Welcome to Switzerland! The alpine nation has a lot to offer both expats and tourists. Switzerland is a nation in central Europe, bordered by France, Germany, Liechtenstein, Austria, and Italy. Below, you will find information on different topics about life in Switzerland.
Fun facts about Switzerland
Here are some interesting and fun facts about Switzerland:
- Switzerland has four official languages: German, French, Italian and Romansh. German and Swiss German are the most widely used, spoken by 62,3 percent of the population.
- As of 2023, there were more than 2,3 million foreign nationals living in Switzerland, making up nearly a third of the population.
- The country is home to more than 1.500 lakes, which provide not only natural beauty and recreational activities, but also drinking water and hydroelectric power. Saint-Léonard underground lake is the largest natural, completely navigable, subterranean lake in Europe.
- Chocolate consumption in Switzerland is the highest in the world, the equivalent of approximately 8,8 kilograms per person, per year! The average Swiss person also consumes 22,9 kilograms of cheese and 7,9 kilograms of coffee per year.
- Switzerland is criss-crossed by around 5.323 kilometres of railway tracks, meaning it has one of the densest public transport systems in the world. The Jungfraujoch railway station, at an altitude of 3.454 metres above sea level, is Europe's highest railway station.
- Switzerland is home to the world's longest and deepest railway tunnel, the Gotthard Base Tunnel, which opened in 2016 and travels 57 kilometres under the Swiss Alps. It connects northern and southern Switzerland.
- The Niesen mountain in Switzerland is home to the world's longest staircase, running to 11.674 steps.
- Switzerland is also a country of inventors. In 2023, Switzerland filed 1.085,31 patents per 1 million inhabitants, making it the country with the most patent applications per capita in the world.
- The country is well-prepared for a nuclear disaster and, by law, has more than 300.000 nuclear shelters (one for every 27 people).
- Switzerland has one of the highest rates of gun ownership in the world, but one of the lowest rates of gun crime.
Holidays in Switzerland
Although some national holidays do exist in Switzerland, control over days off rests mostly with the individual cantons. That means that there is a great deal of regional variation when it comes to public holidays in Switzerland. Check out our guide to national and cantonal holidays in Switzerland to find out which days off are specific to your region.
Swiss weather
What is it like in Switzerland over the spring, summer, autumn and winter? When does the snow begin to fall and who gets the best temperatures during the summer months? To find out how conditions can range from peak to Swiss Plateau, Swiss city to ski resort, you can check out our guide to Swiss weather.
History of Switzerland
Although perhaps not as well-known as the histories of other European nations, the history of Switzerland has its own twists and turns. Our guide to the history of Switzerland looks at how the alpine nation formed as the country we know it today, from prehistory on through the medieval, early modern and modern periods.
Swiss government
Switzerland is a direct democracy with a strong tradition of government in consensus. This means that although there are elections to decide who makes up the government of Switzerland, at the highest level they are meant to work together, regardless of political affiliation. The majority of new legislation comes from citizens and major decisions have to be put to the public before they can be made law.
If you have ever wondered why the president of Switzerland changes every year and is mostly unknown outside of global politics, you have the Swiss political system to thank.
President of Switzerland
Although mostly ceremonial, the president of Switzerland plays a fundamental role in Swiss democracy, breaking ties in the executive Federal Council while performing the duties of both a "head of state" and a minister of government. The position is rotated among the Federal Council every year. The president for 2024 is Viola Amherd of Canton Valais.
Swiss councils (Gemeinde)
The main government institution that expats will experience firsthand is that of the local Swiss council (Gemeinde). The council is responsible for the majority of official issues that expats face including taxes, visas and residence permits, as well as the majority of social security. It is impossible for a new arrival to Switzerland to not encounter a Gemeinde, so it is essential you know where your nearest one is and what services it offers.
Elections & referendums in Switzerland
If you’ve ever seen a large advertisement on the side of the road with a cartoon that asks you for a yes (JA) or a no (NEIN) vote, you will have encountered a Swiss election or referendum.
Elections and referendums in Switzerland are commonplace, with citizens able to vote on all issues currently affecting the country. In addition to regular elections for federal, cantonal, and council representatives, you are also able to vote on large projects and social issues to determine what the Swiss government does. Issues can range from housing and salaries to controls on Swiss banks and the environment.
More recently, some cantons have begun to allow expats to vote, making it more important to understand how the system works.
Swiss National Day
August 1 is Swiss National Day. This event is to commemorate the signing of the First Federal Charter in 1291. This was when the cantons of Uri, Schwyz, and Unterwalden signed a mutual alliance, forming the Old Swiss Confederation. The date is celebrated as an independence day and is a national holiday. To find out more about how the Swiss celebrate the event, you can check out our guide to Swiss National Day.
Swiss flag
Want to know why the Swiss national flag is a big plus? Switzerland has a tradition of making imposing flags and coats of arms. Today, every council (Gemeinde) and canton has its own flag/coat of arms. It is not uncommon to find these symbols throughout Switzerland, with each of the cantons choosing their flags based on landscape, history, and culture. For more information, you can check out our guide to Swiss flags.
Swiss francs
Swiss francs have been the currency of Switzerland since 1850, and outside of the alpine nation are also used in Liechtenstein and in some Italian enclaves around Lake Maggiore. Learn more about the history of the currency of Switzerland, as well as the look, value and symbols of Swiss francs, in our dedicated guide.
Pets in Switzerland
Many people choose to come to Switzerland with their pets, or decide to get a pet once they settle into life in the alpine nation. Our guide to pets in Switzerland brings together everything owners of cats, dogs and other pets need to know about keeping an animal in Switzerland.