• Humanitarian Tradition

    Switzerland has a long humanitarian tradition. In 1863 the Red Cross, known today as the ICRC, was founded in Geneva on the initiative of a Swiss humanitarian. 

  • Higher vocational and professional education and training (PET)

    PET provides qualifications that are required to carry out demanding occupations and managerial roles, keeping the economy supplied with qualified specialists. 

  • Climate

    Switzerland has four distinct seasons. Depending on the location and the time of year, it can be as cold as Siberia or as mild as the Mediterranean.

Topics

People crossing a street

Society

The main driver of demographic growth in Switzerland over the last few decades has been migration.

Federal Square with the fountain in front of Federal Palace in Bern

Politics and history

Federalism and direct democracy reflect the great importance that the Swiss political system places on the freedom of choice and self-determination.

Discussion in a break room at the World Economic Forum

Economy

Switzerland has one of the most competitive economies in the world thanks above all to its highly developed service sector.

The River Hinterrhein near Rothenbrunnen

Environment

Switzerland has three main geographic regions: the Alps covering around 60% of the country's total surface area, the Swiss Plateau (30%) and the Jura (10%).

More Switzerland on the web

A hand on a screen

swissnex.org
Swiss science, education, art and innovation worldwide

Sign post to many different countries

aso.ch
Organisation of the Swiss Abroad

ch.ch
Government close to the people