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If you want to avoid these problems, you can use Switzerland's main transport: the train. You can get to almost any European city with any porter using the right connections. Main paths to consider. Try to buy tickets from the railway company of the country where you are leaving.
Selection of Swiss products such as fruits, vegetables, cheeses, hams and others. There are many places to eat in Switzerland. You can easily find highly rated restaurants in major cities and major international fast food chains in the city center and train stations. But, like everything in Switzerland, the food is expensive. At larger train stations, you can find cheaper food items such as sandwiches. Swiss gastronomy is diverse, with different flavors that come from different cultural areas of the country.
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Switzerland slowly developed over the centuries, gradually emerging piece by piece and taking shape from different territories. Over time, the country moved from such a form of organization as a confederation (a loose union of autonomous entities) to a more centralized federal state.
In general, food is quite high in calories, including meats, steaks, cheeses, potatoes, and other foods. Cheese should be the product with which the country is most often identified, and several dishes are prepared based on this. Fondue is the most famous, in which the food is skewered into a pot of melted cheese and stands out as a dish in the community; a similar dish is raclette. Rösti is a popular dish on the Swiss-German side and consists of fried potato omelets, originally meant for breakfast for farmers in the Alps and today often serves as an accompaniment to meat and vegetables.
In the Middle Ages, as the various territories united, they gained more and more freedom from the Holy Roman Emperor, who was their nominal ruler.
The Reformation and the subsequent struggle between Catholics and Protestants left a deep mark on the history of the country.
Napoleon united the Swiss within practically today's borders. This happened at the beginning of the nineteenth century, but it was not until 1848 that Switzerland became a modern federal republic.
Among soft drinks, apple juice is the most common. As in their close countries, in Switzerland the most common alcoholic beverages are beer and wine. To purchase them, you must be over 16 years old, while for liquor you must have more than. A small sample of the famous Swiss chocolates.
Switzerland is expensive, probably one of the most expensive countries in the world that you will notice every time you try to get something. The national currency, unlike all of its neighboring countries, is the Swiss franc. Most shops and vending machines also usually accept euro banknotes and treat them at the official exchange rate. Despite this, it is advisable to always carry cash in francs. It can change at banks and stations railways. Although credit cards are widely accepted, people often prefer cash; To avoid problems, check in advance if you can pay with cards.
Key milestones in the history of Switzerland
The period of "old Switzerland" - 1291-1515.
1291: According to tradition, it is believed that this year, at the “beginning of the month of August”, representatives of the nobility of the regions of Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden signed the so-called “Union Letter” (Bundesbrief), which contains the principle of mutual assistance “in the face of the treachery of the times”. In fact, this document, being one of many treaties of this kind, was created much later, around the beginning of the 14th century.
There are four products that are classic Swiss and you must consider if you are visiting the land of William Tell. Chocolate: Although the cocoa from which chocolate is made is native to Central America, its production has been perfected in the Swiss valleys. As the country with the highest per capita consumption in the world, it is easy to find chocolatiers who have a wonderful variety of products; even those with a lower value for sale in supermarkets usually have good quality compared to what you can find in another country. Cheeses: Over 450 varieties of Swiss cheese are produced to meet domestic consumption in relation to exports. What is commonly sold as "Swiss cheese" is emmental, which comes from the Emmen valley in Bern and is characterized by its holes and its mild flavor. Another famous cheese is Gruyère, originally from the city of Gruyères, where traditional factories can still be visited. Navajas: The symbol of Switzerland has become the Navajos, who own the country's army. Consisting of a main knife and a range of tools stored in a handle, they are known for their durability, utility and portability. It's easy to find an endless collection of knives and knives with features to suit every need in the arsenals of major cities, although the most popular versions are likely to be available in any store that deserves it. Prices are usually standard in all stores, so it doesn't make sense to look for cheaper options. Watches: Switzerland is famous for being the center of the global watch industry, especially luxury. The Jura and Neuchâtel area are where the main watch factories are concentrated, although all cities have premises where you can buy a gift that someone will appreciate when they return to their home. It's hard to have problems in Switzerland.
1315: The peasant militia defeats the superior Habsburg knights at the Morgarten Heights.
1332-1353: The territory of "old Switzerland" is expanding, including the regions of Lucerne, Zurich, Glarus, Zug and Bern.
1386-1388: The Swiss win victories over the Habsburgs at Sempach (1386) and Nefels (1388).
Most of its cities are small, spacious, and crime is very low. It's not hard to find tales of bewildered tourists as they recover a valuable item that has been left abandoned in public spaces like the train. However, this is never too much, especially in the busiest places.
The police play a much smaller role, preferring to remain in the background and thus avoid interfering with the normal development of activities. If you need help, contact a police officer, call 117, or get help from a loved one. Unlike other developed countries, Switzerland has reinforced the concept of helping a citizen as a civic duty, and most people will support him if he sees himself in an emergency; remember that it is mutual and you should also support others if there is any situation that deserves it.
1474-1477: The period of the so-called. Burgundian wars. The troops of the Confederates under the leadership of the strengthened Bern ("Swiss Prussia") defeat Charles the Bold, laying the foundation for the financial prosperity of the noble ruling strata. Bern acquires "administered territories" (actually colonies) on the site of the current canton of Vaud. The confederation becomes a strong military power, supplying hired soldiers to European countries.
If you refuse to participate, you may be accused of "refusal to help". Switzerland is often tolerant of minorities, whether ethnically, sexually or otherwise. There is almost no discrimination against women and it is not a problem for them to travel alone. Although Switzerland has been characterized for years as tolerant of the persecuted and refugees, the increase in the number of immigrants over the last decades has begun to give rise to some xenophobia, and it is quite possible that people who can be characterized as immigrants suffer from some but usually less than she could live in other neighboring countries.
1499: The Swabian war with the Great Roman Empire of the German nation ends with the establishment of the actual independence of Switzerland from the empire.
1481-1513: The territory of "old Switzerland" is expanding to 13 cantons. Its new members are Friborg, Solothurn, Basel, Schaffhausen and Appenzell. Valais and the "Union of Three Lands" (now the canton of Graubünden) are part of Switzerland as a colony.
You don't have to worry about eating or drinking anything in Switzerland; each product has a series of sanitary measures, which makes it very difficult for something to make you sick. It is common to find pylons and water fountains in the street that originate from the Middle Ages, and unless you explicitly say that it is forbidden, you can drink from them naturally. The biggest danger is when you travel to remote and usually steep areas. Check the weather forecast in advance and check with the authorities if there are any warnings in these areas.
1510-1515: Military campaigns in Italy. After a crushing defeat from the combined troops of France and Venice at the Battle of Marignano (Lombardy, Italy), the Confederates abruptly stop their expansion policy. This historic moment is considered the beginning of Swiss neutrality. The end of the era of "old Switzerland"
The "Old Regime" in Switzerland and the Religious Schism - 1515-1798
Administrative divisions of Switzerland
Switzerland is a multicultural country and its people are proud of their country and their local culture. Don't minimize language differences: the Swiss aren't German or French, and Italian speakers in Ticino won't feel comfortable taking over German. You also don't think that rural life is less valuable than in the cities; many Swiss people love the tranquility of life in a small town, with its centuries-old traditions and simple work. Rules mean something and must be respected, especially with respect to road signs and warning signs. Crossing the street at a red light or driving at high speeds can mean a hefty fine, as well as the risk it poses to yourself and others. Many signs of "Prokhibi-nadar" in calm lakes or rivers are ignored by many tourists, unaware of the possibility of water discharge from hydroelectric power plants located above the canal. Be on time. The Swiss did not perfect the art of watchmaking. The teeth of Bellinzona, on the border with Italy, became an important part of the medieval struggle in the territory.
1527-1531: Beginning of the Reformation in Switzerland. Spread of Protestant ideas in Zurich and Geneva. The split of Switzerland into two hostile religious camps. Two sectarian wars end with the defeat of the Protestant cantons. Strengthening the regime of domination of the urban nobility (patricians).
1648: the signing of the Peace of Westphalia, in which there is a separate “Swiss Article”, means the completion of the process that began in 1499. Switzerland becomes independent not only in fact, but also formally legally.
The previous day he had visited the famous castles of neighboring Bellinzona, which was largely a medieval land struggle between the Milanese, the French and the young Swiss confederation. These stone citadels, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recall the long history of tribes, cantons and countries that tried to control the Italian city of Ticino. Ticino was strategically important due to its crossing into the Alps.
The Swiss have a long military record. Which is definitely not neutral. The Ticino and the crossing into the Alps were strategically important to Swiss military history. "Tell me," he adds. Where in Switzerland is there bomb damage? Answer: nowhere. You can go to any Swiss city and see how it has grown organically because it has never been invaded. Visually capitalize on this neutrality because all of his past is there. Passing through these fabulous cities is enough to understand how successful the Church is.
1653: The end of the 30-year war leads to a deterioration economic situation Swiss peasants. They have no one else to supply food and therefore nothing to repay loans. This leads to mass peasant uprisings, suppressed by the urban nobility.
1712: Another sectarian war. The Protestant cantons are victorious. The end of the domination of the Catholic cantons, the establishment of a "parity" regime between Catholics and Protestants.
Revolution and restoration of the Confederacy
Throughout the country, Chur, the oldest town in Switzerland, has managed to preserve its Roman ruins, and in Bellinzona, you can walk among three medieval castles or explore historic stone villages. "was very poor, had no infrastructure for large-scale agriculture, and had no access to colonial resources or went to sea, so mercenary activity was just a source of income."
And the Swiss were solid winners, so this activity remained a good source of resources for a long time. Unfortunately, technology has surpassed them. After this defeat, they realized that in their own way they were good soldiers, but their halberds were not so much against artillery, the Church said.
1700-1798: Beginning of the Swiss industrialization period (primarily in the Glarus region). The contradictions between the traditions of self-government of the people and the power privileges of the nobility (urban patricians), between town and country, between free entrepreneurs and workshops, are accumulating and aggravating. Enlightenment ideas come to Switzerland.
That is how they stopped participating in the most important political conflicts in Europe, the expert adds. Instead, they rendered their services almost exclusively to France, which spared them the inconvenience of often being on two sides of the same battle. "It wasn't something that happened all the time, but when it did, it was unusually unsettling, encouraging movements towards neutrality," the expert adds.
During this time, it became clear that the Swiss were fighting too many battles in favor of too many parties to take safe measures, especially when all the great powers wanted to stay with Switzerland due to their strategic location as guardians of the Alps.
Helvetic Republic. The eras of "Restoration" and "Regeneration" - 1798-1848.
1798-1803: French troops enter the territory of Switzerland through the territory of the present canton of Vaud and proclaim the Helvetic Republic - a republican unitary state controlled by France. Cancellation of all medieval orders and privileges. The cantons lose their independence and become administrative districts. Switzerland becomes the arena of struggle between the troops of Napoleon and the anti-French coalition. 1799- Suvorov crossing the Alps and the battle at the Devil's Bridge.
1803: Internal unrest and numerous coups d'état lead Napoleon to issue the "Mediation Act" (or "Mediation Act"), which terminates the existence of the Helvetic Republic and returns the cantons to their full independence. New "mediation cantons" emerge: Aargau, St. Gallen, Thurgau, Ticino and Vaud. Graubünden also joins the Confederation as no longer a colony, but a full-fledged canton.
1815: End of the Napoleonic Wars. The European powers, including Russia, are interested in the emergence and preservation of a neutral independent Switzerland in order to neutralize the strategic Alpine passes. To Switzerland depart the cantons of Valais, Neuchâtel (which is also a possession of Prussia) and Geneva. Switzerland becomes an interstate association of independent, loosely connected cantons. At the Congress of Vienna, the European powers recognize the "permanent neutrality" of Switzerland.
1815: The restoration of cantonal autonomy does not help economic development Switzerland. The development of a free market and trade is hampered by the disunity of the cantons (the absence of a common currency, a system of measures and weights, and the amount of customs fees).
1815-1830: Restoration period. The old cantonal patrician families are returning to power in the cantons, which, however, are not able to completely destroy the progressive phenomena associated with the influence of the Napoleonic Code in Switzerland. The balance of old political orders and new trends.
1830-1847: "Regeneration" period. Influenced by the agitation of the liberal intelligentsia and with an eye on the July Revolution in France and the creation of Belgium in Switzerland, a cantonal movement begins to liberalize the political and economic order and to create a unified Swiss state. The canton of Thurgau was the first to introduce a liberal constitution. It provides the population with economic and political freedoms. As a result, a sharp struggle unfolds between conservative and liberal-minded cantons, advocating the centralization of the country.
1847: Disagreements lead to brief civil war between the liberal Protestant cantons and the conservative Catholic cantons of central Switzerland, which formed the so-called. Sonderbund. The Catholic cantons are defeated.
1848: The new Constitution turns Switzerland into a liberal federal state. The abolition of restrictions that prevented free trade and free movement within the country. Introduction of universal suffrage and the right to vote for men.
Modern Switzerland and its development - 1848-2015
1848-1874: The government of the new federal state, the Federal Council, is absolutely dominated by Protestant liberals. Catholic conservatives are in opposition. The rapid development of capitalism in Switzerland leads to the creation of oligarchic clans, there is a merger of politics and business (“A. Escher's system”), infringement of the rights of the people and cantons. The emergence of a movement of left-wing radical liberals (now the FDP party, the oldest in the country) for the creation of a "true people's" Switzerland. A. Escher begins to build railways on the basis of the principle of private initiative and creates a bank, which is now called Credit Suisse.
1874: The first "total revision" of the constitution, the introduction of instruments of direct democracy (an optional referendum that allows the people to express their opinion on any laws issued by parliament and government), the collapse of the oligarchic "Escher system" as a result. Construction of the Saint Gotthard and Simplon tunnels. The rapid growth of foreign tourism.
1891: Enshrining in the Constitution the right of legislative initiative in its modern form. The Catholic-conservative opposition for the first time receives one seat in the Federal Council (government).
1898: Nationalization of the Swiss railways. Establishment of the state company Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF). The final elimination of the remnants of the "A. Escher system".
1914-1918: During the First World War, Switzerland remained neutral. However, there is a threat to the national unity of the country due to the fact that the German-speaking Swiss sympathize with Germany, and the French-speaking - with France. Nevertheless, flexible Swiss federalism does not allow the country to come to disintegration.
1918: Political differences lead to a general strike in Zurich. The leadership of the strike ("Olten Committee") demands the introduction of proportional elections to the national parliament, the right to vote for women, a 48-hour work week, and pension and disability insurance. The Federal Council sends troops into Zurich and crushes the strike.
1919: Elections to the National Council (large chamber of the Swiss Parliament) in accordance with the party proportional representation system. The liberals lose most of the seats in parliament, the socialists increase their faction. The people of Switzerland understand that they can use the instruments of direct democracy and elections for their own purposes. Since then, the communist ideology has not had a single chance in the Confederation.
1920: The decision on Switzerland's accession to the League of Nations is taken at a national referendum by a small majority of votes.
1929: World economic crisis.
1937: Conclusion in Switzerland of a "working peace" between workers and employers.
1939: Holding a grandiose Industrial Exhibition in Zurich ("Landi") in order to emphasize the confrontation with Nazi Germany. Swiss-German dialects are given the status of a political instrument of delimitation from their northern neighbor. The culmination of the development of the ideology of the "Spiritual Defense of the Country" ("Geistige Landesverteidigung").
1939-1945: Switzerland's main goals in World War II were to defend its independence by any means. Both the readiness of the army and the people to fight Nazism (the “Reduit” strategy) and the close financial and economic relations of Switzerland with Germany until about 1943 play their role. Then Switzerland gradually curtails cooperation with Germany and reorients itself towards the allies. Since 1942 - the complete closure of the borders of Switzerland, refugees (including Jews) do not have the right to enter the country.
1943: The Social Democrats receive for the first time one seat in the government.
1945-1970: Since the end of the Second World War, Switzerland has been experiencing an economic upsurge, fueled by a "labor peace" regime between workers and employers. Switzerland's main driver of development is the "economic miracle" in Germany and the restoration of Europe.
1947: Introduction of state pension insurance for old age and disability (AHV).
1959-2003: The era of the so-called "magic formula" (Zauberformel) of the formation of the Swiss government. The Federal Council (government) is represented by: two federal councilors from the FDP (Freisinnig-Demokratische Partei / Radical Democratic Party of Switzerland, liberals); two from the CVP (Christlichdemokratische Volkspartei/Christian Democratic People's Party, Demo-Christians); two from the SP (Sozialdemokratische Partei/Social Democratic Party, Socialists); one from the SVP (Schweizerische Volkspartei/Swiss People's Party, "populists").
1963: Switzerland's accession to the Council of Europe.
1978: Formation of the new canton of Jura by separation from the canton of Bern.
1984: Elisabeth Kopp (RDPS) becomes the first female member of the Federal Council.
1991: Speech Fr. Dürrenmatt about Switzerland as a "spiritual prison". The beginning of the crisis of traditional historical identity in Switzerland.
1992: Swiss citizens and cantons vote against joining the European Economic Area (EWR).
1998: Conclusion of the 1st package of bilateral (bilateral) agreements between Switzerland and the European Union (EU).
1963 -1999: Development and coordination in the cantons of the draft of the new Constitution and the second "total revision" of the country's basic law. The amendments to the Constitution come into force on January 1, 2000.
2002: Citizens of Switzerland vote for joining the UN. On September 10, the Confederation becomes the 190th member of the UN. Publication of the "Final Report" of the so-called. The Bergier Commission, in the center of which is the disclosure of close economic ties between Switzerland and Nazi Germany. Public discussion about the history of the country, in particular - the problems of refugees during the Second World War.
2003: The beginning of the end of the era of the "magic formula". The right-wing conservative SVP wins the parliamentary elections in a convincing manner and puts Christoph Blocher into the government, depriving the CVP of one seat in the cabinet. Its composition is now as follows: 2 federal councilors from the SVP, 2 from the FDP, 2 from the SP, 1 from the CVP.
2005: Swiss citizens approve the 2nd package of bilateral agreements with the EU, which provides for cooperation between Switzerland and the EU in the framework of the Schengen and Dublin agreements.
2007: In December, the parliament refuses to re-elect Christoph Blocher as a member of the Federal Council, choosing the more moderate SVP member Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf from the canton of Graubünden. The party demands from it not to recognize the results of the elections, but it does its own thing, agreeing with its election. As a result, she is expelled from the party. SVP split.
2008: Populists Samuel Schmid and Evelynn Widmer-Schlumpf leave the SVP and form the Bürgerlich-Demokratische Partei (BDP). Composition of the Federal Council: 2 federal councilors from the SP, 2 from the FDP, 2 from the BDP, 1 from the CVP. Switzerland joins the club of the Schengen countries.
2009: On November 29, the people accepted the "anti-minaret initiative" put forward by the Swiss People's Party (SVP), which provides for a ban on the construction of new minarets in the country.
2011: October 23– as a result of the last parliamentary elections, the parties of the so-called “new burgher center” turned out to be the winners: the Green Liberals (GLP, 5.2% of the vote) and the Burgher Democratic Party (BDP, 5.2%). The strongest party remains SVP (25.3%, minus 3.6%). The biggest losses, however, were suffered by the liberals (FDP.Die Liberalen). They lost 3.0% of the vote, winning only 14.7%.
2014: Switzerland is the chairman of the OSCE. He successfully copes with the role of a mediator in the conflict around Ukraine. In February, a referendum approved a legislative initiative to limit the influx of immigrants from the EU.
2015: Parliamentary elections are held in October. With 29.4% of the popular vote, the Swiss People's Party (SVP) surpassed its own 2007 record. Other results: Socialists (SP) get 18.8%, Liberals (FDP) 16.4%, Demo Christians (CVP) 11.6%.
websiteThe name comes from the name of the canton of Schwyz, derived from the ancient German "burn".
Capital of Switzerland. Berne.
switzerland square. 41284 km2.
Population of Switzerland. 7300 thousand people
Administrative divisions of Switzerland. Switzerland is a federation of 23 cantons (3 of them are divided into half-cantons).
Form of government of Switzerland. Federal parliamentary republic. Each canton has its own constitution, parliament and government.
Head of State of Switzerland. The president is elected by parliament for a year from among the members of the government.
Switzerland's highest legislative body. Federal Assembly (bicameral parliament), consisting of the National Council and the Council of Cantons and elected for a term of 4 years.
Supreme executive body of Switzerland. Federal Council (government).
Major cities in Switzerland. Zurich, Geneva, Basel, Lausanne, Lucerne.
Official language of Switzerland. German, French, Italian, Romansh.
The name comes from the name of the canton of Schwyz, derived from the ancient German "burn".
Capital of Switzerland. Berne.
switzerland square. 41284 km2.
Population of Switzerland. 7300 thousand people
Administrative divisions of Switzerland. Switzerland is a federation of 23 cantons (3 of them are divided into half-cantons).
Form of government of Switzerland. Federal parliamentary republic. Each canton has its own constitution, parliament and government.
Head of State of Switzerland. The president is elected by parliament for a year from among the members of the government.
Switzerland's highest legislative body. Federal Assembly (bicameral parliament), consisting of the National Council and the Council of Cantons and elected for a term of 4 years.
Supreme executive body of Switzerland. Federal Council (government).
Major cities in Switzerland. Zurich, Geneva, Basel, Lausanne, Lucerne.
Official language of Switzerland. German, French, Italian, Romansh.
Fauna of Switzerland. Animal world represented by: chamois, marten, hare, marmot, fox, etc. For birds, the climate of the Alps provides a unique opportunity for fast seasonal ones, so there are a large number of them. There are many swans and ducks on the lakes and floodplains. A Swiss national park has been created along the border with Italy.
Switzerland(German Schweiz, French Suisse, Italian Svizzera, Romsh Svizra), the official name is the Swiss Confederation (German Schweizerische Eidgenossenschaft, French Confédération suisse, Italian Confederazione Svizzera, Romsh Confederaziun svizra) is a state in Western Europe. It borders in the north with Germany, in the south with Italy, in the west with France, in the east with Austria and Liechtenstein. The name comes from the name of one of the three original cantons of Schwyz.
The Latin name for the country of Switzerland is Confoederatio Helvetica, whose abbreviation is found in the abbreviation of the national currency, car license plates and the name of the Swiss Internet domain (.ch). Postage stamps use the Latin name Helvetia, sometimes used in Russian as the name of the country - Helvetia.
The official languages of Switzerland are: German, French, Italian and partly Romansh (the latter only for business communication with native speakers of Romansh). is the currency and legal tender of Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Switzerland has been a member of the UN since 2002 and a member of the Schengen Agreement since 2004.
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Flag of Switzerland It is a red square panel with a white straight cross in the center, the ends of the crosses of which do not reach the edges of the panel. The crosses are equal in size, and the length of each cross is 1/6 more than its width. The flag was officially approved as the state symbol of Switzerland in 1889. Flag HistoryAccording to one version, the flag comes from the coat of arms of the canton of Schwyz (one of the three cantons that formed the Swiss Confederation in 1291, together with Uri and Unterwalden). For the first time, a banner of this kind was used at the Battle of Laupen in 1339. Then the crosses of the cross were narrower and reached the edges of the flag, resembling the modern Danish flag. |
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Red CrossThe Red Cross symbol used by the International Committee of the Red Cross comes from the Swiss flag. The red cross on a white background was declared the official symbol of protection by the Geneva Convention of 1864. These colors of the flag (which are only a mirror image of the colors of the flag of Switzerland) were adopted in order to recognize the special merits of the Swiss citizen and founder of the ICRC, Jean Henri Dunant. The formThe national flag of Switzerland, in accordance with the standards, has a square shape. The trade flag is rectangular. |
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Coat of arms of Switzerland - the state symbol of Switzerland, adopted in 1889. It is a red shield with a white cross, which is also on the Swiss flag. Along with the flag, the coat of arms is used as a symbol both at the state level and at the level of the cantons (together with the symbols of the cantons themselves), used during official visits, events, decorates buildings public institutions etc. DescriptionA shortened silver cross is depicted on the red shield of the coat of arms. Red and white colors symbolize the independence of the country, and the cross reminds that the sovereignty of Switzerland is inviolable. For many centuries, this emblem has remained virtually unchanged. |
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StoryDespite the fact that the coat of arms was officially approved only on December 12, 1889, the history of its origin is rooted in the distant past. A white cross on a red shield first became the hallmark of Swiss archers in 1339 at the Battle of Laupen. In the 11th century, a white cross appears on the combat banners of the Swiss, and since the 16th century this image has been the basis of the coat of arms of the Swiss Confederation. There are several versions of the origin of the cross. It is believed that he is one of the symbols of Saint Mauritius - a saint who lived in the XII-XIII centuries. There is a version that the cross was taken from the military banners of the canton of Bern, which at that time played a leading role in the Confederation. Some believe that the cross is borrowed from the red banner of Schwyz, which depicted a crucifix. |
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Political structure of Switzerland
Switzerland is a federal republic consisting of 20 cantons and 6 half-cantons. There are 2 enclaves in Switzerland: Büsingen belongs to Germany and Campione di Italia belongs to Italy. Until 1848 (except for a short period of the Helvetic Republic), Switzerland was a confederation. Each canton has its own constitution, laws, but their powers are limited by the federal constitution. The federal authorities are in charge of issues of war and peace, foreign relations, the army, railways, communications, money emission, approval of the federal budget, etc.
Legislature
- a bicameral Federal Assembly, consisting of the National Council and the Council of Cantons, and in the legislative process, both chambers are equal. The National Council (200 deputies) is elected by the population for 4 years under the proportional representation system. The federal structure of Switzerland was enshrined in the constitutions of 1848, 1874 and 1999. There are 46 deputies in the Council of Cantons, who are elected by the people, in most cantons, according to the majority system of a relative majority in 20 two-member and 6 single-member districts, that is, 2 people each. from each canton and one from the half-canton for 4 years (in some cantons - for 3 years).
Executive agency
- The Federal Council (German Bundesrat, French Conseil fédéral, Italian Consiglio federale), consisting of 7 federal councilors (German Bundesrat, French conseiller fédéral, Italian consigliere federale), each of which heads one of the departments (ministries) . Two of the councilors act as president of the confederation (German Bundespräsident, French président de la Confédération, Italian presidente della Confederazione) and vice president, respectively. To manage the apparatus of the Federal Council, there is the position of chancellor (German Bundeskanzler, French chancelier de la Confédération, Italian cancelliere della Confederazione), who has an advisory vote in the Council and is not formally a member of it.
Members of the Federal Council and Chancellor
elected at a joint meeting of both houses of parliament for the term of his office, i.e. 4 years. Each year the Parliament appoints the president of the confederation and the vice-president from among the members of the Council, with no right of reappointment for the next year. In practice, federal councilors are almost always re-elected, so that the composition of the Council can remain unchanged for several terms of parliamentary terms, and it is customary for all members of the Council to hold the presidency in turn.
All laws passed by parliament can be approved or rejected in an (optional) popular referendum (direct democracy), for which, after the adoption of the law, 50,000 signatures must be collected within 100 days. Changes to the Constitution or accession to international organizations require confirmation in a (mandatory) popular referendum. All citizens who have reached the age of 18 have the right to vote.
The foundations of the Swiss state were laid in 1291. Until the end of the 18th century, there were no central state bodies in the country, but all-Union councils (Tagsatzung) were periodically convened. In 1798, Switzerland was occupied by France and a French-style constitution was adopted. In 1803, as part of the "Act of Mediation", Napoleon returned independence to Switzerland. The constitution adopted in 1848 provided for the creation of a bicameral federal parliament. In 1874, a constitution was adopted that provided for the introduction of the institution of referendums. In 1971, women received the right to vote. In 1999, a new, thoroughly revised edition of this constitution was adopted.
Composition of the parliament elected in 2003: Swiss People's Party (SNP) - 8 seats in the Council of Cantons and 55 in the National Council, in 2008 the faction includes members of the Civic Party; Social Democratic Party of Switzerland (SPS) - 9th and 52nd seats; Radical Democratic Party of Switzerland (Liberals) - 14 and 36 seats; Christian Democratic People's Party - 15 and 28 seats. Composition of the Federal Council: Civic Democratic Party (Bern wing of the SNP) - 1, Swiss People's Party - 1, Social Democratic Party - 2, Radical Democratic Party - 2, Christian Democratic People's Party - 1.
In October 2007, regular parliamentary elections were held in the country, in which the right-wing conservative Swiss People's Party won a major victory, receiving 29% of the vote. The composition of the parliament according to the results of the 2007 elections: the Swiss People's Party - 7 seats in the Council of States and 62 in the National Council; Social Democratic Party of Switzerland - 6th and 43rd seats; Christian Democratic People's Party - 11th and 31st; Radical Democratic Party of Switzerland - 9th and 31st. The People's Party won the largest number of votes in the canton of Schwyz (44.9%) and the smallest in Ticino (8.7%).
Switzerland has a long tradition of political and military neutrality, but takes an active part in international cooperation; the headquarters of many international organizations are located on its territory. There are several points of view regarding the time of the emergence of Swiss neutrality. According to some scholars, Switzerland began to adhere to the status of neutrality after the conclusion of a peace treaty with France on November 29, 1516, in which "perpetual peace" was proclaimed. Subsequently, the Swiss authorities made a number of decisions that moved the country towards the definition of its neutrality. In 1713, the neutrality of Switzerland was recognized by France, Spain, the Netherlands and England, who concluded the Peace of Utrecht. However, in 1803, Switzerland concluded an agreement on a military alliance with Napoleonic France, according to which the country was obliged to provide its territory for the conduct of hostilities, as well as to expose a military contingent for the French army. At the Congress of Vienna in 1815, the “perpetual neutrality” of Switzerland was secured. Neutrality was finally confirmed and specified by the Guarantee Act, signed in Paris on November 20, 1815, by Portugal, Prussia, and. On January 22, 1506, the Swiss Guard was founded to protect the head of the Roman Catholic Church and his palace. The total number of the first composition of the Swiss Guard was 150 people.
Legal system
The highest court is the Federal Court (Bundesgericht, Tribunal federal), the courts of appeal are the higher courts (Obergericht), in Geneva - the Chamber of Justice (Justizhof, Cour De Justice), in Basel-Stadt - the courts of appeal (Appellationsgericht), the courts of first instance - district courts (Bezirksgericht), in Lucerne - district courts (Amtsgericht), in the Jura - courts of first instance (Gericht erster Instanz), in Obwalden, Nidwalden, Glarus, Schaffhausen, Zug, Appenzele-Ausserrhoden - cantonal courts (Kantonsgericht), in St. Gallen - county courts (Kreisgericht), the lowest level of the judicial system - world courts (Friedensgerichte) (not exist in all cantons), the highest judicial instance of administrative justice - the Federal Administrative Court (Bundesverwaltungsgericht, Tribunal administratif federal).
Territorial device
Administrative divisions of Switzerland
Switzerland is a federal republic consisting of 26 cantons (20 cantons (Kanton) and 6 semi-cantons), the cantons can be divided into districts (Bezirk), districts into cities and communities (Gemeinde), some communities into urban areas (Stadtkreis).
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Each canton has its own constitution and legislation. The legislative bodies of the cantons - cantonal councils (kantonsrat), elected by the population, the executive bodies - ruling councils(Regierungsrat), consisting of prime ministers (Regierungspräsident) (or land ammans (Landammann)), vice-prime ministers (Regierungsvizepräsident) (or land stadtholders (Landstatthalter)) and government councilors (regierungsrat), elected by the cantonal councils. Legislative bodies of the Roman cantons are large councils (fr. Grand Conseil, it. Gran Consiglio), executive bodies - state councils (fr. Conseil d'État, it. Consiglio di Stato), consisting of the chairmen of the state council (fr. Président du Conseil d'État, it. Presidente del Consiglio di Stato), deputy chairmen of the Council of State (fr. Vice-président du Conseil d'État, it. Vicepresidente del Consiglio di Stato) and state councilors (fr. Conseiller d'État, it. Consigliere di Stato). In a special way, state power is arranged in Appenzell-Innerrhoden: the legislative body is the land community (Landsgemeinde), which includes all voters, the executive body is the cantonal commission (Standes-kommission), consisting of the ruling land amman (Regierender Landammann), helping landamman (Stillstehender Landammann) and government advisers (Regierungsrat). In districts which are headed by a prefect (bezirksamman) appointed by the cantonal council. The representative bodies of cities are community councils (Gemeinderat) elected by the population, the executive bodies are city councils (stadtrat), consisting of city presidents (Stadtpräsident) and city councilors (Stadtrat), elected by community councils. The representative bodies of the communities are community meetings (gemeiendeversammlung), consisting of all residents of the community, the executive bodies of the communities are community councils (gemeinderat), consisting of the community president (Gemeindepräsident) and community councilors (gemeinderat), elected by the community meetings. |
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Geography of Switzerland: mountains, nature, climate
The Swiss Confederation is a state in Central Europe. According to the state structure - a federal republic. The area of the country is 41.3 thousand square meters. km. In the north it borders with Germany, in the west with France, in the south with Italy, in the east with Austria and Liechtenstein. The northern border runs partly along Lake Constance and the Rhine, which starts in the center of the Swiss Alps and forms part of the eastern border. The western border runs along the Jura mountains, the southern - along the Italian Alps and Lake Geneva. The capital of Switzerland is Bern.
Three natural regions are distinguishable on the territory of Switzerland: the Jura mountain range in the northwest, the Swiss plateau (plateau) in the center and the Alps in the southeast.
Switzerland and France, stretching from Geneva to Basel and Schaffhausen. The Swiss plateau was formed on the site of a trough between the Jura and the Alps, which was filled with loose glacial deposits in the Pleistocene and is currently cut through by numerous rivers. Most of the country's population is concentrated here, large cities and industrial centers are located. The most fertile agricultural lands and pastures are concentrated in the same region.
Almost the entire southern half of Switzerland is occupied by the Alps. The mountains of Switzerland are high, uneven, snow-covered mountains dissected by deep gorges. In the ridge zone - firn fields and glaciers (10% of the country's territory). The highest peaks are Dufour peak (4634 m) in the Monte Rosa massif on the border with Italy, Dom (4545 m), Weisshorn (4505 m), Matterhorn (4477 m), Grand Combin (4314 m), Finsterarhorn (4274 m) and Jungfrau (4158 m).
Climate of Switzerland
Switzerland belongs to the temperate continental climate region. But, speaking about the climate of this country, it should be borne in mind that about 60% of its territory is occupied by mountains, so here you can get from winter to summer in two hours. The Alps are a kind of barrier that prevents the flow of cold arctic masses to the south, and warm subtropical masses to the north. In the northern cantons, winter is mild and lasts about 3 months: from December to February. At this time, the minimum temperature is -1...-4, the maximum +2...+5 degrees. In summer (from June to August) at night it is usually +11...+13 degrees, in the daytime the air warms up to +22...+25 degrees. There is quite a lot of precipitation throughout the year. Their maximum falls on the summer period (up to 140 mm per month), the minimum for the period from January to March (slightly more than 60 mm per month).
In the south, winter temperatures are almost the same, and summer temperatures are higher. The average minimum temperature is +13...+16, the average maximum temperature is +26...+28. There is more rainfall in this area. From March to November, more than 100 mm of precipitation per month falls here, and from June to August this amount approaches 200 mm. The least precipitation falls in January and February (about 60 mm).
The weather in the mountains depends on the altitude of the area. It is snowy in the highlands in winter. The temperature for most of the year (from October to May) is negative both at night and during the day. In the coldest months (January and February) at night the temperature drops to -10...-15, during the day - to -5...-10. It is warmest in July and August (2...7 degrees at night, 5...10 degrees in the daytime). The maximum snow height is observed, as a rule, in early April. At an altitude of 700 meters, it lasts 3 months, 1000 meters - 4.5 months, 2500 meters - 10.5 months.
Water system of Switzerland
The Rhine and its tributary Aare flow through most of Switzerland. The southwestern regions belong to the drainage basin of the Rhone, the southern regions to the Ticino basin and the southeastern regions to the basin of the river. Inn (a tributary of the Danube). The rivers of Switzerland have no navigable value. On the Rhine, navigation is supported only as far as Basel. Many lakes, the most picturesque of them are located along the edges of the Swiss plateau - Geneva, Thun in the south, Firwaldstet, Zurich in the east, Neuchâtel and Biel in the north. Most of these lakes are of glacial origin: they formed during an era when large glaciers descended from the mountains to the Swiss plateau. South of the axis of the Alps in the canton of Ticino are the lakes of Lugano and Lago Maggiore.
Flora of Switzerland
About 1/4 of the country's territory is covered with forests. The composition of forests depends on the height above sea level. Broad-leaved forests of oak, beech, ash, elm, maple, and linden predominate in the region of the Swiss plateau up to a height of 800 m. Above 1000 m, broad-leaved species remain mainly beech; spruces, pines, firs appear. And starting from a height of 1800 m, the main place is occupied by coniferous forests of spruce, fir, pine and larch. At the highest altitudes (up to 2800 m) there are subalpine and alpine meadows, thickets of rhododendron, azaleas, juniper.
The Swiss Plateau is located in the zone of European broadleaf forests. The predominant species are oak and beech, in places pine is mixed with them. On the southern slope of the Alps, the chestnut tree is typical. Higher up the slopes of the mountains, coniferous forests grow, forming a transitional belt between broad-leaved forests and alpine meadows (at high altitudes). Crocuses and daffodils are typical for alpine flowers in spring, rhododendrons, saxifrage, gentians and edelweiss are typical in summer.
Animal world of Switzerland
The animal world is severely depleted. While the snow partridge and mountain hare are still quite common, such characteristic animals of the upper tiers as roe deer, marmot and chamois are much less common. Great efforts are being made to protect wildlife. in Swiss national park, located near the border with Austria, roe deer and chamois live, less often - alpine mountain goat and fox; there are also white partridge and several species of birds of prey. There are numerous reserves and sanctuaries.
In the mountains there are fox, hare, chamois, marten, alpine marmot, among birds - capercaillie, thrush, swift, snow finch. On the shores of the lakes you can meet gulls, and in the lakes - trout, char, whitefish, grayling.
Economy and industry of Switzerland
Economy of Switzerland
The Swiss economy is one of the most stable in the world. The ongoing policy of long-term monetary security and banking secrecy has made Switzerland the place where investors are most confident in the safety of their funds, as a result of which the country's economy is becoming increasingly dependent on constant inflows of foreign investment. Due to the small territory of the country and the high specialization of labor, industry and trade are the key economic resources for Switzerland, and the fact that the Swiss Confederation is included in the list of offshore zones is of no small economic importance.
Switzerland is poor natural resources except for hydropower. Nevertheless, it is a prosperous country, in many respects the richest in Europe, primarily due to the high development of manufacturing and services (especially great importance has tourism). During the period 1950-1990, the economy developed steadily, unemployment was kept low, inflation was controlled by the Swiss National Bank, and recessions business activity were short lived.
The economic recession that engulfed most of Europe in the early 1990s also affected Switzerland: unemployment reached its highest level since 1939, and inflation rose. Nevertheless, the standard of living in the country remained still very high. In 1997, the gross domestic product (GDP) of Switzerland was nominally estimated at 365 billion Swiss francs, in reality - at 316 billion. In per capita terms - 51.4 thousand Swiss francs (nominally) and 44.5 thousand (real).
The population of the country is 6.99 million. The urban population is about 75%. The state belongs to countries with low natural growth (up to 10 people per 1000 inhabitants per year). Over the past two decades, the birth rate has been declining, but at the same time, the death rate has also been declining. Therefore, everything happened natural increase population.
Swiss industry
The high standard of living of the Swiss population was achieved thanks to the large-scale development of various industries. The Swiss watch industry has won world fame, concentrated mainly in the western part of the country (La Chaux-de-Fonds, Neuchâtel, Geneva) and Schaffhausen, Thun, Bern and Olten. In the 1970s, due to the competition of countries East Asia this branch of the Swiss economy was going through a severe crisis, but in the 1980s it was overcome by the production of inexpensive electronic watches.
The Swiss industry does not have its own raw materials, the mountains here are poor in minerals. But in the Alps, cheap electricity is generated at numerous hydroelectric power stations. Industry and railways run on electricity.
The greatest development in Switzerland has been in those branches of industry which require comparatively little raw material and much highly skilled labour. In addition to watches, textile and printing machines, measuring instruments, internal combustion engines, turbines, electric motors, electric locomotives, motorcycles, and pharmaceutical products are produced here. Lots of textile factories. In the metallurgical industry, mainly aluminum production is developed.
The textile industry, the oldest in the country, was for many years the most important industry. However, during World War II there was a shift in favor of metallurgy and chemical industry, and during the 1980s, the production of machinery and equipment developed rapidly. In the 1990s, the production of chemical products and medicines, scientific and measuring instruments, optical instruments, machine tools and foodstuffs, especially cheese and chocolate, played a large role. Footwear, paper, leather and rubber products stood out among other industrial products.
Most of the Swiss industry consists of large multinational companies that successfully operate in the global market and, importantly, occupy one of the leading positions. For example, these are the Nestle concerns ( food products, pharmaceutical and cosmetic products, baby food), Novartis and Hoffman-la-Roche (chemical and pharmaceutical products), Alusuiss (aluminum), the Swedish-Swiss concern ABB - Acea Brown Boveri (electrical engineering and turbine building ). And, of course, Switzerland is considered the #1 watch factory in the world. It is in Switzerland that such famous and elite watch brands as Patek Philippe, Breguet or Longines are produced.
Near many villages at a distance, in a meadow or at the edge of a forest, you can see small factories and factories: cheese, butter, condensed milk, sawmills and cement; in the eastern and northern cantons - textile, in the west - in the mountains of the Jura, in Geneva and near it - watch factories. There are more than two and a half thousand watch factories and factories in Switzerland. They produce up to 40 million watch movements a year and export watches to many countries of the world.
Swiss watchmakers create the most precise mechanisms: watches that are not afraid of water, self-winding chronometers, watches that fit in a ring or brooch, watches with music. There are watches whose dial lies like a small crystal lake, and the hands are the oars of a tiny boat floating in the middle. There is a clock - a shepherd's hut and a girl on a swing near it, a globe clock and many others.
Foreign trade of Switzerland
Switzerland's highly developed foreign trade is based on the export of industrial products such as machinery, watches, medicines, electronic equipment, chemicals and clothing. In 1991, the share of manufacturing products accounted for approx. 90% of the country's export earnings. Export structure in 1997: 20% - machinery and equipment; 9% - electrical machinery and equipment; 9% - products of organic chemistry; 9% - pharmaceutical products; 6% - precision instruments and watches, 6% - precious metals, 4% - artificial materials.
Switzerland's foreign trade balance usually ran a deficit, which was traditionally covered by the import of foreign capital, income from the export of capital, income from foreign tourism, insurance and transportation. In the mid-1990s, improved imports led to a slight trade surplus for the first time: in 1997, exports were valued at CHF 105.1 billion and imports at CHF 103.1 billion.
The leading foreign trade partners of Switzerland are Germany, USA, Italy, France and Great Britain. Switzerland was one of the founding countries of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) in 1959, in 1972 Swiss voters approved a free trade agreement with the European Economic Community (now the European Union, EU), in 1977 all duties on industrial products.
In 1992, Switzerland applied for EU membership, but later that year Swiss voters voted against the country's accession to the European Economic Area (EEA). This project was aimed at facilitating the free movement of labor, goods, services and capital in 7 EFTA countries and 12 EU countries. After that, Switzerland concluded an agreement with the EU on limited participation in the EEA; as a result, Switzerland has reduced duties on goods transported through its territory by EU member states.
Agriculture in Switzerland
Swiss agriculture is one of the most subsidized in the world. According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Switzerland subsidizes more than 70% of its agriculture, compared to 35% in the EU. In accordance with the Agricultural Program, adopted by the country's parliament in 2007, the amount of subsidies to agriculture is increased by 63 million to 14.092 billion Swiss francs. In addition, Switzerland's agriculture is protected by a system of protectionist barriers.
About 12% of the area of Switzerland is used for arable land and another 28% for extensive cattle breeding and dairy production. About a third of the country's territory is occupied by unproductive land (at least unsuitable for agriculture), especially in the cantons of Uri, Valais and Grisons, and a quarter is covered with forests. Not surprisingly, 40% of food products have to be imported. At the same time, Switzerland provides itself with wheat, meat and dairy products are produced in excess.
The main centers of agriculture are concentrated in the cantons of Bern, Vaud, Zurich, Friborg and Aargau. The main crops are wheat, potatoes and sugar beets. In 1996, there were 1,772,000 cattle in the country (of which about 40% were dairy cows), 1,580,000 pigs, 442,000 sheep and 52,000 goats. A large timber processing industry works for the domestic and foreign markets. In recent years, however, Switzerland's forests have been hit hard by air pollution, forcing the government to impose strict controls on car exhaust emissions.
Swiss Transport Switzerland
The country's position at the crossroads of many European roads, the country's mountainous terrain, the need to ensure the uninterrupted transfer of goods imported and exported by Switzerland - all this played a big role in the development of transport. The total length of railways is over 5 thousand km, all are electrified; 18.4 thousand km of main roads, 58 km of cable cars, 724 km of overhead roads. Railways account for the bulk of traffic. The country's most important railway line, Basel-Zurich-Bern-Lausanne-Geneva, passes through the main industrial regions and major cities.
Although Switzerland is landlocked, it has maritime merchant ships. By inland waters only pleasure boats run. Navigation is carried out along the river. Rhine. The main port of the country is Basel. The mountainous relief of the country explains the large number of cog-rope and cable-suspension roads. Thanks to them, a large number of people can get to those peaks that are accessible only to professional climbers. The highest railway station is located almost at around 4 km above sea level.
Leisure and tourism in Switzerland
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Time
Switzerland is in the UTC+1 (Central European Time) time zone and is switching to summer time with most European countries on the last Sunday of March at 02:00, back to standard time - on the last Sunday of October at 03:00.
The delay from Moscow time is two hours in summer and three hours in winter. Sunrise in winter at 09:02 and sunset at 18:24. Sunrise in summer at 06:02 and sunset at 21:11.
Population
About 8 million people live in Switzerland, but only 130 thousand people live in the capital.
The national composition of the country is very heterogeneous, mainly consists of four communities: German-Swiss (4.3 million), French-Swiss (1.3 million), Italian-Swiss (200 thousand), Romansh. In addition to these indigenous people, Italians, Germans, Spaniards, French and representatives of other nationalities live there.
Customs
Items for personal use, including gifts, up to a maximum of CHF 200 can be brought into Switzerland duty-free.
From a European country, you can import some goods duty-free, information about the restrictions on their volumes:
- tobacco products: 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 100 cigarillos, 250 gr. tobacco products;
- alcohol: 2 liters of wine, 1 liter of spirits;
- perfumery: 50 ml of perfume, 250 ml of eau de toilette.
Import and export of any currency, both foreign and national, is not limited in any way.
Visa
Switzerland is part of the Schengen area. Accordingly, in order to enter the country, you must have either a Schengen visa or a national Swiss one.
Due to some bureaucratic delays, a Swiss visa is not issued very quickly, and besides, you have to wait in line to apply.
healthcare
The quality of medical care in Switzerland is very high level, thanks to which medical tourism is actively developing here, which wealthy foreigners sometimes combine with business trips and holidays abroad. To visit the country it is necessary (mandatory) to have a valid health insurance. Residents of Switzerland themselves receive medical services also through insurance. Without it, all services are paid in cash and at very high prices. For example, hospitalization may require up to several thousand US dollars. None special conditions for the Russians is not provided.
Rules of behavior
The inhabitants of Switzerland are quite reserved and polite, often even reserved, especially when it comes to family. They don't like being compared to the Germans.
The Swiss are residents of a multicultural country, coexisting with other nationalities for centuries. No wonder tolerance is in their blood. Their respect for the rights of other people, including their own, is also clearly visible, for example, crossing the boundaries of private property is considered a very indecent act. And for smoking on the balcony, the neighbors, who have polluted the air in the house because of this, can call the police, and they will really come. In general, the Swiss are very law-abiding, punctual and do not waste words.
There are no clothing restrictions in Switzerland. Of course, you will have to come to official receptions in a suit, the rest of the time everyone dresses as they want. The peculiarity of the Swiss: the visible high cost and fashionability of clothing is highly valued, as well as neatness and accuracy.
Tips are most often included in the bill by default, so you rarely have to pay them separately. However, it is customary to give waiters up to 5% of the bill, in addition, a small amount (1-2 euros) can be paid for services that are not included in the bill - maids and porters.
Attractions
When people think of Switzerland, “watches”, “chocolate”, “cans” and “cheese” come to mind first. But Switzerland is famous not only for these unconditionally useful and good things. It is rich in many natural, cultural and architectural attractions. A tourist who wants to feel both summer and winter in a few days and in one country should go to Switzerland.
On the territory of the country there are 10 attractions that UNESCO considers to be world heritage sites: the city of Bern, Bellinzona castles, Lavoe vineyards and others. Beautiful mountain landscapes amaze with their glaciers, mountains and lakes.
Across the country, different civilizations have left their traces: an amphitheater for 10,000 spectators in Nyon and Avenches; architectural monuments of the Gothic, Romanesque and Renaissance styles in Geneva, Basil and Lausanne; the monasteries of Einsiedeln, Engelbern; the churches of Kreuzlingen and Arlesheim. Ten kilometers to the southwest rises Mount Pilatus with a height of 2120 meters. North and south converge at this point, Mittelland and Urschweiz. A tourist should take as a souvenir a guide to the most interesting sights of this amazing multicultural country.
Holidays
Information about major holidays in the Czech Republic:
January 1 - New Year
January 2 - St. Berthold's Day, is considered the day of the founding of the country's capital - Bern
March 28 - Good Friday
The first Sunday and Monday after the spring equinox - Easter and Easter Monday
May 10 - Mother's Day
May 8-12 - Ascension
May 18-19 - Trinity and Spirits day
June 11 - Feast of the Lord's Corpus (Corpus Christi)
August 1 - Swiss Confederation Day
September 26 - Harvest Day
December 12 - Swiss Flag Day
December 25 - Christmas
In Switzerland, where 4 titular nations live, a very large number of holidays and events are held - business, sports, cultural.
In the spring, the Swiss say goodbye to the winter and, on this occasion, hold carnivals with costume processions around the city, and in each city at its own time (in February, March, April). Somewhere it is supplemented by exhibitions and competitions, somewhere - guild parades and burning of a stuffed snowman.
At the beginning of summer, small tourists will especially like it in Switzerland, because many children's festivals take place here. For almost two centuries, the St. Gallen parade has been held every 2 years.
The day the prototype of the modern Confederation was created - August 1 - is celebrated with numerous events from concerts to parades, from bonfires to fireworks.
Preparing for Christmas in Switzerland begins from the first week of December, entertainment and festive events are held almost daily. This is where the Christmas holiday can stretch for a whole vacation.
Traditional cuisine
Traditional Swiss cuisine is in many ways similar to the cuisines of neighboring countries, but still it has its own zest. Along with dishes that are clearly borrowed from the Germans, French and Italians, there are purely national ones - for example, fondue and raclette, as well as Alpine pasta.
Meat dishes are very tender and original: Zurich-style veal with potatoes, perch fillet with almonds for garnish. There are many different soups in Swiss cuisine, of which you should definitely try barley soup with smoked meats.
Stunning Swiss wines complement the traditional dinner.
A distinctive feature of Swiss food is the highest quality and ecological cleanliness, here it is in the order of things. But the prices for them here are almost the highest in Europe. Food in restaurants is really expensive, but even in cafes you won’t be able to save much.
Airports
Information about international airports in Switzerland:
Zurich Airport is the main and largest airport in Switzerland.
Bern Belp Airport is an airport in the state capital, Bern.
Geneva Airport (Geneva International Airport, aka Cointrin Airport).
Basel Mulhouse Freiburg Airport (aka EuroAirport).
Transport
The transport network in Switzerland is quite developed, and local railways are almost the best in the world, both in terms of reliability and comfort. There are also private railways in this country, mainly in the mountains. Tourists will certainly want to ride on these panoramic trains. They are intended for those who wish to see the Alpine mountains, meadows, vineyards and glaciers. Some routes are free with some types of passes, others are cheaper due to a discount when presenting a pass, others are very expensive to maintain and therefore expensive for tourists.
Swiss precision is also evident in the work of Swiss transport, which runs exactly on schedule.
There are few bus routes, and they are mostly suburban. Their main task is to deliver people to railway stations. At the same time, the roads in the country are excellent, it is very pleasant to travel here by your own transport, especially if you forget about the sometimes difficult mountainous terrain.
Public urban transport in Switzerland: buses, trolleybuses, trams.
You can also travel around the city by taxi, but this is not at all a cheap pleasure. As in many other areas of life related to tourism and recreation, the cost of travel in Switzerland for all modes of transport is one of the highest in Europe.
Sport
Skiing and mountaineering are very popular in Switzerland. Places like Davos, St. Moritz and Zermatt are some of the best ski centers in the world. Excellent conditions, snow, wide slopes, breathtaking landscapes and, above all, the Swiss quality of service are just a few of the reasons that make Switzerland one of the best winter holiday destinations in the world. Swiss Simon Amman is a four-time Olympic champion in ski jumping.
Switzerland is an ideal country for hiking. The diverse landscape ensures that everyone will find hiking trails according to their ability and desire. There is an extensive network of over 180 routes.
Switzerland is a country of bicycles. Here it is more than just an activity, it is a healthy way to enjoy the magic of nature. The country has 3,300 kilometers of cycling routes, ideal for all levels of difficulty. The Veloland Schweiz project, which was launched in 1998, is a network of nine national cycle routes. In some cities in Switzerland, there is a program whereby a bicycle can be rented for free against some cash deposit or document.
The landscape of Switzerland is perfect for rock climbing.
Swiss Armed Forces
The armed forces consist of the ground forces and the air force. The ground forces consist of 9 combat brigades (2 tank, 4 infantry and 3 alpine (mountain infantry)), as well as auxiliary brigades and formations, training formations. The Swiss Air Force includes fighter squadrons, helicopter formations, ground defense formations, air bases and maintenance personnel.
The Swiss armed forces are organized on the basis of a mixed army-militia principle. Service in the armed forces is compulsory for all male citizens and is usually 260 days spread over 10 years.
Military budget $2.7 billion (2001).
The regular armed forces are about 5,000 people (only personnel).
The reserve is about 240,200 people.
Paramilitary forces: civil defense forces - 280,000 people. By tradition, the Swiss have the right to keep military weapons at home.
Acquisition: by conscription and on a professional basis.
Service life: 18-21 weeks (ages 19-20), then 10 refresher courses of 3 weeks (20-42).
Mob. resources of 2.1 million people, including 1.7 million fit for military service.
Ground troops
With the mobilization of 320,600 people, 9 brigades (tank - 2, mountain infantry (alpine) - 3, infantry - 4).
Armament of the ground forces:
370 Leopard 2 tanks,
319 BRM,
435 infantry fighting vehicles,
1180 armored personnel carrier,
558 155mm self-propelled howitzers,
1758 mortars of caliber 81 and 120 mm,
3063 ATGM launchers (of which 303 are SPUTOU-2),
MANPADS "Stinger",
12 512 grenade launchers,
60 Aluett-3 helicopters,
11 PCA.
Funds mass media Switzerland
Switzerland, despite the extreme limitations of its national market, has a well-developed network of electronic and "paper" media.
Newspapers
The development of the modern newspaper market in Switzerland begins under the influence of the Reformation. In 1610, the first regular Swiss newspaper, the Ordinari-Zeitung, was published in Basel. In 1620, newspapers began to appear in Zurich, one of them, the Ordinari-Wohenzeitung, is considered the direct predecessor of the unofficial "main" newspaper of the country, the Neue Zürcher Zeitung. In 1827, 27 newspapers were published in Switzerland. When, after the revolutionary events of 1830, censorship was abolished, the number of publications began to grow rapidly, and by 1857 there were already 180 newspapers in the Confederation. The largest number of newspapers in Switzerland came out in the 30s of the XX century (more than 400). Then their number begins to decline, and this process continues to this day.
The first all-Swiss supra-regional newspaper, the Schweitzer Zeitung, began publication in 1842 in the city of St. Gallen. A feature of the Swiss press landscape at that time was the fact of a rigid ideological division of newspapers - Catholic-conservative newspapers were opposed by liberal-progressive publications. In 1893, the newspaper ["Tages-Anzeiger"], the first "non-partisan" (and in this sense "independent") newspaper, began to appear in Zurich.
In 1850, with the formation of the newspaper Der Bund, the first newspaper with a regular professional editorship appeared in Switzerland. The Neue Zürcher Zeitung (it celebrated its 225th anniversary in January 2005) was the first newspaper to establish specialized departments within its editorial office dealing with specific topics (politics, economics, culture, etc.).
Today, Switzerland is one of the first places in the world in terms of the number of printed periodicals per capita. Nevertheless, the vast majority of the nearly 200 main Swiss daily newspapers (their total circulation is about 3.5 million copies) are characterized by a pronounced “provincialism” and a focus mainly on local events.
Of the German-language leading newspapers in Switzerland today, the tabloid newspaper Bleek (275,000 copies), the well-informed Tages Anzeiger (259,000 copies, there is a correspondent in Moscow) and the Neue Zürcher Zeitung published in Zurich ( 139 thousand copies). Among the French speakers, the boulevard Matin (187,000 copies), Le Tan (97,000 copies), Van Quatre-er (97,000 copies), Tribune de Geneve (65,000 copies) are in the lead. . copies), among the Italian-speaking - "Corriere del Ticino" (24 thousand copies).
A relatively significant segment of the market is occupied by tabloid free "transport newspapers" (distributed mainly at public transport stops) "20 minutes" (about 100 thousand copies) and "Metropol" (130 thousand copies), as well as advertising and corporate publications "COOP-Zeitung" (almost 1.5 million copies) and "Vir Brückenbauer" (1.3 million copies). There are no informational and analytical sections in these newspapers.
Most of the major Swiss federal newspapers are steadily reducing their official circulation. It should be noted that the circulation of Blick, the largest Swiss tabloid newspaper, has declined. In 2004, its circulation was approximately 275 thousand copies. The informed newspaper Der Bund, which is published in the Bernese agglomeration and in some neighboring cities, currently sells a little more than 60,000 copies a day. The situation on the market of Sunday newspapers looks similar. The circulation of the popular newspaper Sonntagszeitung has fallen by 8.6% over the past three years and currently stands at 202 thousand copies, while the number of copies of the newspaper Sonntagsblick has decreased over the same time to 312 thousand copies.
Only the popular Bernese newspaper Berner Zeitung (its circulation is 163 thousand copies) and the illustrated tabloid magazine Schweitzer Illustrirte, which is in great demand (255.7 thousand copies), were able to maintain their positions, and this against the background of the fact that what's the main information magazine Switzerland "Fakts" reduced its circulation, dropping to the level of 80 thousand copies. These tendencies are connected, first of all, with the continuing decrease in the number of published advertisements and with the growing popularity of the “Internet press”. In July 2007, Facts magazine ceased to exist.
The unfavorable conditions for the development of the media in Switzerland lead not only to a reduction in circulation, but also to the need for "structural reductions". So, in 2003, the Moscow office of the Swiss television company SF-DRS was closed (except for the correspondent of the Tages-Anzeiger newspaper, only a representative of the Swiss "German-language" radio DRS remained in Moscow). The provision of information from Russia will now be carried out following the example of many Swiss newspapers, which engage Moscow correspondents of newspapers from other German-speaking countries, primarily the FRG, to write materials. As for the SF-1 TV channel itself, it will now receive the “Russian picture” with the help of the Austrian ORF TV channel.
TV
The Swiss television market is controlled by the Swiss Society for Broadcasting and Television (SHORT), founded in 1931. Radio and television broadcasts are conducted in German (in fact, almost 80% of "German-language" television is produced in dialects that are very different from the "literary" German language), French and Italian (in the canton of Graubünden - also in Romansh) languages. Being in the form of a joint-stock company, "SHORT", however, like many Swiss joint-stock formations in other sectors of the economy, in fact, is a state structure that receives subsidies from the state.
This kind of subsidy is officially justified by the need to support the “obviously unprofitable system of “four-language” national television broadcasting,” especially given the fact that TV channels from neighboring countries, primarily Germany, as well as France and Italy, are freely received in Switzerland. If in 2000 SHORT earned a profit of 24.5 million Swiss francs on its own. francs, then already in 2002 its losses amounted to 4.4 million Swiss francs. francs. Both the unfavorable economic situation in the country and the lack of advertising, as well as the growth in the number of categories of television signal consumers exempted from the subscription fee, led to this result. In this regard, in 2004 the state was forced to allocate more than 30 million Swiss francs to support SHORT. francs.
The Swiss TV channels "SF-1" and "SF-2" (produced by the state broadcaster "SF-DRS", which is part of "SHORT") devote "prime time" mainly to programs of a sports and socio-political nature, therefore their "entertainment needs" the Swiss viewer satisfies, as a rule, with the help of foreign broadcasters. As for private television broadcasting, unlike private radio broadcasting, it has not yet been able to gain a foothold in Switzerland as a real alternative to state television.
Private TV channels "TV-3" and "Tele-24", which won almost 3% of the Swiss TV audience, failed to reach the level of market self-sufficiency and their work was terminated in 2002. At the beginning of November 2003, another attempt was made to establish private television in Switzerland. The Federal Council (government of the country) issued an appropriate license to the U-1 TV channel. The license is issued for 10 years and gives the right to nationwide broadcasting of "German-language" programs. By the beginning of 2005, the channel had not succeeded in winning any significant niche in the Swiss electronic media market.
The reason why Switzerland is still a very difficult market for private broadcasters is primarily due to the unfavorable legal framework conditions. Another reason is the relatively small percentage of advertisements placed on television in Switzerland. If in Germany almost 45% of all advertising in the country is placed on TV, then in Switzerland this figure is only 18.1% (newspapers account for 43% of all advertising in the Confederation).
Switzerland is officially confederation(which means the union of several independent states), but in fact it is a federal republic, uniting several sovereign cantons under a single authority and with a single federal center.
This discrepancy arose due to the historical name of the country in Latin - Confoederatio Helvetica, corresponding to the state structure before 1848.
In 1848, a new Swiss constitution was announced, according to which several separate cantons united into a strong union state with a single political system. From this moment begins modern history Switzerland as a country with complete order in the political system. The new constitution also laid the foundations federal parliamentary system which are still in effect.
Switzerland cannot be called a real parliamentary or presidential republic, as the country has unique rules in the state structure. Legislative power belongs to the bicameral parliament - the Federal Assembly, which is divided into the National Council and the Council of Cantons, which are completely equal. The National Council consists of 200 deputies elected for 4 years by popular vote. The Council of Cantons consists of 2 representatives from each canton and one from the half-cantons.
Any laws that are passed must be approved by the deputies of both chambers in order to minimize the risk of passing laws that do not meet the interests of the country's inhabitants. In addition, within 10 days after the adoption of any law by the parliament, a national referendum is held, in which at least 50,000 signatures must be collected for approval. This is how the policy of direct democracy is implemented in Switzerland. Amendments to the Constitution are approved only through a nationwide mandatory referendum.
Members of Parliament appoint 7 members of the Federal Council, which is the government with executive power. Each year, one of these 7 representatives is appointed to the presidency, thus the head of state changes every year. The remaining members of the Federal Council head departments or ministries, one of them is also appointed vice president. The composition of the Federal Council is selected in such a way that it includes representatives of all major political parties and geographical regions of the country.
All government bodies are located in the capital of the country, the city of Bern. The Swiss Federal Court, which has the highest judicial authority, is located in Lausanne. Although this body is essentially the state's supreme court, it cannot declare federal laws unconstitutional.
Switzerland consists of 26 cantons and half-cantons, each of which has its own authorities and its own constitution, limited by the main Swiss constitution. Federal authorities decide questions of war, foreign policy, army, conducting the federal budget, railways. Executive power in the cantons belongs to the government council, consisting of several members - from 5 to 11 people, with the president at the head. In smaller cantons, the government operates on a voluntary basis.
shopping
In the minds of a huge number of people, Switzerland is associated with cheese and watches. And, of course, people come here to make sure that the Swiss cheese is the most delicious, and the clock is the most accurate. It is hardly an exaggeration to say that this is so.
A tourist can try Swiss cheeses and dishes based on them in any corner of the country. But many people go to Geneva specifically to buy watches and jewelry. By the way, you can buy original products here on any main street.
The spring months in Switzerland are especially attractive for those who love to shop for designer items. The fact is that it is at this time that many manufacturers make discounts (up to 70%!) On their goods - from clothes to souvenirs. You can buy things from famous designers in Ticino, in the south of the country.
Among the largest shopping centers you can call Shop Ville (Zurich) and Fox Town Faktory (Mendrisio). The latter is the largest shopping complex in Europe.
Great pleasure will give you shopping in Bern. In shopping boulevards up to 6 kilometers long, you can find everything from souvenirs to cakes.
As for the schedule of the shops, you will have to get used to it. First, on Sunday, most institutions do not work. On Saturday, the working day lasts, as a rule, until 16:00. Stores usually close on Wednesdays, especially in rural areas, but on Thursdays they are open longer, until about 21:00. The Swiss are quite strict with lunch: from 12:00 to 14:00, most institutions do not work.
Out of competition - gas stations: open every day from 08:00 to 22:00. True, food and drinks are more expensive here.
Transport
The largest international airports in Switzerland are located in Zurich, Basel and Geneva. They are operated by the Swiss company.
In general, transport links in Switzerland are one of the densest. Trains leave approximately every half an hour. Major cities have a very dense network of buses and trams. Most of the subway lines in Switzerland resemble our tram lines: they run above ground. Only in 2008, the first underground metro was opened in Lausanne.
Intercity transportation is also well established. Even remote settlements regularly want buses. You can get to any place in the city and country quickly, easily and on the transport that you prefer.
Ferries run on the numerous lakes of Switzerland exactly on schedule. There are cable cars in the mountains: not only very convenient, but also exciting!
In general, transport in this country works - pardon the pun - like a Swiss watch.
As for the roads, traveling in your own car can also be a lot of fun. At least because of the landscapes that stretch around. In addition, you can not complain about the quality of coverage and infrastructure. An important role is played by roads that pass through mountain passes.
An important point: to travel by car on some highways, your car must be equipped with a special ticket. It can be bought at the entrance to Switzerland, at customs. It costs around $30. Permissible speed on highways - 120 km/h, up to 80 km/h - outside settlements, up to 50 km/h - in settlements. There are video cameras on all roads that help catch violators, so be careful. By the way, for speeding in Switzerland can judge. You can even pay a fine for exceeding the speed limit by 5 km/h.
Helpful Hint: Don't drive with sunglasses on. The fact is that there are a lot of tunnels on the roads of Switzerland. Entering the tunnel on a sunny day, you will find yourself in total darkness, which is unsafe for you and, possibly, for a vehicle moving towards you.
Connection
Communications in Switzerland, you guessed it, also work smoothly. Moreover, modern public telephones offer very unusual opportunities for many tourists. So, they have a touch screen, through which you can not only make a call, send an email or look through the telephone directory, but also order train tickets.
As for mobile communications, the GSM standard is used here.
Internet access can be found everywhere: in public access areas or in a virtual cafe - for free or for a couple of francs.
Post offices are open on weekdays (Monday-Friday) from 07:30 to 18:30 (lunch - from 12:00 to 13:30). In the lobby of most hotels there are one or two computers connected to the Internet that you can use.
Safety
Tourists intending to spend a vacation in Switzerland with accommodation in rented accommodation or a hotel must tourist visa. To obtain it, you need to submit the following documents: a passport and a copy of its first page, a completed application form with a signature and a photo, an original and a copy of a round-trip ticket, confirmation of prepayment for housing, confirmation of availability Money. In some cases, the Embassy may require other documents.
Switzerland is considered a safe country, and yet experts recommend getting insurance, which can save you from paying impressive amounts for emergency medical care (you never know). And if your property is stolen, insurance will help repair the damage.
In general, the crime rate in Switzerland is very low. However, you should still beware of pickpockets, especially at the height of the season or during exhibitions and conferences. Particular caution is advised at train stations and during night train journeys.
In case of theft, immediately contact the police station for a report. It is better to always have your passport with you if you want to avoid problems with the police. By the way, the representatives of the law here do not differ in angelic character.
The level of road safety in this country is also very high. However, winding mountain roads can pose an increased risk, especially during the summer and winter holidays, when congestion increases.
Business
Switzerland is the richest country in the world. In addition, it is one of the most important financial centers in the world: a huge number of branches of foreign banks operate here. The secret of the reliability of Swiss banks is simple: they are located in a country with a stable economic and legal system, and therefore cannot go bankrupt.
It seems completely logical that a country with such a status annually hosts international conferences and exhibitions, which attract tens, hundreds of thousands of people from different parts of the world. So, the most popular of the exhibitions are: FESPO ZURICH (“Recreation, travel, sports”), SICHERHEIT (“International Safety Fair”), IGEHO (“International exhibition of the supply industry, hotel and restaurant business”), Internationaler Automobil-Salon Genf ( "International Automobile Salon"), Blickfang Basel ("Furniture Design, Jewelry and Fashion Exhibition") and many others. Conferences on political, financial, banking, industrial and cultural issues are regularly held here.
Real estate
Switzerland has long been considered one of the most closed countries for property buyers from abroad. It is impossible to buy real estate here if you do not have a category B residence permit (and this is a permanent visa extension for 10 years). Moreover, the buyer is still obliged to comply with the rules of the "game" of the state: the acquired property cannot be used for commercial purposes. A foreigner is allowed to use housing only for his own needs, and with a restriction on residence time - 6 months a year. You can live permanently in this house only by obtaining a residence permit in this country. There is also an area limitation.
Houses and apartments in Switzerland are very expensive, and the country's real estate market has demonstrated its resilience even during the crisis. Experts even noted a slight increase in prices for a number of objects.
The cost of housing in Switzerland depends on many factors. One of the most important is location. So, a small apartment in Villars, in a residential complex, can be purchased for some 60 thousand euros. Apartments in more expensive resorts can cost from 150 thousand to 800 thousand euros (depending on the area and the view from the window). Those who have more serious means and are looking for solitude in the bosom of nature and a huge personal space, of course, choose luxury villas and chalets. Such housing will cost about 5-8 million euros.
Contrary to popular belief, a trip to Switzerland is no more expensive than a trip to Germany or Italy. It's just that the Swiss understand very well that "good money" equals "good service". In this country, a tourist always gets what he paid for.
If you want to spend as little as possible, then the best option- live in a camp site, cook for yourself, travel short distances and only by bicycle. With such a rest, you can spend about $ 30 per day. You will not spend much more if you eat at fast food restaurants or student canteens at universities: lunches are relatively inexpensive there (7-9 $).
Comfortable conditions within reason - a three-star hotel or inn - "pull" about $ 100 per day. Lunch at a restaurant can significantly lighten your wallet. By the way, tips there (+15%) are included in the bill. The same goes for the cost of taxi services.
A visit to a museum or an acquaintance with some attraction will cost about $ 4. About the same amount you will spend on moving around the city by public transport.
Visa Information
Citizens of the CIS and the Russian Federation to travel to the territory of Switzerland, which is part of the Schengen countries, need a visa. A short-term Schengen visa (category C) can be tourist (when booking a hotel or tour around the country), guest (when visiting relatives or friends), business (if necessary, meetings with business partners) and transit (when traveling in transit to those countries that are not members of the Schengen area).
In addition, the Swiss embassy issues study visas for people who are going to study for more than 90 days, and work visas for people who are employed.
The Swiss Embassy in Moscow is located at: per. Ogorodnaya Sloboda, 2/5. You can also contact the Consulate General in St. Petersburg (Chernyshevsky Ave., 17) or the Visa Department of the Embassy (Moscow, Prechistenskaya Embankment, 31).
Story
The history of Switzerland dates back to the 12th millennium BC. It was then that the territory covered with eternal snows, under the onslaught of global warming, began to free itself from ice. Gradually, the white cover changed into green, and the "revived" earth found its first inhabitants from the human race.
In ancient times, Switzerland was inhabited by the Celtic tribes of the Helvetii, hence its ancient name - Helvetia. Around the 1st century BC, after the campaigns of Julius Caesar, the country was conquered by the Romans and gained worldwide fame. In the 5th century AD, during the era of the Great Migration of Peoples, it was captured by the Alemanni, Burgundians and Ostrogoths; in the VI century - the Franks. In the 11th century, Switzerland became part of the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation.
Initially, the Swiss were not a single nation, while Switzerland itself was a union of communities (cantons) that aspired to self-government. At the beginning of August 1291, the peasants of the forested cantons of Schwyz, Uri and Unterwalden, who lived on the shores of Lake Firwaldstet, entered into an alliance and swore an oath to help each other in the struggle against the rule of the Habsburg dynasty; in a stubborn struggle they defended their independence. The Swiss celebrate this joyful event to this day: August 1 - the National Day of Switzerland - salutes and fireworks illuminate the Swiss sky in memory of the events of more than seven centuries ago.
For two centuries, Swiss troops have been victorious over the feudal armies of dukes, kings and kaisers. Provinces and cities began to join the original union. The united allies sought to expel the Habsburgs, gradually expanding their borders. In 1499, after the victory over Kaiser Maximilian I of Habsburg, Switzerland freed itself from the domination of the empire. In 1513, there were already 13 cantons in the union. Each canton was absolutely sovereign - there was no common army, no common constitution, no capital, no central government. In the 16th century, a severe crisis began in Switzerland. The reason for this was a split in the Christian church. Geneva and Zurich became centers of activity for the Protestant reformers Calvin and Zwingli. In 1529, a religious war broke out in Switzerland. Only a serious danger emanating from outside prevented the complete disintegration of the state. In 1798, the French invaded Switzerland and transformed it into a unitary Helvetic Republic. For fifteen years the country was under their rule. The situation changed only in 1815, when the Swiss introduced their own constitution with equal rights for 22 sovereign cantons. In the same year, the Peace Congress of Vienna recognized the "permanent neutrality" of Switzerland and determined its borders, which are still inviolable. However, the unity of the union of cantons was not reliably ensured by the organization of a sufficiently strong central authority. Only under the constitution of 1948, the fragile union turned into a single state - federal Switzerland.
National features
Switzerland is a highly developed country with intensive agriculture. It is the largest exporter of capital, the financial center of the capitalist world. Swiss banks are the most reliable. Perhaps this is due to the fact that the country has never joined any blocs. It has been and remains a stable country in Europe.
In Switzerland, four languages are spoken and written: German (various local dialects of Swiss German and literary High German are spoken by 65% of the population), French (18%), Italian (mainly one of the Lombard dialects, 12%), and in Romansh (in five different dialects). Having the opportunity to learn all the languages of the country at school, every Swiss, as a rule, understands them, although he is not always able to express himself in all.
The Swiss are very religious: according to the 1980 census, about 50% profess the Protestant faith, 44% - Catholic, 6% adhere to other religions or atheism. Traveling in Switzerland, one cannot fail to notice the world-famous virtue of the Swiss - the love of cleanliness and order. They vacuum the streets! James Joyce once remarked that soup here can be eaten without plates, straight from the pavement. Switzerland is impossible to miss swiss watches, which have become the embodiment of precision, elegance, a kind of world standard. For this small country, watches have become the most prestigious and significant export.
culture
In Eastern Switzerland is the Rhine Falls (average water flow - 1100 cubic meters per second). Near the waterfall is the city of Schaffhausen. This part of the country is replete with colorful flower carpets: alpine rose (rhododendron), edelweiss, saxifrage, breakwort. Most of the plants are perennial herbs and shrubs. Their flowers are relatively large and bright; both the flowers and the plants themselves are often fragrant. Small towns and villages with an unobtrusive charm fit perfectly into such a natural landscape. In Central Switzerland, you can admire Mount Pilatus - a favorite vacation spot for both residents of the country and foreign tourists.
Switzerland is an amazing country. In a small space, both the beauties of nature and the outstanding creations of human hands are concentrated in it. At every step - traces of different civilizations. The ruins in Nyon and Avenches remind of the Romans, in particular the amphitheater for 10,000 visitors. In Basel, Geneva and Lausanne, a variety of Romanesque and Gothic architectural monuments attract attention. The fortress Castello di Montebello (Castello di Montebello) of the Renaissance has been preserved - one of the places of pilgrimage for tourists. The baroque is richly represented, mainly the monasteries of Einsiedeln (Einsiedeln), Engelberg (Engelberg) and the churches of Kreuzlingen (Kreuzlingen) and Arlesheim (Arlesheim).
The architectural appearance of the city of Schaffhausen is dominated by Baroque and Rococo, and the oldest surviving buildings date back to the late Gothic period. Along a stone-paved path you can climb to the ancient fortress of Munot. The center of Eastern Switzerland is the city of St. Gallen, which, according to legend, owed its birth to the Irish monk Gallus. During the construction of the skete, Gallus was helped by a bear; his image can be seen today on the city coat of arms. The famous cathedral in St. Gallen and the monastery library are considered the main monuments of the Baroque style in Switzerland.
The cultural life of the country is diverse and rich. Every big city has its own theater and symphony orchestra. Of the musical theaters, the most famous are the Opera House in Zurich, the Grand Theater in Geneva and the Basel City Theater. Summer in Switzerland is the time of festivals, they take place in Lausanne, Zurich, Montreux and many other cities. In addition to world-famous international music festivals, Lucerne annually hosts a carnival. The holiday always begins on Thursday and lasts until the first Wednesday of Great Lent.
Swiss cuisine
Swiss cuisine enjoys well-deserved recognition among gourmets all over the world, and the Swiss themselves do not shy away from luculla delights at home. So, the favorite pastime of the inhabitants of Zurich is a walk through restaurants and cafes, and if they praise you any of the eateries, you can safely go there. The local cuisine has been strongly influenced by its neighbors, primarily the "older French cousin" and Italian cuisine, as well as a purely Swabian table, but still it has enough of its own delicacies that have become widespread in other countries. A quintessentially Swiss dish, the famous fondue is best enjoyed when it's cold outside and it's raining or snowing. Then sit comfortably in front of the fireplace and, after chopping pieces of bread crumb on a long fork, dip them in melted cheese. It is best to drink this delicacy with white wine or tea.
Another well-known cheese dish that has become widespread is the Vallis raclette. The very name of the dish ("raclette" (fr.) - a coarse grater) gives out the principle of its preparation. The cheese is rubbed on a coarse grater or broken into small pieces, heated and served with potatoes. However, in order to enjoy the taste and aroma of cheese, it is not at all necessary to warm it up. best example- Emmental (more often called Swiss) and Appenzell cheeses, which enjoy well-deserved recognition among gourmets, as well as Greyerz cheese. Exquisite taste and aroma distinguish "Vasheren" - which is prepared only in winter, and "Schabziger" - cheese with herbs from Glernerland.
Among the Ticinese delicacies, first of all, it is necessary to name small soft formagini cheeses, which are cooked from cottage cheese, as well as various varieties of mountain cheese, the most famous of which is Piora. Another famous Swiss delicacy is Zurich schnitzel (veal in cream sauce). Those who like to eat hearty prefer the Bernese appetizer (Berner Platte) - a dish of sauerkraut with beans and fried potatoes. Bern is also considered the birthplace of the famous Rosti - thinly sliced fried potatoes with cracklings.
And now it's time to think about soups, for example, Basel flour broth, barley soup from Bünden or Busekka - Ticinese tripe soup. The National dish sunny southern Switzerland is, of course, polenta, a dish of corn grits with cream and pieces of fruit. To the south of St. Gotthard, risotto is very popular - a rice dish prepared in Milanese (with saffron), mushrooms or peasant style (with vegetables).
The menu of Swiss cuisine also includes fish dishes: rudd, trout, pike and egli (freshwater perch), which are prepared differently everywhere. In late autumn and winter, many restaurants offer game delicacies such as roe deer back. And another delicacy, famous on both sides of the Swiss border, deserves your attention. This is Bunden-style meat, beef jerky, cut into very thin slices. Those who first tasted it in Valais, and not in Graubünden, call this dish “Welsh meat”.
The Alpine Republic is famous for its wines. Widely known are white wines - Dezaley and St.-Saphorin, Fendant and Johannisberg, Twanner. The best varieties red wines - exquisitely thin "Rose der CEil-de-Perdrix", strong "Dole", "Pinot Noir" and "Merlot". But, perhaps, the best Bünden wines are made in the Italian town of Veltalin, which since 1815 has become the Swiss canton of Graubünden. "Sassella", "Grumello", "Inferno" - these are the names of strong ruby-red wines, which owe their luxurious bouquet to the generous southern sun. It remains only to say a few words about all kinds of sweets served for dessert, afternoon tea, and evening coffee. These are fruit pies, and Zug cherry cake, and carrot cake, and Engadine walnut cake, and of course, the famous Swiss chocolate.
Economy
Switzerland is one of the most developed and wealthy countries in the world. Switzerland is a highly developed industrial country with intensive, highly productive agriculture and an almost complete absence of any minerals. According to Western economists, it is among the top ten countries in the world in terms of economic competitiveness. The Swiss economy is closely connected with the outside world, primarily with the EU countries, with thousands of threads of industrial cooperation and foreign trade transactions. OK. 80-85% of Swiss trade is with EU countries. More than 50% of all cargo from the northern part passes through Switzerland in transit Western Europe south and vice versa. After a noticeable increase in 1998-2000. The country's economy has entered a recession. In 2002, GDP grew by 0.5% to CHF 417 billion. fr. Inflation was at around 0.6%. The unemployment rate reached 3.3%. The economy employs approx. 4 million people (57% of the population), of which: in industry - 25.8%, including in mechanical engineering - 2.7%, in the chemical industry - 1.7%, in agriculture and forestry - 4.1% , in the service sector - 70.1%, including in trade - 16.4%, in banking and insurance - 5.5%, in the hotel and restaurant business - 6.0%. The policy of neutrality made it possible to avoid the devastation of two world wars.
Politics
Switzerland is a federal republic. The current constitution was adopted in 1999. The federal authorities are in charge of issues of war and peace, foreign relations, the army, railways, communications, money emission, approval of the federal budget, etc.
The head of the country is the president, who is elected every year on a rotating basis from among the members of the Federal Council.
The highest legislative body is a bicameral parliament - the Federal Assembly, consisting of the National Council and the Council of Cantons (Equal Chambers).
The National Council (200 deputies) is elected by the population for 4 years under the proportional representation system.
The federal structure and the constitution of Switzerland were enshrined in the constitutions of 1848, 1874 and 1999.
Now Switzerland is a federation of 26 cantons (20 cantons and 6 half-cantons). Until 1848 (except for a short period of the Helvetic Republic) Switzerland was a confederation). Each canton has its own constitution, laws, but their rights are limited by the federal constitution. Legislative power belongs to Parliament, and executive power belongs to the Federal Council (government).
There are 46 deputies in the Council of Cantons, who are elected by the population according to the majority system of relative majority in 20 two-mandate constituencies and 6 single-member constituencies, that is, 2 people each. from each canton and one from the half-canton for 4 years (in some cantons - for 3 years).
All laws adopted by Parliament can be approved or rejected in a popular (optional) referendum. To do this, after the adoption of the law, 50 thousand signatures must be collected within 100 days.
The right to vote is granted to all citizens who have reached the age of 18.
The highest executive power belongs to the government - the Federal Council, consisting of 7 members, each of which heads one of the departments (ministries). Members of the Federal Council are elected at a joint meeting of both houses of parliament. All members of the Federal Council alternately serve as president and vice president.
The foundations of the Swiss state were laid in 1291. Until the end of the 18th century, there were no central state bodies in the country, but all-union councils - tagsatzung - were periodically convened.
