Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA General Secretariat GS-FDFA Presence Switzerland

Table of content Table of content.......................................1 Geography: Facts and figures..................3 Geography: Topography and climate.......4 Geography: Towns..................................7 Politics: Federalism..................................8 Politics: Direct democracy......................10 Politics: Government and parliament......12 Politics: Foreign policy...........................15 Science: Switzerland a research nation ..............................................................18 Science: Swiss National Science Foundation/Support for research............21 Education: Swiss education system.......23 Education: Third-level education............26 Environmental protection: Water............28 Environmental protection: Forests..........29 Environmental protection: Biodiversity. . .31 Environmental protection: Recycling / waste management...............................33 Environmental protection: Energy policy 35 Economy: Structure and competitiveness ..............................................................37 Economy: Sectoral composition.............39 Economy: Labour market.......................40 People: Demography.............................42

Occasion: Name: Date:

People: Linguistic diversity.....................43 People: Multicultural Switzerland...........44 People: Quality of life.............................46 Leisure: Leisure activities.......................48 Leisure: Music.......................................49 Culture: Museums.................................50 Culture: Architecture..............................52 Culture: Painting and sculpture..............54 Culture: Religion and Customs...............56 Culture: Swissness..............................57 History: Timetable..................................60

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Geography: Facts and figures

Switzerland lies in Western Europe. It borders Germany in the north, Austria and Liechtenstein in the east, Italy in the south and France in the west. With its 41,285 square kilometres, Switzerland accounts for only 0.15 per cent of the worlds total surface area. 37 per cent of its land is productive and over 6.8 per cent is urbanised. Switzerland measures 220 kilometres (137 miles) from north to south and 348 kilometres (217 miles) from west to east.

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Geography: Topography and climate

What Switzerland lacks in size, it more than makes up for with a highly varied landscape of mountains, hills, rivers and lakes, as well as a rich biodiversity. At Lake Maggiore in the south, palm trees thrive at 193 metres (643 feet) above sea level, while less than 100 kilometres (60 miles) away are mountain peaks rising 4,000 metres (13,000 feet) above sea level and snow-capped all year long. Standing 4,634 metres (15,000 feet) above sea level, Dufour Peak in the canton of Valais is the highest mountain in Switzerland. At the other end of the scale Lake Maggiore is the lowest point above sea level, with an altitude of 193 metres (643 feet). Switzerland is also not as cold as many people think. In fact, it enjoys a moderate climate. Average temperatures in the summer range from 18 to 28 degrees Celsius (65 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit), and rarely fall below minus two degrees Celsius (28 degrees Fahrenheit) in winter. Three geographic regions Switzerland has three main geographic regions: the Jura, the Plateau and the Alps. The Jura is a limestone mountain range stretching from Lake Geneva to Lake Constance, and covers about 10 per cent of Switzerlands surface area. Located on average 700 metres (2,300 feet) above sea level, it is a picturesque highland crossed by river valleys. The most densely populated geographic region is the Plateau, which is home to two-thirds of the Swiss population.

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The topographic and climatic advantages the Plateau has over the mountains in the northwest and the south have helped make it the countrys economic epicentre. Most of Switzerlands main cities and towns are located on the Plateau. By far the largest geographic region is the Alpine zone, which occupies 60 per cent of Switzerlands surface area. The east-west valleys of the Rhone and the Upper Rhine as well as the Reuss and Ticino river valleys running horizontally across the country divide the mountain ranges. The Alps span some 200 kilometres (125 miles). Standing, on average, some 1,700 metres (5576 feet) above sea level, they form a natural as well as a climatic barrier. The north of the Alps is chiefly influenced by the humid maritime climate of Western Europe, and experiences relatively frequent, local rainfall. The climate south of the Alps is influenced by the Mediterranean and is much milder. The maximum altitude at which flora and fauna are found greatly depends on regional climatic conditions. This means that vineyards can thrive at an altitude of 550 metres (1,800 feet) above sea level, and even higher in some Alpine valleys. The inner Alpine valleys, like the southwest-facing Rhone valley, are protected from northern rains and have more sun, making it possible to grow fruits like apricots. The Gotthard mountain range, Europes reservoir The Gotthard range in the centre of the Swiss Alps is a continental watershed: of the rivers rising there, the Rhine flows into the North Sea, the Rhone into the western Mediterranean, the Ticino into the Adriatic Sea via the River Po, and the Inn into the Black Sea via the Danube. Because

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of this, coupled with the many other rivers and lakes it has, Switzerland is often called the reservoir of Europe. Another feature of the Alps are the glaciers, which cover about 1,000 square kilometres, or three per cent of Switzerlands total surface area. The largest is the 23kilometre-long (14 miles) Aletsch glacier, part of the Jungfrau Aletsch Bietschhorn UNESCO world heritage site. Like other mountain regions, the Swiss Alps are showing the effects of global warming. Glaciers are shrinking and the permafrost line is receding. Also, soil erosion rates are on the rise, increasing the risk of mudslides and flooding. Crossing the Alps The many Swiss Alpine passes have provided convenient ways of crossing these mountains for centuries. When the Gotthard Railway tunnel was opened in 1882, it offered the most direct route across the Alps between Italy and northern Europe. A twin 17-kilometre-long (10.5 miles) road tunnel was opened in 1980, almost one century later. In 1999, the NEAT project was launched. It involves the construction of a new rail link through the Alps, making it even easier and quicker to travel between northern and southern Europe. Work on the new link is due to finish in 2017.

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Geography: Towns

Switzerland can be divided into six so-called metropolitan areas: Zurich, Berne, Basle, Geneva, Lausanne and Ticino. These are heavily urbanised areas, each with a population of at least half a million. Prior to the industrial revolution in the 19th century, the vast majority of the Swiss population lived and worked in rural areas. This period saw the introduction of transport links which would lead to the emergence of large urban industrialised areas. Since the 1980s, Switzerland has experienced sustained population and economic growth. These factors as well as major social changes have led Switzerland to become increasingly urbanised. Today, some even speak of Switzerland as a collection of city regions, huge conurbations which have grown up as the result of phenomena such as economic agglomeration forces and globalisation. Today, Switzerlands six metropolitan areas are responsible for 84 per cent of the countrys total economic output. With the exception of Berne, these areas also take in parts of neighbouring countries. Nature conservation High population density coupled with a growing number of people swapping the hustle and bustle of the city for life in the suburbs mean that green spaces are rapidly disappearing and traffic pollution is getting worse. Thankfully, the Swiss care about the environment and have long taken steps to protect it. For example, almost all wastewater in Switzerland is treated, and rubbish is collected separately and recycled.

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Politics: Federalism

Swiss federalism and direct democracy reflect the importance which the country attaches to the freedom of choice and self-determination. The political system dates back to the founding of the modern state of Switzerland with the entry into force of the Swiss Constitution in 1848. The modern Swiss Confederation was established in 1848 after a loose association of autonomous cantons decided to join forces and form a state. Only one year before in 1847 they had fought one another in a civil war, known as the Sonderbundkrieg. Their peaceful co-existence was made possible by the establishment of a decentralised, federalist political structure. Federal state Switzerland is a federal state with three political levels: . federal government . 26 cantons (20 full and 6 half-cantons) . around 2,600 municipalities The cantons and the municipalities are largely autonomous. Every canton has its own constitution, laws, parliament and courts. Both the cantons and municipalities have full responsibility for certain policy areas. For example, the cantons are in charge of education and the police, while the municipalities are in charge of welfare services. This decentralised division of power and the attempt to solve issues at the lowest possible level known as the subsidiarity principle are the cornerstones of the Swiss

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Confederation and ensure that the government remains as close as possible to the people. The modern Swiss Confederation was established in 1848 when a loose association of autonomous cantons decided to join forces and form a single nation. Given that one year earlier they had fought one another in a civil war known as the Sonderbundskrieg, literally the war of the separate league their peaceful co-existence was far from guaranteed. In the end, it was only made possible by the adoption of a federal structure which reconciles the interests of the nation as a whole with the interests of the individual cantons. Cantonal and regional solidarity Compared to the American version of federalism, there is less scope in Swiss federalism for competition among the individual states. Admittedly, a certain degree of competition does exist in taxation, for example. The Swiss system encourages solidarity between its cantons and regions. Fiscal transfers from richer to poor regions help to even out income disparities. Confoederatio Helvetica Confoederatio Helvetica is the official Latin name of the Swiss Confederation, which was founded in 1848. The abbreviation CH is the Swiss country code found on motor vehicles and internet domains.

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Politics: Direct democracy

No other country in the world has as an inclusive a political system as Switzerland. Every Swiss citizen, regardless of the language they speak or their ethnic background, has the right to participate in the political process. It is surely this principle of universal civic participation in other words direct democracy that has made Switzerland the stable, successful country it is today. In recent decades, a number of countries have followed Switzerlands lead and introduced direct democratic institutions. As a result, there is now a growing interest in how things are done in Switzerland. The Swiss political system has the structure of a federal state with strong direct democratic powers at all levels of government. Many believe that this model would also be ideally suited to the EU. Direct democracy Switzerland is a federal republic with a system of direct democracy in which the people are sovereign. All Swiss citizens over the age of 18 have the right to vote. Only in the canton of Glarus people can already vote in the age of 16 since 2008. They get to exercise this right regularly, as they are called on around four times a year to take part in popular votes on a variety of political issues. In recent years, the Swiss population has been called to vote on issues such as the abolition of the army, abandoning nuclear energy, reform of health or unemployment insurance, and the NEAT project to construct the new railway link through the Alps.

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Universal male suffrage was established in 1848 at the same time as the federal state was founded. Women had to wait until 1971 before they were given the right to vote on federal matters. In 1991, the voting age was lowered from 20 to 18. The instruments of Swiss direct democracy . The popular initiative gives citizens the right to propose an amendment or addition to the Constitution. 100,000 signatures of people who are eligible to vote must be collected over a period of 18 months. Once there are enough valid signatures, the initiative is put to a popular vote. . The optional referendum gives citizens the right to demand that any bill approved by parliament be put to a nationwide vote. 50,000 signatures must be collected in 100 days. Once there are enough valid signatures, the new law must be put to a popular vote. . Mandatory referendum: all constitutional amendments approved by parliament must be put to a nationwide vote. Voters are also required to approve Swiss membership of international organisations, such as the United Nations and the European Union.

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Politics: Government and parliament

Legislative power in Switzerland is exercised by Parliament, also known as the Federal Assembly. The Swiss Parliament is divided into two chambers with equal power: the National Council and the Council of States. The two chambers sit separately and only hold joint sessions to elect members of the federal government or federal judges. Members carry out their parliamentary duties on a part-time basis. Around 30 per cent of MPs are women. The National Council The National Council represents the people and has 200 members. Every canton returns a number of MPs proportional to the size of its population. The minimum number is one. The canton of Zurich, which has the largest population, has 34 seats; Berne has 26, while the six least populated cantons like Appenzell Innerrhoden, Appenzell Ausserrhoden, Glarus, Nidwalden, Obwalden and Uri have just one seat each. The National Council is elected every four years. Cantons that elect several MPs use a system of proportional representation. Four large parties dominate the Swiss political scene: the Swiss Peoples Party, the Social Democrats, the Radical Party and the Christian Democratic Party. In recent years, the Green Party has emerged as a fifth political force. There are also a small number of MPs who belong to a variety of minority parties.

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The Council of States The Council of States has 46 members and represents the cantons. Every full canton is represented by two members and the half cantons by one member. The cantons are responsible for electing members of the Council of States, and in most cases, a first-past-the-post system is used. The government Executive power is in the hands of the seven-member government, also known as the Federal Council. The seven Federal Councillors are elected or re-elected, as the case may be, by the Federal Assembly every four years at the beginning of a new legislature. All seven share the duties of a head of state. Every year, a different Federal Councillor takes on the role of president. It is a largely ceremonial role, though the president is responsible for chairing cabinet meetings and for representing the government at external events. Since 1959 the government has been made up of representatives of the four main parties, based on the socalled magic formula. However, in 2007 the Berne and Graubnden sections of the Swiss Peoples Party (SVP) broke away to form the Conservative Democratic Party (BDP), which meant that the SVP and the BDP each now have a seat on the Federal Council. Federal Councillors are much more accessible than their equivalents in most countries. The Swiss are used to seeing their government ministers travelling around by tram or in the train just like anyone else much to the amazement of many foreign security officials accompanying leaders on state visits.

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Federal Chancellery The Federal Council is assisted and advised on the running of its business by the Federal Chancellery. The Chancellor attends weekly cabinet meetings in a consultative capacity, and is sometimes referred to unofficially as "the eighth councillor."

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Politics: Foreign policy

Switzerland enjoys close political and economic ties with a great number of countries around the world and is a member of various international organisations: In 1960, Switzerland was a founding member of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA); in 1963 it joined the European Council and in 1975 the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). Switzerland is also a member of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Switzerland joined the Bretton Woods organisations in 1992. In 2002, Switzerland became the 190th member of the United Nations following a nationwide vote on the issue. Prior to this, Switzerland had played an active role in various UN bodies. Switzerland has also signed a great many bilateral agreements with other states. Relations between Switzerland and the European Union are founded on bilateral sectoral agreements: Bilateral Agreements I (1999) and Bilateral Agreements II (2004). Neutrality and humanitarian tradition Switzerlands neutrality and humanitarian tradition are the cornerstones of its foreign policy. An internationally recognised neutral nation since the Congress of Vienna of 1815, Switzerland has pledged not to take part in armed conflict abroad. In the event of a catastrophe, crisis or conflict abroad, the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit provides assistance to civilian victims. Switzerland is also home to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which was founded in 1863 by Geneva businessman Henry Dunant in

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response to the terrible suffering of wounded soldiers that he witnessed first hand during the battle of Solferino. Switzerland has set itself the following foreign policy goals for the 21st century: . Peaceful co-existence of people of all nations Switzerland wants to play an active role in preventing violent conflict. This includes establishing and strengthening the rule of law, supporting democracy and resolving conflict through dialogue. . Respect for and promotion of human rights Respect for human rights is very important to Switzerland. Switzerland has long been an active campaigner for this cause. . Environmental sustainability Switzerland actively contributes to the development of an international environmental system. This includes agreements on climate, biodiversity, chemicals as well as the protection of water and forests. Switzerland was also one of the original promoters of the idea of setting global environmental targets and introducing a global tax on carbon dioxide emissions. . Representing the interests of Swiss businesses abroad The Swiss government wants to provide its businesses with the best possible conditions. Its economic policy measures include export promotion, support for research and training in Switzerland as well as the signing of multi- and bilateral agreements with other states.

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. Combating need and poverty in the world Switzerland has put poverty reduction at the very centre of its development aid policy. This is reflected in the fact that it continues to increase its aid budget. At the core of Swiss development aid policy is self-sufficiency, good governance, the development of the private sector, the sustainable development of natural resources, the integration of developing countries into the global trade system, debt relief, bridging the social gap, as well as crisis prevention and crisis management.

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Science: Switzerland a research nation

Every year, Switzerland invests about 13 billion Swiss francs or 2.9 per cent of its gross domestic product (GDP) into research. This is more than most other industrially developed countries. More than 70 per cent of research is financed by the private sector. A great deal of research is also carried out abroad. In fact, Swiss firms spend more on research abroad than on research within Switzerland. Most research is conducted in growth industries such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, environmental and medical technology, as well as in information and communications technology. University-based research tends to specialise in the natural sciences, chiefly chemistry, physics and medicine, as well as in micro- and nanotechnology. The Federal Institutes of Technology in Zurich and Lausanne have earned international renown for their scientific research. Switzerland has also one of the highest densities of Nobel Prize winners. Until today 20 Swiss scientists have won this award. The most recent winner was Kurt Wthrich, who took the 2002 Nobel Prize for Chemistry. National research centres Cutting-edge research and development knows no borders. The Federal Institutes of Technology in Zurich (ETHZ) and Lausanne (EPFL) have long been keen to attract the best researchers and teaching staff. It is the quality of their work, not the passport they hold, that determines whether applicants are right for the job. Foreign nationals currently

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make up more than half of the teaching staff at both universities. The EPFL also claims to be one of the most cosmopolitan universities in the world. In 2009, students from a staggering 110 different countries were enrolled there. Switzerland is also home to another of Europe's leading research institutes: The Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) in the canton of Aargau. Scientists from all over the world come to use their specialist facilities like the Swiss Light Source and the Spallation Neutron Source. International research centres Switzerland is home to two major European research centres: CERN in Geneva and IBM in Rschlikon. CERN The European Organisation for Nuclear Research, or CERN for short, has its headquarters outside Geneva, though part of the facility is also located in neighbouring France. It was founded in 1954 as a European joint venture and now has 20 contributory states. It hosts a total of 7,000 scientists from 80 countries, whose day-to-day work involves trying to unlock the mysteries of the universe, such as, how did the universe come to be and how did it evolve? September 2008 saw the start of CERNs most ambitious experiment to date: the launch of the Large Hadron Collider, the most powerful particle accelerator in the world. This doughnut-shaped underground tunnel measures 27 km (17 miles) in circumference and straddles the Swiss-French border. Particles will be accelerated towards each other at almost the speed of light and made to collide. The hope is

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that the resulting explosion will help shed light on the origins of the universe. IBM The European laboratory of the American high-tech company IBM is located just outside Zurich, in nearby Rschlikon. It currently employs around 300 scientists and researchers from 20 different countries. The Zurich-based laboratory is involved in numerous joint projects with universities across Europe. It also takes part in Swiss and EU research programmes, and forges links with other industrial research institutes. Two of Switzerland's Nobel laureates in physics Heinrich Rohrer (1986) and Alexander Mller (1987) won the prize for the research they carried out in Rschlikon. In both cases, they shared the prize with their German co-authors.

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Science: Swiss National Science Foundation/Support for research

The Swiss National Science Foundation was created in 1952 to promote and sponsor scientific research. For a small country like Switzerland, whose economic success depends on the quality rather than the quantity of its output, this was a ground-breaking and much-needed initiative. The SNSF backs researchers in a range of different fields. It divides its support into four major divisions: Humanities and Social Sciences; Mathematics, Natural and Engineering Sciences; Biology and Medicine, plus the National Research Programs division, which sponsors interdisciplinary studies on subjects of national interest. Humanities and Social Sciences One brilliant scientist who received SNSF backing was Jean Piaget (1896-1980). His work, which he carried out together with Brbel Inhelder, pioneered a whole new field by providing valuable insight into the unexplored realm of child psychology. Biology and Medicine The main focus of the research carried out by Zurich-based neurobiologist, Martin Schwab, is nerve cell regeneration. So far his work has led him to regenerate nerve fibres in rats. It is hoped that one day these advances will lead to a major breakthrough in the treatment of people with spinal injuries.

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The Swiss National Science Foundation today When it was founded in 1953, the SNSF had an annual budget of 4 million Swiss francs. By the end of the 1970s, this had risen to 126 million. 2008, 55 years on the SNSF has a generous annual budget of 662 million Swiss francs at its disposal to support cutting-edge research. In the past many young, talented Swiss minds were drawn to the larger research grants and greater freedom and flexibility other countries were willing to give them. To stem the brain drain, the SNSF set up its own SNSF Professorship programme in 2000. It enables young doctoral graduates with several years research experience to kick-start their academic career. Successful applicants are awarded a fouryear grant to cover the cost of their salary, paid at assistant professorship rates. In its 2007 programme assessment report, the SNSF declared the scheme a success, with a high number of SNSF professors going on to tenure track posts. Swissnex: Switzerlands knowledge network Swissnex is an important instrument of bilateral cooperation in the fields of education, research and innovation between Switzerland and selected partner countries. Run by the SER (Swiss State Secretariat for Education and Research) with support from the FDFA, swissnex cooperates with universities, industry, interested groups and private sponsors. The main goal is to support the internationalisation efforts of Swiss institutions in the host regions. There are currently five swissnex knowledge outposts worldwide: Boston, San Francisco, Singapore, Shanghai and Bangalore.

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Education: Swiss education system

Switzerland has no raw materials to speak of. Its most important natural resource is education. The Swiss economy is not driven by mass manufacturing, but by the development and production of high-quality goods. This means that the economy needs a steady supply of welleducated and skilled workers. Thanks to the Swiss education system, ours is one of the most stable and competitive economies in the world. Education system The Swiss education system is decentralised, with responsibilities shared primarily between the cantons and municipalities. The 26 members of the Swiss Conference of Cantonal Ministers of Education ensure the coordination of the primary and secondary education system. Higher education is generally a joint cantonal-federal responsibility. Switzerland has three levels of education: primary, secondary and tertiary. The primary and lower secondary levels are compulsory, and together usually take nine years. This is followed by post-compulsory education (upper secondary level). Switzerland operates a dual system: students can opt for either the vocational education and training route (apprenticeship) or for the general academic one, which will prepare them for the Matura (Swiss baccalaureate) and ultimately attendance at university. 60 per cent of all young people opt for an apprenticeship, which can take up to four years. Switzerland has 60 institutes of higher education and 12 universities (two national and 10 cantonal universities), offering a wealth of different further

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education opportunities. Total education spending in 2005 amounted to 26.5 billion Swiss francs (or 24 billion dollars). Reform of compulsory education The Swiss education system has reformed some of its outdated structures. For example, the Intercantonal HarmoS Agreement seeks to harmonise and improve compulsory education across Switzerland and to remove obstacles to mobility between the cantons. Early learning: It is essential that the early learning potential of children is exploited to the full. To achieve this, the age at which children start school should be lowered. Currently, the youngest a child can start primary school in Switzerland is six. The transfer from kindergarten to primary school should also be more flexible. Work is under way in most cantons to introduce an elementary year, which covers kindergarten and the first two years of primary school. Improving literacy skills: Concerted efforts are being made to improve childrens reading and writing skills in their mother tongue. Literacy is an essential life skill and plays a decisive role in a persons future social, academic and professional success. Foreign language teaching at primary school: The human brain is more receptive to learning languages at a young age. Plans are afoot in Switzerland to start teaching two foreign languages in primary schools by 2012. One of the languages has to be one of the other national languages. The second is almost certainly going to be English.

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Information and communication technology (ICT): ICT is now taught in all lower secondary schools, and is used even by primary schools in some cantons. ICT must continue to be promoted as an important teaching and learning tool throughout the entire Swiss education system. Educational and cultural integration of migrant children and adolescents: Compared to other countries, Switzerland has a high share of children and adolescents from other cultural backgrounds. Some find it difficult to integrate due to their lack of knowledge of the home language and culture. Schools can play an important role here. They can provide these young people with special teaching support. They can also provide an inclusive environment, in which there is tolerance and respect for others, regardless of their culture or religion.

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Education: Third-level education

Switzerland has ten cantonal and two national universities. The national universities are called Federal Institutes of Technology and are based in Zurich (ETHZ) and Lausanne (EPFL). Not only do they dispense a world-class education, but both these institutes have generated major breakthroughs in terms of cutting-edge scientific research. Universities and Bologna In 1999, Switzerland signed the European Union Bologna Declaration, which aims to create a European Higher Education Area by 2010. Since then, Swiss universities have introduced far-reaching reforms to harmonise their structures and course content. All third-level students will now follow a three-year Bachelors degree programme, which they can follow up with a Masters degree. One important reason for harmonising the education system and qualifications is to encourage greater student and graduate mobility. To date, the Swiss student population has been rather sedentary: UNESCO statistics show that only five to seven per cent of Swiss students go on to study abroad. Switzerland has made significant progress with the introduction of these reforms. In the 2007-2008 Autumn semester, 72 per cent of all undergraduates had signed up to either a Bachelors or a Masters degree course. By 2011, almost all new students are expected to be enrolled in the new two-tier degree system.

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Universities of Applied Sciences Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS) are a relatively new component of the Swiss education system. Introduced in 1993, the aim of these third-level institutions is to dispense a more practice-oriented, university-standard education. Since they were launched, their popularity has grown as the range of courses they offer has gradually expanded. Another sign of their success is the fact that UAS graduates are highly sought-after by employers. University graduates 30 per cent of 25- to 34-year-olds living in Switzerland in 2006 have third-level qualifications, placing Switzerland within the OECD average. Like most OECD countries, Switzerland has also seen a rise in the number of female university students. In 2008/2009, an encouraging 51 per cent of university students in Switzerland were women. Continuing education There is a growing recognition of the importance of lifelong learning. Continuous education can take two forms: either courses, seminars, and private classes or independent study with the help of specialist literature, electronic learning programmes or family members. Billions of Swiss Francs are earmarked for continuous education measures. For the most part, students pay the tuition costs out of their own pocket, though in some cases employers agree to cover these costs.

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Environmental protection: Water

Switzerland finds itself in a fortunate position with regard to its water supply. It has many rivers and lakes and is the source of six per cent of Europes freshwater reserves. It is therefore not surprising that it is often dubbed Europes reservoir. Switzerland is also the source of many major European rivers, like the Rhone and the Rhine. Water quality The Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) is responsible for protecting these resources from pollution and overuse. It also is in charge of flood prevention. Switzerland has long valued its water resources. For example, a special provision on the protection of its waterways was written into the Swiss Constitution as far back as 1970. Water quality is also constantly monitored by two FOEN-led programmes. The National Long Term Investigation of Flowing Swiss Waters (NADUF) is responsible for rivers, while The National Network for Groundwater Quality Observation (NAQUA) monitors ground water. The drinking water that comes out of Swiss taps is as pure as bottled mineral water and 500 times cheaper. Total daily water consumption in Switzerland is around 400 litres per head, down from around 500 litres in the mid-1980s. Switzerland would like to see water consumption reduced even further. As a result, many Swiss homes now feature water-saving devices, like special tap attachments and water-saving sanitary equipment.

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Environmental protection: Forests

Some 31 per cent of Swiss territory is covered by woodland. Around 75,000 jobs in Switzerland depend on timber in one way or another, and the industry contributes some seven billion Swiss francs to Swiss GDP. While there are no large contiguous forested areas in Switzerland, there are no areas which do not have a forest nearby either. Deciduous forests (mainly beech and oak) grow at altitudes of up to 1,300 metres (4,200 feet). Coniferous forests (like pine, Scots pine and spruce) grow at elevations of up to 1,900 metres (6,200 feet). Chestnut trees thrive on the southern side of the Alps. Role of forests Forests are essential to preserving the landscape. Their roots help stabilise the soil and prevent landslides and erosion. Together with other vegetation they act like a sponge to reduce flooding. Their trunks block rockfalls. They help to prevent avalanches by stabilising the snow cover. They also act as a windbreak, and help to purify the air. Switzerland has long recognised the importance of its forests. In 1876, the country introduced a law which laid the foundations for the protection of its mountain forests. Over two hundred years later, Switzerlands commitment to this valuable natural resource remains as strong as ever. History of the Swiss timber industry For centuries Switzerland's trees have had an important commercial function as well. The Swiss built their homes out

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of wood and used wood to heat them. Switzerland is not blessed with an abundance of natural resources, but wood is one of the few that it has. Historically, charcoal was used in the furnaces for the country's own modest metal and glassmaking industries. But most of Switzerlands charcoal was exported to larger metal-producing countries. Also, many of the ships of the great seafaring nations of Europe (in particular the Dutch) were built of Swiss timber.

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Environmental protection: Biodiversity

It is estimated that Switzerland is home to over 50,000 species of plants and animals although only 83 of these are mammals, most of them bats and other small species. The overwhelming majority 30,000 are insects. The number of animal species (mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish) remained stable; some have disappeared while others, like bears and wolves, have arrived of their own accord or, like the lynx, have been reintroduced. Biodiversity has fluctuated considerably over time. It is thought that Switzerlands biodiversity peaked towards the middle or end of the 19th century. Switzerland is committed to preserving its rich biodiversity. In 1994, it signed the non-binding UN convention on biodiversity, which aims to reverse the worldwide decline in the number of different species of animals, plants and other organisms. This also led Switzerland to set up its own national biodiversity monitoring programme. National park and nature parks Many endangered species are confined to small areas. So it is important to protect their habitats. A number of sites of exceptional importance have been placed under official protection, like the Swiss National Park. Located in the canton of Graubnden, it was established in 1914, making it the first ever alpine national park and the first of its kind in Central Europe. It is clear that in a country like Switzerland, where the land is used so intensively, a balance must be found between the

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needs of the population and those of nature conservation. This means that areas like the National Park, where no settlement or farming is allowed, must remain the exception rather than the rule. Switzerland also has a number of regional nature parks. The largest is Parc Ela, also in the canton of Graubnden. It was opened in June 2006, and covers an area of 600 square kilometres. These two types of park may appear identical, but there is a fundamental difference with separates them. Regional nature parks are set up primarily to provide a habitat for plants, animals as well as people, whereas the primary purpose of the National Park is to protect existing habitats. Biosphere reserves Biosphere reserve is a UNESCO designation given to sites which seek to safeguard biodiversity while meeting the needs of an expanding human population. There are now two UNESCO biosphere reserves in Switzerland: the Swiss National Park and the Entlebuch region in the canton of Lucerne. Switzerland also has its own national inventory of protected biotopes. These are areas of unique environmental conditions that provide a habitat for a specific collection of plants and animals.

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Environmental protection: Recycling / waste management

The Swiss attach a lot of importance to recycling. Ordinary citizens are encouraged to recycle as much as possible. In many cantons, householders pay a tax based on the volume of rubbish they put out for collection. This acts as an incentive to dispose of anything recyclable at special free recycling points. Recycling world champion The Swiss are champion recyclers. In 2008, they recycled 80 per cent of paper, 95 per cent of glass, 78 per cent of plastic bottles, 91 per cent of aluminium cans, 82 per cent of tin cans and 65 per cent of batteries. Nearly 50 per cent of all household waste is recycled. SBB recycling efforts It is not only Swiss households that are keen recyclers. Companies like the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) play their part too. In 2008 the SBB collected the following from its trains: 167 tons of plastic bottles, 122 tons of glass and 5,740 tons of newspapers. Incineration Since January 2000, all non-recyclable, combustible waste in Switzerland must be incinerated. In 2008, Switzerland's incineration capacity topped 2.8 million tonnes. This means

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that combustible waste no longer needs to be dumped in landfills. Incinerators have undergone vast improvements in recent years, and the burning of waste now generates only minimal amounts of air pollution in Switzerland. Incineration plants are also a source of energy. Switzerlands 29 incineration plants cover almost 3 per cent of the countrys energy needs. The heat and electricity produced by waste incineration are deemed carbon-neutral, because half of the heating value is generated by biogenic material. Waste incineration is not the only source of energy in Switzerland. The cement industry also burns suitable waste such as used oils and solvents, which allows it to cover a large share of its energy needs.

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Environmental protection: Energy policy

The two main planks of Swiss energy policy are to promote the use of renewable resources and to encourage efficiency. Switzerland has very few traditional energy sources, with the exception of hydroelectric power and firewood. This means that it has to import 80 per cent of its energy. These include crude oil, natural gas, coal, nuclear fuel, as well as additional electricity supplies in the winter months. Rising energy consumption Economics and demography have a major bearing on energy consumption. As the population grows, more houses are built to accommodate it. There are ever more cars on the road, covering ever longer distances. Likewise, industrial output and the construction industry are booming. All these developments help drive up energy demand in Switzerland, despite concerted efforts to make the country more energyefficient. Energy sources In 2007 crude oil products, including fuel and combustibles, covered 45.2 per cent of Switzerlands energy needs. 25.2 per cent came from nuclear power plants and 11.5 per cent from hydroelectric plants. Natural gas covered 9.7 per cent of energy needs, while renewable energy sources accounted for 18.3 per cent of the total energy consumed in Switzerland.

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SwissEnergy The use of fossil fuels, like oil and natural gas, is behind many serious environmental problems. They release pollutants and CO2 emissions, which are blamed for global warming. This is a growing concern for the Swiss government, particularly in light of the upcoming liberalisation of the European energy market. Greater competition is likely to bring down the price of fossil fuels and therefore further increase their use. This would have a detrimental effect on the environment and undermine Switzerland's determination to cut its CO2 emissions to 90 per cent of their 1990 level by 2010. Switzerland has responded to this situation by launching a national action plan, called SwissEnergy. The two central aims of this programme are to promote energy efficiency and to reduce Swiss dependency on fossil fuels. As part of the second round of Bilateral Agreements with the EU, Switzerland became a full member of the European Environment Agency in 2006. Its membership means that it will be able to take part in pan-European studies, contribute to the development of environmental protection measures at European level and harmonise its activities in this area with those of its European neighbours.

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Economy: Structure and competitiveness

Switzerland owes the high productivity of its economy to its liberal market system, political stability and close ties with foreign economies. Government intervention in the economy is light compared to other European governments. As Switzerland is a small country, its home market is limited. It is a big exporter and importer of goods. Trade in goods and services accounts for a comparatively high percentage of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Due to the fact that it has little arable land and few natural resources, Switzerland has to import a wide range of agricultural products as well as raw materials to feed its industrial production. Well-developed industry and services, as well as the high innovation potential in growth industries mean that Switzerland has what it takes to produce state-ofthe art, top quality goods. International rankings Every year, the Geneva-based World Economic Forum (WEF) compiles a list of the most internationally competitive countries in the world. And every year, Switzerland passes with flying colours, often taking the number one spot. In its 2009 rankings, the WEF stated that Switzerlands place at the top reflected its outstanding capacity for technological innovation, as well as its well-developed, transparent and accountable institutional set-up.

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International competitiveness: a comparison

Ranking 2006 Ranking 2009

Switzerland USA Japan Germany UK Austria France Italy China Russia Source: WEF 2009

1 6 7 8 10 17 14 42 54 62

1 2 8 7 13 17 16 48 29 63

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Economy: Sectoral composition

Switzerland is primarily a service economy. 72 per cent of the workforce are employed in the tertiary sector (services), 24 per cent in the secondary sector (industry) and 4 per cent in the primary sector (farming). The main service sector industries are insurance, banking, trade and commerce, and tourism. The secondary sector is dominated by the machinery, electronics, metals and chemical/pharmaceutical industries. The agricultural sector is undergoing changes due to the growing demand for organic produce and more environmentally-friendly production methods. Most of the goods and services produced in Switzerland are exported, chiefly to the European Union. The main exports are chemicals, machinery, precision instruments, watches and jewellery. SMEs: the mainstay of the Swiss economy When one thinks of major economic players in Switzerland, multinationals like Nestl and Roche spring to mind. But surprisingly, the real mainstay of the Swiss economy is its highly specialised and flexible small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). They make up more than 99 per cent of all registered companies in Switzerland, and employ twothirds of the total workforce.

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Economy: Labour market

The accomplished working hours per place of work in Switzerland was 42 hours and 4 minutes per week in 2008. All full-time employees are entitled to leave of 20 working days per year. This is less than in many other European countries. Public holidays vary from canton to canton, but there are generally eight or nine spread out over the year. In 1985, the Swiss rejected a general increase in holiday entitlement from four to five weeks, and in 2002 they voted against the introduction of the 36-hour week. Strikes are rare and absenteeism is low. In around three quarters of these cases, employees miss work because of ill health. In 13 per cent of cases, it is because they have to perform compulsory military service or its civilian equivalent. Wages Switzerland regularly takes the top spot in income rankings. But high wages do not necessarily mean equally high purchasing power. This is supported by the Big Mac Index, which was developed by The Economist to compare countries price levels. In 2009 a Big Mac in the USA costs 3.58 USD compared to 6.30 US dollars in Switzerland. Retirement In Switzerland, retirement age is 65 for men, and 64 for women. A public pension scheme was introduced in 1948, funded by contributions from employers, employees and general taxation.

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The Swiss old-age insurance system is known as the "three pillar" system. . The first pillar is compulsory and is funded by contributions from all workers over the age of 18, as well as from the cantons and the Confederation. It provides a basic old-age pension, a pension for surviving dependents and an invalidity pension for those unable to work for health reasons. . The second pillar is also compulsory, but only for wage earners. Essentially, its purpose is to supplement the basic old-age pension. Employers and employees share contributions equally. Employers pay a contribution for every person they employ, and deduct the employees own contribution directly from their salary. The first two pillars together should provide a pension equivalent to around 60 per cent of a retired person's final salary. . The third pillar is optional. It is a tax-deductible private savings scheme, which aims to further boost retirement pensions. In Switzerland, as in many other developed countries, the working population is shrinking while the number of pensioners is growing. This is a serious cause for concern, given that pensions and care for the elderly are paid for by the social insurance contributions of the working population. For every retired person in Switzerland, there are now only four people in work. In 1900, the ratio was one in ten.

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People: Demography

7.7 million people just over 0.1 per cent of the global population live in Switzerland. Switzerland is densely populated, with 186 people per square kilometre (474 people per square mile). However, some parts of the country are sparsely populated, or have no human population at all. For example, only 10 per cent of the total population lives in the Alpine region. Since 1972 deaths have outstripped births in Switzerland. Like many western countries, Switzerland has a growing elderly population but a shrinking working population. Statistics show that this trend is set to continue over the next few years, putting more pressure on the old-age pensions system. Average life expectancy is high: 84 for women, and 79 for men.

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People: Linguistic diversity

Switzerland has four distinct language regions and is a true cultural melting pot. This is due, in no small part, to geography, as Switzerland shares its borders with three major European cultures German-speaking Europe, France, and Italy. Four national languages Switzerland has four national languages: German, French, Italian and Rumantsch. Each of the four linguistic regions has its own radio programmes and newspapers. Two-thirds of the population speaks Swiss-German, while only 0.5 per cent speak Rumantsch, and only in the canton of Graubnden. Most Swiss speak more than one language, be it another national language or English, which is becoming increasingly popular. The different cultures within Switzerland are strongly influenced by the countries which border them and whose language they share. But topography too plays its part in shaping local culture. Evidently, life in a remote alpine valley is worlds apart from life in the bustling city of Zurich.

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People: Multicultural Switzerland

Switzerland has a relatively high foreign resident population 22 per cent, or around 1.67 million. The overwhelming majority, 86.5 per cent, are from Europe. The foreign population is unevenly spread across the country. In rural cantons, such as Appenzell-Innerrhodes, foreigners make up as little as 8.5 per cent of the resident population, while in more urban cantons, like Geneva, they account for up to 38 per cent of the total population. At the end of 2008, the largest foreign resident population were from Italy (17.5 per cent), followed by people from Germany (14.1 per cent), Portugal (11.8 per cent) and Serbia and Montenegro (11.1 per cent). Switzerland has a particularly high share of children with foreign citizenship: the 2000 census showed that 25.8 per cent of children under the age of six did not have Swiss nationality. In the five biggest cities, this reaches 45 per cent. About one in every five children born in Switzerland has at least one parent who does not have Swiss nationality. Relatively few naturalisations Compared to other European countries the number of foreigners taking Swiss nationality is quite low. This may be due in part to the fact that Switzerland has one of the strictest naturalisation procedures in Europe. Unless the person is married to a Swiss national, a foreign resident must live in Switzerland for at least twelve years before being allowed to apply to the municipal authorities for Swiss citizenship. Having said that, one in every 10 adults with Swiss citizenship in 2001 acquired it through naturalisation.

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Humanitarian tradition/immigration policy Switzerland is proud of its humanitarian tradition. It has long been a place of refuge for those persecuted for political reasons. Swiss society has been greatly enriched by the contribution made by refugees and their descendants. According to official statistics for 2008, one third of Switzerlands population were either migrants or their descendants. However, in the last few years, immigration has been the subject of much debate in Switzerland. At the political level, discussions have focused on the rights and duties of foreigners, measures to prevent abuses of the system, and the greater use of foreign policy instruments to deal with the issue of immigration. The Swiss abroad Most Swiss who leave to live abroad nowadays do so only temporarily. France hosts by far the largest number of Swiss residents, followed by the US and Germany. At the end of 2009, the total number of Swiss nationals registered as living outside the country was 685,000. Swiss citizens resident abroad are known as the "Fifth Switzerland" the other four being each of Switzerlands language regions. Switzerland provides its ex-pat community with a range of services and facilities to enable them to keep in touch with their homeland. It also helps finance 16 Swiss schools abroad, which teach a Swiss curriculum. There is also the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad which helps keeps Swiss expats up-to-date on what is happening back at home.

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People: Quality of life

Statistics released by the European Union in 2002 showed that Switzerland was the third most expensive country in Europe, after Norway and Iceland. Certain grocery items such as meat and dairy products are particularly expensive. Housing is costly too. As a result, Switzerland has one of the lowest owner-occupier rates in Western Europe. In 2000 only 34.6 per cent of people owned their own homes. While wages in Switzerland do compensate to some extent for the high cost of living, people in Switzerland on average spend between one quarter and one third of their income on rent. Although the Swiss enjoy relatively low tax rates compared to neighbouring countries, they spend a lot on insurance, including compulsory health insurance, which alone accounts for over 5.6 per cent of their expenditure. A further 5 per cent goes on various types of private insurance cover. Quality of life The quality of life in Swiss towns is high. In 2008 Zurich and Geneva came second and third in an international comparison of 420 cities published by the American-based consulting firm, Mercer. Quality of life was assessed based on criteria such as political, economic and social life as well as the level of public service provision. Switzerland has one of the highest incomes per capita in the world. As a result, the Swiss enjoy a high standard of living. Almost every household has a radio and television. There are over five million cars, each covering an average of

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10,000 kilometres (6,200 miles) a year. Switzerland also has one of the highest rates of computer access and internet usage in the world. The shape of Swiss households is also changing. Today, 37 per cent of all Swiss households are single-person households. Major household budget items
Items
food and beverages alcohol and tobacco clothing and shoes housing and energy furnishings and household maintenance health care transport and communications entertainment, recreation, culture taxes insurance (pension, health, private insurance cover)

Percent
7.7% 1.2% 2.9% 16.9% 3.2% 4.0% 9.9% 12.5% 13.7% 22.2%

Source: Federal Statistical Office (2005)

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Leisure: Leisure activities

The Swiss work hard, but they also know how to enjoy their time off. According to a Federal Statistical Office survey of 2003, some of the most popular pastimes in Switzerland include meeting friends, reading and going for walks. The Swiss are also a relatively sporty nation. More than half the population is involved in some sort of physical exercise at least once a week. Having said that, other surveys have found that the most popular Swiss pastime is watching television. A 2004 survey found that 80 per cent of the population watches at least one hour of television per day.

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Leisure: Music

Switzerland is famous for its music festivals, ranging from classical to rock. Annual classical music festival highlights include the Lucerne Easter and summer festivals, the Menuhin Festival in Gstaad and Snow and Symphony in the resort of St Moritz. The summer sees a series of open-air air rock and pop festivals which attract fans from home and abroad. They include St Gallen, Montreux, the Gurten in Bern, Palo in Nyon, Rock Oz'Arnes in Avenches and the Montreux Jazz Festival. Open-air rock concerts are not limited to the summer. Every winter, the SnowpenAir is held on the Kleine Scheidegg in the Bernese Oberland. Switzerland also has several hundred amateur brass bands. The high point for many of them is Carnival time, but they can also be heard at many a local festival held throughout the year.

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Culture: Museums

Switzerland has one of the highest museum densities in the world, with over 950 museums. The number has more than tripled since 1950, largely due to the opening of many new regional museums. Demand also seems to be keeping pace with this increased supply. In 2008, visitor numbers reached 17.3 million. The Federal Department for Culture is responsible for the museums in the National Museum Group. These include the three major history museums: the National Museum in Zurich, the Forum of Swiss History in Schwyz, and the Chteau de Prangins, near Nyon in the canton of Vaud. The group also contains some smaller specialised museums, such as the Customs Museum in Cantine di Gandria, in Ticino, and the Musical Automata Museum in Seewen, in the canton of Solothurn. However, there are many other small, independent museums dotted across the country that survive thanks to the dedication and enthusiasm of volunteers. Famous museums Switzerland also has a host of museums and galleries that were founded by generous private art collectors, such as the Fondation Beyeler in Basle and the Zentrum Paul Klee in Berne. Besides boasting highly prized collections, the architecture of some of Switzerlands most renowned museums has come in for praise. A number of Swiss architects are behind some

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of the best-known museums both at home and abroad. For example, the Museum of Modern Art in San Francisco is the work of Ticino-born Mario Botta, and the celebrated Tate Modern in London was designed by the Basle architects Herzog & de Meuron.

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Culture: Architecture

Architecture and design have a rich tradition in Switzerland. Swiss prowess in these fields came to world attention in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, thanks to the works of artists like Le Corbusier and Paul Klee. Nowadays, innovative Swiss architects, such as the multi prize-winning Mario Botta, Herzog & de Meuron, Peter Zumthor and Diener & Diener, are greatly sought-after abroad. Likewise, Switzerland has called on the services of eminent foreign architects, like the Italian Renzo Piano, who designed the Zentrum Paul Klee in Bern as well as the museum outside Basle, which houses the Beyeler Collection; or Frenchman Jean Nouvel, who was responsible for the spectacular Lucerne Culture and Convention Centre. Le Corbusier Switzerland was the birthplace of one of the most influential architects of the 20th century: Charles-Edouard Jeanneret, or Le Corbusier, as he is better known. His prolific output ranged from town planning to furniture design, and even sculpture. In 1922, he proposed his principles for architecture rationality, economy, and functionalism. His work would pave the way for the Bauhaus. It was Le Corbusier who famously declared that a house is a machine for living in. He died aged 77 in his adopted country of France.

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Major architectural works The multi-award winning architects from Basle, Herzog and de Meuron, are responsible for some of the most iconic buildings of recent years, including the Tate Modern in London, the Sankt Jakob football stadium in Basle, and the Beijing National Stadium, or the Birds Nest as it came to be known in the run-up to the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Other acclaimed Swiss buildings include the Thermal Baths in Vals designed by Peter Zumthor, and the Kirchner Museum in Davos by architects Annette Gigon and Mike Guyer. The canton of Graubnden is home to both buildings. You do not have to travel to Switzerland to see innovative Swiss architecture. The sleek Charles River Bridge in the US city of Boston is the work of Christian Menn, a renowned bridge designer from the canton of Berne. The modern concrete extension to the Swiss embassy in Berlin is the work of Basle-based architects Diener & Diener.

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Culture: Painting and sculpture

Well-known Swiss artists of the 19th and the early 20th centuries include Albert Anker, Arnold Boecklin and Ferdinand Hodler. Some of the important figures in 20th century art were born or grew up in Switzerland, including Alberto Giacometti (1901-66), famous for his sculptures of elongated figures, and Paul Klee (1879-1940). Jean Tinguely Jean Tinguely (1925-1991) was one of Switzerlands best loved artists. His installations were creative and colourful, and reflected his philosophy that though machines made of scrap metal have no purpose they can have a meaning. Bernhard Luginbhl (1929-), a friend of Tinguely's and still working today, also uses scrap iron to create large-scale sculptures. Max Bill In the 1950s, Swiss artist Max Bill (1908-94) developed and popularized "Concrete Art" (as opposed to "abstract", not the material). The principles of this art form are rationality and the economic use of materials. Bill defined Concrete Art as "the pure expression of harmonic measurement and law". Many of his paintings are made up of brightly coloured geometric shapes and lines, which have no symbolic meaning but are simply there for their own sake.

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Surrealism and playful art Perhaps one could argue it was no coincidence that the birthplace of Concrete Art was a country which cherishes practicality and order. But Zurich was also the birthplace of the nihilistic Dada movement. This movement grew out of the disgust and disillusionment following World War I, and paved the way for surrealism. One of its leading exponents in Zurich was Hans Arp. Today, several of his works are on display at New York's Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). Many Swiss artists have made their names with absurd and playful works of art. Surrealist Meret Oppenheim's most famous work, "Fur Breakfast", is also on display at MoMA. Made up of a fur-covered cup and saucer, it is considered one of the most iconic examples of surrealist art.

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Culture: Religion and Customs

Many festivals, customs and traditions in Switzerland are rooted in religion. Switzerland is a predominantly Christian state. According to the most recent statistics, 42 % of the Swiss population are Roman Catholics and 36 % Protestants. Muslims are the third largest religious group. The share of people who declare no religious affiliation is rising fast, with more than 11 % of the current population falling into this category. Religious customs include Corpus Christi processions in many villages of the predominantly Catholic canton of Valais, and the Ascension Day horseback procession through the Lucerne town of Beromnster. Other festivals with religious links are the famous Basle Carnival and the annual St Nicholas Procession through the city of Fribourg on the first weekend of Advent. There are also many agricultural festivals, like the dsalpe at the end of the summer when farmers bring their cows down from the mountain pastures, or the autumn wine festivals in western Switzerland.

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Culture: Swissness

"The "Swiss" if that word makes any sense, and I am using it solely to refer to the sum of individuals who belong to the political entity of Switzerland are certainly orderly, careful and conscientious, but they are also petty-minded. They are active, but only within their own territory; they cut themselves off from the rest of the world for the sake of peace and quiet. And it could even be said that for this peace and quiet, which enables them to go about their own domestic affairs with such diligence and punctiliousness, they have sacrificed all those things which have brought renown to other nations." This is how Charles-Ferdinand Ramuz (1878-1947), one of the most important authors from the French-speaking part of Switzerland, sums up his fellow countrymen to his friend, Denis de Rougemont. Origins of the Swiss flag Before the 19th century, the Swiss did not have a common flag. When they fought in battle, soldiers carried the colours of their canton. However, starting with the Battle of Laupen in 1339, they began to sew a white cross onto their clothing in order to distinguish them from other soldiers. During the Helvetic period (1798 1803) Napoleon forbade the Swiss to wear the cross and instead made them carry a tricolour of green, red and yellow. However, when the Helvetic republic was dissolved in 1803, the tricolour went with it, and Swiss troops went back to carrying the white cross on their cantonal banner.

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In 1815, after the fall of Napoleon, troops were given a federal armband to wear, which was red with a white cross. The introduction of an unofficial federal flag would soon follow. The Swiss flag becomes official This flag went to war for the first and only time in the socalled Sonderbund civil war of 1847. The war was fought between partisans of traditional values and local autonomy on the one side, and modernisers and supporters of a more centralised state on the other. The modernisers were the victors and the Swiss flag finally became an official national symbol. Like the Swiss soldiers several hundred years ago, many Swiss people today continue to take pride in the colours of their canton. This was never truer than during EURO 2008, when Swiss fans could often be seen waving their cantonal flags rather than the national flag. Peculiarities of the Swiss flag When Switzerland joined the UN in 2002, UN protocol officials faced an unusual problem: the Swiss flag is square, but UN rules say that all flags flying at its headquarters must be oblong. Fortunately, another rule exists which states that a new flag may be hoisted as long as its total area does not exceed that of the regular flags. The inspiration for the shape of the national flag came from the cantonal flags, which were also square. The only other square flag in the world is that of the Vatican. This may be no coincidence it was probably inspired by the flag of the Popes Swiss Guard.

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Surprisingly, perhaps, the exact shape of the Swiss flag is not laid down by law. The precise shade of red has only been officially determined since January 1, 2007. It corresponds to pantone 485, and is a mixture of magenta and yellow. The exact shape of the cross, on the other hand, has been enshrined in law since 1889: all four arms must be of equal length, and one sixth longer than they are wide.

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History: Timetable

History of Switzerland: 1291 The rural communities of Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden lay the foundation for the Swiss Confederation. Other communities join them during the course of the following centuries. Beginning of the Reformation in Zurich: Switzerland is split into Roman Catholic and Protestant cantons. Napoleon invades Switzerland. End of the old regime. New cantons join the Confederation. Congress of Vienna. Borders of present-day Switzerland are set and Switzerlands permanent neutrality is recognised by the European powers. Sonderbund war. Protestant cantons defeat Roman Catholic cantons that had formed the separatist Sonderbund league. Foundation of the Swiss Federal State. New constitution is a compromise between centralised power and cantonal autonomy. Founding of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Geneva. The Constitution is revised to allow direct democracy via optional referenda. The Constitution is revised to allow for popular initiatives.

1519

1798 1803 1815

1847

1848

1863 1874 1891

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1914

World War I: Swiss troops are mobilised and border protection put in place. 1918 General strike. 1919 For the first time, elections to the National Council are based on the principle of proportional representation. 1939 World War II: Swiss troops are mobilised; armed neutrality and maintenance of independent status. 1948 Introduction of the national old-age and survivors pension scheme (AHV). 1960 Switzerland becomes a founding member of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). 1971 Women given the right to vote on federal matters. 1972 Signing of free trade agreement with the European Community (EC). 1975 Accession to the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). 1978 Part of the canton of Berne becomes Jura: Switzerlands 26th canton. 1999 First series of bilateral agreements between Switzerland and the European Union. 2000 Entry into force of the new Swiss Constitution. 2002 Switzerland joins the United Nations. Bilateral Agreements with the European Union come into force. 2004 The second series of Bilateral Agreements with the EU Schengen and Dublin are approved in a popular vote.

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