General Information
Articles about Switzerland
Switzerland: General Information
I have been living here in Switzerland now for quite some time and have understood that sometimes friends abroad may not be very aware of this country and what it might offer. Thus, I thought I would now share some information about Switzerland over the next few weeks or months in my articles.
I am planning to post something about subjects like general information, economy, business, taxation, living standards, working environment, innovation, and so on. I may sometimes compare it with other countries too.
I would naturally appreciate your feedback in the comments, especially if you wish to have information on a specific topic. I may try to address that in my forthcoming posts. All feedback and opinions are equally important and valuable.
OK, let’s get started - some very general information first.
Switzerland is characterised by its cultural and linguistic diversity. Switzerland has four official languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh. German, or “Schwiizerdütsch,” the local way to speak German, is spoken particularly in the central and eastern regions, such as Zurich and Bern. French is predominantly spoken in the western part of the country, like in Geneva and Lausanne. Italian is primarily used in the southern region. Romansh, a language with Latin roots, is spoken by a small percentage in the east.
If you speak standard German, or “Hochdeutsch,” you may have difficulties understanding “Schwiizerdütsch,” as it has significant differences in pronunciation and vocabulary. Having said that, in my experience, people here are very polite and open. They understand standard German when spoken to, and English is also widely spoken.
Switzerland is divided into 26 cantons, which are semi-sovereign states within the federal structure of the country. Each canton has its own constitution, government, and laws, providing a high degree of autonomy. Interestingly, Switzerland also has a decentralized taxation system. Both cantons and municipalities, including villages and towns, have the authority to levy their own taxes, and these taxes can differ significantly.
My reflections so far are, that government here is very polite and their services work really efficiently, always with a real willingness to help. I think that one important aspect is that Switzerland has a strong culture of self-reliance and personal responsibility, supported by structures that coach and reward such behaviors.
Switzerland is also renowned for its direct democracy, where citizens have a significant say in political decisions through frequent public votes, known as referendums. Swiss citizens can propose changes to the constitution (popular initiative) or demand a referendum to challenge laws passed by the parliament (optional referendum).
Country is also well-known for its long-standing policy of neutrality in international affairs, although recently this neutrality has been tested, though.
As you most likely know already, Switzerland is known for its beautiful landscapes, such as the Alps, lakes, and charming villages. The country covers an area of about 41.3 thousand sq km. For comparison, Finland's area is about 338.5 and Germany about 357.6 thousand sq km. Despite its size, Switzerland offers many opportunities and experiences in travel, living, and business environments.
The Swiss Alps cover about 60% of the country's land area. Did you know that Switzerland’s highest peak is not the Matterhorn but Dufourspitze, reaching 4,634 meters? It is the second-highest mountain in the Alps after Mont Blanc.
The most iconic peak in the Alps is the Matterhorn, standing at 4,478 meters on the border between Switzerland and Italy. Its pyramid-shaped unique form and challenging ascent make it a symbol of the Swiss Alps. The Matterhorn's form inspired the design of Toblerone, a famous chocolate bar from Bern. If you are a chocolate eater, you may have noticed recent changes in Toblerone packaging. The reason for these changes sparked some national debate. Interesting story, highlighting the importance of considering cultural aspects in business decisions.
If you visit the Alps in the summertime, you may want to try "Klettersteig." These are protected climbing routes found in the Alps, equipped with fixed cables, ladders, and bridges to help climbers navigate the mountains safely. Klettersteig routes vary in difficulty, offering options for both beginners and experienced climbers. If you are afraid of high places, I guarantee the excitement, depending, of course, on which route you take.
Switzerland has over 1,500 lakes. Lake Geneva is the deepest, reaching a depth of 310 meters. These lakes are known for their crystal clear waters and they also play a crucial role in hydroelectric power generation.
For a downhill skier, this is the place to be! Some of the biggest skiing centers include Zermatt, Verbier, and St. Moritz. Zermatt is at the base of the Matterhorn. You can start skiing down from about 3,900 meters. There are over 200 runs to select from. The longest one is about 25 km with a vertical drop of about 2,300 meters. If you do that in one shot without any break - congratulations!
Valle Verzasca is a stunning valley in the canton of Ticino. It is known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, like something from a fairytale. James Bond did a bungee jump, one of the highest in the world, from the Verzasca Dam, which stands 220 meters high. Again, I guarantee your excitement if you dare to do that. I did not; seeing the jump was enough.
Switzerland also has various rivers, such as the Rhine, Rhone, and Aare. The Rhine Falls, near Schaffhausen, is the largest waterfall in Europe. During the summer, it is common to see locals floating down the Aare River in Bern. This popular activity often involves using inflatable boats. In the Zurich area, you can enjoy floating down the Limmat River. Along the route, there is a spot where people often swim and sunbathe in a naturalistic lifestyle.
In summary, Switzerland is an ideal country for nature lovers and adventure seekers. It also offers a good location for living and businesses. While Switzerland is renowned for its high cost of living, this can be balanced by various other factors, which I intend to explore in future writings.
In the next article, I will talk talk about Switzerlands political systems.