Switzerland is afederal republic composed of26 cantons, with Bern serving as thefederal city and the seat of the national government.[a][3][2] The country encompasses four principal linguistic and cultural regions—German,French,Italian, andRomansh—reflecting a long-standing tradition of multilingualism and cultural pluralism. Swiss national identity nonetheless remains fairly cohesive, rooted in a shared historical background, common values such asfederalism anddirect democracy,[19] andAlpine symbolism.[20][21] Swissnationhood transcends language, ethnicity, and religion, leading to Switzerland being described as aWillensnation ("nation of volition") rather than a conventionalnation state.[22]
The English nameSwitzerland is a portmanteau ofSwitzer, an obsolete term for aSwiss person which was in use during the 16th to 19th centuries, andland.[30] The English adjectiveSwiss is aloanword from FrenchSuisse, also in use since the 16th century. The nameSwitzer is from theAlemannicSchwiizer, in origin an inhabitant ofSchwyz and itsassociated territory, one of theWaldstätte cantons which formed the nucleus of theOld Swiss Confederacy. The Swiss began to adopt the name for themselves after theSwabian War of 1499, used alongside the term for "Confederates",Eidgenossen (literally:comrades by oath), used since the 14th century.Thedata code for Switzerland, CH, is derived fromLatinConfoederatio Helvetica (Helvetic Confederation).
The toponymSchwyz itself was first attested in 972, asOld High GermanSuittes, perhaps related toswedan 'to burn' (cf.Old Norsesvíða 'to singe, burn'), referring to the area of forest that was burned and cleared to build.[31] The name was extended to the area dominated by the canton, and after the Swabian War of 1499 gradually came to be used for the entire Confederation.[32][33] TheSwiss 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,[34] but simplySchwyz for the canton and the town).[35] The long [iː] of Swiss German is historically and still often today spelled⟨y⟩ rather than⟨ii⟩, preserving the original identity of the two names even in writing.
The state of Switzerland took its present form with the adoption of theSwiss Federal Constitution in 1848. Switzerland's precursors established a defensive alliance in 1291, forming a looseconfederation that persisted for centuries.
The oldest traces of hominid existence in Switzerland date to about 150,000 years ago.[38] The oldest known farming settlements in Switzerland, which were found atGächlingen, date to around 5300 BC.[38]
Founded in 44 BC byLucius Munatius Plancus,Augusta Raurica (near Basel) was the first Roman settlement on the Rhine and is now among the most important archaeological sites in Switzerland.[39]
The earliest known tribes formed theHallstatt andLa Tène cultures, named after the archaeological site of La Tène on the north side ofLake Neuchâtel. La Tène culture developed and flourished during the lateIron Age from around 450 BC,[38] possibly influenced byGreek andEtruscan civilisations. One of the most prominent La Tène tribes were theHelvetii, who primarily occupied theSwiss Plateau, alongside theRhaetians in the eastern regions. Facing pressures from Germanic tribes, in 58 BC, the Helvetii, influenced byOrgetorix, a wealthy aristocrat, decided to abandon the Swiss Plateau for better opportunities in western Gallia. After Orgetorix's mysterious death, the tribe continued their migration but was decisively defeated by Julius Caesar's armies at theBattle of Bibracte, in present-day eastern France. Following their defeat, the Helvetii were forced by Caesar to return to their original lands, where they were subjected to stringent restrictions on their autonomy and movements.[38] In 15 BC,Tiberius (later the second Roman emperor) and his brotherDrusus conquered the Alps, integrating them into theRoman Empire. The area occupied by the Helvetii first became part of Rome'sGallia Belgica province and then of itsGermania Superior province. The eastern portion of modern Switzerland was integrated into theRoman province ofRaetia. Sometime around the start of theCommon Era, the Romans maintained a large camp calledVindonissa, now a ruin at the confluence of theAare andReuss rivers, near the town ofWindisch.[40]
The first and second century AD was an age of prosperity on the Swiss Plateau. Towns such asAventicum,Iulia Equestris andAugusta Raurica reached a remarkable size, while hundreds of agricultural estates (Villae rusticae) were established in the countryside.[41]
Around 260 AD, the fall of theAgri Decumates territory north of theRhine transformed today's Switzerland into a frontier land of the Empire. Repeated raids by theAlamanni tribes provoked the ruin of the Roman towns and economy, forcing the population to shelter near Roman fortresses, like theCastrum Rauracense near Augusta Raurica. The Empire built another line of defence at the north border (the so-called Donau-Iller-Rhine-Limes). At the end of the fourth century, the increased Germanic pressure forced the Romans to abandon the linear defence concept. The Swiss Plateau was finally open toGermanic tribes.[citation needed]
In theEarly Middle Ages, from the end of the fourth century, the western extent of modern-day Switzerland was part of the territory of theKings of the Burgundians, who introduced the French language to the area. TheAlemanni settled the Swiss Plateau in the fifth century and thevalleys of the Alps in the eighth century, formingAlemannia. Modern-day Switzerland was then divided between the kingdoms of Alemannia andBurgundy.[38] The entire region became part of the expandingFrankish Empire in the sixth century, followingClovis I's victory over the Alemanni atTolbiac in 504 AD, and later Frankish domination of the Burgundians.[42][43]
In the 10th century, as the rule of the Carolingians waned,Magyars destroyedBasel in 917 andSt. Gallen in 926. In response,Henry the Fowler, the then ruler of East Francia, decreed the fortification of key settlements to defend against these invasions. Large villages and towns, including strategic locations like Zurich and St.Gallen, were fortified. This initiative led to the development of what were essentially early urban strongholds and city governments in Eastern Switzerland.[41]
By 1200, the Swiss Plateau comprised the dominions of the houses ofSavoy,Zähringer,Habsburg, andKyburg.[38] Some regions (Uri,Schwyz,Unterwalden, later known asWaldstätten) were accorded theImperial immediacy to grant the empire direct control over the mountain passes. With the extinction of its male line in 1263, the Kyburg dynasty fell in AD 1264. The Habsburgs underKing Rudolph I (Holy Roman Emperor in 1273) laid claim to the Kyburg lands and annexed them, extending their territory to the eastern Swiss Plateau.[42]
The Old Swiss Confederacy from 1291 (dark green) to the sixteenth century (light green) and its associates (blue). In the other colours shown are the subject territories.The 1291Bundesbrief (federal charter)
The Old Swiss Confederacy was an alliance among the valley communities of the central Alps. The Confederacy was governed bynobles andpatricians of various cantons who facilitated management of common interests and ensured peace on mountain trade routes. TheFederal Charter of 1291 is considered the confederacy's founding document, even though similar alliances likely existed decades earlier. The document was agreed among therural communes ofUri,Schwyz, andUnterwalden.[44][page needed][45]
By 1353, the three originalcantons had joined with the cantons ofGlarus andZug and theLucerne,Zurich andBern city-states to form the "Old Confederacy" of eight states that obtained through the end of the 15th century.[45] The expansion led to increased power and wealth for the confederation. By 1460, the confederates controlled most of the territory south and west of the Rhine to the Alps and theJura mountains, and theUniversity of Basel was founded (with a faculty of medicine) establishing a tradition of chemical and medical research. This increased after victories against the Habsburgs (Battle of Sempach,Battle of Näfels), overCharles the Bold ofBurgundy during the 1470s, and the success of theSwiss mercenaries. The Swiss victory in theSwabian War against theSwabian League ofEmperorMaximilian I in 1499 amounted tode facto independence within theHoly Roman Empire.[45] In 1501, Basel[46] and Schaffhausen joined the Old Swiss Confederacy.[47]
The Confederacy acquired a reputation of invincibility during these earlier wars, butexpansion of the confederation suffered a setback in 1515 with the Swiss defeat in theBattle of Marignano. This ended the so-called "heroic" epoch of Swiss history.[45] The success ofZwingli'sReformation in some cantons led to inter-cantonal religious conflicts in 1529 and 1531 (Wars of Kappel). It was not until more than one hundred years after these internal wars that, in 1648, under thePeace of Westphalia, European countries recognised Switzerland's independence from the Holy Roman Empire and itsneutrality.[42][43]
The Act of Mediation was Napoleon's attempt at a compromise between theAncien Régime and a Republic.
In 1798, therevolutionary French government invaded Switzerland and imposed a new unified constitution.[45] This centralised the government of the country, effectively abolishing the cantons: moreover,Mülhausen left Switzerland and theValtellina valley became part of theCisalpine Republic. The new regime, known as the Helvetic Republic, was highly unpopular. An invading foreign army had imposed and destroyed centuries of tradition, making Switzerland nothing more than a Frenchsatellite state. The fierce French suppression of theNidwalden Revolt in September 1798 was an example of the oppressive presence of theFrench Army and the local population's resistance to the occupation.[citation needed]
When war broke out between France and its rivals, Russian andAustrian forces invaded Switzerland. The Swiss refused to fight alongside the French in the name of the Helvetic Republic. In 1803Napoleon organised a meeting of the leading Swiss politicians from both sides in Paris. TheAct of Mediation was the result, which largely restored Swiss autonomy and introduced a Confederation of 19 cantons.[45] Henceforth, much of Swiss politics would concern balancing the cantons' tradition of self-rule with the need for a central government.[49]
In 1815, theCongress of Vienna fully re-established Swiss independence, and the European powers recognised permanent Swiss neutrality.[42][43][45] Swiss troops served foreign governments until 1860 when they fought in thesiege of Gaeta. The treaty allowed Switzerland to increase its territory, with the admission of the cantons ofValais,Neuchâtel andGeneva. Switzerland's borders saw only minor adjustments thereafter.[50]
The firstFederal Palace in Bern (1857). One of the three cantons presiding over theTagsatzung (former legislative and executive council), Bern was chosen as the permanent seat of federal legislative and executive institutions in 1848, in part because of its closeness to the French-speaking area.[2]
The restoration of power to the patriciate was only temporary. After a period of unrest with repeated violent clashes, such as theZüriputsch of 1839, civil war (theSonderbundskrieg) broke out in 1847 when some Catholic cantons tried to set up a separate alliance (theSonderbund).[45] The war lasted less than a month, causing fewer than 100 casualties, most of which were throughfriendly fire. The Sonderbundskrieg had a significant impact on the psychology and society of Switzerland.[citation needed][who?]
The war convinced most Swiss of the need for unity and strength. Swiss from all strata of society, whether Catholic or Protestant, from the liberal or conservative current, realised that the cantons would profit more from merging their economic and religious interests.[citation needed]
Thus, while the rest of Europe sawrevolutionary uprisings, the Swiss drew up a constitution that provided for afederal layout, much of it inspired by theAmerican example. This constitution provided central authority while leaving the cantons the right to self-government on local issues. Giving credit to those who favoured the power of the cantons (the Sonderbund Kantone), the national assembly was divided between anupper house (theCouncil of States, two representatives per canton) and alower house (theNational Council, with representatives elected from across the country).Referendums were made mandatory for any amendments.[43] This new constitution ended the legal power ofnobility in Switzerland.[51]
Inauguration in 1882 of theGotthard rail tunnel connecting the southern canton of Ticino, the longest in the world at the time
A single system of weights and measures was introduced, and in 1850 theSwiss franc became the Swisssingle currency, complemented by the WIR franc in 1934.[52] Article 11 of the constitution forbade sending troops to serve abroad, marking the end of foreign service. It came with the expectation of serving theHoly See, and the Swiss were still obliged to serveFrancis II of the Two Sicilies with Swiss Guards present at thesiege of Gaeta in 1860.[citation needed]
An important clause of the constitution was that it could be entirely rewritten, if necessary, thus enabling it to evolve as a whole rather than being modified one amendment at a time.[53][page needed]
This need soon proved itself when the rise in population and theIndustrial Revolution that followed led to calls to modify the constitution accordingly. The population rejected an early draft in 1872, but modifications led to its acceptance in 1874.[45] It introduced thefacultative referendum for laws at the federal level. It also established federal responsibility for defence, trade, and legal matters.
In 1891, the constitution was revised with uncommonly strong elements ofdirect democracy, which remain unique today.[45]
GeneralUlrich Wille, appointed commander-in-chief of the Swiss Army for the duration of World War I
Switzerland was not invaded during either of the world wars. DuringWorld War I, Switzerland was home to the revolutionary and founder of theSoviet Union Vladimir Illych Ulyanov (Vladimir Lenin) who remained there until 1917.[54] Swiss neutrality was seriously questioned by the short-livedGrimm–Hoffmann affair in 1917. In 1920, Switzerland joined theLeague of Nations, which was based inGeneva, after it was exempted from military requirements.[55]
DuringWorld War II,detailed invasion plans were drawn up by the Germans,[56] but Switzerland was never attacked.[45] Switzerland was able to remain independent through a combination of military deterrence, concessions to Germany, and good fortune, as larger events during the war intervened.[43][57] GeneralHenri Guisan, appointed thecommander-in-chief for the duration of the war, ordered a general mobilisation of the armed forces. The Swiss military strategy changed from static defence at the borders to organised long-term attrition and withdrawal to strong, well-stockpiled positions high in the Alps, known as theReduit. Switzerland was an important base for espionage by both sides and often mediated communications between theAxis andAllied powers.[57]
Switzerland's trade was blockaded by both the Allies and the Axis. Economic cooperation and extension of credit toNazi Germany varied according to the perceived likelihood of invasion and the availability of other trading partners. Concessions reached a peak after a crucial rail link throughVichy France was severed in 1942, leaving Switzerland (together withLiechtenstein) entirely isolated from the wider world by Axis-controlled territory. Over the course of the war, Switzerland interned over 300,000 refugees[58] aided by theInternational Red Cross, based in Geneva. Strict immigration andasylum policies and the financial relationships with Nazi Germany became controversial by the end of the 20th century.[59]: 521
During the war, the Swiss Air Force engaged aircraft of both sides, shooting down 11 intrudingLuftwaffe planes in May and June 1940, then forcing down other intruders after a change of policy following threats from Germany. Over 100 Allied bombers and their crews were interned. Between 1940 and 1945,Switzerland was bombed by the Allies, causing fatalities and property damage.[57] Among the cities and towns bombed wereBasel,Brusio,Chiasso,Cornol, Geneva,Koblenz,Niederweningen,Rafz,Renens,Samedan,Schaffhausen,Stein am Rhein,Tägerwilen,Thayngen,Vals, and Zurich. Allied forces maintained that the bombings, which violated the 96thArticle of War, resulted from navigation errors, equipment failure, weather conditions, and pilot errors. The Swiss expressed fear and concern that the bombings were intended to put pressure on Switzerland to end economic cooperation and neutrality with Nazi Germany.[60] Court-martial proceedings took place in England. The US paid SFR 62M for reparations.[citation needed]
Switzerland's attitude towardsrefugees was complicated and controversial; over the course of the war, it admitted as many as 300,000 refugees[58] while refusing tens of thousands more,[59]: 107 including Jews persecuted by the Nazis.[59]: 114
After the war, the Swiss government exported credits through the charitable fund known as theSchweizerspende and donated to theMarshall Plan to help Europe's recovery, efforts that ultimately benefited theSwiss economy.[59]: 521
In 2003, by granting theSwiss People's Party a second seat in the governing cabinet, the Parliament altered thecoalition that had dominated Swiss politics since 1959.
Switzerland was the last Western republic (thePrincipality of Liechtenstein followed in 1984) togrant women the right to vote. Some Swiss cantons approved this in 1959, while at the federal level, it was achieved in 1971 and, after resistance, in the last cantonAppenzell Innerrhoden (one of only two remainingLandsgemeinde, along withGlarus) in 1990.[45][65] After obtaining suffrage at the federal level, women quickly rose in political significance. The first woman on the seven-memberFederal Council executive wasElisabeth Kopp, who served from 1984 to 1989,[45] and the first female president wasRuth Dreifuss in 1999.[66]
In 1979 areas from the canton ofBern attained independence from the Bernese, forming the newcanton of Jura. On 18 April 1999, the Swiss population and the cantons voted in favour of a completely revisedfederal constitution.[45]
In 2002 Switzerland became a full member of the United Nations, leavingVatican City as the last widely recognised state without full UN membership.[67] Switzerland is a founding member of theEFTA but not theEuropean Economic Area (EEA). An application for membership in theEuropean Union was sent in May 1992, but did not advance since rejecting the EEA in December 1992[45] when Switzerland conducted a referendum on the EEA. Several referendums on the EU issue ensued; due to opposition from the citizens, the membership application was withdrawn. Nonetheless, Swiss law is gradually changing to conform with that of the EU, and the government signedbilateral agreements with the European Union. Switzerland, together with Liechtenstein, has been surrounded by the EU since Austria's entry in 1995. On 5 June 2005, Swiss voters agreed by a 55% majority to join theSchengen treaty, a result that EU commentators regarded as a sign of support.[43] In September 2020, a referendum calling for a vote to end the pact that allowed a free movement of people from theEuropean Union was introduced by theSwiss People's Party (SVP).[68] However, voters rejected the attempt to retake control of immigration, defeating the motion by a roughly 63%–37% margin.[69]
On 9 February 2014, 50.3% of Swiss voters approved a ballotinitiative launched by the Swiss People's Party (SVP/UDC) torestrict immigration. This initiative was mostly backed by rural (57.6% approval) and suburban groups (51.2% approval), and isolated towns (51.3% approval) as well as by a strong majority (69.2% approval) in Ticino, while metropolitan centres (58.5% rejection) and the French-speaking part (58.5% rejection) rejected it.[70] In December 2016, a political compromise with the EU was attained that eliminated quotas on EU citizens, but still allowed favourable treatment of Swiss-based job applicants.[71] On 27 September 2020, 62% of Swiss voters rejected the anti-free movement referendum by SVP.[72]
Extending across the north and south side of theAlps inwest-central Europe, Switzerland encompasses diverse landscapes and climates across its 41,285 square kilometres (15,940 sq mi).[73]
Switzerland lies between latitudes45° and48° N, and longitudes5° and11° E. It contains three basic topographical areas: theSwiss Alps to the south, the Swiss Plateau or Central Plateau, and theJura mountains on the west. The Alps are a mountain range running across the central and south of the country, constituting about 60% of the country's area. The majority of the population live on the Swiss Plateau. The Swiss Alps host many glaciers, covering 1,063 square kilometres (410 sq mi). From these originate the headwaters of several major rivers, such as theRhine,Inn,Ticino andRhône, which flow in the four cardinal directions, spreading across Europe. The hydrographic network includes several of the largest bodies of fresh water in Central and Western Europe, among which areLake Geneva (Lac Léman in French),Lake Constance (Bodensee in German) andLake Maggiore. Switzerland has more than 1500 lakes and contains 6% of Europe's freshwater stock. Lakes and glaciers cover about 6% of the national territory. Lake Geneva is the largest lake and is shared with France. The Rhône is both the main source and outflow of Lake Geneva. Lake Constance is the second largest and, like Lake Geneva, an intermediate step by the Rhine at the border with Austria and Germany. While the Rhône flows into theMediterranean Sea at the FrenchCamargue region and the Rhine flows into theNorth Sea atRotterdam, about 1,000 kilometres (620 miles) apart, both springs are only about 22 kilometres (14 miles) apart in the Swiss Alps.[73][74] 90% of Switzerland's 65,000-kilometre-long network of rivers and streams have been straightened, dammed, canalized or channeled underground, in an effort to prevent natural disasters such as flooding, landslides, and avalanches.[75] 80% of all Swiss drinking water comes fromgroundwater sources.[76]
Forty-eight mountains are 4,000 metres (13,000 ft) or higher in height.[73] At 4,634 m (15,203 ft),Monte Rosa is the highest, although theMatterhorn (4,478 m or 14,692 ft) is the best known. Both are located within thePennine Alps in the canton ofValais, on the border with Italy. The section of theBernese Alps above the deep glacialLauterbrunnen valley, containing 72 waterfalls, is well known for theJungfrau (4,158 m or 13,642 ft)Eiger andMönch peaks, and its many picturesque valleys. In the southeast the longEngadin Valley, encompassingSt. Moritz, is also well known; the highest peak in the neighbouringBernina Alps isPiz Bernina (4,049 m or 13,284 ft).[73]
The Swiss Plateau has greater open and hilly landscapes, partly forested, partly open pastures, usually with grazing herds or vegetable and fruit fields, but it is still hilly. Large lakes and the biggest Swiss cities are found there.[73]
The Swiss climate is generallytemperate, but can vary greatly across localities,[78] from glacial conditions on the mountaintops to the near-Mediterranean climate at Switzerland's southern tip. Some valley areas in the southern part of Switzerland offer cold-hardy palm trees. Summers tend to be warm and humid at times with periodic rainfall, ideal for pastures/grazing. The less humid winters in the mountains may see weeks-long intervals of stable conditions. At the same time, the lower lands tend to suffer frominversion during such periods, hiding the sun.[citation needed]
A weather phenomenon known as theföhn (with an identical effect to thechinook wind) can occur any time and is characterised by an unexpectedly warm wind, bringing low relative humidity air to the north of the Alps during rainfall periods on the south-facing slopes. This works both ways across the alps but is more efficient if blowing from the south due to the steeper step for oncoming wind. Valleys running south to north trigger the best effect. The driest conditions persist in all inner alpine valleys that receive less rain because arriving clouds lose a lot of their moisture content while crossing the mountains before reaching these areas. Large alpine areas such asGraubünden remain drier than pre-alpine areas, and as in the main valley of theValais, wine grapes are grown there.[79]
The wettest conditions persist in the high Alps and in theTicino canton, which has much sun yet heavy bursts of rain from time to time.[79] Precipitation tends to be spread moderately throughout the year, with a peak in summer. Autumn is the driest season, winter receives less precipitation than summer, yet the weather patterns in Switzerland are not in a stable climate system. They can vary from year to year with no strict and predictable periods.[citation needed]
Switzerland's many small valleys separated by high mountains often host unique ecologies. The mountainous regions themselves offer a rich range of plants not found at other altitudes. The climatic, geological and topographical conditions of the alpine region make for a fragile ecosystem that is particularly sensitive toclimate change.[78][81] According to the2014 Environmental Performance Index, Switzerland ranks first among 132 nations in safeguarding the environment, due to its high scores on environmental public health, its heavy reliance on renewable sources of energy (hydropower andgeothermal energy), and its level ofgreenhouse gas emissions.[82] In 2020 it was ranked third out of 180 countries.[83] The country pledged to cutGHG emissions by 50% by 2030 compared to the level of 1990 and plans to reach zero emissions by 2050.[84]
However, access tobiocapacity in Switzerland is far lower than the world average. In 2016, Switzerland had 1.0 hectares[85] of biocapacity per person within its territory, 40 per cent less than world average of 1.6. In contrast, in 2016, Swiss consumption required 4.6 hectares of biocapacity – theirecological footprint, 4.6 times as much as Swiss territory can support. The remainder comes from other countries and the shared resources (such as the atmosphere impacted by greenhouse gas emissions).[85] Switzerland had a 2019Forest Landscape Integrity Index mean score of 3.53/10, ranking it 150th globally out of 172 countries.[86]
Switzerland ranked 9th in theEnvironmental Performance Index for 2024.[87] It scored well in parameters including air pollution, sanitation and drinking water, waste management, and climate change mitigation.[88]
Urbanisation in theRhone Valley (outskirts ofSion)
About 85% of the population live in urban areas.[89][90] Switzerland went from a largely rural country to an urban one from 1930 to 2000. After 1935 urban development claimed as much of the Swiss landscape as it did during the prior 2,000 years.Urban sprawl affects the plateau, the Jura and the Alpine foothills,[91] raising concerns about land use.[92] During the 21st century, population growth in urban areas is higher than in the countryside.[90]
Switzerland has a dense network of complementary large, medium and small towns.[90] The plateau is densely populated with about 400 people per km2 and the landscape shows uninterrupted signs of human presence.[93] The weight of the largest metropolitan areas –Zurich, Geneva–Lausanne,Basel andBern – tend to increase.[90][clarification needed] The importance of these urban areas is greater than their population suggests.[90] These urban centers are recognised for their high quality of life.[94]
The average population density in 2019 was 215.2 inhabitants per square kilometre (557/sq mi).[95]: 79 In the largest canton by area,Graubünden, lying entirely in the Alps, population density falls to 28.0 inhabitants per square kilometre (73/sq mi).[95]: 30 In thecanton of Zurich, with its large urban capital, the density is 926.8 per square kilometre (2,400/sq mi).[95]: 76
According toInternational IDEA’s Global State of Democracy (GSoD) Indices and Democracy Tracker, Switzerland performs in the high range on overall democratic measures, with particular weaknesses in electoral participation.[96][97][98]
TheFederal Constitution adopted in 1848 is the legal foundation of Switzerland's federal state.[99] It is regularly modified by referendum and has been completely revised twice, in 1874 and 1999. The constitution outlines rights of individuals and citizen participation in public affairs, divides the powers between the confederation and the cantons and defines federal jurisdiction and authority. Three main bodies govern on the federal level: theFederal Assembly (legislative), theFederal Council (executive) and thefederal courts (judicial).[100]
Federal Assembly
TheFederal Assembly is theparliament of Switzerland. It consists of two houses: TheCouncil of States has 46 members, two from each canton and one from eachhalf-canton. TheNational Council has 200 members, apportioned to reflect the population of each canton, and elected byproportional representation within each canton. Members of both houses serve for four years and work part-time (Milizsystem).[101] When both houses are in joint session, they are known collectively as theFederal Assembly. Throughoptional referendums, citizens may challenge any law passed by parliament.[99]
The Federal Council is the Swiss executive. It leads thefederal administration and serves as a collectivehead of state. It is acollegial body of seven members, elected to four-year terms by the Federal Assembly, which oversees the council. Each member leads a department of the federal government. Each year, one member of the Council is electedPresident of the Confederation by the Assembly, with the presidency traditionally rotating between members. The President chairs and represents the government, but hasno additional powers and remains the head of their department.[99]
The government has been a coalition of the four major political parties since 1959, each party having a number of seats that roughly reflects its share of the electorate and representation in the federal parliament. This distribution is called the "magic formula". Since 2003, the seven seats in the Federal Council have been distributed as follows:
The function of theFederal Supreme Court is to hear appeals against rulings of cantonal or federal courts. The judges are elected by the Federal Assembly for six-year terms.[102]
Direct democracy andfederalism are hallmarks of the Swiss political system defined in the Swiss constitution.[103] The Swiss people are subject to three legal jurisdictions: the municipal, cantonal and federal levels. At the federal level, popular rights[j] include the right to submit a federal initiative and a referendum, both of which may overturn parliamentary decisions.[104][99][105]
There are three types of federal referendum in Switzerland:
Anoptional referendum challenges a law passed by parliament. It requires gathering 50,000 signatures or the objection of eight cantons within 100 days. Voters decide by asimple majority whether to accept or reject the law.[99]
Apopular initiative is an amendment to the constitution proposed by citizens.[l] A petition supporting the initiative must be signed by 100,000 voters within 18 months for a referendum to be held. Popular initiatives also require a double majority to pass.[106]
The Federal Council and the Federal Assembly can supplement a popular initiative with a counterproposal. Voters must then indicate their preference if both proposals are accepted.
The Swiss Confederation consists of 26 cantons.[99][107] The cantons arefederated states, with permanent constitutional status and a high degree of independence relative to thesubnational divisions of most countries. Under the Federal Constitution, all 26 cantons are equal in status, except that six (referred to often as thehalf-cantons) are represented by one councillor instead of two in theCouncil of States and have only half a cantonal vote with respect to the required cantonal majority inreferendums on constitutional amendments. Each canton has its own constitution and its own parliament, government, police and courts.[107] However, considerable differences define the individual cantons, particularly in terms of population and geographical area. Their populations vary between 16,003 (Appenzell Innerrhoden) and 1,487,969 (Zurich), and their area between 37 km2 (14 sq mi) (Basel-Stadt) and 7,105 km2 (2,743 sq mi) (Grisons).
As of 2018 the cantons comprised 2,222 municipalities.
Federal City
Until 1848, the loosely coupled Confederation did not have a central political organisation. Issues thought to affect the whole Confederation were the subject of periodic meetings in various locations.[108]
In 1848, the federal constitution provided that details concerning federal institutions, such as their locations, should be addressed by theFederal Assembly (BV 1848 Art. 108). Thus on 28 November 1848, the Federal Assembly voted in the majority to locate the seat of government in Bern and, as a prototypical federal compromise, to assign other federal institutions, such as theFederal Polytechnical School (1854, the later ETH) to Zurich, and other institutions to Lucerne, such as the laterSUVA (1912) and the Federal Insurance Court (1917).[2] Other federal institutions were subsequently attributed toLausanne (Federal Supreme Court in 1872, andEPFL in 1969),Bellinzona (Federal Criminal Court, 2004), andSt. Gallen (Federal Administrative Court andFederal Patent Court, 2012).
The 1999 Constitution does not mention a Federal City and the Federal Council has yet to address the matter.[109] Thus no city in Switzerland has theofficial status either of capital or of Federal City. Nevertheless, Bern is commonly referred to as "Federal City" (German:Bundesstadt, French:ville fédérale,Italian:città federale). However the largest city Zurich is used when selecting a time zone oncomputer systems.
Traditionally, Switzerland avoids alliances that might entail military, political, or direct economic action and has been neutral since the end of itsexpansion in 1515. Itspolicy of neutrality was internationally recognised at theCongress of Vienna in 1815.[110][111] Swiss neutrality has been questioned at times.[112][113] In 2002 Switzerland became a full member of the United Nations.[110] It was the first state to join it byreferendum. Switzerland maintains diplomatic relations with almost all countries and historically has served as an intermediary between other states.[110] Switzerland is not a member of theEuropean Union; the Swiss people have consistently rejected membership since the early 1990s.[110] However, Switzerland does participate in theSchengen Area.[114]
The colour-reversed Swiss flag became the symbol of the Red Cross Movement, founded in 1863 byHenry Dunant.[115][116]
Apart from the United Nations headquarters, the Swiss Confederation is host to many UN agencies, including the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Labour Organization (ILO), the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and about 200 other international organisations, including theWorld Trade Organization and theWorld Intellectual Property Organization.[110] The annual meetings of theWorld Economic Forum inDavos bring together business and political leaders from Switzerland and foreign countries to discuss important issues. The headquarters of theBank for International Settlements (BIS) moved toBasel in 1930.[citation needed]
Although not a member, Switzerland maintains relationships with the EU and European countries through bilateral agreements. The Swiss have brought their economic practices largely into conformity with those of the EU, in an effort to compete internationally.EU membership faces considerable negative popular sentiment. It is opposed by the conservativeSVP party, the largest party in the National Council, and not advocated by several other political parties. The membership application was formally withdrawn in 2016. The western French-speaking areas and the urban regions of the rest of the country tend to be more pro-EU, but do not form a significant share of the population.[120][121]
An Integration Office operates under theDepartment of Foreign Affairs and theDepartment of Economic Affairs. Seven bilateral agreements liberalised trade ties, taking effect in 2001. This first series of bilateral agreements included the free movement of persons. A second series of agreements covering nine areas was signed in 2004, including theSchengen Treaty and theDublin Convention.[122]
In 2006, a referendum approved 1 billion francs of supportive investment in Southern and Central European countries in support of positive ties to the EU as a whole. A further referendum will be needed to approve 300 million francs to support Romania and Bulgaria and their recent admission.
The Swiss have faced EU and international pressure to reducebanking secrecy and raise tax rates to parity with the EU. Preparatory discussions involved four areas: the electricity market, participation in projectGalileo, cooperating with theEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and certificates of origin for food products.[123][needs update]
Switzerland is a member of the Schengen passport-free zone. Landborder checkpoints monitor goods movements, but not people.[124]
The Swiss militia system stipulates that soldiers keep their army-issued equipment, includingfully automatic personal weapons, at home.[125] Women can serve voluntarily. Men usually receive military conscription orders for training at the age of 18.[126] About two-thirds of young Swiss are found suitable for service; for the others, various forms of alternative service are available.[127] Annually, approximately 20,000 persons are trained in recruit centres for 18 to 21 weeks. The reform "Army XXI" was adopted by popular vote in 2003, replacing "Army 95", reducing the rolls from 400,000 to about 200,000. Of those, 120,000 are active in periodic Army training, and 80,000 are non-training reserves.[128]
The newest reform of the military,Weiterentwicklung der Armee (WEA; English: Further development of the Army), started in 2018 and was expected to reduce the number of army personnel to 100,000 by the end of 2022.[129][130]
Overall, three general mobilisations have been declared to ensure the integrity and neutrality of Switzerland. The first mobilisation was held in response to theFranco-Prussian War of 1870–71; while the second was in response to theFirst World War outbreak in August 1914; the third mobilisation took place in September 1939 in response to theGerman attack on Poland.[131]
Because of its neutrality policy, the Swiss army does not take part in armed conflicts in other countries but joins some peacekeeping missions. Since 2000 the armed force department has maintained theOnyx intelligence gathering system to monitor satellite communications.[132]
Gun politics in Switzerland are unique in Europe in that 2–3.5 million guns are in the hands of civilians, giving the nation an estimate of 28–41 guns per 100 people.[133] As per the Small Arms Survey, only 324,484 guns are owned by the military.[134] Only 143,372 are in the hands of soldiers.[135] However, ammunition is no longer issued.[136][137]
Switzerland had the second-highest global rating in theIndex of Economic Freedom 2023,[144] while also providing significant public services.[145] On a per capita basis, nominal GDP is higher than those of the larger Western and Central European economies and Japan,[146] whileadjusted for purchasing power, Switzerland ranked 11th in 2017, fifth in 2018, and ninth in 2020.[147]
Origin of the capital at the 30 biggest Swiss corporations, 2018:[148][m]
Switzerland (39.0%)
North America (33.0%)
Europe (24.0%)
Rest of the world (4.00%)
TheEuropean Union labeled Switzerland Europe's most innovative country.[149] Switzerland has been ranked the most innovative country in theGlobal Innovation Index in 2025, as it had done in 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020 and 2019.[150][151][152][153][154] It ranked 20th of 189 countries in theEase of Doing Business Index. Switzerland's slow growth in the 1990s and the early 2000s increased support for economic reforms and harmonisation with the European Union.[155][156] In 2020,IMD placed Switzerland first in attracting skilled workers.[157]
For much of the 20th century, Switzerland was the wealthiest country in Europe by a considerable margin (per capita GDP).[158] Switzerland has one of the world's largestaccount balances as a percentage of GDP.[159] In 2018, the canton of Basel-City had the highest GDP per capita, ahead of Zug and Geneva.[160] According toCredit Suisse, only about 37% of residents own their own homes, one of the lowest rates ofhome ownership in Europe. Housing and food price levels were 171% and 145% of theEU-25 index in 2007, compared to 113% and 104% in Germany.[161]
Switzerland's most important economic sector is manufacturing. Manufactured products include specialtychemicals,health and pharmaceutical goods, scientific and precisionmeasuring instruments andmusical instruments. The largest exported goods are chemicals (34% of exported goods), machines/electronics (20.9%), and precision instruments/watches (16.9%).[161] The service sector – especially banking and insurance,commodities trading, tourism, andinternational organisations – is another important industry for Switzerland. Exported services amount to a third of exports.[161]
Agricultural protectionism—a rare exception to Switzerland's free trade policies—contributes to highfood prices. Product market liberalisation is lagging behind manyEU countries according to theOECD.[155] Apart from agriculture, economic and trade barriers between the European Union and Switzerland are minimal, and Switzerland has free trade agreements with many countries. Switzerland is a member of theEuropean Free Trade Association (EFTA).
Switzerland is considered as the "land ofCooperatives" with the ten largest cooperative companies accounting for more than 11% of GDP in 2018. They includeMigros andCoop, the two largest retail companies in Switzerland.[163]
Switzerland is atax haven.[164] The private sector economy dominates. It features low tax rates;tax revenue to GDP ratio is one of the smallest ofdeveloped countries. TheSwiss Federal budget reached 62.8 billion Swiss francs in 2010, 11.35% of GDP; however, canton and municipality budgets are not counted as part of the federal budget. Totalgovernment spending is closer to 33.8% of GDP. The main sources of income for the federal government are thevalue-added tax (33% of tax revenue) and the direct federal tax (29%). The main areas of expenditure are in social welfare and finance/taxes. The expenditures of the Swiss Confederation have been growing from 7% of GDP in 1960 to 9.7% in 1990 and 10.7% in 2010. While the social welfare and finance sectors and tax grew from 35% in 1990 to 48.2% in 2010, a significant reduction of expenditures has been occurring in agriculture and national defence; from 26.5% to 12.4% (estimation for the year 2015).[165][166]
Slightly more than 5 million people work in Switzerland;[167] about 25% of employees belonged to a trade union in 2004.[168] Switzerland has a more flexiblelabor market than neighbouring countries and the unemployment rate is consistently low.[169] The unemployment rate increased from 1.7% in June 2000 to 4.4% in December 2009.[170] It then decreased to 3.2% in 2014 and held steady for several years, before further dropping to 2.5% in 2018 and 2.3% in 2019; in 2023 it had reached a 20-year low of 2%.[171] Population growth (from net immigration) reached 0.52% of population in 2004, increased in the following years before falling to 0.54% again in 2017.[161][172] Theforeign citizen population was 28.9% in 2015, about the same as in Australia.[173]
In 2022, the median monthly gross income in Switzerland was 6,788 francs per month (equivalent to US$7,467 per month).[174][159] After rent, taxes and pension contributions, plus spending on goods and services, the average household has about 15% of its gross income left for savings. Though 61% of the population made less than the mean income, income inequality is relatively low with aGini coefficient of 29.7, placing Switzerland among the top 20 countries. In 2015, the richest 1% owned 35% of the wealth.[175] Wealth inequality increased through 2019.[176]
About 8.2% of the population live belowthe national poverty line, defined in Switzerland as earning less than CHF 3,990 per month for a household of two adults and two children, and a further 15% are at risk of poverty. Single-parent families, those with no post-compulsory education and those out of work are among the most likely to live below the poverty line. Although work is considered a way out of poverty, some 4.3% are considered working poor. One in ten jobs in Switzerland is considered low-paid; roughly 12% of Swiss workers hold such jobs, many of them women and foreigners.[159]
Education in Switzerland is diverse, because theconstitution of Switzerland delegates the operation for the school system to thecantons.[177] Public and private schools are available, including many private international schools.
Primary education
The minimum age for primary school is about six years, but most cantons provide a free "children's school" starting at age four or five.[177] Primary school continues until grade four, five or six, depending on the school. Traditionally, the first foreign language in school was one of the other Swiss languages, although in 2000, English was elevated in a few cantons.[177] At the end of primary school or at the beginning of secondary school, pupils are assigned according to their capacities into one of several sections (often three). The fastest learners are taught advanced classes to prepare for further studies and thematura,[177] while other students receive an education adapted to their needs.
TheSwiss Space Office has been involved in various space technologies and programmes. It was one of the 10 founders of theEuropean Space Agency in 1975 and is the seventh largest contributor to the ESA budget. In the private sector, several companies participate in the space industry, such asOerlikon Space[195] and Maxon Motors.[196]
Switzerland has thetallest dams in Europe, among which theMauvoisin Dam, in the Alps. Hydroelectric power is the most important domestic source of energy in the country.
Electricity generated in Switzerland is 56% fromhydroelectricity and 39% fromnuclear power, producing negligible CO2. On 18 May 2003, twoanti-nuclear referendums were defeated:Moratorium Plus, aimed at forbidding the building of newnuclear power plants (41.6% supported),[197] and Electricity Without Nuclear (33.7% supported) after a moratorium expired in 2000.[198] After theFukushima nuclear disaster, in 2011 the government announced plans to end the use of nuclear energy in the following 20 to 30 years.[199] In November 2016, Swiss voters rejected aGreen Party referendum to accelerate the phaseout of nuclear power (45.8% supported).[200] The Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE) is responsible for energy supply and energy use within theFederal Department of Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (DETEC). The agency supports the2000-watt society initiative to cut the nation's energy use by more than half by 2050.[201]
Switzerland had approximately 6,562,600 motor vehicles (excluding mopeds) in 2025.[202] The largest category was passenger cars with 4,829,500 units (58.7% running on petrol, 24% on diesel, 5.2% on electricity and 11.9% hybrid).[202]The densestrail network in Europe spans 5,250 kilometres (3,260 mi) and carried 614 million passengers in 2023.[203][204] In 2023, each Swiss resident travelled on average 2,446 kilometres (1,520 mi) by rail, more than any other European country.[205][206][verification needed] Virtually 100% of the network is electrified. 60% of the network is operated by theSwiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS). Besides the second largeststandard gauge railway company,BLS AG, two railways companies operate onnarrow gauge networks: theRhaetian Railway (RhB) in Graubünden, which includes some World Heritage lines,[207] and theMatterhorn Gotthard Bahn (MGB), which co-operates with RhB theGlacier Express betweenZermatt andSt. Moritz/Davos. Switzerland operates theworld's longest and deepest railway tunnel and the first flat, low-level route through the Alps, the 57.1-kilometre-long (35.5 mi)Gotthard Base Tunnel, the largest part of theNew Railway Link through the Alps (NRLA) project.
Public transport is very popular. For example, a 2010 microcensus discovered that inZurich, Switzerland's largest city, 32% of its inhabitants usethe city's public transport regularly (trams or trolleybuses, of which 60% used at least those two modes), while 26% depended on a personal vehicle. Fewer than half the residents owned a car or a motorcycle.[208]
Switzerlaqnd has a publicly managed, toll-free road network financed by highway permits as well as vehicle and petrol taxes. The Swiss autobahn/autoroute system requires the annual purchase of avignette (toll sticker)—for 40Swiss francs—to use its roadways, including passenger cars and trucks. The Swiss autobahn/autoroute network stretches for 2,259 km (1,404 mi) and has one of the highest motorway densities in the world.[209][210]
Switzerland has one of the best environmental records among developed nations.[213] It is a signatory to theKyoto Protocol; alongside Mexico and South Korea, it was a founding member of theEnvironmental Integrity Group (EIG).[214]
The country is active in recycling and anti-littering programs and is one of the world's top recyclers, recovering 66% to 96% of recyclable materials, varying across the country.[215] The 2014 Global Green Economy Index placed Switzerland among the top 10 green economies.[216]
Switzerland has an economic system for garbage disposal, which is based mostly on recycling and energy-producingincinerators.[217] As in other European countries, the illegal disposal of garbage is heavily fined. In almost all Swiss municipalities, mandatory stickers or dedicated garbage bags allow the identification of disposable garbage.[218]
The Swiss population is about 9 million as of June 2024.[220] Like other developed countries, Switzerland experienced rapid population growth during theindustrial era, with the number of inhabitants quadrupling between 1800 and 1990. Population growth is projected to continue to 2035, due mostly to immigration. Likemost of Europe, Switzerland faces anageing population, with a fertility rate close toreplacement level.[221] Switzerland has one of the world's oldest populations, with an average age of 44.5 years.[222]
According to theWorld Factbook, as of 2020, the largest ethnic group in the country isSwiss (69.2%), which includes several ethno-linguistic groups, followed by German (4.2%), Italian (3.2%), Portuguese (2.5%), French (2.1%), Kosovan (1.1%), Turkish (1%), and other (16.7%).[222] TheCouncil of Europe suggests a population of around 30,000Romani people.[223]
In 2023, resident foreigners made up 26.3% of Switzerland's population.[18] Most of these (83%) were from European countries. Italy provided the largest single group of foreigners, accounting for 14.7% of total foreign population, followed closely by Germany (14.0%), Portugal (11.7%), France (6.6%), Kosovo (5.1%), Spain (3.9%), Turkey (3.1%),North Macedonia (3.1%), Serbia (2.8%), Austria (2.0%), United Kingdom (1.9%), Bosnia and Herzegovina (1.3%) and Croatia (1.3%). Immigrants fromSri Lanka (1.3%), most of them formerTamil refugees, were the largest group of Asian origin (7.9%).[224]
2021 figures show that 39.5% (compared to 34.7% in 2012) of the permanent resident population aged 15 or over (around 2.89 million), had an immigrant background. 38% of the population with an immigrant background (1.1 million) held Swiss citizenship.[225][226]
In the 2000s, domestic and international institutions expressed concern about what was perceived as an increase inxenophobia. 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 successful integration of foreigners, underlined Switzerland's openness.[227] A follow-up study conducted in 2018 reported that 59% consideredracism a serious problem in Switzerland.[228] The proportion of the population that claimed to have been targeted by racial discrimination increased from 10% in 2014 to almost 17% in 2018, according to the Federal Statistical Office.[229]
Switzerland has fournational languages: mainly German (spoken natively by 62.8% of the population in 2016); French (22.9%) spoken natively in the west; and Italian (8.2%) spoken natively in the south.[232][231] The fourth national language,Romansh (0.5%), is aRomance language spoken locally in the southeastern trilingualcanton of Grisons, and is designated by Article 4 of the Federal Constitution as a national language along with German, French, and Italian. In Article 70 it is mentioned as an official language if the authorities communicate with persons who speak Romansh. However, federal laws and other official acts do not need to be decreed in Romansh.
In 2016, the languages most spoken at home among permanent residents aged 15 and older wereSwiss German (59.4%), French (23.5%),Standard German (10.6%), and Italian (8.5%). Other languages spoken at home included English (5.0%),Portuguese (3.8%),Albanian (3.0%), Spanish (2.6%) andSerbian and Croatian (2.5%). 6.9% reported speaking another language at home.[233] In 2019 more than two-thirds (68%) of the permanent resident population indicated speaking more than one language regularly.[234][235]
The federal government is obliged to communicate in the official languages, and in the federal parliament simultaneous translation is provided from and into German, French and Italian.[236]
Aside from the official forms of their respective languages, the four linguistic regions of Switzerland also have local dialectal forms. The role played by dialects in each linguistic region varies dramatically: in German-speaking regions,Swiss German dialects have become more prevalent since the second half of the 20th century, especially in the media, and are used as an everyday language for many, while theSwiss variety of Standard German is almost always used instead of dialect for written communication (cf.diglossic usage of a language).[237] Conversely, in the French-speaking regions, localFranco-Provençal dialects have almost disappeared (only 6.3% of the population of Valais, 3.9% of Fribourg, and 3.1% of Jura still spoke dialects at the end of the 20th century), while in the Italian-speaking regions, the use ofLombard dialects is mostly limited to family settings and casual conversation.[237]
The principal official languages have terms not used outside of Switzerland, known asHelvetisms. German Helvetisms are, roughly speaking, a large group of words typical ofSwiss Standard German that do not appear inStandard German, nor in other German dialects. These include terms from Switzerland's surrounding language cultures (GermanBillett[238] from French), from similar terms in another language (Italianazione used not only asact but also asdiscount from GermanAktion).[239]Swiss French, while generally close to the French of France, also contains some Helvetisms. The most frequent characteristics of Helvetisms are in vocabulary, phrases, and pronunciation, although certain Helvetisms denote themselves as special in syntax andorthography.Duden, the comprehensive German dictionary, contains about 3000 Helvetisms.[239] Current French dictionaries, such as thePetit Larousse, include several hundred Helvetisms; notably, Swiss French uses different terms than that of France for the numbers 70 (septante) and 90 (nonante) and often 80 (huitante) as well.[240]
Learning one of the other national languages is compulsory for all Swiss pupils, hence many Swiss are supposed to be at leastbilingual, especially those belonging to linguistic minority groups.[241] Because the largest part of Switzerland is German-speaking, many French, Italian, and Romansh speakers migrating to the rest of Switzerland and the children of those non-German-speaking Swiss born within the rest of Switzerland speak German. While learning one of the other national languages at school is important, most Swiss learn English to communicate with Swiss speakers of other languages, as it is perceived as a neutral means of communication. English often functions as the de factolingua franca.[242]
Swiss residents are required to buyhealth insurance from private insurance companies, which in turn are required to accept every applicant. While the cost of the system is among the highest, its health outcomes compare well with other European countries; patients have been reported as in general, highly satisfied with it.[243][244][245] In 2022, life expectancy at birth was 82.2 years for men and 85.8 years for women.[246] Spending on health at 11.7% of GDP (2022) is about on par with Germany and France (12.7%, 12.1%), but higher than many other European countries (Italy: 9.0%, Norway: 7.9%, Ireland: 6.1%), but notably less than the US (16.6%).[246] From 1990, costs more or less steadily increased.[246] Issues relating to health includehigh drugs consumption,smoking andmental illness".[247][248][249]
Swiss culture is characterised by diversity, which is reflected in diverse traditional customs.[250] A region may be in some ways culturally connected to the neighbouring country that shares its language, all rooted in westernEuropean culture.[251] The linguistically isolatedRomansh culture inGraubünden in eastern Switzerland constitutes an exception. It survives only in the upper valleys of the Rhine and the Inn and strives to maintain its rare linguistic tradition.
Switzerland is home to notable contributors to literature, art, architecture, music and sciences. In addition, the country attracted creatives during times of unrest or war.[252] Some1000 museums are found in the country.[250]
Alpine symbolism played an essential role in shaping Swiss history and the Swiss national identity.[20][256] Many alpine areas andski resorts attract visitors forwinter sports as well as hiking andmountain biking in summer. The quieter seasons are spring and autumn. A traditional pastoral culture predominates in many areas, and small farms are omnipresent in rural areas. Folk art is nurtured in organisations across the country. Switzerland most directly in appears in music, dance, poetry, wood carving, and embroidery. Thealphorn, a trumpet-like musical instrument made of wood has joinedyodeling and the accordion as epitomes of traditionalSwiss music.[257][258]
Christianity is the predominant religion according to national surveys of Swiss Federal Statistical Office[p] (about 67% of resident population in 2016–2018[5] and 75% of Swiss citizens[261]), divided between theCatholic Church (35.8% of the population), theSwiss Reformed Church (23.8%), furtherProtestant churches (2.2%),Eastern Orthodoxy (2.5%), and other Christian denominations (2.2%).[5]
Switzerland has no officialstate religion, though most of thecantons (exceptGeneva andNeuchâtel) recognise official churches, either the Catholic Church or the Swiss Reformed Church. These churches, and in some cantons theOld Catholic Church and Jewish congregations, are financed by official taxation of members.[262] In 2020, the Roman Catholic Church had 3,048,475 registered andchurch tax paying members (corresponding to 35.2% of the total population), while the Swiss Reformed Church had 2,015,816 members (23.3% of the total population).[263][q]
26.3% of Swiss permanent residents are not affiliated with a religious community.[5]
Some traditionally Protestant cantons and cities nowadays have a slight Catholic majority, because since about 1970 a steadily growing minority were not affiliated with any religious body (21.4% in Switzerland, 2012) especially in traditionally Protestant regions, such as Basel-City (42%), canton of Neuchâtel (38%), canton of Geneva (35%), canton of Vaud (26%), or Zurich city (city: >25%; canton: 23%).[264]
By 2024, half of the Swiss population never attended a religious event in the past 12 months preceding according to the Federal Statistical Office. More than a quarter of those who have left their religion cite loss of faith or disagreement with their religious community.[265]
The earliest forms of literature were in German, reflecting the language's early predominance. In the 18th century, French became fashionable in Bern and elsewhere, while the influence of the French-speaking allies and subject lands increased.[266]
Famous French-speaking writers wereJean-Jacques Rousseau (1712–1778) andGermaine de Staël (1766–1817). More recent authors includeCharles Ferdinand Ramuz (1878–1947), whose novels describe the lives of peasants and mountain dwellers, set in a harsh environment, andBlaise Cendrars (born Frédéric Sauser, 1887–1961).[267] Italian and Romansh-speaking authors also contributed to the Swiss literary landscape, generally in proportion to their number.
Probably the most famous Swiss literary creation,Heidi, the story of an orphan girl who lives with her grandfather in the Alps, is one of the most popular children's books and has come to be a symbol of Switzerland. Her creator,Johanna Spyri (1827–1901), wrote a number of books on similar themes.[267]
Freedom of the press and the right tofree expression is guaranteed in the constitution.[268] TheSwiss News Agency (SNA) broadcasts information in three of the four national languages—on politics, economics, society and culture. The SNA supplies almost all Swiss media and foreign media with its reporting.[268]
In Switzerland, the most influential newspapers include the German-languageTages-Anzeiger andNeue Zürcher Zeitung, as well as the French-languageLe Temps. Additionally, almost every city has at least one local newspaper published in the predominant local language.[269][270]
The government exerts greater control over broadcast media than print media, especially due to financing and licensing.[citation needed] The Swiss Broadcasting Corporation, anEBU member, whose name was recently changed toSRG SSR, is charged with the production and distribution of radio and television content. SRG SSR studios are distributed across the various language regions. Radio content is produced in six central and four regional studios while video media are produced inGeneva,Zurich,Basel, andLugano. An extensive cable network allows most Swiss to access content from neighbouring countries.[citation needed]
Switzerland hosted the1954 FIFA World Cup and was the joint host, with Austria, of theUEFA Euro 2008 tournament. TheSwiss Super League is the nation's professional football club league, with clubs includingBSC Young Boys performing consistently in European club competitions. Europe's highest football pitch, at 2,000 metres (6,600 ft) above sea level, is located in Switzerland, theOttmar Hitzfeld Stadium.[274]
Many Swiss followice hockey and support one of the 14 teams of theNational League, which is the most attended league in Europe.[275] In 2009, Switzerland hosted theIIHF World Championship for the tenth time.[276] It also becameWorld Vice-Champion in 2013, 2018 and 2024. Its numerous lakes make Switzerland an attractive sailing destination. The largest,Lake Geneva, is the home of the sailing teamAlinghi which was the first European team to win theAmerica's Cup in 2003 and which successfully defended the title in 2007.
Roger Federer has won 20 Grand Slam singles titles, making him among the most successful men's tennis players ever.[277]
Swiss tennis playerRoger Federer is widely regarded as among the sport's greatest players. He won 20Grand Slam tournaments overall including a record 8Wimbledon titles. He won sixATP Finals.[278] He was ranked no. 1 in theATP rankings for a record 237 consecutive weeks. He ended 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and2009 ranked no. 1. Fellow Swiss playersMartina Hingis andStan Wawrinka also won multiple Grand Slam titles. Switzerland won theDavis Cup title in 2014.
Traditional sports include Swiss wrestling orSchwingen, a tradition from the rural central cantons and considered the national sport by some.Hornussen is another indigenous Swiss sport, which is like a cross between baseball and golf.[280]Steinstossen is the Swiss variant ofstone put, a competition in throwing a heavy stone. Practised only among the alpine population sinceprehistoric times, it is recorded to have taken place inBasel in the 13th century. It is central to theUnspunnenfest, first held in 1805, with its symbol the 83.5 stone namedUnspunnenstein.[281]
Fondue is melted cheese, into which bread is dipped.
The cuisine is multifaceted. While dishes such asfondue,raclette orrösti are omnipresent, each region developed its gastronomy according to the varieties of climate and language, for example,Zürcher Geschnetzeltes, engl.: sliced meat Zurich style.[282] Traditional Swiss cuisine uses ingredients similar to those in other European countries, as well as uniquedairy products and cheeses such asGruyère orEmmental, produced in the valleys ofGruyères andEmmental. The number of fine-dining establishments is high, particularly in western Switzerland.[283][284]
Chocolate has been made in Switzerland since the 18th century. Its reputation grew at the end of the 19th century with the invention of modern techniques such asconching andtempering, which enabled higher quality. Another breakthrough was the invention of solid milk chocolate in 1875 byDaniel Peter. The Swiss are the world's largest chocolate consumers.[285][286]
The most popular alcoholic drink is wine. Switzerland is notable for its variety of grape varieties, reflecting the large variations interroirs.Swiss wine is produced mainly inValais,Vaud (Lavaux),Geneva and Ticino, with a small majority of white wines. Vineyards have been cultivated in Switzerland since the Roman era, even though traces of a more ancient origin can be found. The most widespread varieties are theChasselas (calledFendant in Valais) andPinot Noir.Merlot is the main variety produced in Ticino.[287][288]
^abBern is referred to as "federal city" (German:Bundesstadt; French:ville fédérale; Italian:città federale; Romansh:citad federala). Swiss law does not designate acapital as such, but the federal parliament and government are installed in Bern, while other federal institutions, such as the federal courts, are in other cities (Bellinzona,Lausanne,Lucerne,Neuchâtel,St. Gallen a.o.).
^Traditional date. The original date of theRütli Oath was 1307 (reported byAegidius Tschudi in the 16th century) and is just one among several comparable treaties between more or less the same parties during that period. The date of theFederal Charter of 1291 was selected in 1891 for the official celebration of the "Confederacy's 600th anniversary".
^A solemn declaration of theTagsatzung declared the Federal Constitution adopted on 12 September 1848. A resolution of theTagsatzung of 14 September 1848 specified that the powers of the institutions provided for by the 1815 Federal Treaty would expire at the time of the constitution of theFederal Council, which took place on 16 November 1848.
^German:Volksrechte, French:droits populaires,Italian:diritti popolari
^Each of the six traditionalhalf-cantons gets half a vote, and the other 20 cantons get one full vote, adding up to 23 cantonal votes. Each vote or half-vote is selectedbased on the votes of their citizens.
^Since 1999, an initiative can also be in the form of a general proposal to be elaborated by Parliament. Still, because it is considered less attractive for various reasons, this initiative has yet to be used.
^Assumption made in the study: one third of the shares is "not allocable" and has been distributed equally among current regions.
^In 2008, the ETH Zurich was ranked 15th in the fieldNatural Sciences and Mathematics by theShanghai Academic Ranking of World Universities and the EPFL in Lausanne was ranked 18th in the fieldEngineering/Technology and Computer Sciences by the same ranking.
^abcSince 2010, statistics of religious affiliation in Switzerland provided by the Swiss Federal Statistical Office are based on a national structural survey of 200,000 people aged 15 years and older (corresponding to 2.5% of the total resident population). Data areextrapolated to obtain statistical results for the whole population (aged 15 years and older). These results are estimates subject to some degree of uncertainty indicated by aconfidence interval, but by merging samples (pooling) from several years it is possible to get more accurate results, including total number of Protestants and information about minority religions. Note: The figures of the structural survey are not entirely comparable to data collection before 2010 based on census figures (counting every person living in Switzerland) or to annual official numbers of church members.[260]
^abHolenstein, André (2012). "Die Hauptstadt existiert nicht".UniPress – Forschung und Wissenschaft an der Universität Bern (scientific article) (in German). 152 (Sonderfall Hauptstatdtregion). Bern: Department Communication,University of Bern:16–19.doi:10.7892/boris.41280.S2CID178237847.Als 1848 ein politisch-administratives Zentrum für den neuen Bundesstaat zu bestimmen war, verzichteten die Verfassungsväter darauf, eine Hauptstadt der Schweiz zu bezeichnen und formulierten stattdessen in Artikel 108: "Alles, was sich auf den Sitz der Bundesbehörden bezieht, ist Gegenstand der Bundesgesetzgebung." Die Bundesstadt ist also nicht mehr und nicht weniger als der Sitz der Bundesbehörden. [In 1848, when a political and administrative centre was being determined for the new federation, the founders of the constitution abstained from designating a capital city for Switzerland and instead formulated in Article 108: "Everything, which relates to seat of the authorities, is the subject of the federal legislation." The federal city is therefore no more and no less than the seat of the federal authorities.]
^"Population by migration status".Swiss Federal Statistical Office. Federal Statistical Office of Switzerland. 1 January 2024. Retrieved10 August 2025.
^Elgie, Robert (2016). "Government Systems, Party Politics, and Institutional Engineering in the Round".Insight Turkey.18 (4):79–92.ISSN1302-177X.JSTOR26300453.
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