Switzerland

Switzerland is a landlocked country in Central Europe. It is bordered by Italy to the south, France to the west, Germany to the north, and Austria and Liechtenstein to the east. Switzerland has a long history of neutrality—it has not been involved in a foreign war since 1815—and today is home to many international organizations, including the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross. The Swiss Alps—which cover 65% of the country—are among the most beautiful and popular tourist destinations in the world. The Swiss Alps are home to some of the tallest mountains in Europe, including the Matterhorn, which is 4,478 meters (14,692 feet) high. The Swiss Alps are also home to many glaciers, including the Aletsch Glacier, which is the largest glacier in the Alps. Switzerland is a federal republic with 26 cantons, or states. The Swiss Constitution of 1848 established a federal system of government, and the Swiss Confederation, which is the Swiss federal government, is made up of representatives from each canton. Switzerland is known for its high quality of life. It consistently ranks high on lists of the world’s happiest countries. In 2019, it was ranked the world’s fourth-most happy country by the United Nations. Switzerland is also known for its banking and finance sector. Swiss banks are some of the oldest and most trusted in the world, and the Swiss franc is one of the world’s most stable currencies. The Swiss economy is diversified, and exports of Swiss goods—including watches, chocolate, and pharmaceuticals—are important to the country’s economy. Tourism is also a significant contributor to the Swiss economy, with nearly 18 million tourists visiting Switzerland each year.