(Getty Images)|
#1 (Getty Images)|
Overview of Switzerland
- Capital
- Bern
- Region
- Europe
- GDP Per Capita, PPP
- $83,598
- GDP
- $808 billion
- Population
- 8,769,741
- Area
- 41,277 SQ.KM
Overview of Switzerland
Switzerland, officially called the Swiss Confederation, is a small country in Central Europe made up of 16,000 square miles of glacier-carved Alps, lakes and valleys. It is one of the world’s wealthiest countries, and has been well-known for centuries for its neutrality.
The Swiss Confederation was initially founded in 1291 as a defensive alliance among cantons. In 1499, the confederation became independent from the Holy Roman Empire. In 1848, a new constitution turned the confederation into a centralized federal government, ending a period of conflict. Since then, the country has enjoyed relative tranquility.
Switzerland has low unemployment, a skilled labor force and one of the highest gross domestic products per capita in the world, according to the CIA World Factbook. The country’s strong economy is powered by low corporate tax rates, a highly developed service sector led by financial services and a high-tech manufacturing industry.
Switzerland is a federal republic made up of 26 cantons and an administrative capital in Bern. Most of its citizens live in towns and cities, the most populous of which is Zurich – the most cosmopolitan of the country’s cities. The country prides itself on its diversity, and is home to regions with distinct cultural identities. German, French, Italian and Romansh languages all enjoy national status.
The country’s cultural contributions are disproportionate to its small size. Swiss citizens have won more Nobel Prizes and registered more patents per capita than many other nations. And its neutrality during periods of conflict attracted some of the world’s greatest minds to immigrate, including James Joyce, George Byron and Voltaire.
Switzerland also has been notable for its secretive banking sector, though reporting rules and legislation have led to more transparency.
Switzerland’s neutrality has long been honored by its European neighbors – the country didn’t take a side in either of the world wars and is not a member of the European Union. As a result, Switzerland, particularly Geneva, is a popular headquarters location for international organizations, such as the International Committee of the Red Cross and the United Nations, though Switzerland did not join the latter until 2002. The country is also a member of the IMF, WTO and World Bank.
The country’s cultural contributions are disproportionate to its small size. Swiss citizens have won more Nobel Prizes and registered more patents per capita than many other nations. And its neutrality during periods of conflict attracted some of the world’s greatest minds to immigrate, including James Joyce, George Byron and Voltaire.
Switzerland also has been notable for its secretive banking sector, though reporting rules and legislation have led to more transparency.
Switzerland’s neutrality has long been honored by its European neighbors – the country didn’t take a side in either of the world wars and is not a member of the European Union. As a result, Switzerland, particularly Geneva, is a popular headquarters location for international organizations, such as the International Committee of the Red Cross and the United Nations, though Switzerland did not join the latter until 2002. The country is also a member of the IMF, WTO and World Bank.
Switzerland Rankings
#1
| Adventure | 63.6 | #13 |
|---|---|---|
| Agility | 72.2 | #16 |
| Cultural Influence | 63.3 | #8 |
| Entrepreneurship | 81.5 | #6 |
| Heritage | 48.1 | #23 |
| Movers | 37.3 | #23 |
| Open for Business | 100.0 | #1 |
| Power | 26.0 | #21 |
| Quality of Life | 90.3 | #6 |
| Social Purpose | 86.1 | #8 |
#1
| Adventure | 63.6 | #13 |
|---|---|---|
| Agility | 72.2 | #16 |
| Cultural Influence | 63.3 | #8 |
| Entrepreneurship | 81.5 | #6 |
| Heritage | 48.1 | #23 |
| Movers | 37.3 | #23 |
| Open for Business | 100.0 | #1 |
| Power | 26.0 | #21 |
| Quality of Life | 90.3 | #6 |
| Social Purpose | 86.1 | #8 |
Attributes
- Friendly 81.0
- Fun 54.5
- Good for tourism 94.3
- Pleasant climate 39.8
- Scenic 93.0
- Sexy 13.4
Attributes
- Adaptable 62.6
- Dynamic 33.5
- Modern 94.9
- Progressive 75.1
- Responsive 56.6
Attributes
- Culturally significant in terms of entertainment 20.1
- Fashionable 59.2
- Happy 89.0
- Has an influential culture 15.1
- Has strong consumer brands 58.1
- Modern 94.9
- Prestigious 88.7
- Trendy 37.3
Attributes
- Connected to the rest of the world 85.7
- Educated population 99.5
- Entrepreneurial 65.1
- Innovative 56.1
- Provides easy access to capital 64.6
- Skilled labor force 59.2
- Technological expertise 58.2
- Transparent business practices 75.7
- Well-developed digital infrastructure 67.9
- Well-developed infrastructure 85.8
- Well-developed legal framework 91.1
Attributes
- Culturally accessible 68.2
- Has a rich history 28.4
- Has great food 25.6
- Many cultural attractions 44.4
- Many geographic attractions 73.2
Attributes
- Different 15.6
- Distinctive 46.4
- Dynamic 33.5
- Unique 46.0
Attributes
- Cheap manufacturing costs 0.1
- Favorable tax environment 90.9
- Not Bureaucratic 84.6
- Not Corrupt 100.0
- Transparent government practices 71.8
Attributes
- A leader 13.0
- Economically influential 75.5
- Has strong exports 17.5
- Politically influential 12.8
- Strong international alliances 45.6
- Strong military 0.7
Attributes
- A good job market 91.6
- Affordable 0.4
- Economically stable 100.0
- Family-friendly 92.7
- Income equality 68.6
- Politically stable 94.2
- Safe 100.0
- Well-developed public education system 82.2
- Well-developed public health system 87.0
Attributes
- Cares about animal rights 54.8
- Cares about human rights 97.7
- Cares about the environment 95.3
- Committed to climate goals 85.3
- Committed to social justice 65.6
- Gender equality 84.8
- Racial equity 79.7
- Religious freedom 83.1
- Respects property rights 93.7
- Trustworthy 91.8
- Well-distributed political power 76.6
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