Interesting facts about Switzerland Bashny.Net

The country has a classical Federal structure, however, has the official name "Swiss Confederation". It has remained ever since the XIII – XIX centuries, when Switzerland was indeed a Confederation.

Administrative unit of the country is the Canton, each of which is divided into communes. In total there are 26 cantons.

The history of Switzerland originates after the unification of the 4 cantons, one of which (Schwyz) gave name to the whole country — interesting fact.





Starting in 1499 Switzerland is a free and independent country (with the exception of 17-year-old French occupation of 1798).

An incredible fact about Switzerland: after serving in the army, every soldier can leave his service weapon!

The state program on fight against drug addiction involves regular results doses, meal and place to sleep. According to experts, it is more effective and cheaper than to solve the problems that arise as a result of crimes of such persons.

Interesting fact: in Switzerland, instead of the numbering of the houses are numbered in the doorways and on the flats just sign the names of residents.

In a military bunker opened a special Spartan hotel "0 stars". There are no basic facilities, and there is only a place to sleep.



Located in Geneva, the European headquarters of the United Nations, and dozens of other intergovernmental and international organizations.

In Switzerland there are 4 official languages: German (64%, many dialects), French (20.4%), Italian (6.5%) and Romansh (<1%), is an interesting fact.

In order not to use 4 languages on official documents, the authorities decided to use the abbreviation "SN" which stands for "Confoederatio Helvetica" is the Latin spelling of "Swiss Confederation".

Switzerland have traditionally respected the political and military neutrality, but in 2002 joined the UN in 2005 to the Schengen agreement.

Interesting fact: the Swiss city regularly take the first places in the ranking of the best places to live. Zurich, for example, regularly ranks first or second in the world rankings. Geneva and Bern in 2010, took second and eighth place respectively. And the Switzerland in 2005 took the second place in the ranking of the best countries to live of the 111 participating countries.



As of 2012, Switzerland ranked second in the world in life expectancy — 82.1 years! In men, the average is 80.0 years and females 84.2. Note that the world's leaders in life expectancy include Japan with an average of 82.6 years, is an interesting fact.

Amazing fact Switzerland: Zurich has over 1200 fountains with crystal clear water.

The highest point in the country is the Dufour peak. Its height is more than 4,634 m above sea level.

Interesting fact: Switzerland has very strict rules for obtaining citizenship. In order to become a full and equal citizen need to live here for 12 years.

More than 60% of all electricity in Switzerland produce hydroelectric power.

The Swiss have a long tradition of watchmaking. Starting in 1755 in Geneva, introduced the world's first manufacturers of watches that are now the recognized leaders of production of branded models is an interesting fact.



Swiss Patek Philippe invented the wristwatch in 1868.

To ride a Bicycle on any public road, you need to buy insurance.

On average, annual inflation is only 1%!

Interesting fact: in Switzerland children are sent to school since 4 years. Children learn only 4 days a week, since Wednesday is also a day off.

Throughout the country after 21:00 alcoholic drinks are not sold.



Switzerland has mandatory service string 260 days for all male citizens. However, service in the armed forces can "get" to pay the state 3% of salary, until You're 30 years old, is an interesting fact.

The official currency is not the Euro, and Swiss franc (1 franc ~ 0.8 USD).

Switzerland has one of the lowest crime rates in the world. Per 100,000 population was just 0.5 of murders from firearms.
Foreigners account for about 23% of the population.

Interesting fact: the number of older people in Switzerland is growing: in 2012 it was estimated that 17% of the population older than 65 years.

People get married quite late: on average, men at 31.8 years and women at 29.5 years. The divorce rate is around 43 %.

The average birth rate is about 1.5 children per woman.



Women had no right to vote at Federal level until 1971, is an interesting fact.

In 2013, 86% of the adult population aged 25 to 64 have graduated from high school.

In 2012 every Swiss drank of 56.5 litres of beer and 36 litres of wine.

Interesting fact: more than 87 % of the population profess Christianity (42% Roman Catholic, 35% Protestant ).

Just 18 Swiss chocolate companies in 2012, made 172 thousand tons of chocolate!