Switzerland country profile
22 May 2018
A landlocked, mountainous country, Switzerland's geographical
position in central Europe and studied neutrality have given it
the access and political stability to become one of the world's
wealthiest countries.
Switzerland has for centuries been a neutral state, which means that
it cannot take part in armed conflict unless it is attacked. Its forces
can only be used for self-defence and internal security.
It joined the United Nations only in 2002. Surrounded by the
European Union, it has vacillated between seeking closer
engagement with its powerful neighbour and other international
organisations, and preferring a more isolationist course.
The people are given a direct say in their own affairs under
Switzerland's system of direct democracy, which has no parallel in
any other country. They are invited to the polls several times a year
to vote in national or regional referendums and people's initiatives.
FACTS
Swiss Confederation
Capital: Bern
Population 8.3 million
Area 41,284 sq km (15,940 sq miles)
Major languages German, French, Italian, Romansch
Major religion Christianity
Life expectancy 81 years (men), 85 years (women) Currency
Swiss Franc
LEADERS
Federal President (rotating): Alain Berset
Switzerland is unusual in having a collective head of state, the
seven-member Federal Council, which doubles up as the country's
cabinet.
The council was set up by the constitution of 1848, which is still in
force today. Members are elected for four-year terms by a joint
session of both houses of parliament, although in practice changes
in membership are rare, making the Federal Council one of the
world's most stable governments.
The election of a new female minister to the Federal Council in
September 2010 gave the cabinet a majority of women for the first
time in the country's history.
Each year, by tradition, a different member of the council fills the
largely ceremonial post of federal president on a rotating basis. The
office does not confer the status of head of state, which is held jointly
by all the councillors.
Alain Berset - the president for 2018 - was the country's vicepresident
for 2017 and has led the Federal Department of Home
Affairs since 2012. He is a member of the Social Democratic Party
(PS).
MEDIA
Broadcasting is dominated by the public Swiss Broadcasting
Corporation (SRG/SSR). Most of its funding comes from licence fee
revenues; a smaller proportion comes from TV advertising.
About 87% of the population was online by the end of 2015.