Switzerland, official name Swiss Confederation is a small state in Central Europe, bordered in the north by Germany, in the south by Italy, in the west by France, and in the east by Austria and Liechtenstein. The territory area is 41,284 km².

Switzerland's northern border is partly along Lake Constance and the Rhine, which begins in the center of the Swiss Alps and forms part of the eastern border. The western border runs along the Jura Mountains, the southern - along the Italian Alps and Lake Geneva.
The country's territory is divided into three natural regions: the Jura Mountains in the north, the Swiss Plateau in the center, and the Alps, which occupy 61% of the total territory of Switzerland, in the south. The country's highest point is Peak Dufort (4634 m) in the Pennine Alps, and the lowest point is Lake Maggiore (193 m).

The country is rich in rivers and lakes (most of them are of glacial origin). Flowing from the mountains, the Rhine, Rhone, Limmat, Aare are the largest rivers in the country.

The ten largest lakes in Switzerland:

Lake Geneva (582.4 km²)

Lake Constance (539 km²)

Lake Neuchatel (217.9 km²)

Lago Maggiore (212.3 km²)

Lake Firvaldstät (113.8 km²)

Lake Zurich (88.4 km²)

Lugano (48.8 km²)

Lake Thun (48.4 km²)

Lake Bil (40 km²)

Lake Zug (38 km²)

About 25% of the territory of Switzerland is covered with forests, they extend not only in the mountains, but also in valleys and on some plateaus.

Climate

Switzerland has a continental climate, typical of Central Europe, but due to the complexity of the terrain, the climatic conditions of individual areas are varied.

In the Alps, winter is relatively cold (temperatures drop to -10°C -12°C, sometimes lower), but is almost always sunny. On peaks from 2500-3000 m there is snow throughout the year. About 65% of the annual precipitation here falls in the form of snow, so in winter snow avalanches occur due to the accumulation of snow on the slopes. In summer there is frequent rain and fog, and the weather can change very quickly from sunny to rainy.

On the Swiss Plateau, winter is mild. The average temperature in January is about -2°C; if snow falls, it usually lasts only a few days. In December and January, strong winds blow from the Atlantic, bringing frequent rain and fog, but the summer is warm (the average temperature in July is +18°C), and the autumn is long and sunny.

The mildest and warmest climate is found in the interior mountain valleys and basins, protected from the cold northern winds by the mountains. For example, in the canton of Ticino, on the coast of lakes Lugano and Lago Maggiore, there are many sunny days (in summer the temperature can reach +30°C), there are no large temperature changes and strong seasonal weather fluctuations. Here palm trees, magnolias and other plants of southern countries grow in the open ground - essentially like on the Mediterranean coast.

Last changes: 05/09/2010

Population

The total population according to 2008 estimates was 7,580,000, with 65% German, 18% French, 10% Italian and 7% other nationalities. More than 1 million foreigners live in Switzerland, which is 1/7 of the total population; in large cities, the share of foreigners among residents rises to 1/5 - 1/3.

The population is mainly concentrated on the plateaus. Large industrial centers - Zurich, Basel and Geneva - have the highest population density.

Swiss citizens are very peaceful, friendly, polite and law-abiding people. They are traditionally conflict-free, reasonable and rationalistic. It is also worth noting the amazing punctuality of the Swiss. The standard of living in Switzerland is very high.

Language

Switzerland has 4 national languages: German (its local dialect is “Schwitzerdütsch”), French, Italian and Romansh.

Likewise, the Constitution determines that the official languages, i.e. The languages ​​in which legislative acts are drawn up and the population communicates with federal authorities and courts are German, French and Italian. Romansh is not an official language due to the small number of speakers. However, it is widely used in official meetings with Romansh people, who in turn can address authorities in their native language.

To protect linguistic minorities, the so-called “principle of territoriality” applies, i.e. respect for traditional linguistic boundaries and the exclusive use of the indigenous language of a given area in institutions, courts and schools.

German (the most common) is used by residents of the northern and northeastern parts of Switzerland (Zurich, Bern, etc.).

French is spoken mainly in the cantons of Geneva, Vaud, Neuchâtel, Friborg and Valais.

Italian is spoken mainly in the canton of Ticino, while Romansh is spoken only in the mountainous canton of Grisons.

The local dialect of German, “Schwitzerdütsch,” is very similar to classical German, so if you speak German, you will be perfectly understood.

Religion

Currently, Catholics make up about 50% of the population, Protestants about 48%. Confessional differences in Switzerland do not always coincide with linguistic boundaries. Among the Protestants there are both French-speaking Calvinists and German-speaking followers of Zwingli. The centers of German-speaking Protestantism are Zurich, Bern and Appenzell. The majority of French-speaking Protestants live in the canton of Geneva and the neighboring cantons of Vaud and Neuchâtel. Catholics predominate in central Switzerland around the city of Lucerne, much of the French-speaking cantons of Friborg and Valais, and the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino.

In Switzerland there are also adherents of the Orthodox faith; one of the Orthodox parishes, founded in 1936 by Metropolitan Eulogius, is located in Zurich, and the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary is located in Geneva under the Representation of the Russian Orthodox Church in the World Council of Churches.

There are also small Jewish communities in Switzerland in Zurich, Basel and Geneva.

Switzerland is home to about 400,000 Muslims, mostly Turks and Kosovars. On November 29, 2009, a national referendum in Switzerland adopted a constitutional amendment banning the construction of minarets in the country. In addition, kosher and halal slaughter of animals is prohibited in Switzerland due to their cruelty.

The Swiss can be proud that they are fluent in several foreign languages ​​and can communicate freely with people from different countries. However, knowledge of their own state languages, unfortunately, is deteriorating due to their preference for English. As a result, four-lingual Switzerland is gradually turning into a “two and a half language” country. In other words, many Swiss speak their native language and English, but often only understand one of the four official languages.

Currency

The official currency of Switzerland is the Swiss franc (CHF).

The Swiss franc is equal to 100 centimes (rappen in German Switzerland). In circulation there are banknotes in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 francs, as well as coins of 1, 2 and 5 francs, 50, 20, 10 and 5 centimes.

Almost all shops, hotels, restaurants and cafes accept all major credit cards. Finding an ATM in the “land of banks” is also not difficult.

You can change money at any bank branch. Swiss banks are usually open from 8.30 to 16.30, except weekends. Once a week, banks work longer than usual; you need to check which day in each specific location.

You can also change money at exchange offices of large department stores, airports, railway stations and stations. Currency exchange offices at airports and railway stations are open daily from 8:00 to 22:00, sometimes around the clock.
However, it is better to change money before leaving, since in Switzerland itself the exchange rate of the national currency is overvalued.

Most prices are quoted in both EUR and Swiss CHF. Some large stores even accept EUR as payment, but give change in Swiss CHF. Therefore, it is most convenient to pay with plastic cards.

Last changes: 05/09/2010

Communications

Dialing code: 41

Swiss Internet domain: .ch

Ambulance - 144, police - 117, firefighters - 118, roadside assistance - 140 (round the clock), traffic jams, condition of roads and passes - 163.

How to call

In order to call from Russia to Switzerland, you need to dial: 8 - dial tone - 10 - 41 - city code - subscriber number.

In order to call from Switzerland to Russia, you need to dial: 00 - 7 - city code - subscriber number.

Landline communications

While in Switzerland, you can call abroad from any telephone machine using coins or using a telephone card, which can be purchased at any post office.

To call from one Swiss city to another, you must dial the city's telephone year, starting with 0, and then the subscriber's number.

mobile connection

Swisscom's mobile network covers about 99% of the country's populated areas. When entering Switzerland, the mobile phone usually searches for a suitable network on its own. For example, SWISS GSM appears on the display.

Information on the coverage area of ​​the mobile network of Swisscom Mobile, the leading mobile operator in Switzerland, can be found at www.swisscom-mobile.ch

Last changes: 05/24/2010

Shopping

In small towns and villages, shops are open from 8.30 to 12.00 and again from 14.00 to 18.30 on weekdays, on Saturdays from 8.00 to 12.00 and from 14.00 to 16.00. In large cities, shops do not close for lunch, but are closed on Monday in the morning, and on one weekday (most often Thursdays) they are open until 20:00.

On Sundays, shops are closed except at the airport, some train stations and rest stops along major highways.

In terms of shopping, Switzerland is attracted primarily by the excellent quality of goods produced there. There are a lot of different shops here, from small shops with a cozy atmosphere to chic boutiques of famous and not so famous brands, as well as large department stores.

Traditional “Swiss purchases” include chocolate, cheeses, coffee, local wines, famous penknives and music boxes, bed linen and tablecloths, embroidered towels, precision instruments, various souvenirs with Swiss symbols, as well as antiques. A shopping trip would be incomplete without buying the famous Swiss watches, which are much cheaper here than in other countries.

It is worth noting that Switzerland has a large selection of high-quality clothing and accessories, depending on the brand, at very reasonable prices.

In most shops and supermarkets, salespeople speak English.

VAT and tax-free:

For purchases over CHF 400 in one store, you can receive a VAT refund. Value added tax (VAT) in Switzerland is 7.6%. To receive a refund in the store, you must receive a “Tax-free Shopping Check” (Global Refund Check), according to which, when leaving the country, you, as a foreign citizen, will be refunded the amount of VAT. Goods must leave the country within 30 days.

In order to receive your money, you must:

1. In the shop

• After making a purchase at a store that is part of the Global Refund system (as evidenced by the presence of a brand name at the entrance to the store), ask for a Global Refund check to be issued to you directly from the cashier, customer service department or central accounting department of the store.

Upon receipt of the check, make sure that your information is completely filled out (first name, last name, country of residence, home address and passport number) in the appropriate field on the check, and that the cashier's check is attached to the Global Refund check.

2. At customs

Immediately before you leave the internal market of the host country, you must present the purchased items and a Global Refund check to the border customs, on which customs officers will put a mark confirming the export of the goods. Therefore, you cannot use the goods before leaving the country (the goods must have labels). Without a customs stamp, a refund is not possible. At airports, customs clearance must be done before baggage is checked in.

3. You can receive money according to the return option you have chosen:

• to a card (or bank account), which, in this case, must be indicated in the Global Refund check, while the check is sent by you to the address indicated on the envelope attached to the Global Refund check;
• in cash at Global Refund payment points directly in the host country, after affixing the customs stamp;
• in cash in the country of arrival at the bank.

Last changes: 04/26/2013

Where to stay

Most hotels in the country are members of the Swiss Hotel Association. They have good and spacious rooms with all the services expected of an establishment of this category. However, hotels that are not members of the Association are usually also cozy and tidy. In general, Swiss hotels are better than “central European” hotels. The price of breakfast (buffet) is usually included in the room price. For an additional fee, most hotels offer two or three meals a day.

There are also about 80 hostels (economy class youth hotels) throughout Switzerland; the cost of living in such hotels is about 15 - 20 francs per day. It can accommodate both individual tourists and families, tourist groups and even groups of schoolchildren of various ages. To stay in such a youth hotel, you must have a national or international Youth Hotel Card. There are no age restrictions, but during high season, those under the age of 25 have priority.

There are also a large number of campsites in Switzerland, but it is important to note that you can only set up camp in specially designated areas. In the summer, when this type of recreation is very popular, it is recommended to book campsites in advance.

Another alternative to staying in the country while on vacation is to rent an apartment. This is especially practiced in the Swiss Alps. For example, a four-room apartment can accommodate 8-10 people. The cost of rent depends on factors such as: the prestige of the resort, the size of the apartment, the cost of furniture and even kitchen utensils. It is also worth remembering that the price announced to you may not include a fee for bed linen, a deposit (on average 400 euros) in case you break something or break something, and a tax for accommodation (1 euro per person per day ). After you rent out your apartment, it undergoes so-called final cleaning, which you are also required to pay: it will cost from 20 to 50 euros, depending on the size of the room.

Sea and beaches

A beach holiday in Switzerland means relaxing on the country's numerous lakes.

Last changes: 09/01/2010

Story

The history of Switzerland is determined by its special geographical location, which had a significant impact on the development of the state and society as a whole.

The Swiss Confederation in its modern guise has existed only since 1848. Before that time, there was no history of Switzerland as such. We can only talk about the historical development of individual regions, which later united into a single Swiss state.

The settlement of the territory of modern Switzerland began from time immemorial. Scientists believe that the first settlements arose here in the 12th millennium BC. At first people lived in caves, and later - along the shores of lakes. Since 500 BC On the Swiss plateau lived mainly Celtic tribes, among which were the Helvetii. In 58 BC. e. these lands, as a result of Caesar's campaign, were captured. In the next three centuries, Roman influence contributed to the development of the culture of the population and its Romanization.

In the 4th-5th centuries. AD The territory of present-day Switzerland was captured by the German tribes of the Alemanni and Burgundians.

In the 6th-7th centuries. it became part of the kingdom of the Franks and in the 8th-9th centuries. was under the rule of Charlemagne and his successors. Under Charlemagne, Switzerland was divided into ten counties (Gaue).

In 843, the Treaty of Verdun led to the division of Switzerland into parts: the western, together with Burgundy, and the southern, together with Italy, went to Emperor Lothair, the eastern, along with all of Alemannia, went to King Louis the German. The subsequent fate of these lands is closely connected with the history of the Holy Roman Empire. After the collapse of the Carolingian Empire, they were captured by the Swabian dukes in the 10th century, but they were unable to keep them under their rule, and the region disintegrated into separate fiefs. In the 12th-13th centuries. Attempts were made to unite them under the rule of large feudal lords, such as the Zähringens, the founders of Bern and Fribourg, and the Habsburgs. In 1264 the Habsburgs gained a dominant position in eastern Switzerland. The Counts of Savoy gained a foothold in the west.

Having tried to abolish the privileges of some local communities in order to unify their possessions, the Habsburgs encountered strong resistance. At the center of this resistance were the peasants living in the mountain valleys of Schwyz (hence the name of the country Switzerland), Uri and Unterwalden. On August 1, 1291, these “forest” cantons concluded the “Eternal Alliance”, the meaning of which was mutual support in the fight against external enemies and, first of all, the Habsburgs. This is how the Swiss Confederation was founded. Traditionally, 1291 is considered the year of the formation of the Swiss Confederation.

Proof of the strength of the confederation was confirmed as early as 1315, when the highlanders of the forest cantons faced superior troops of the Habsburgs and their allies. At the Battle of Morgarten they won what is considered one of the most important victories in Swiss history. This victory encouraged other communities to join the confederation. In 1332-1353, the cities of Lucerne, Zurich and Bern, the rural communities of Glarus and Zug entered into separate agreements with the three united cantons, forming a number of confederations. Although these agreements did not have a common basis, they were able to ensure the main thing - the independence of each of the participants. Having been defeated at the battles of Sempach in 1386 and Näfels in 1388, the Habsburgs were finally forced to recognize the independence of the cantons, united in a confederation.

At the beginning of the 15th century. The confederates felt strong enough to go on the offensive. During numerous wars and campaigns against the Austrian Habsburgs and the Holy Roman Empire, the Dukes of Savoy, Burgundy, as well as Milan and the French King Francis I, the Swiss established a reputation as magnificent warriors. During the "heroic age" of Swiss history (1415-1513), the territory of the confederation expanded due to the annexation of new lands in Aargau, Thurgau, Vaud, as well as south of the Alps, resulting in the creation of 5 new cantons.

By 1798 Switzerland had become a confederation of 13 cantons. In addition to them, the confederation included lands that entered into an alliance with one or more cantons. There was no permanent central body: all-Union Sejms were periodically convened, where only full-fledged cantons had the right to vote. There was no all-Union administration, army or finance, and this situation remained until the French Revolution.

Religious reform, which began with Huldrych Zwingli's open challenge to the Roman Catholic Church, split the country into two camps. The Zwinglian movement of Protestantism subsequently merged with the movement of John Calvin from Geneva into the Swiss Reformed Church. The cantons of central Switzerland remained Catholic. After short religious clashes, an approximate balance was established between both religions.

In 1648, Swiss independence from the Holy Roman Empire was officially recognized by the Treaty of Westphalia.

In 1798, French troops invaded the country and occupied it. A single and indivisible Helvetian Republic is formed, which falls under the complete subordination of France.

After the defeat of the French, Switzerland regains independence and retains its territorial borders. It already includes 22 cantons. After lengthy negotiations, a Treaty of Union was developed, signed in September 1814. It proclaimed a union of 22 sovereign cantons, but did not indicate that they constituted one state. In the declaration of the Congress of Vienna (March 1815) and the Treaty of Paris (November 1815), the great powers recognized the eternal neutrality of Switzerland.

In subsequent years, internal divisions between the “conservative” and “radical” districts became increasingly noticeable. The conflict reached its climax when the radicals organized a military expansion against the canton of Lucerne; in response, Lucerne formed an alliance with Schwyz, Uri, Unterwalden, Zug, Friborg and Valais, called the Sonderbund. The civil war lasted only 26 days and resulted in the defeat of the Sonderbund. The war once again proved that the country is in a deep crisis and needs radical reforms.

On September 12, 1848, the fundamental law of the Swiss Confederation was signed, transforming the country from a weak union of individual cantons into a union state with a strong political system. A new era in the history of Switzerland begins. A permanent executive body was created in the form of a federal council of seven members elected by the legislature from two chambers - the national council and the council of cantons. The federal government was given the power to issue money, regulate customs regulations, and, most importantly, determine foreign policy. Bern was chosen as the federal capital.

The revised constitution of 1874 and subsequent amendments further strengthened the power of the federal government without compromising the federal basis of the Swiss state. Starting from the second half of the 19th century. A dense network of railways is being built, industry is developing, especially mechanical engineering, the chemical industry and watch production.

With the outbreak of the First World War, a threat arose to the national unity of Switzerland: the French-speaking Swiss mainly sympathized with France, and the German-speaking Swiss with Germany. Switzerland's role in World War II is controversial. Formally maintaining neutrality, the country bought peace of mind at the cost of political and economic collaboration. Switzerland opened huge loans to Germany, and also supplied the latest technologies necessary to strengthen military potential.

With the end of World War II, Switzerland decided not to join the newly formed United Nations (UN) and acquired observer status, which allowed the European headquarters and several specialized UN organizations to be located in Geneva, including the International Labor Organization and the World Health Organization. This decision strengthened Switzerland's position in international politics. The country is a member of several UN organizations: the International Court of Justice, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Switzerland provides significant assistance to developing countries.

In 1979, a new canton was formed in Switzerland, called Jura.

In 1983, Switzerland became a full member of the Group of Ten, the grouping of major savers of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

On December 12, 2008, Switzerland officially joined the Schengen visa-free area. Passport control has been canceled at all land checkpoints at the country's borders. At international airports, Switzerland has prepared its aviation terminals to handle intra-Schengen flights where passport control is not required, and has separated these flights from other international terminals.

Last changes: 05/09/2010

For the Swiss, talking about salary or source of income is considered a closed topic. Even close friends do not tell each other about these issues.

Switzerland is considered a rich country, and the majority of the population lives prosperously. Naturally, there are very rich people, but you won’t see them on the streets. They live modestly and do not advertise their millions.

The list of the 500 richest people in the world, compiled in 2007 by the American magazine Forbes, included 8 representatives of Switzerland. Ernesto Bertarelli is recognized as the wealthiest Swiss person. His fortune is equal to 8.8 billion dollars.

Switzerland attracts wealthy foreigners. According to the Swiss magazine Bilanz, of the ten richest residents of Switzerland, five have foreign citizenship. Their total wealth is CHF 103 billion. fr. ($78 billion). The richest foreigner living in Switzerland is the head of the Swedish company IKEA, Ingvar Kamprad, whose fortune is $33 billion. He is also ranked 4th on Forbes magazine's list of the world's 500 richest people.

In Switzerland, the most popular alcoholic drink is wine. Based on the results of 2005, the share of grape wines amounted to 50% of total sales. Beer accounted for only one third. The biggest beer drinkers, contrary to popular belief, are Italian-speaking Swiss, not German-speaking.

A characteristic feature of Swiss society, as well as European society in general, is late marriage. First, they receive a professional education, make a career, and, having reached a certain position in society, decide to start a family. The average age at first marriage is about 29 years for women and 31 years for men.

Most often, young people formalize their family relationships immediately before the birth of their first child together.

Regarding the number of children in the family, large families are a rare occurrence. On average, a family has no more than one or two children, as living expenses increase and large apartments become very expensive.

Only 1/3 of the Swiss population owns their own home. Compared to other European countries, this is a very low figure.

Modern rules for obtaining citizenship in Switzerland are among the most complex in Western Europe, so the number of foreigners obtaining Swiss citizenship is much lower than in any single European country. At the same time, the share of foreigners in the total population of Switzerland is very high, so in 2008. it amounted to 21.7%. It is worth noting that the distribution of foreigners across Switzerland is very uneven.

There is a particularly high percentage of foreigners among children. A census carried out in 2000 showed that 25.8% of children under 6 years of age did not have Swiss citizenship, and in the country's five major cities this number exceeded 45%. Approximately one in five children born in Switzerland has at least one parent with foreign nationality.

Almost all pharmacies in Switzerland are closed on Saturday and Sunday afternoons; there are pharmacies on duty only in large cities; in this situation, it would not hurt to take with you a standard set of medications that may be useful for minor ailments.

If you decide to travel around the country by car, you should remember that some sections of Swiss roads are toll roads, so you will have to pay a fee when entering them.

Also, do not forget that for non-compliance with even basic traffic rules in Switzerland, impressive fines are levied, and you will practically not see police officers on the roads; all violations are recorded by video cameras installed on the roads throughout the country.

Last changes: 01/20/2013

How to get there

Daily regular direct flights to Geneva and Zurich from Moscow are operated by Aeroflot (from Sheremetyevo-2) and Swiss (from Domodedovo). The flight duration to Geneva and Zurich is about three hours.

Rossiya also makes weekly flights to Geneva from St. Petersburg. In addition to direct regular flights, it is possible to fly in transit through Paris, Prague, Vienna, Dusseldorf and Amsterdam and other European cities. You can also fly to Switzerland from the airports of such Russian cities as Samara, Yekaterinburg, Rostov, but all of them with transit in European cities.

During the ski season and New Year's holidays, operators usually increase the number of flights and launch charters from Moscow to Geneva, Basel or Sion (which is in close proximity to Zermatt, Verbier, Saas-Fee and Crans-Montana).

The airports of Geneva and Zurich are combined with railway stations, so any destination can be reached with maximum speed directly on the day of arrival.

You can also travel from Moscow to Switzerland by train, which departs from the Belorussky railway station and arrives in the city of Basel. Travel time 1 day 15 hours.

Road from CIS countries

Daily regular flights from Ukraine are operated by Ukraine International Airlines and Swiss on the route Kyiv - Zurich. Austrian Airlines (via Vienna) and Malev (via Budapest) fly from Odessa to Geneva.

From the Belarusian capital, daily flights to Geneva are jointly operated by Belavia and Austrian Airlines (via Vienna), and Lufthansa planes fly through Frankfurt twice a week. On the route Minsk - Zurich, the national carrier of Belarus operates the following joint flights: once a week with LOT (via Warsaw), three times a week with Czech Airlines (via Prague) and daily with Austrian Airlines (via Vienna).

Regular flights of Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul), Lufthansa (via Frankfurt) and KLM (via Amsterdam) fly from Almaty to Geneva four times a week, and British Airways planes three times a week (via London).

Last changes: 02/07/2013

Each country has its own name and this name has its own history. Let's see where the name "Switzerland" comes from?

To begin with, let us clarify that the word “Switzerland” is a Russian-language adapted version of the German common name for the country, Die Schweiz, in modern spelling. Why do we start from the German name? Switzerland as a country and nation is beginning to take shape in the German-speaking space, and therefore German names are, in accordance with the principle of seniority, more “authentic”.

So where did the country's name come from? First, let's clarify which one it is. The official German name for Switzerland is: Schweizerische Eidgenossenschaft. How to translate this into Russian? Everything is clear with the first word, but what is Eidgenossenschaft? The German designations Eidgenonssenschaft/eidgenössisch are of an official and bureaucratic nature. At the heart of these designations is the concept of Ei" or "oath", as well as Genossenschaft or "fellowship".

One way or another, the name “Swiss Oath Partnership” is used only in Switzerland and only in German, and the French-language version Confédération suisse or Swiss Confederation has found its way abroad, including into the Russian language. And this name also confuses many, especially when you read that “The Swiss Confederation is a federation.” So what exactly is a country, given that federation and confederation are two mutually exclusive forms of government?

In short, the situation looks quite simple: the Latin Confoederatio is, in its meaning, a direct translation of the concept of Eidgenossenschaft, and in essence it is just a “federation” in the form as it was understood in the Middle Ages. Even more briefly: what in the Middle Ages was called “Confederation” means the form of government that in the modern world is called “Federation”. And then, if we take into account this semantic shift, everything more or less falls into place: modern Switzerland is a classical federation.

Context

One Switzerland and 26 cantons - an outdated model?

30.07.2017

What is the basis of Swiss statehood?

30.07.2017

Rütli Meadow: “Where Switzerland came from...”

30.07.2017

Democracy in Switzerland was the result of protests and riots

30.07.2017
Original region

Much more common, of course, is the name “Switzerland”, which is a direct adaptation of the local toponym Schwyz. Today in Switzerland there is both the canton of Schwyz and its capital, the city of the same name. This region belongs to the original regions, whose representatives, according to legend, signed the already mentioned “Union Charter” in 1291. In addition, one of the most important battles took place here in 1315 (the Battle of Morgarten), in which the future Swiss defeated the troops of the Empire. Therefore, gradually the whole country began to be called by the name of the Schwyz region.

Another name for Switzerland is Confoederatio Helvetica. This Latin phrase refers to one of the tribes that inhabited what is now Switzerland. This tribe was called "Helvetii". It was the first tribe mentioned in written sources on the history of Switzerland. A short version of this name, the concept Helvetia, is still used on postage stamps and coins to this day. In addition, “Helvetica” is the name of one of the most popular fonts, which you can read more about below.

The initial letters of the words Confoederatio and Helvetica also form abbreviations:

"CH": used as a designation for a Swiss domain name on the Internet and on car license plates;

"CHF": international designation for the Swiss currency "Swiss franc";

"HB": national code used in civil aviation;

"HB9": national code used by radio amateurs.

InoSMI materials contain assessments exclusively of foreign media and do not reflect the position of the InoSMI editorial staff.

(the latter is only for business communication with native Romansh speakers).

Chairman of the Cantonal Council (2012) - Hans Altherr. Chairman of the National Council (2012) - Hansjörg Walter. Chairman of the Supreme Court (2012) - Mayer Lorenz.

Each canton has its own constitution and legislation; Legislative and executive power belongs to large councils (parliaments) and cantonal councils (governments), elected by citizens for a term of 1 to 5 years. In districts, which are headed by a prefect appointed by the cantonal council, and in communities, self-government bodies are elected - general assemblies of citizens - “Landsgemeinde” (in German cantons) and community councils (in French cantons). The executive bodies in communities are municipalities or small councils headed by mayors.

Switzerland has a long tradition of political and military neutrality, but takes an active part in international cooperation; the headquarters of many international organizations are located on its territory. There are several points of view regarding the timing of Swiss neutrality. According to some scholars, Switzerland began to adhere to the status of neutrality after concluding a peace treaty with France on November 29, 1516, in which “perpetual peace” was proclaimed. Subsequently, the Swiss authorities made a number of decisions that advanced the country towards determining its neutrality. In 1713, Switzerland's neutrality was recognized by France, Spain, the Netherlands and England, who concluded the Peace of Utrecht. However, in 1803, Switzerland entered into an agreement on a military alliance with Napoleonic France, according to which the country pledged to provide its territory for military operations, as well as to provide a military contingent for the French army. At the Congress of Vienna in 1815, the “eternal neutrality” of Switzerland was secured. Neutrality was finally confirmed and specified by the Act of Guarantee, signed in Paris on November 20, 1815 by Austria, Great Britain, Portugal, Prussia, Russia and France. On January 22, 1506, the Swiss Guard was founded, tasked with protecting the head of the Roman Catholic Church and his palace. The total strength of the first Swiss Guard was 150 people (currently 110).

Administrative division

Administrative divisions of Switzerland

Switzerland contains 6% of Europe's fresh water reserves. The largest rivers are the Rhone, Rhine, Limmat, Are. Switzerland is rich and famous for its lakes, the most attractive of which are located along the edges of the Swiss plateau - Geneva (582.4 km²), Vierwaldstätt (113.8 km²), Thun (48.4 km²) in the south, Zurich (88.4 km²) in the east, Bilskoe (40 km²) and Neuchâtel (217.9 km²) in the north. Most of them are of glacial origin: they were formed at a time when large glaciers descended from the mountains onto the Swiss plateau. South of the Alpine axis in the canton of Ticino are the lakes Lago Maggiore (212.3 km²) and Lugano (48.8 km²).

About 25% of Switzerland's territory is covered by forests - not only in the mountains, but also in the valleys and on some plateaus. Wood is an important raw material and source of fuel.

Minerals

Switzerland has virtually no mineral resources. There are only small reserves of coal, iron ore deposits, and small deposits of graphite and talc. Rock salt mining, carried out in the upper reaches of the Rhone and along the Rhine near the border with Germany, covers the country's needs. There are raw materials for the construction industry: sand, clay, stone. 11.5% of energy is produced using water resources. 55% of consumed electricity comes from hydroelectric power plants.

Climate

Relief

Most of the country is located in the Alps. In the south are the Pennine Alps (up to 4634 m high - Peak Dufour, the highest point in Switzerland), the Lepontine Alps, the Rhaetian Alps and the Bernina Massif.

The deep longitudinal valleys of the Upper Rhone and the Anterior Rhine separate the Pennine and Lepontine Alps from the Bernese Alps (Finsteraarhorn, height 4274 m) and the Glarn Alps, forming a system of ridges stretching from southwest to northeast across the entire country. Pointed ridges predominate, composed predominantly of crystalline rocks and heavily dissected by erosion. The main passes (Great Saint Bernard, Simplon, Saint Gotthard, Bernina) are located above 2000 meters above sea level.

The landscape of mountainous Switzerland is characterized by a large number of glaciers and glacial landforms, the total area of ​​glaciation is 1,950 km². In total, there are approximately 140 large valley glaciers in Switzerland (Aletsch Glacier and others), there are also cirque and hanging glaciers.

Economy

• Main import items: industrial and electronic equipment, food, iron and steel, petroleum products.
• Main export items: cars, watches, textiles, medicines, electrical equipment, organic chemicals.

Advantages: highly qualified workforce, reliable service sector. Developed branches of mechanical engineering and high-precision mechanics. Transnational concerns of the chemical industry, pharmaceuticals and banking sector. Banking secrecy attracts foreign capital. The banking sector accounts for 9% of GDP. Innovation in mass markets (Swatch watches, Smart car concept).

Weak sides: limited resources and small area.

Switzerland one of the most developed and richest countries in the world. Switzerland is a highly developed industrial country with intensive, highly productive agriculture and an almost complete absence of any mineral resources. According to Western economists, it is among the top ten countries in the world in terms of economic competitiveness. The Swiss economy is closely connected with the outside world, primarily with EU countries, through thousands of threads of industrial cooperation and foreign trade transactions. OK. 80-85% of Switzerland's trade turnover is with EU countries. More than 50% of all cargo from the northern part of Western Europe to the south and in the opposite direction passes through Switzerland. After noticeable growth in 1998-2000. The country's economy entered a recession. In 2002, GDP grew by 0.5% to CHF 417 billion. fr. Inflation was at 0.6%. The unemployment rate reached 3.3%. The economy employs approx. 4 million people (57% of the population), of which: in industry - 25.8%, including in mechanical engineering - 2.7%, in the chemical industry - 1.7%, in agriculture and forestry - 4.1% , in the service sector - 70.1%, including in trade - 16.4%, in banking and insurance - 5.5%, in the hotel and restaurant business - 6.0%. The policy of neutrality avoided the devastation of two world wars.

Finance

Switzerland is an important global financial center (Zurich is the third world currency market after New York and London). For several decades, the Swiss Confederation was included in the list of offshore zones. There are about 4 thousand financial institutions in the country, including many branches of foreign banks. Swiss banks account for 35-40% of the global management of property and assets of individuals and legal entities. They enjoy a good reputation among clients due to the stable internal political situation, hard Swiss currency, and compliance with the principle of “bank secrecy.” Switzerland, being a major exporter of capital, ranks fourth in the world after the USA, Japan, and Germany. Direct investment abroad accounts for 29% of Swiss GDP (the world average is approx. 8%). 75% of all Swiss investments are directed to developed industries; among developing countries, Latin America and Southeast Asia most attract Swiss capital. The share of Eastern Europe in total investment is insignificant.

On April 1, 1998, a federal law against money laundering in the financial sector came into force in Switzerland, allowing the veil of banking secrecy to be somewhat lifted in order to identify “dirty” money.

The argument in favor of the reliability of Swiss banks is simple - they cannot go bankrupt, because, even if they are involved in risky financial transactions, these banks are located in a country with a stable legal, economic, financial, political system, offering first-class services and services. The first private banks arose in Switzerland. Today there are more than 400 of them in the country. Swiss banks guarantee the confidentiality of information in accordance with the state bank secrecy law of 1934. However, as part of primarily the conflict between UBS Bank and the US tax authorities, the bank had to issue 4,450 accounts of American citizens suspected of tax evasion . However, the essence and core of banking secrecy (the absence of automatic release of information on non-resident accounts in Swiss banks) remained intact.

After the G20 summit in London in April 2009, the situation calmed down somewhat. Switzerland has adopted OECD standards for providing legal assistance in cases involving tax crimes. However, the US Department of Justice continues to insist on its claims against the UBS bank, supporting the IRS in its demand to provide US tax authorities with data on 52 thousand American accounts at once. The court in Miami, which is dealing with this case, has already rejected the arguments of Switzerland and the bank, pointing out that this case is fully consistent with US law, which provides the right to receive information from abroad, so this kind of requirement for UBS is not a “new legal concept” . “The bank must be held accountable for its actions,” the court believes.

In this situation, UBS seeks to pursue a course of “damage minimization,” declaring its readiness to find a “mutually acceptable solution.” At the same time, the bank once again emphasized that the IRS civil lawsuit is a violation of Swiss law, and therefore this problem should not be resolved by the courts, but by the governments of both countries in a bilateral format. In addition, the bank requires the American side to clarify the number of accounts for which information is required to be provided, since at the moment many of their owners have voluntarily transferred to the IRS all information on their UBS accounts. At the same time, the Swiss financial giant sharply limits and reduces the volume of so-called “cross-border transactions”.

Since July 1, 2009, American clients of the bank who have not responded to UBS's plan to exit such transactions have been denied access to their own accounts. And this plan offered them either to transfer their wealth to an account specified by the client at an American financial institution, or to receive their money back in the form of a check. US clients were given 45 days to make a decision. In both cases, clients should have assumed that information about these transactions would be reported to US tax authorities. Since, as a rule, we are talking about large, previously undeclared amounts, such clients risk, at best, receiving a “juicy” tax bill, and at worst, a lawsuit. In this case, UBS recommends taking a risk and going for “voluntary recognition.” As for the IRS itself, until the end of September it offers all “evaders” to take advantage of the penalty tariff for tax evasion with a “discount”.

The conflict also cast a shadow over the visit of Swiss Economy Minister Doris Leuthard to the United States in July 2009, given that a full-fledged trial “IRS vs. UBS” was supposed to begin on July 13 in Miami. In her speech to members of the Swiss American Chamber of Commerce (SACC) on July 8, Doris Leuthard once again emphasized the importance of trade and industrial contacts between the United States and Switzerland. At the same time, “the financial crisis, the origins of which are in the United States, has largely affected Switzerland.” In such a situation, it is necessary to “stick together in order to return to financial stability.” They also discussed the newly agreed Swiss-American Double Taxation Treaty. D. Leuthard stated that the lack of resolution of the tax dispute between the IRS and UBS could lead to the fact that the chances of a positive vote from parliamentarians on this document could be significantly reduced. A new factor is Leuthard's hint that the Swiss Federal Council could - if necessary, on the basis of an emergency decree - simply prohibit UBS from releasing account information.

In mid-August 2009, a solution was found. The United States withdraws its lawsuit against UBS from the court in Miami and undertakes not to resort to such instruments in the future. Formally, this claim remains in force in order to avoid the expiration of the established statute of limitations for tax cases. However, no later than 370 days after the agreement is signed, this lawsuit will disappear from the face of the earth once and for all.

The American tax office IRS (Internal Revenue Service) will submit a request for legal assistance to the Swiss tax office (Eidg. Steuerverwaltung), based on the current Swiss-American Double Tax Treaty.

At the same time, American tax authorities will proceed from a completely specific set of criteria that will allow, within the framework of Swiss law, to identify the fact of “tax evasion.” Account owners will have the opportunity to file an appeal in one of the Swiss courts.

Former federal adviser and now chief of UBS - UBS in der Schweiz Kaspar Villiger is confident that the agreement will work to achieve a secure future for the bank. “It works to solve one of the most difficult problems facing UBS Bank,” says a special communiqué on its behalf. He also expressed satisfaction with the fact that the agreement will operate within the framework of Swiss law and the current Swiss-American Double Tax Treaty. Now, according to Filliger, the bank will be able to restore its reputation in the eyes of customers - through solid services and first-class service.

The corresponding agreement was thus signed in Washington on the evening of August 19 and immediately came into force.

According to the Swiss Banking Association (SwissBanking - Home), it may be quite happy with the details of the agreement. The most important thing is that we managed to prevent a long process with an unclear outcome. Now, having received legal certainty, the bank will be able to continue the process of emerging from the crisis. It is very important that the agreement is within the framework of Swiss law - this further strengthens the business reputation of Switzerland as a global financial center, since foreign clients will be able to continue to count on the predictability of the Swiss legal order.

Extractive industry

IN Switzerland few mineral resources. Rock salt and building materials are of industrial importance.

Industry

The industry is dominated by large transnational associations, which, as a rule, successfully withstand competition in the world market and occupy leading positions in it: the Nestlé concerns (food products, pharmaceutical and cosmetic products, baby food), Novartis and Hoffman-La. Roche (chemical and pharmaceutical products), Alusuisse (aluminium), the Swedish-Swiss concern ABB - Acea Brown Boveri (electrical engineering and turbine engineering). Switzerland is often associated with the watch factory of the world. Based on old traditions and high technical culture, watches and jewelry of the most prestigious brands are produced here: Rolex, Chopard, Breguet, Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin, etc.

Energy

Tourism

As a traditional tourism country, Switzerland holds a strong position in Europe in this area. The presence of a developed tourism infrastructure, a network of railways and roads, combined with picturesque nature and an advantageous geographical position, ensures an influx of a significant number of tourists into the country, primarily Germans, Americans, Japanese, and in recent years also Russians, Indians, and Chinese. 15% of national income comes from tourism.

The Alps occupy 2/3 of the entire territory of Switzerland and annually attract thousands of outdoor enthusiasts to Switzerland. The highest point of the country is located in the Pennine Alps and is called Peak Dufour (4634 m). Also in Switzerland are the highest railway station in Europe, Jungfraujoch, at an altitude of 3454 m above sea level, and the highest brewery in Europe in Monstein at an altitude of 1600 m.

The most famous ski and recreational resorts in Switzerland are Davos, St. Moritz, Zermatt, Interlaken, Leukerbad.

Education

Main article: Education system in Switzerland

Switzerland is known throughout the world for its private schools, boarding schools and universities. Switzerland is the birthplace of reform pedagogy; education here is still based on the principles of Maria Montessori, Jean Piaget and Rudolf Steiner. The level of education in the private sector is quite high, thanks to excellent teacher training and a tradition of quality. It is also worth mentioning aspects that complement the ideal learning environment, such as stability, security and prestige. All the above factors attract a huge number of students and students from all over the world. In addition to specialized hotel business schools, foreign language courses are very popular. Programs designed for any period of time usually give excellent results and are conducted by native speakers using modern techniques. Private language schools usually offer a wide range of study locations and a variety of tailored language programs for adults, children and teenagers. Private educational institutions have particular prestige.

According to an international study on the quality of secondary education, Switzerland over the past 10 years (2000-2009) has demonstrated consistently high levels of training among graduates of its schools. For example, in 2000, according to monitoring of the quality of education in schools PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment), conducted by the OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development), Switzerland ranked 13th among 32 countries, and in 2009 - 14th among 65. In all four studies (PISA 2000, PISA 2003, PISA 2006 and PISA 2009), the level of achievement of Swiss schoolchildren was significantly above the OECD average.

Switzerland also shows good results in terms of higher education. In international rankings of the best universities in the world, Switzerland traditionally occupies 4-9 positions, behind only the USA, Canada and Great Britain.

Swiss education is considered expensive even by European standards.

Population

The total population according to 2008 estimates is 7,580,000 people.

Ethnic-linguistic composition

Historically, the Swiss Confederation developed in conditions of coexistence of various linguistic, cultural and religious groups. 94% of the population are Swiss. They don't have a common language. The largest language group: German-Swiss (65%), followed by French-Swiss (18%), Italian-Swiss (10%). The country is also home to Romansh people - Romanches and Ladins; they make up about 1% of the population. German, French, Italian and Romansh are the national and official languages ​​of the Swiss Confederation.

The relationship between the “French” and “German” parts of Switzerland is the most important factor in the development of national history. However, they are far from ideal. Relations between the main cultural and linguistic areas of the country since the beginning of the 19th century, when densely populated French-speaking areas were annexed to the territory of Switzerland, have been characterized to this day by the presence of a large number of conflicts and contradictions. There is even an imaginary border between these two cultural-linguistic communities - Röstigraben. Perhaps the most pressing issue in these relations was the conflict over the formation of the new canton of Jura.

Religion

During the Reformation, Switzerland experienced a church schism. Religious disagreements troubled the country until the middle of the 19th century, affecting the formation of a unified state. The cantons, depending on their religion, created alliances and alliances and waged wars among themselves. Peace finally reigned in 1848. Currently, Protestants make up about 48% of the population, Catholics - about 50%. Confessional differences in Switzerland do not always coincide with linguistic boundaries. Among the Protestants one can find both French-speaking Calvinists and German-speaking followers of Zwingli. The centers of German-speaking Protestantism are Zurich, Bern and Appenzell. The majority of French-speaking Protestants live in the canton of Geneva and the neighboring cantons of Vaud and Neuchâtel. Catholics predominate in central Switzerland around the city of Lucerne, much of the French-speaking cantons of Friborg and Valais, and the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino. There are small Jewish communities in Zurich, Basel and Geneva.

There are approximately 400,000 Muslims living in Switzerland, mostly Turks and Kosovars. On November 29, 2009, a constitutional amendment was adopted in a popular referendum in Switzerland, banning the construction of minarets in the country. In addition, kosher and halal slaughter of animals is prohibited in Switzerland due to their cruelty.

Swiss foreign policy

The foreign policy of Switzerland, according to the constitution of this country, is built taking into account the international legal status of permanent neutrality. The beginning of the Swiss policy of neutrality is difficult to associate with any specific date. Swiss historian Edgar Bonjour said on this occasion: “The concept of Swiss neutrality arose simultaneously with the concept of the Swiss nation.” It is interesting to note that back in the 14th century, in the treaties of individual cantons that later formed the Swiss Confederation with their neighbors, the German term “stillsitzen” (literally “sit still”) was used, which roughly corresponds to the later concept of neutrality.

The permanent neutrality of Switzerland arose as a result of the signing of four international legal acts: the Act of the Congress of Vienna of March 8 (20), 1815, the Annex to the Act of the Vienna Congress No. 90 of March 8 (20), 1815, the Declaration of the Powers on the Affairs of the Helvetic Union and the Act regarding the recognition and guarantee of the permanent neutrality of Switzerland and the inviolability of its territory. Unlike other countries that chose a similar path solely under the influence of external factors (for example, as a result of defeat in war), Switzerland’s neutrality was also formed for internal political reasons: neutrality, having become a unifying idea for the nation, contributed to the evolution of its statehood from an amorphous confederation to a centralized federal structure .

Over the years of the policy of permanent armed neutrality, the Alpine republic managed to avoid participation in two devastating world wars and strengthen its international authority, including through numerous mediation efforts. The principle of maintaining ties “between countries, not between governments” allowed for dialogue with everyone, regardless of political or ideological considerations.

Switzerland represents third states where diplomatic relations have been interrupted (for example, the interests of the USSR in Iraq in 1955, Great Britain in Argentina during the Anglo-Argentine conflict of 1982; Switzerland currently represents US interests in Cuba and Iran, interests Cuba in the USA, interests of the Russian Federation in Georgia after the severance of diplomatic relations between these countries in 2008). Switzerland provides “good offices” by providing its territory for direct negotiations between parties to conflicts (Nagorno-Karabakh, Abkhaz and South Ossetian problems, Cyprus settlement, etc.).

Of all the types of neutrality existing in the modern world, Swiss is the longest and most consistent. Today, the Swiss Confederation is not part of any military alliance or the EU. In recent years, due to changes in Europe and the world, there has been a growing sentiment in the government and public opinion in favor of strengthening integration with the EU and a more flexible interpretation of the principle of neutrality.

In May 2004, the “second package” of EU-Switzerland sectoral agreements was signed, which, together with the “first package” (came into force on June 1, 2002), is a kind of alternative to Switzerland’s accession to the EU.

As part of the national referendums held in 2005, the people of Switzerland positively resolved the issue of Switzerland’s accession to the Schengen and Dublin agreements (the agreement on this with the EU is included in the “second package”), as well as the extension of the provisions of the Treaty on freedom of movement between Switzerland and the EU (included in the “first package” of sectoral agreements) for new EU members who joined the Union in 2004. At the same time, it was decided to consider the issue of Switzerland’s accession to the European Union not as a “strategic goal”, as before, but only as a “political option,” that is, a possibility.

In 1959, Switzerland became one of the founding countries of EFTA, and in 2002 it joined the UN.

Sights of Switzerland

Natural attractions

Switzerland is primarily famous as the most mountainous country in Europe.

Celebrities associated with Switzerland

Legendary tennis player Roger Federer was born in Basel

The German writer Hermann Hesse, Nobel laureate (1946), lived in Switzerland since 1912. Hesse died in Montagnola (Switzerland) on August 9, 1962.

Alexander Ivanovich Herzen, who left Russia, at one time received Swiss citizenship.

Swiss resorts are historically famous in Russia.

Swiss culture

The culture of Switzerland developed, on the one hand, under the influence of German, French and Italian culture and, on the other hand, on the basis of the special identity of each canton. Therefore, it is still very difficult to say exactly what “Swiss culture” actually is. In Switzerland itself, a distinction is made between “Swiss culture” (usually folklore) and “culture from Switzerland” - all available genres in which people with a Swiss passport work. So, for example, associations of musicians playing alpenhorns are rather “Swiss culture”, and the rock bands “Yello”, “Gotthard”, “Krokus” and “Samael” are a culture from Switzerland.

There are universities in Basel, Zurich, Bern, St. Gallen, Geneva, Lausanne, Friborg and Neuchâtel (there is no single national university in Switzerland; its role is played to some extent by the ETH in Zurich). There is also a Higher School of Economics in Lausanne, and a Higher Economic School in St. Gallen. A network of professional educational institutions has been developed. Among the students, a significant part are foreigners. Along with secondary schools, there are privileged private colleges that are highly rated throughout the world.

Probably the most famous work of Swiss literature is the story Heidi. This story of an orphan girl living with her grandfather in the Swiss Alps remains one of the most popular children's books and has become one of the symbols of Switzerland. Its creator, the writer Johanna Spiri (1827-1901), also wrote a number of other books for children.

The famous sculptor Hermann Haller, who is the founder of modern Swiss sculpture, was born, lived and worked in Switzerland.

There are many literary stories associated with Switzerland. For example, thanks to The Notes on Sherlock Holmes, the Reichenbach Falls are famous not only as a beautiful place, but also as the grave of Professor Moriarty. The history of Chillon Castle inspired Byron to write The Prisoner of Chillon. The heroes of Hemingway's novel A Farewell to Arms arrived in Montreux. » From Russian literature, the citizen of the canton of Uri, Nikolai Stavrogin, the hero of Dostoevsky’s novel “Demons,” is best known. It is not surprising that many of Nabokov's heroes, like the author himself, lived in Switzerland.

Holidays

• In Switzerland, January 2 is celebrated as St. Berthold's Day.
• In Geneva, on December 12, the Escalade holiday is celebrated.
• August 1st is Confederation Day in Switzerland (Swiss National Day). On this day, mass festivities take place in all cantons, and luxurious fireworks are displayed.

National cuisine of Switzerland

Swiss cuisine deserves recognition among gourmets all over the world, despite the fairly strong influence of neighboring countries (Germany, France and Italy), it has many of its own delicacies. One of the main attractions of Switzerland is chocolate. Switzerland is known not only for its cultural and national diversity, but also for its rich selection of French, Italian, and German cuisine. Swiss traditional nutrition is based on several fundamental components. The most common components of Swiss cuisine: milk, butter, cheese, potatoes, corn, beets, onions, cabbage, a relatively small amount of meat and a moderately selected bouquet of aromatic spices and herbs. Despite the fact that livestock farming in Switzerland is incredibly developed, meat is still not a frequent guest on the Swiss table.

Characteristic dishes of Swiss cuisine:

• Tartiflette
• Basel Brunels (Cookies)
• Swiss sausage salad
• Swiss gingerbread
• Swiss cheese soup
• Swiss roll
• Cookies "Lotus Petals"

Opening hours

Institutions in Switzerland are open on weekdays from 8.00 to 12.00 and from 14.00 to 17.00. Saturday and Sunday are days off. Swiss banks are usually open from 8.30 to 16.30, except weekends. Once a week, banks work longer than usual; this must be clarified in each specific location. Post offices in large cities are open on weekdays from 8.30 to 12.00 and from 13.30 to 18.30, on Saturday from 7.30 to 11.00, Sunday is a day off.

Armed forces

A young Swiss soldier returning to duty after a weekend at the railway station.

Personnel of the Swiss Armed Forces during an exercise.

Military budget $2.7 billion (2001).

Regular armed forces number about 5,000 people (only personnel).

The reserve is about 240,200 people.

Paramilitary forces: civil defense forces - 280,000 people. By tradition, the Swiss have the right to keep military weapons at home.

The development of the modern newspaper market in Switzerland begins under the influence of the Reformation. In 1610, the first regular Swiss newspaper, Ordinari-Zeitung, was published in Basel. In 1620, newspapers began to be published in Zurich, one of them, the Ordinari-Wochenzeitung, is considered the immediate predecessor of the unofficial “main” newspaper of the country, Neue Zürcher Zeitung. In 1827, 27 newspapers were published in Switzerland. When, after the revolutionary events of 1830, censorship was abolished, the number of publications began to grow rapidly, and by 1857 there were already 180 newspapers published in the Confederation. The largest number of newspapers in Switzerland were published in the 30s. XX century (more than 400). Then their number begins to decline, and this process continues to this day. The first all-Swiss supraregional newspaper, the Schweitzer Zeitung, began publication in 1842 in St. Gallen. A feature of the Swiss press landscape at that time was the fact of a strict ideological division of newspapers - Catholic-conservative newspapers were opposed by liberal-progressive publications. In 1893, the newspaper [Tages-Anzeiger], the first “supra-party” (and in this sense “independent”) newspaper, began publication in Zurich.

In 1850, with the formation of the newspaper Der Bund, the first newspaper with a regular professional editorial staff appeared in Switzerland. Neue Zürcher Zeitung (which celebrated its 225th anniversary in January 2005) was the first newspaper to establish specialized departments within its editorial board that dealt with specific topics (politics, economics, culture, etc.).

Today, in terms of the number of periodicals per capita, Switzerland ranks one of the first places in the world. However, the vast majority of the nearly 200 main daily Swiss newspapers (their total circulation is about 3.5 million copies) are characterized by a strong “provincialism” and a focus primarily on local events.

The leading German-language newspapers in Switzerland today are the tabloid newspaper Blick (275 thousand copies), the well-informed Tages Anzeiger published in Zurich (259 thousand copies, there is a correspondent in Moscow) and Neue Zürcher Zeitung ( 139 thousand copies). Among the French-speaking ones, the leaders are the boulevard "Matain" (187 thousand copies), "Le Tan" (97 thousand copies), "Van Quatre-er" (97 thousand copies), "Tribune de Geneve" (65 thousand . copies), among Italian-speaking ones - “Corriere del Ticino” (24 thousand copies).

A relatively prominent segment of the market is occupied by free tabloid “transport newspapers” (distributed mainly at public transport stops) “20 minutes” (about 100 thousand copies) and “Metropol” (130 thousand copies), as well as advertising and corporate publications "KOOP-Zeitung" (almost 1.5 million copies) and "Weer Brückenbauer" (1.3 million copies). There are no informational or analytical sections in these newspapers.

Most of the major Swiss federal newspapers are steadily reducing their official circulations. It should be noted that the circulation of the largest Swiss tabloid newspaper, Blick, has decreased. In 2004, its circulation was approximately 275 thousand copies. The informed newspaper Der Bund, published in the Berne metropolitan area and in some neighboring cities, currently sells just over 60 thousand copies a day. The situation on the Sunday newspaper market looks similar. The circulation of the popular newspaper Sonntangszeitung has fallen by 8.6% over the past three years and currently stands at 202 thousand copies, while the number of copies of the Sonntagsblik newspaper has decreased during the same time to 312 thousand copies.

Only the popular Bernese newspaper Berner Zeitung (its circulation is 163 thousand copies) and the illustrated tabloid magazine Schweizer Illustrte (255.7 thousand copies), which is in significant demand, were able to maintain their positions (255.7 thousand copies), and this is against the background of that Switzerland's main news magazine, Facts, has reduced its circulation, dropping to 80 thousand copies. Such trends are associated, first of all, with the continuing decrease in the number of published advertisements and with the growing popularity of the “Internet press”. In July 2007, Facts magazine ceased to exist.

The Swiss television market is controlled by the Swiss Society of Radio and Television (SHORT), established in 1931. Radio and television broadcasts are conducted in German (in fact, almost 80% of “German-language” television is produced in dialects very different from “literary” German), French and Italian (in the canton of Grisons - also in Romansh) languages. Being a joint-stock company in form, SHORT, however, like many Swiss joint-stock entities in other sectors of the economy, is essentially a state structure that receives subsidies from the state. This kind of subsidy is officially justified by the need to support “the obviously unprofitable system of “four-language” national television broadcasting,” especially taking into account the fact that television channels from neighboring countries, primarily Germany, as well as France and Italy, are freely received in Switzerland. If in 2000 SHORT earned a profit of CHF 24.5 million on its own. francs, then already in 2002 its losses amounted to 4.4 million Swiss francs. francs This result was caused by both the unfavorable economic situation in the country and the lack of advertising, as well as the increase in the number of categories of television signal consumers exempt from subscription fees. In this regard, in 2004 the state was forced to allocate more than 30 million Swiss francs to support SHORT. francs

The Swiss TV channels “SF-1” and “SF-2” (produced by the state-owned TV and Radio Broadcasting Company “SF-DRS”, which is part of “SHORT”) devote “prime time” mainly to programs of a sports and socio-political nature, therefore their “entertainment needs” The Swiss television viewer is usually satisfied with the help of foreign television broadcasters. As for private television broadcasting, it, unlike private radio broadcasting, has not yet been able to gain a foothold in Switzerland as a real alternative to state television. The private television channels TV-3 and Tele-24, which captured almost 3% of the Swiss television audience, failed to reach the level of market self-sufficiency and their work was discontinued in 2002. At the beginning of November 2003, another attempt to establish private television was launched in Switzerland. The Federal Council (the government of the country) issued the corresponding license to the U-1 TV channel. The license was issued for 10 years and gives the right to nationwide broadcast of “German-language” programs. By the beginning of 2005, the channel had failed to conquer any noticeable niche in the Swiss electronic media market.

The reason that Switzerland is still a very difficult market for private broadcasters is primarily due to the unfavorable legal framework conditions. Another reason is the relatively small percentage of advertising placed on television in Switzerland. If in Germany almost 45% of all advertising in the country is placed on TV, then in Switzerland this figure is only 18.1% (newspapers account for 43% of all advertising in the Confederation).

Currently, the Swiss Broadcasting Law of June 21, 1991 is undergoing an improvement phase; its new version should provide more opportunities for private activities in the field of television and radio, primarily in terms of attracting additional advertising. Unfavorable conditions for media development in Switzerland lead not only to a reduction in circulation, but also to the need for “structural cuts”. Thus, in 2003, the Moscow bureau of the Swiss television company SF-DRS closed (except for the correspondent of the Tages-Anzeiger newspaper, only a representative of the Swiss “German-language” radio DRS remained in Moscow). Providing information from Russia will now follow the example of many Swiss newspapers, which engage Moscow correspondents from newspapers from other German-speaking countries, primarily Germany, to write materials. As for the SF-1 TV channel itself, it will now receive “Russian pictures” with the help of the Austrian TV channel ORF.

Bibliography

• Sabelnikov L.V. Switzerland. Economics and foreign trade. M., 1962
• Mogutin V.B. Switzerland: big business in a small country. M., 1975
• Dragunov G.P. Switzerland: history and modernity. M., 1978
• Dragunov G.P. Devil's Bridge. In the footsteps of Suvorov in Switzerland. "Thought", 1995
• A Handbook on Democracy: The Functioning of a Democratic State: The Example of Switzerland. M., 1994
• Schaffhauser R. Fundamentals of Swiss communal law using the example of communal law of the canton of St. Gallen. St. Petersburg, 1996
• Shishkin, Mikhail: Russian Switzerland. Moscow: Vagrius.

Switzerland is a country that attracts tourists all year round. It has elegant cities with a unique flavor and famous resorts with comfortable hotels. Nature has generously given Switzerland magnificent mountains, clean transparent lakes and amazing hillsides. The country is home to picturesque nature with beautiful landscapes and famous creations of mankind. Every visitor to the country will find something he likes thanks to the availability of relaxing and active recreation. And every guest will remember the sights of wonderful Switzerland forever.

General information

• The official name of the country is the Swiss Confederation.
• The capital of the country is the city of Bern.
• Form of government – ​​federal republic
• The state is located in Western Europe. Switzerland has borders with France, Germany, Italy, Austria and Liechtenstein. The country is landlocked.
• The area of ​​the territory is 41.3 thousand square meters. km.
• The largest cities are Bern, Geneva, Zurich, Lucerne, Basel, Lausanne, Lugano.
• The country's population is about 7 million people.
• The official languages ​​are French, German, Italian, Romansh.
• The main religions are Catholicism and Protestantism.
• The official currency is the Swiss franc.
• Time zone UTC+1.

Climate

It is as contrasting as nature. In Switzerland both the tropics and the Arctic meet. The Alps act as a climate barrier, and they also influence the climate. In the northern and central parts, winters are harsh due to the influence of the Atlantic, while in the southern part the climate is sunny, mild and Mediterranean. The weather varies significantly in different parts of the Alps. Frequent rains are typical for high mountain areas. Sunny and relatively dry prevails in the alpine valleys. In general, the climate of Switzerland moderate. This country is not characterized by extremes of cold, heat or humidity. The temperature in July-August is 18-27 °C, and in January-February it ranges from -1 to 5 °C. Location above sea level affects temperature.

Brief history

The country got its name from one small canton Schwyz. In 1291, the leaders of the cantons of Schwyz, Uri and Unterwalden met and formed an alliance against the House of Habsburg - this refers to the founding of the Swiss state. Afterwards, other regions and cities joined, wishing to maintain their independence.

Excavations that were already carried out in modern Switzerland indicate that this area was also inhabited during the cave period, even though the weather was then much harsher and colder. In 107 BC. e. Roman tribes appeared in this territory, but due to the mountainous terrain they did not completely conquer it. They were supplanted already in the 5th century by the German tribe of Atelmans. In 1032, the area of ​​the state was united with the Roman Empire. Centralized control and order were still a long way off. The situation changed when Habsburg family came to power. In the future, this dynasty became very powerful in Central Europe.

The local aristocracy decided in 1291 that the time had come to gain independence. They soon achieved success: in 1499 the country gained independence from the Roman Empire, and gained victory over the forces of Venice and France in 1515. But the Swiss had to realize that victory over large states that were superior in weapons and numbers could not be achieved. Therefore, they abandoned the expansion of lands and proclaimed neutrality.

In Europe, the Reformation began in 1517. Massive discontent among various segments of the European population was the main reason for the religious movement. Even though the central part of Switzerland was Catholic, Protestant teachings quickly spread throughout the country. When confrontations Christian movements developed into the “Thirty Years' War” - a serious armed conflict that affected all European countries to one degree or another, Switzerland took the neutral side and closed its borders. Still, she could not avoid trouble: Napoleon Bonaparte’s army captured Switzerland in 1798. It was not until 1815 that the French were expelled from Swiss lands.

A federal constitution was adopted in Switzerland in 1848. To resolve state issues, they began to convene a federal assembly, and the capital of the country became Berne. Switzerland, having gained stability, began to deal with economic and social problems. Massive construction of railways and roads opened access to the Alpine regions, which attracted thousands of tourists to the state.

Global events of the 20th century ignored Switzerland. In World War I, her participation was in the creation of Red Cross units. And World War II brought new financial flows to the country. German capital was kept in Swiss banks. At a time when European countries were recovering from hostilities, Switzerland continued its industrial and economic development. International organizations have their own headquarters in Geneva, and in Zurich international insurance and banking centers.

Attractions

Ancient castles, cities, monuments and resorts in Switzerland allow tourists to choose the best. Mountain, excursion, ecological, medical, winter and other types of tourism are widespread in the country.

IN Zurich with interesting Gothic architecture, it is recommended to visit the churches of Grüssmünster and Fraumünster, Bahnhofstrasse, and take a walk along the lake. IN Lucerne you need to walk along the streets with painted houses, stroll along a wooden bridge with frescoes. Can be seen in Geneva A 140-meter fountain that gushes from Lake Geneva, St. Peter's Cathedral, the headquarters of international organizations. IN Montreux You can visit Chillon Castle. It is recommended to familiarize yourself with the Swiss thermal springs, primarily Leukerbard, Yverdon and Bad Ragaz. Each ski resort has its own advantages. Zermatt is a famous resort, where the famous “falling” track from an altitude of 2627 m is located. St. Moritz there are more than 350 km of slopes and 60 lifts, in Saas-Fee There is a glacier on which people ski in the summer. It won't take any trouble Interlaken reach the top of the Jungfrau.

National cuisine

For gourmets, Switzerland is a real paradise. Swiss food, like the nation, is a symbiosis of German, Italian and French cuisines. Given the apparent diversity of tastes in different parts of the Alpine country, the inhabitants have at least two symbols of the highest quality - these are cheese and chocolate. Almost every canton has its own varieties.

Amid the diet craze delights of Swiss chefs may seem inappropriate. Fragrant potatoes, golden-brown sausages, melted cheese, delicious gravy - it’s simply impossible to resist these delicacies.

Fondue and raclette- These are Swiss dishes made from melted cheese. Fondue was first prepared in Neuchâtel. Raclette is served on a heated plate. During a tour to Switzerland, you must try Zurich-style chopped veal with traditional Swiss potatoes. In the vicinity of Lake Geneva, guests will be offered fried perch fillets. It is served with lemon wedges, and boiled potatoes will be on the side.

Minestrone soup is a thick vegetable soup that is unusual and very tasty. It contains potatoes, tomatoes, rice, beans, peas, carrots, leeks, cauliflower and grated cheese. This soup is a traditional dish in Ticino. Grisons barley soup is another famous first course. It is made from smoked beef, cabbage and, of course, barley.

To try an amazing dessert, you should take a vacation to Switzerland. "Zuger Kirshtort"- This is a cherry cake made from puff pastry and the most delicate buttercream. It is sprinkled with nuts and soaked in cherry liqueur.

Amazing in their diversity and Swiss wines. This is the freshness of aromas and a rich palette of tastes. Currently, Swiss wines win top prizes and receive the highest ratings at international competitions. “Merlot” (Ticino), “Dol” (Valais), “Fendan” (Valais), “Aminier” (Valais) are original and expressive Swiss wines.

Fresh unfiltered beer loved by the local population. In addition to it, the Swiss drink various drinks and the strongest schnapps. The culture of consumption and the tradition of schnapps production came from Germany. In cold weather, locals drink the Café Ferzig drink, the recipe of which consists of one-third schnapps and two-thirds coffee. It is served in a glass with a curved stem.

Customs and orders

In Switzerland, ancient customs are treated very carefully. Many traditions are local and exist only in certain cantons.

Singing competitions in Zurich or Basel Carnival- These are famous folklore holidays. In the spring, a trip to the Alps will be interesting, when peasants move their cattle to pasture. This ordinary event turns into a small celebration. Cow fights in Nizhny Val are the main event of this holiday. Residents of Catholic cantons are distinguished by their adherence to ancient customs.

The people in Switzerland are hospitable and friendly. There is order and cleanliness literally everywhere. The Swiss respect punctuality and friendliness, so they expect the same from others. The country values ​​comfort and convenience.

Local residents value their privacy, so they behave inconspicuously and quietly in crowded places. In a restaurant or train, loud conversation will be perceived negatively and considered bad manners. There is no need to be afraid of being in a sparsely populated area at night, because the country has a deep concern for order and security.

Purchases

Undoubtedly, Swiss products are a symbol of quality. Stylish and expensive can describe shopping in Zurich. Central Bahnhofstrasse street there is an abundance of bright and expensive shop windows. The entire one and a half kilometer of the street can be walked at a leisurely pace in about 30 minutes. During this time you can get from the simplest shops to luxury boutiques.

Traditionally sales seasons in Switzerland they take place in mid-summer and before Christmas. This is very beneficial for tourists, because in winter the country invites ski lovers to the steep slopes, and in summer it is a paradise for those who love hiking and cycling. During the sales season, you can purchase goods with a discount of more than 50%.

Swiss watch is a product that deserves special attention. Popular watch brands can be bought in the country at reasonable prices. Switzerland offers a wide selection of watches from famous companies.

An equally famous delicacy is swiss chocolate. A true lover of sweets simply must try the creations of Swiss chocolatiers. Chocolate in the country is represented by different varieties and a variety of colorful packaging.

Pocket knives- This is another popular Swiss-made product. Quality and functionality are the main features of a knife. Over twenty different tools and blades can fit in the handle. How much this needs to be judged by users.

The symbol of Switzerland is a cow grazing in alpine meadows. The main souvenir is associated with this image - bells. Other Swiss souvenirs that tourists can bring home are wood crafts, music boxes, ceramics and other crafts, as well as books and antiques.

The credo of Swiss stores is friendly staff and excellent service. The buyer in any store will be served at the highest level.

Switzerland is a small country, but an amazing one. If there is a corner of security and tranquility in the world, then this is it - a symbol of prosperity and prestige, a country with spectacular ski resorts, the most stable banks, the most accurate watches and the most delicious cheese in the world. Coming again and again to Switzerland, travelers will be able to discover something new every time.

It’s not for nothing that today we formulated the topic of our article exactly this way – not where it is located, but whether it exists at all. And just from this question one can guess that not everything is so simple here, although is it worth surprising when we are talking about such an unusual country as Switzerland. In order for all the disparate, multilingual parts of this country to remain united, sometimes it is necessary to find extremely non-standard solutions, as happened in the case of the choice of the capital of the Confederation.

Historical reference

Until the end of the 18th century, in the history of Switzerland, when mentioning the capital, a variety of city names were given, from the well-known Zurich to the less popular Baden. This was explained by the fact that the capital was the name of the public place - the city in which the government and parliament were located. Every year they changed the location, trying not to deprive any region of the country of attention, which fits well with the general concept of citizen solidarity.

During the short period of Napoleon's reign, the country changed three capitals, after which it returned to its previous practice, but by that time the authorities were increasingly thinking about creating one place where the governing bodies would be located. The reason is clear - the process of moving, which, at first, happened every year, and then every other year, was quite difficult and costly. After spending 45 years in this regime, parliament finally decided to abolish the principle of a moving capital.

Is it really necessary, the capital of Switzerland?

Debates began on the topic of where the parliament would be located and which city would have the proud title. Opinions differed between several options, each of which immediately raised many questions. So, it was hotly discussed:

• Can the capital of a canton also become the capital of the country?
• If you choose a large city, will its strengthening cause protest among others?
• If you choose a small settlement, won’t this distort life too much for the local population?
• Is it advisable to create a planned capital, and if so, where should it be located and how much money and time will it take to create the necessary infrastructure?

Trying to find the correct answers to all questions, the government eventually decided to choose one of several cities that were the most suitable, and therefore required the least amount of effort and expense to transform into a capital. All that remained was to choose candidates, among whom in the end there were three left: Zurich, Bern, Lucerne.

Each of the candidates had significant pros and cons that made it difficult to make a choice. Zurich could be called an ideal option - the city had sufficient infrastructure and it itself was developed, but it was the latter that turned out to be a negative factor. The already strong city would develop even more, which would cause protests from other cantons. Lucerne was favorable due to its central location, but since it was Catholic, there was little chance that it would be supported by the other cantons.

Location of federal authorities

The third candidate, Bern, had a convenient central location, but did not have the necessary infrastructure, which meant significant costs. In the end, the choice fell on Bern - the majority of members of the national council and the cantonal council voted for him. The second stage was voting at the community level - whether it agrees to host parliament and the government, since this will entail large expenses that will fall, among other things, on the shoulders of residents.

By a small margin, the voting result was positive, the place of presence was established, but the question remained: is it legally necessary? There were many doubts, but the result was the decision to elevate Bern to the status of “seat of the federal government.” This was the answer to the question - since the word capital does not appear in the documents - Bern is it only in the general sense, but not legally.

Capitals by all parameters

Since the situation with the capital is not yet complicated enough, the Swiss decided to add fuel to the fire. So, Bern, one might say, is political and the most capital of the world, since the governing bodies are located there, but according to the same principle, the locals assigned a couple more capitals to their country. Thus, Zurich was named the economic center of the Confederation, and Geneva was named the diplomatic center. And, in fact, that’s the way it is – it’s not for nothing that the Swiss awarded these two cities this status.

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