Topics

People crossing a street

Society

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

The lying stone lion of the Lion Monument in Lucerne

History

Switzerland evolved over many centuries from a loose alliance of small self-governing towns and states to a fully-fledged federal state of 26 cantons.

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

Politics

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.

Students in the library of the University of Bern.
Scene from a library at the University of Bern. In Switzerland, students usually attend university between the ages of 19 and 24. © FDFA

Education and Science

In Switzerland the 26 cantons are responsible for compulsory education.

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%).

Graphics

Discover Switzerland through more than 20 graphics on the themes of society, the economy, science and the environment.

More Switzerland on the web

Special Symbols for Social Media
Special Symbols for Social Media © public domain

ch.ch
Government close to the people

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