| Culture | Multilingual |
| Economy | Diverse, with a key role in European commerce, industry, and technology |
| Landscape | Stunning Alpine landscapes |
| Population | Over 8 million |
| Official name | Swiss Confederation |
| Foreign policy | Historically maintained armed neutrality, at times allied with other European powers against neighboring states |
| Standard of living | High |
| Type of government | Federal state |
| Constituent entities | 26 semi-autonomous cantons |
| Historical background | Originally a loose alliance of independent cantons, unified into a single nation in the late 19th century |
The Swiss Confederation, or simply Switzerland, is a federal state located in Western and Central Europe. It is composed of 26 semi-autonomous cantons and has a population of over 8.5 million people. Switzerland is known for its high standard of living, robust economy, multilingual culture, and stunning natural landscapes in the Alps mountain range.
The origins of Switzerland date back to the 13th century, when a number of Alpine communities formed a loose confederation to mutual defense against external threats, particularly the expanding Holy Roman Empire. Over the subsequent centuries, this Confederation of Swiss Cantons gradually expanded and solidified, though it remained decentralized with a great deal of cantonal autonomy.
In the 19th century, as nationalist movements swept across Europe, there were growing calls for the Swiss cantons to unify into a more centralized federal state. This led to the 1848 Swiss Federal Constitution, which transformed the Confederation into a modern federal republic. However, the cantons retained significant autonomy, with their own governments, laws, and currencies.
Switzerland played an active, if sometimes ambiguous, role in the major European conflicts of the 19th and early 20th centuries. It formed shifting alliances with neighboring powers, at times fighting against its neighbors and then later reversing course. This flexible foreign policy allowed Switzerland to maintain a stance of armed neutrality throughout most of its history.
Landlocked and situated in the heart of Western Europe, Switzerland is dominated by the Alps mountain range, which cover about 60% of the country's total area. The Alps create a dramatic landscape of towering peaks, deep valleys, glaciers, and pristine lakes. Major geographical features include Lake Geneva, Lake Constance, the Jura Mountains, and the high peaks of the Bernese, Valais, and Grison Alps.
Switzerland is divided into 26 cantons, each with its own capital city, government, and local laws. The largest and most populous cantons include Zürich, Bern, and Geneva. The linguistic and cultural makeup of the cantons varies, with German, French, Italian, and Romansh all having official status at the national level.
With a population of over 8.5 million as of 2020, Switzerland is one of the most densely populated countries in Europe. Ethnic Swiss make up around two-thirds of the population, with the remainder consisting of immigrants and their descendants, particularly from Italy, Germany, and France.
The country's four national languages - German, French, Italian, and Romansh - are all widely spoken, reflecting Switzerland's diverse cultural heritage. The population is predominantly Christian, with Protestants and other faiths comprising smaller minorities.
Switzerland has a highly developed, free-market economy known for its stability, prosperity, and reliance on trade. While historically focused on traditional industries like watchmaking, textiles, and agriculture, the Swiss economy has diversified significantly over the past century.
Today, Switzerland is a global center of high-tech manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and banking. Major Swiss companies include Nestlé, Novartis, Roche, Rolex, and ABB. The country is also a leading exporter of machinery, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and precision instruments.
Switzerland's robust economy is supported by its well-developed infrastructure, highly skilled labor force, political stability, and prudent fiscal policies. The Swiss franc remains one of the world's strongest and most stable currencies, though individual cantons maintain their own monetary systems as well.
Swiss culture is characterized by diversity, with distinct influences from the country's German, French, and Italian-speaking regions. This is reflected in the country's architecture, art, literature, cuisine, and traditions.
Switzerland is renowned for its natural beauty and outdoor activities, from skiing and hiking in the Alps to boating on its scenic lakes. Swiss watchmaking, chocolate, and cheese are celebrated worldwide. The country also has a vibrant performing arts scene, with prestigious musical ensembles, theaters, and opera houses.
Sports like football (soccer), ice hockey, tennis, and golf are also deeply embedded in Swiss culture. The nation has produced countless world-class athletes and hosts major international sporting events.
