The Origin of the Swiss Confederation
The Swiss Confederation, known as modern Switzerland, was born in 1291 in response to the fear of the perceived threat of foreign domination. The cantons Uri, Schwyz, and Unterwalden made a pact of mutual support, and that alliance, the Confederation of Helvetica, is regarded as the foundation of Switzerland.
You can't own just one guinea pig in Switzerland
Animal rights are taken very seriously in Switzerland. Therefore, it's considered illegal to own only one guinea pig because they're social animals and it's viewed as cruelty to keep them in isolation.
The Hugely Varied Landscapes
Switzerland is actually only twice as big as New Jersey and is landlocked between Germany, France, Italy, Austria, and Liechtenstein. Yet within this little country, you will find a remarkably diverse range of landscapes from icy Swiss Alps to warm vineyards.
The Home of the Red Cross
The International Committee of The Red Cross was founded in Geneva, Switzerland, in 1863. Switzerland is, therefore, the birthplace of the globally recognized, neutral humanitarian organization.
Switzerland doesn't have a President as Head of State
Switzerland has not a President, but a Federal Council acting as the Swiss collective head of state. The Council consists of seven members and each member assumes presidency on a rotating one-year term.
A Nation of Chocolates
Switzerland is the highest chocolate consumer in the world. The Swiss consume about 22 pounds of chocolate a person every year. It's more than the rest of the world, with the Swiss also known for making some of the best chocolates worldwide.
The Swiss Army Knife was not an Original Swiss Invention
The Swiss Army Knife was not invented initially by the Swiss. It was, in fact, a German idea but because Swiss workers did not have the capability to produce it, a German manufacturer was hired. However, soon the Swiss caught up, and today Swiss Army Knives are produced by Victorinox, based in Switzerland.
A Country with more than 1500 Lakes
Switzerland is known for its beautiful landscapes, and these include a fair share of lakes. The country has more than 1500 lakes, and you really won't travel more than 10 miles without bumping into one. It's said that you're never more than 16km away from a lake when in Switzerland.
Switzerland is a Quadrilingual Country
Switzerland has four national languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh. The diverse culture has developed because Switzerland is close to many European countries and cultural influences have poured in over time, creating this linguistic diversity.
Switzerland and its Neutrality
Switzerland is famous for its neutrality and hasn’t participated in any armed conflict since 1815. They are always ready to mediate between conflicting parties and provide humanitarian aid.
Switzerland has Europe’s highest train station
Jungfraujoch, termed as the ‘Top of Europe,’ is at a staggering height of 3,454 meters above sea level. Traveling to this high altitude railway station offers a beautiful panoramic view of the snow-capped peaks.
You are always near a Nuclear Shelter in Switzerland
In Switzerland, it's a law that every inhabitant should have access to a nuclear shelter in their building or close by. The country has enough nuclear fallout shelters to accommodate its entire human population, due to laws that still are in place from the Cold War.
Home to the largest particle physics laboratory
Switzerland hosts The European Organization for Nuclear Research, known as CERN- the world’s largest particle physics laboratory. The Large Hadron Collider, popular for discovering the Higgs Boson particle, is based here.
The birthplace of the Toblerone
The beloved pyramid-shaped chocolate bar, Toblerone, was first made in Bern, Switzerland. The mountain logo on the chocolate bar represents the Matterhorn Mountain, a famous Swiss peak.
Swiss Watches Dominate the Global Market
Switzerland is world-renowned for its watch industry. Swiss watchmakers are often credited with making the finest timepieces in the world. Swiss companies have more than 50% market share in the global watch market.
A Landlocked Country with a Navy
Despite being a landlocked country, Switzerland has a navy of 12 boats to patrol its lakes. These boats are often deployed for rescue operations and security checks.
In Switzerland, you can be hired as a 'Hermit'
In the town of Solothurn in Switzerland, you could get hired to live as a hermit. The job involves living in an isolated hermitage with no heating, running water, or internet and interacting with tourists visiting the hermitage.
Switzerland is the only direct democracy in the world
While many countries practice representative democracy, Switzerland has a direct democracy, where citizens can change laws via referendums. New laws and changes to the constitution are subject to a public vote if demanded by a sufficient number of citizens.
It’s illegal to mow lawns on Sundays
Respecting the quietness on Sundays is taken very seriously in Switzerland. Making loud noises like mowing the lawn or doing laundry are considered to be illegal and can impose penalties.
The Swiss Franc is printed vertically
Unlike most currencies, Swiss franc banknotes (CHF) have their designs printed vertically rather than horizontally. This makes them easily recognizable. This unique vertical design was introduced in the 1970s and is still used today.