Swiss Confederation · Western Europe
View on the interactive map →| Capital | Bern |
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| Population | 8.5 million |
| Area | 41,284 km² (15,940 mi²) |
| Official language(s) | French, Swiss German, Italian, Romansh |
| Currency | Swiss franc (Fr.) |
| Region | Europe |
| Subregion | Western Europe |
| Continent | Europe |
| Demonym | Swiss |
| Calling code | +41 |
| Time zone | Europe/Zurich |
| Government type | Federal semi-direct democracy (directorial republic) |
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| Major political parties | SVP, SP, FDP, The Centre, Greens |
| National motto | Unus pro omnibus, omnes pro uno (One for all, all for one) |
| Major religions | Christianity (Catholic & Protestant), Unaffiliated (rising), Islam |
| Important cities | Zurich, Geneva, Basel, Bern, Lausanne |
Independence / founding: Old Swiss Confederacy 1291; modern federal state 1848
Founded by an alliance of alpine cantons in 1291, Switzerland grew into a confederation and adopted its modern federal constitution in 1848. Famous for armed neutrality, direct democracy and multilingualism, it hosts many international organisations and remains outside the EU.
| National animal / bird | Alpine cow (cultural); St. Bernard dog |
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| National dish | Fondue, raclette, chocolate |
| Music | Alphorn and yodeling; folk |
| National sport | Skiing; Swiss wrestling (Schwingen) |