73

Switzerland

Swiss Confederation

8.5 million
41,284 km2
French, Italian,
Swiss Franc ≈ $1.1570
Christianity

Since 1815, Switzerland has not participated in military conflicts, choosing a policy of neutrality for itself. For centuries, the country has strengthened its status as a world arbitrator.

For many, this state is a symbol of reliability. Like Swiss banks, Swiss knives, Swiss watches, or Swiss guards, who still guard the head of the Catholic Church in the Vatican today.

But Switzerland, despite its history, keeps up with the times. It is a very progressive state. The Large Hadron Collider was built here, which made it possible to push the boundaries of human knowledge.

Happiness level
95
Happiness level
95

In terms of happiness, Switzerland ranks 8 out of 136 countries in the World Happiness Report 2024. The indicator takes into account GDP per capita, life expectancy, sense of security, and public opinion survey results from residents of the countries.

Health index
84
Health index
84

Based on the Numbeo Health Index derived from user experience. In the 2024 ranking, Switzerland is in 16 place according to this indicator among 94 countries. The index evaluates the quality, cost, accessibility of medical services, and the level of staff qualifications.

The cleanest air
76
The cleanest air
76

Air cleanliness reflects the environmental situation in the region. This factor is crucial. Switzerland is ranked 31 among 125 countries based on the results of 2024.

Security of countries
89
Security of countries
89

The indicator is calculated based on the country safety rating from the Numbeo service. Switzerland ranks 17 out of 146 in terms of safety according to a survey of real travelers who visited the country in 2024.

Life expectancy
84
Life expectancy
84

Switzerland ranks 6 out of 235 countries in the world for life expectancy. This is a crucial indicator that has been evaluated by the United Nations since 1980.

Level of human freedom
100
Level of human freedom
100

Switzerland ranks 1 out of 164 countries in the Human Freedom Index 2024 by the American Cato Institute and the Canadian Fraser Institute. The ranking evaluates personal, civil, and economic freedom in different countries based on 86 indicators.

The cost of living 114.3 USD
1
The cost of living
1

The cost of living assessment in Switzerland, according to the Numbeo Index 2024, includes not only the cost of groceries, restaurants, and housing rent but also the purchasing power index. The indicator is conditional, as it is most often directly related to the income level of the population.

Unemployment rate 4.2 percent
67
Unemployment rate
67

The unemployment rate and the assessment of Switzerland according to this indicator are based on data from the International Labour Organization from 2024. According to this indicator, the country ranks 62 out of 186 countries in the world.

Level of social progress
98
Level of social progress
98

The Social Progress Index assesses countries' achievements across 50 different indicators, and Switzerland ranks 4 out of 168 countries in this rating for the year 2024.

Quality of citizenship
80
Quality of citizenship
80

The Citizenship Quality Ranking considers freedom of movement, human development index, GDP indicators, and openness to residency. Switzerland ranks 13 out of 201 countries based on these criteria as of 2024.

Literacy rate
99
Literacy rate
99

Literacy rate directly influences the development of any country. Therefore, this indicator provides an understanding of the average level of education among citizens. Switzerland ranks 22 out of 178 in terms of literacy rate.

Internet speed 90.85 Mbps
83
Internet speed
83

Internet speed indicates the level of technological development in the country, accessibility of information, and service quality. Switzerland ranks 27 in the list of countries based on this indicator.

Mobile data price 7.29 USD
5
Mobile data price
5

The cost of mobile internet reflects its accessibility. When considering this indicator alongside internet speed, we can judge the quality of access to information. In 2024, Switzerland ranks 225 out of 236 in this regard.

English proficiency level
74
English proficiency level
74

An indicator that gives an understanding of how comfortable you will feel in a country if you are unfamiliar with the local language but proficient in English. According to this indicator, Switzerland ranks 31 in the world.

Switzerland (officially known as the Swiss Confederation) is located at the intersection of Western, Central, and Southern Europe. The territory covers an area of 41,277 square kilometers. It shares borders with Italy, France, Austria, Liechtenstein, and Germany. Established during the Late Middle Ages.

The country is situated between the Alps, the Jura, and the Swiss Plateau. It does not have access to the sea. The major rivers include the Rhone, the Rhine, the Limmat, and the Aare. Significant lakes include Lake Geneva, Lake Zurich, Lake Thun, Lake Lucerne, Lake Biel, and Lake Neuchâtel. These bodies of water hold 6% of Europe's fresh water reserves. The majority of the population resides on the plateau.

Switzerland has a federal republic form of government. It consists of 26 cantons (20 cantons and 6 half-cantons), each with its own constitution and legislation. The currency is the Swiss Franc, and the official languages are German, Italian, French, and Romansh. The country adheres to a policy of armed neutrality and has not engaged in military conflicts since 1815. It serves as a platform for international humanitarian organizations. For instance, although not a member of the European Union, Switzerland participates in the Schengen Area. It is considered one of the most developed countries in the world.

Climate Conditions

The predominant climate in most of Switzerland is continental, varying according to altitude. Temperatures in spring and summer range from +20 to +25°C, while winters are moderately cold. The diversity of weather conditions is due to climatic zones. For example, the Ticino region has a Mediterranean climate. The warm Föhn wind influences temperature fluctuations, often causing avalanches in the mountains.

The country experiences mild frosts and no extreme heat, making its climate generally favorable. Variations are influenced by the presence of the Alpine massif. In the south and southwest, mountains and foothills dominate, with temperatures ranging from -10°C in winter to +20°C in summer. In the north and northwest, the weather is influenced by the Atlantic. Major cities like Bern, Geneva, Lucerne, and Zurich are located in these areas, with temperatures ranging from -6°C in winter to +26°C in summer.

Tourism in Switzerland is popular year-round, offering skiing and therapeutic relaxation. Tourists also visit cities and lakes. The ski season runs from November to March, while the beach season lasts from June to August.

Despite its moderate climate, Switzerland experiences seismic activity. There are two earthquakes daily, although they are barely felt by the population. The last significant earthquake damage occurred in 1991 when a magnitude 5 earthquake struck the town of Visp.

Weather conditions have influenced the development of animal husbandry. The country is known for its meat and dairy production, including the production of its famous cheese.

Demographics

According to the 2020 census, Switzerland's population was 667,100 people. Women typically give birth to their first child at an average age of 30.7 years. The average life expectancy is 84 years, ranking sixth among all countries in the world.

The national composition is diverse due to the presence of several linguistic groups. About 90% of the population consider themselves Swiss, but they do not share a common language. The largest linguistic group is the Swiss Germans, while the smallest is Romansh.

The relationship between the "French" and "German" parts of the country is interesting. Problems arose after the Franco-speaking areas were annexed in the 19th century, leading to occasional conflicts between them.

Switzerland attracts immigrants. According to 2019 data, the number of immigrants and their descendants reached 2.6 million people, or about 30% of the population.

The state is considered secular, but the majority of the population identifies as religious. Catholicism, Protestantism, and Islam are the most prevalent religions. Representatives of other faiths make up less than 2% of the population, while 29.5% support atheism. The largest religious organizations are the Swiss Evangelical Church Federation among Protestants and the Diocese of Basel among Catholics. Islam is mainly preached by Turks and Kosovars.

Economy

Switzerland is a wealthy country with a high standard of living, known for its industrial sector and developed agriculture. However, it has almost no mineral resources. It consistently ranks among countries with competitive economies due to its advantageous geographic location and accessibility. International trade routes pass through the country. Inflation in 2023 was 2.2%, slowing compared to 2022.

Most people work in the service and manufacturing sectors. Industries such as mechanical engineering, chemical manufacturing, agriculture, forestry, banking, insurance, trade, hospitality, and tourism are highly sought after. The tourism sector plays a significant role.

The country's neutral stance on wars helps it avoid turmoil and maintain stability. However, international trade helps maintain connections with the rest of the world. Pharmaceutical products, machinery, electronics, vehicles, jewelry, watches, clothing, footwear, and textiles are exported and imported continuously.

Among the advantages of the economy are highly skilled labor, innovations in mass production (such as Swatch watches), and banking secrecy, which attracts foreign clients. Large enterprises for gold refining are located in the country, facilitating constant imports and exports of precious metals.

Freedom of Travel

Swiss citizenship allows free movement within the European Union and the European Free Trade Association. Foreigners can obtain dual citizenship if desired. With this document, one can visit 177 countries, with 122 not requiring a visa for entry. Additionally, 47 countries offer visas upon arrival, and 8 offer electronic visas. In the global ranking, the Swiss passport holds the second position.

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