• Heidi: In the footsteps of a Swiss myth

    Heidi became a globally recognised Swiss icon whose story reflects life in Switzerland in the 19th century.

  • Winter festivals and customs

    Christmas, Advent and St Nicholas' Day are Christian traditions in Switzerland. But some festivals in wintertime are just about trying to banish the winter blues.

  • Political parties

    Switzerland has a broad range of political parties. The Federal Council is traditionally composed of the four parties with the strongest electoral showing.

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