THE COUNTRY

Switzerland owes its name and coat of arms to the small town of Schwyz, situated between Lake Lucerne and Lake Lauerz.

In 1291, Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden formed an alliance; in 1315, the Confederates defeated the Austrians at the Battle of Morgarten. The Federal Charters Museum houses the most important documents of the first Swiss Confederation, including the founding act of the Swiss Confederation.

Matterhorn;
Jungfraujoch;
Interlaken;
Lucerne;
Lake Geneva;
Chateau de Chillon;
Zurich;
Lake Lugano;
Bern

Private Jets, Helicopters and Airliners
Finest Onboard Catering
Ground Transport and Yachts
Luxury Villa & House Rentals
Local Guide & 24/7 Assistance
Customized Global Services

TO BE KNOWN

The State's Capital

Bern
Time Zone

UTC+1
Telephone Code

41
Total Area

41 277 Km2
Population

8 563 760 (2023 est.)
Main Languages

French, German, Italian
Currency

Swiss francs (CHF)
GDP Per Capita

USD 71000
Airports

63
Heliports

2

TRAVEL INFORMATION

Climate

Temperate, but varies with altitude; cold, cloudy, rainy/snowy winters; cool to warm, cloudy, humid summers with occasional showers

Ethnic Groups

German 86.3%, Turkish 1.8%, Polish 1%, Syrian 1%, Romanian 1%, other/stateless/unspecified 8.9% (2020 est.)

Cultural Practices

Speaking too loudly in public, especially on cell phones, is frowned upon.

Traditional Cuisine

Rösti — grated potato patties sometimes including herbs and spices, onions, ham, or cheese and pan-fried in butter or oil; the dish is cut into wedges for serving.

National Economy

High-income, non-EU European economy; renowned banking and financial hub; extremely low unemployment; highly skilled but aging workforce; key pharmaceutical and precision manufacturing exporter; fairly high public debt.