Switzerland Location : Central Europe, east of France, north of Italy
Capital City : Bern
Curreny : Swiss franc (CHF)
Languages Spoken : German (official) 63.7%, French (official) 19.2%, Italian (official) 7.6%, Romansch 0.6%, other 8.9%
Climate : temperate, but varies with altitude; cold, cloudy, rainy/snowy winters; cool to warm, cloudy, humid summers with occasional showers
National Holiday : Founding of the Swiss Confederation, 1 August (1291)
Background Information
Switzerland's independence and neutrality have long been honored by the major European powers and Switzerland was not involved in either of the two World Wars. The political and economic integration of Europe over the past half century, as well as Switzerland's role in many UN and international organizations has strengthened Switzerland's ties with its neighbors. Switzerland is active in many UN and international organizations, but retains a strong commitment to neutrality.
Geographical Note
landlocked; crossroads of northern and southern Europe; along with southeastern France and northern Italy, has the highest elevations in Europe
Economy
Switzerland is a prosperous and stable modern market economy with a per capita GDP higher than that of the big western European economies. The Swiss in recent years have brought their economic practices largely into conformity with the EU's to enhance their international competitiveness. Although the Swiss are not pursuing full EU membership in the near term, in 1999 Bern and Brussels signed agreements to further liberalize trade ties. They continue to discuss further areas for cooperation. Switzerland remains a safe haven for investors, because it has maintained a degree of bank secrecy and has kept up the franc's long-term external value. The GDP growth rate dipped to 1.6% in 2001, and the government projects that it will slow further to 1.3% in 2002.
Religions
Roman Catholic 46.1%, Protestant 40%, other 5%, none 8.9% (1990)
Ports : Basel
International Disputes - Risks to travellers
: none
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