sport, cuisine, design, Swiss abroad.
Organisation, financing and achievements of Swiss science and research presented in two graphics.
Seven aspects of Switzerland's complex political system presented in simple graphic form.
Seven charts portray the most important and prominent aspects of Switzerland’s environment, from geography to animals and plants to waste disposal.
Graphics on the economy, energy, transit, transport, media consumption and social security in Switzerland.
Swiss Specials
The world’s longest railway tunnel – the Gotthard Base Tunnel – was officially opened on 1 June 2016.
Solar Impulse has brought the dream of flying over long distances without the need for fossil fuel a step closer to reality.
At an altitude of 2,883 metres and nestled among the glaciers and imposing peaks of the Valais Alps, the new Monte Rosa mountain refuge rises from the icy landscape like a giant sparkling shard of rock crystal.
From the medieval Old Town of Berne to the futuristic city of Brasilia, from the tiny convent of Müstair to the imposing cathedral of Chartres, from the fertile terraced vineyards of Lavaux to the vast desert of Ténéré – all have one thing in common: they are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Quality, precision, uniqueness, reliability, tradition, design, innovation … these are just a few of the words that sum up the Swiss watchmaking industry – an industry which manages to produce timepieces that are diminutive yet highly complex, traditional yet state-of-the art.
Switzerland is synonymous with mountains. Not only do they cover one third of the country’s surface area, but they are also of major historical, geopolitical and economic importance. The mountains, for example, have been the selling point of the Swiss tourist industry for more than 100 years.
Hard cheese, soft cheese, cottage cheese, cheese made in mountain chalets, cheese made in valley factories, cheese shaved into rosettes, cheese boxed in red pine, cheese melted in wine to make fondue, hot cheese dribbled over potatoes to make raclette...
FAQ
Working in Switzerland? Seeking to establish business relations with Switzerland? The FAQs on work and business in Switzerland provide the answers you’re looking for.
Studies, diplomas, internships and schools in Switzerland – the FAQs on educational stays in Switzerland provide the answers you’re looking for.
Do you have Swiss ancestors? Are you trying to locate a person living in Switzerland? The FAQs provide the answers you’re looking for.
Holidaying in Switzerland? The FAQs on visas, transport, weather, electrical plugs and currency in Switzerland provide the answers you’re looking for.
Want to become a Swiss citizen? The FAQs on naturalisation and Swiss passports provide the answers you’re looking for.
Immigrating to Switzerland? The FAQs on residence permits and living in Switzerland provide the answers you’re looking for.
Seeking asylum in Switzerland? FAQs on basic questions on how to apply for asylum in Switzerland.
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