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Society
The main driver of demographic growth in Switzerland over the last few decades has been migration
Festivals, forums and fairs: hundreds of major events are held in Switzerland throughout the year.
Switzerland's national languages are German, French, Italian and Romansh – a multilingualism lived out in practice.
Tradition, traditions, society Switzerland, custom yodelling, custom, national holiday.
Switzerland is a Christian country. Around two-thirds of the population are either Roman Catholic or Protestant (Reformed-Evangelical).
Swiss cuisine is as varied as its landscape – and yet you'll still find bread and cheese everywhere.
Switzerland's diversity of cultures makes for dynamic local arts scenes and world-class creative productions.
The Swiss love their sport, especially outdoor pursuits.
Politics and history
In the Swiss federal state, direct democracy and the federal system ensure individual autonomy as well as cohesion.
Switzerland takes a proactive approach in its foreign policy, particularly towards the EU. Switzerland's neutrality and humanitarian tradition allow it to host numerous international organisations and undertake protecting power mandates.
From loose pile-dwelling settlements to the modern federal Swiss state: key periods
Economy
One of the most competitive economies in the world at a glance: facts, figures and articles on business, exports, taxes and public finance.
Switzerland's ultra-modern radio and television, mobile, fixed network and broadband infrastructure makes it a highly attractive location for businesses.
Switzerland's financial sector is a global leader in wealth management, with Swiss banks, insurance companies and pension funds generating around 10% of the country's value-added. Switzerland both shapes and implements international standards.
The Energy Strategy 2050 is intended to make Switzerland climate-neutral and less dependent on energy imports: consumption is to be reduced and the share of renewable energies increased.
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.
Even though Switzerland tops the world rankings for rail travel by passenger-kilometres per capita, the car remains the country's favourite means of transport. For freight transport, efforts are under way to shift from road to rail.
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.
Education and Science
Switzerland's diverse and permeable education system in essence offers a choice between an academic or vocational education.
The field of science and research is held in high regard in Switzerland and is promoted accordingly, resulting in highly dynamic research activity.
Environment
Switzerland lies at the heart of Europe. It has three distinct geographical regions: the Alps, the Central Plateau and the Jura. The country boasts an extraordinary variety of landscapes and habitats, which make it a highly attractive place to live in and do business.
A special feature of the Swiss landscape is its abundant natural ecosystems and their proximity to urban centres. However, it is the mountains which have proven to be integral to Switzerland's national identity.
Swiss Stories
This enormous undertaking comprises three rail tunnels, including the Gotthard Base Tunnel – at 57.1 km, the world's longest railway tunnel.
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.
Romansh is the fourth national language. Spoken almost exclusively in the canton of Graubünden, Romansh is part of the Swiss identity and has official language status.
Heidi is Switzerland's most famous child: the novel by Johanna Spyri has been translated into 70 languages and has inspired over 15 film adaptations.
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