[60] Switzerland has no exclaves in other countries. [244] The most influential newspapers are the German-language Tages-Anzeiger and Neue Zürcher Zeitung NZZ, and the French-language Le Temps, but almost every city has at least one local newspaper. Swiss independence from the Holy Roman Empire was formally recognized in the Peace of Westphalia in 1648. Skiing, snowboarding and mountaineering are among the most popular sports in Switzerland, the nature of the country being particularly suited for such activities. On 5 June 2005, Swiss voters agreed by a 55% majority to join the Schengen treaty, a result that was regarded by EU commentators as a sign of support by Switzerland, a country that is traditionally perceived as independent and reluctant to enter supranational bodies. 6.9% reported speaking another language at home. [36][37], Throughout the rest of the 6th, 7th and 8th centuries the Swiss regions continued under Frankish hegemony (Merovingian and Carolingian dynasties). Two effects of this popular involvement are evident: Swiss taxes are rather low by European standards, because voters are able to review and approve a broad range of expenditures, and political decision making tends to be slow, because contending individual claims and opinions must be allowed to be expressed at every step. Swiss International Air Lines is the flag carrier of Switzerland. For many outsiders, Switzerland also evokes a prosperous if rather staid and unexciting society, an image that is now dated. A landlocked country of towering mountains, deep Alpine lakes, grassy valleys dotted with neat farms and small villages, and thriving cities that blend the old and the new, Switzerland is the nexus of the diverse physical and cultural geography of western Europe, renowned for both its natural beauty and its way of life. *These cantons are known as half-cantons. [58], Switzerland lies between latitudes 45° and 48° N, and longitudes 5° and 11° E. It contains three basic topographical areas: the Swiss Alps to the south, the Swiss Plateau or Central Plateau, and the Jura mountains on the west. Villars-sur-Ollon is a village in the canton of Vaud, and what was once home to the Abbey of … [227], The country was historically about evenly balanced between Catholic and Protestant, with a complex patchwork of majorities over most of the country. 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[186], Switzerland also has an economic system for garbage disposal, which is based mostly on recycling and energy-producing incinerators due to a strong political will to protect the environment. Switzerland is bordered by Germany to the north, France to the west, Austria to the east, and Italy to the south. Switzerland was the joint host, with Austria, of the Euro 2008 tournament. Additionally the headquarters of the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) are located in Basel since 1930. Of those, 120,000 are active in periodic Army training and 80,000 are non-training reserves.[91]. [216] With an ageing population and new healthcare technologies, health spending will likely continue to rise. [172] However, as a reaction to the Fukushima nuclear disaster, the Swiss government announced in 2011 that it plans to end its use of nuclear energy in the next 2 or 3 decades. The government began gradually easing some … [221] However, from the beginning of the 21st century, the population growth in urban areas is higher than in the countryside. [219], Switzerland has a dense network of towns, where large, medium and small towns are complementary. In 1875, a law (RS 112) fixed the compensations owed by the city of Bern for the federal seat. Duden, the comprehensive German dictionary, contains about 3000 Helvetisms. [62] Precipitation tends to be spread moderately throughout the year with a peak in summer. The vast majority (60%) of the network is operated by the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS). Switzerland joined the Council of Europe in 1963. Swiss tennis player Roger Federer is widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time. | NZZ", 2012 Index of Economic Freedom: Switzerland, "GDP per capita, PPP (current international $) | Data", "Report for Selected Countries and Subjects", "The World Factbook — Central Intelligence Agency", "Global Competitiveness Report 2016-2017", The Innovation Union's performance scoreboard for Research and Innovation 2010, "European Innovation Scoreboard – European Commission", "Policy Brief: Economic Survey of Switzerland, 2007", Economic Policy Reforms: Going for Growth 2008 – Switzerland Country Note, "Fact check: Are most Swiss residents rich? Switzerland is located in central Europe. One of the most important tribal groups in the Swiss region was the Helvetii. The Swiss military strategy was changed from one of static defence at the borders to protect the economic heartland, to one of organised long-term attrition and withdrawal to strong, well-stockpiled positions high in the Alps known as the Reduit. [176] Virtually 100% of the network is electrified. [118] Nevertheless, domestic purchasing power is one of the best in the world. [250] In 2009, Switzerland hosted the IIHF World Championship for the 10th time. In reply to one critical report, the Federal Council noted that "racism unfortunately is present in Switzerland", but stated that the high proportion of foreign citizens in the country, as well as the generally unproblematic integration of foreigners, underlined Switzerland's openness. German, French, Italian, and Romansh all enjoy national status, and English is spoken widely. [191], Additionally, the figures from 2012 show that 34.7% of the permanent resident population aged 15 or over in Switzerland (around 2.33 million), had an immigrant background. [137] There are both public and private schools, including many private international schools. Music Festivals. The country Switzerland is located on the continent of Europe. Switzerland’s cities have emerged as international centres of industry and commerce connected to the larger world, a very different tenor from Switzerland’s isolated, more inward-looking past. What country has the largest Muslim population? Its main hub is Zürich, but it is legally domiciled in Basel. [note 4][13] It is a federal republic composed of 26 cantons, with federal authorities based in Bern. The Alemanni settled the Swiss plateau in the 5th century and the valleys of the Alps in the 8th century, forming Alemannia. [39], In 2002 Switzerland became a full member of the United Nations, leaving the Vatican City as the last widely recognised state without full UN membership. Even so, the Swiss blend of federalism and direct democracy is unique in the world and is considered central to the country’s political and economic success. Restaurant in the Alpine village of Grindelwald, Switzerland. [16][237] Many alpine areas and ski resorts offer winter sports during the colder months as well as hiking (German: das Wandern) or Mountain biking in summer. [149][150], Many Nobel Prize laureates have been Swiss scientists. Most Swiss live in towns and cities, not in the idyllic rural landscapes that captivated the world through Johanna Spyri’s Heidi (1880–81), the country’s best-known literary work. In common with other developed countries, the Swiss population increased rapidly during the industrial era, quadrupling between 1800 and 1990 and has continued to grow. This need soon proved itself when the rise in population and the Industrial Revolution that followed led to calls to modify the constitution accordingly. Since 1999, an initiative can also be in the form of a general proposal to be elaborated by Parliament, but because it is considered less attractive for various reasons, this form of initiative has yet to find any use. [208], Swiss residents are universally required to buy health insurance from private insurance companies, which in turn are required to accept every applicant. The role played by dialects in each linguistic region varies dramatically: in the German-speaking regions, Swiss German dialects have become ever more prevalent since the second half of the 20th century, especially in the media, such as radio and television, and are used as an everyday language for many, while the Swiss variety of Standard German is almost always used instead of dialect for written communication (c.f. Around 260 AD, the fall of the Agri Decumates territory north of the Rhine transformed today's Switzerland into a frontier land of the Empire. [67], However, access to biocapacity in Switzerland is far lower than world average. The driest conditions persist in all inner alpine valleys that receive less rain because arriving clouds lose a lot of their content while crossing the mountains before reaching these areas. In Switzerland, there is an extensive obligation to wear masks: in public transport and in all public spaces where it is not possible to keep a distance (including outside areas of restaurants, of shops, in pedestrian zones, etc.). Since 1935 urban development has claimed as much of the Swiss landscape as it did during the previous 2,000 years. [34] The territories of present-day Switzerland became divided into Middle Francia and East Francia until they were reunified under the Holy Roman Empire around 1000 AD. The Swiss German name of the country, Schwiiz, is homophonous to that of the canton and the settlement, but distinguished by the use of the definite article (d'Schwiiz for the Confederation,[30] but simply Schwyz for the canton and the town). [55], Extending across the north and south side of the Alps in west-central Europe, Switzerland encompasses a great diversity of landscapes and climates on a limited area of 41,285 square kilometres (15,940 sq mi). [253][254], Traditional sports include Swiss wrestling or "Schwingen". A look at the latest numbers", "What people in Switzerland are addicted to", "Zurich is Europe's weekend cocaine capital", "Youth crime: more drug use, less dealing", "CC 101 Federal Constitution of the Swiss Confederation of 18 April 1999, Art. A developed country, it has the highest nominal wealth per adult[18] and the eighth-highest per capita gross domestic product, and has been considered a tax haven. Coauthor of. [73], Direct democracy and federalism are hallmarks of the Swiss political system. The 1999 new constitution, however, does not contain anything concerning any Federal City. [56] In the largest Canton of Graubünden, lying entirely in the Alps, population density falls to 27 /km2 (70 /sq mi). [184], Switzerland developed an efficient system to recycle most recyclable materials. [39] The war lasted for less than a month, causing fewer than 100 casualties, most of which were through friendly fire. [36], The Old Swiss Confederacy was an alliance among the valley communities of the central Alps. Repeated raids by the Alamanni tribes provoked the ruin of the Roman towns and economy, forcing the population to find shelter near Roman fortresses, like the Castrum Rauracense near Augusta Raurica. If you’re seeking a bit of sun, then Ticino is for you! [137]At the end of primary school (or at the beginning of secondary school), pupils are separated according to their capacities in several (often three) sections. [219] In addition the three main centres of Zürich, Geneva and Basel are recognised for their particularly great quality of life. 108). The treaty also allowed Switzerland to increase its territory, with the admission of the cantons of Valais, Neuchâtel and Geneva. The remainder comes from imports and overusing the global commons (such as the atmosphere through greenhouse gas emissions). In April 2009, Switzerland hosted the 2009 IIHF World Championship for the 10th time. Besides the second largest standard gauge railway company BLS AG two railways companies operating on narrow gauge networks are the Rhaetian Railway (RhB) in the southeastern canton of Graubünden, which includes some World Heritage lines,[177] and the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn (MGB), which co-operates together with RhB the Glacier Express between Zermatt and St. Moritz/Davos. In total, 114 Nobel Prize winners in all fields stand in relation to Switzerland[152][note 11] and the Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded nine times to organisations residing in Switzerland.[153]. Strict immigration and asylum policies as well as the financial relationships with Nazi Germany raised controversy, but not until the end of the 20th century.[47]. Nonetheless, Swiss law is gradually being adjusted to conform with that of the EU, and the government has signed a number of bilateral agreements with the European Union. Since 2000 the armed force department has also maintained the Onyx intelligence gathering system to monitor satellite communications. [77] However, there are considerable differences between the individual cantons, most particularly in terms of population and geographical area. Many Swiss also follow ice hockey. 4 National languages", "Die am häufigsten üblicherweise zu Hause gesprochenen Sprachen der ständigen Wohnbevölkerung ab 15 Jahren – 2012–2014, 2013–2015, 2014–2016", "Personen nach Anzahl Sprachen, die sie regelmässig verwenden – 2014", "Patients are very satisfied with "Hospital Switzerland, "Zufriedenheit durch Vertrauen: Kurzbericht zur grossen Ärztestudie", "Kundenzufriedenheit: Krankenkassen sollten Effizienz und Image verbessern", "Components of population change – Data, indicators: Deaths, mortality and life expectancy", "The Human Capital Report, Insight Report", "OECD.StatExtracts, Health, Health Status, Life expectancy, Total population at birth, 2011", "Statistical Data on Health and Accident Insurance", OECD and WHO survey of Switzerland's health system, "La région lémanique affiche le plus haut taux de dépression", Städte und Agglomerationen unter der Lupe, Swiss countryside succumbs to urban sprawl, Enquête représentative sur l'urbanisation de la Suisse (Pronatura), "Quality of Living City Ranking | Mercer", "Ständige und nichtständige Wohnbevölkerung nach institutionellen Gliederungen, Geburtsort und Staatsangehörigkeit", "Wohnbevölkerung nach Religionszugehörigkeit 1910–2013", "Ständige Wohnbevölkerung ab 15 Jahren nach Religions- / Konfessionszugehörigkeit, 2012", "The world's most amazing football pitches – in pictures", "IIHF World Championships 2009 official website", "Roger Federer wins sixth Australian Open and 20th Grand Slam title", Michelin Guide Switzerland 2010 attests to the high quality of gourmet cooking with one new 2 star restaurant and 8 new one star, Swiss region serves up food with star power, Table 38. It is a collegial body of seven members, elected for a four-year mandate by the Federal Assembly which also exercises oversight over the council. International Basketball Federation in Geneva, the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) in Nyon, the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) and the International Ice Hockey Federation both in Zürich, the International Cycling Union in Aigle, and the International Olympic Committee in Lausanne.[87]. [24] The World Economic Forum ranks it the 5th most competitive country globally.[25]. The result was the Act of Mediation which largely restored Swiss autonomy and introduced a Confederation of 19 cantons. He has won 20 Grand Slam tournaments overall including a record 8 Wimbledon titles. Please select which sections you would like to print: While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. [162] They continue to discuss further areas for cooperation. [165], On 9 February 2014, Swiss voters narrowly approved by 50.3% a ballot initiative launched by the national conservative Swiss People's Party (SVP/UDC) to restrict immigration, and thus reintroducing a quota system on the influx of foreigners. [215] From 1990, a steady increase can be observed, reflecting the high costs of the services provided. The SNA supplies almost all Swiss media and a couple dozen foreign media services with its news. Referendums were made mandatory for any amendment of this constitution. Some 1000 museums are distributed through the country; the number has more than tripled since 1950. [195], Drug use is comparable to other developed countries[citation needed][dubious – discuss] with 14% of men and 6.5% of women between 20 and 24 saying they had consumed cannabis in the past 30 days,[196] and 5 Swiss cities were listed among the top 10 European cities for cocaine use as measured in wastewater.[197][198]. Other centres included Basel (Andreas Karlstadt and Johannes Oecolampadius), Berne (Berchtold Haller and Niklaus Manuel), and St. Gallen (Joachim Vadian). [19][20] It ranks highly on some international metrics, including economic competitiveness and human development. I greatly appreciate this diversity. There have since been several referendums on the EU issue; due to opposition from the citizens, the membership application has been withdrawn. Summers tend to be warm and humid at times with periodic rainfall so they are ideal for pastures and grazing. In June 2007 the Swiss National Council, one house of the Federal Assembly of Switzerland, voted to overturn the ban, however the other house, the Swiss Council of States rejected the change and the ban remains in place.
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