Switzerland, officially known as the Swiss Confederation, is a country surrounded by land and located where Central, Western, and Southern Europe meet. It is bordered by Germany to the north, France to the west, Austria and Liechtenstein to the east, and Italy to the south. The country is divided into three main areas: the Swiss Alps, the Swiss Plateau, and the Jura Mountains. The Alps cover most of Switzerland’s land, while most of its 9 million people live on the Swiss Plateau, which includes major cities and economic centers such as Zurich, Geneva, Basel, Bern, Lausanne, Winterthur, and Lucerne.
Switzerland is a federal republic made up of 26 cantons, with Bern as the federal city and the location of the national government. The country has four main linguistic and cultural regions: German, French, Italian, and Romansh. Despite these differences, Swiss people share a strong sense of national identity based on a shared history, values like federalism and direct democracy, and symbols tied to the Alps. Swiss unity is not based on language, ethnicity, or religion but on shared choices, leading to the term "Willensnation" ("nation of volition").
Switzerland’s history began with the Old Swiss Confederacy, formed in the Late Middle Ages as a defensive and trade alliance. The Federal Charter of 1291 is considered its founding document. Over time, the confederation grew stronger despite challenges like wars and internal conflicts. Switzerland’s independence from the Holy Roman Empire was officially recognized in 1648. It was one of the few republics to survive the Napoleonic Wars and remained a collection of self-governing states until 1798, when France invaded and created the centralist Helvetic Republic. Napoleon ended this republic in 1803 and restored the confederation. After the Napoleonic Wars, Switzerland returned to its earlier system but faced political divisions by 1830. A new constitution in 1848 created the modern federal system and protected rights such as individual freedoms, the separation of powers, and a two-chamber legislature.
Switzerland has followed a policy of armed neutrality since the 16th century and has not fought in an international war since 1815. It joined the Council of Europe in 1964 and the United Nations (UN) in 2002, taking an active role in global peace efforts and international organizations. Switzerland is the birthplace of the Red Cross and hosts the headquarters of major global institutions, including the WTO, WHO, ILO, FIFA, WEF, and UN. It is a founding member of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and participates in the European single market and Schengen Area. Switzerland is one of the world’s most developed countries, with the highest average wealth per adult and the eighth-highest gross domestic product (GDP) per person. It ranks highly in areas like economic competitiveness, democratic governance, and press freedom. Cities like Zurich, Geneva, and Basel are known for high quality of life, though they also have high living costs. Switzerland has a strong banking and financial sector, advanced pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, and a long tradition of watchmaking, engineering, and technology. It is famous for its chocolate and cheese, a well-developed tourism industry, and a growing startup community.
Etymology
The English name Switzerland combines the word "Switzer," which was a term used for a Swiss person from the 16th to 19th centuries, with the common English ending "-land," which means a region or country. The English word "Swiss" was borrowed from the French word "Suisse," which has been used since the 16th century. The word "Switzer" comes from the Alemannic German "Schwiizer," originally meaning someone from Schwyz and its surrounding area, one of the Waldstätte cantons that formed the core of the Old Swiss Confederacy. After the Swabian War of 1499, the Swiss began using the name "Switzer" along with the term "Confederates" (Eidgenossen), which had been used since the 14th century. The ISO 3166-1 codes for Switzerland, CH and CHE, come from the Latin phrase "Confoederatio Helvetica," meaning "Helvetic Confederation."
The name "Schwyz" was first recorded in 972 as "Suittes" in Old High German, possibly linked to the word "swedan," meaning "to burn," referring to the area where forests were burned and cleared for building. Over time, the name was applied to the area controlled by the canton of Schwyz and, after the Swabian War of 1499, came to represent the entire Confederation. In Swiss German, the country is called "Schwiiz," which sounds the same as the canton and town but is distinguished by the use of the definite article (d'Schwiiz for the Confederation, and Schwyz for the canton and town). In Swiss German, the long "i" sound is often written as "y" instead of "ii," helping to keep the two names separate in writing.
The Latin name "Confoederatio Helvetica" was created and gradually used after Switzerland became a federal state in 1848, inspired by the Napoleonic Helvetic Republic. It appeared on coins in 1879, was carved on the Federal Palace in 1902, and later used in official symbols, such as the Swiss franc (CHF), postage stamps ("HELVETIA"), and the country's internet domain (.ch). The name "Helvetica" comes from the Helvetii, a Gaulish tribe that lived on the Swiss Plateau before the Roman era. This name was also used for a typeface created in 1960.
The term "Helvetia" was first used as a symbol for the Swiss Confederacy in a play written by Johann Caspar Weissenbach in 1672.
History
The modern form of Switzerland began in 1848 with the adoption of the Swiss Federal Constitution. Before this, in 1291, earlier groups formed a defensive alliance, creating a loose group of states that lasted for many centuries.
The oldest signs of human ancestors in Switzerland are about 150,000 years old. The oldest known farming settlements, found at Gächlingen, date back to around 5300 BC.
The earliest known tribes formed the Hallstatt and La Tène cultures, named after the archaeological site of La Tène on the north side of Lake Neuchâtel. The La Tène culture developed during the late Iron Age, around 450 BC, and may have been influenced by Greek and Etruscan civilizations. One of the most well-known La Tène tribes was the Helvetii, who lived mainly on the Swiss Plateau, alongside the Rhaetians in the east. Because of pressure from Germanic tribes, the Helvetii, influenced by a wealthy leader named Orgetorix, decided to leave the Swiss Plateau in 58 BC to find better opportunities in western Gallia. After Orgetorix’s mysterious death, the tribe continued their journey but was defeated by Julius Caesar’s armies at the Battle of Bibracte, now in eastern France. Following their loss, the Helvetii were forced to return to their original lands, where they faced strict limits on their freedom and movement. In 15 BC, Tiberius (later the second Roman emperor) and his brother Drusus conquered the Alps, adding them to the Roman Empire. The area once occupied by the Helvetii first became part of Rome’s Gallia Belgica province and later of its Germania Superior province. The eastern part of modern Switzerland was included in the Roman province of Raetia. Around the start of the Common Era, the Romans built a large camp called Vindonissa, now a ruin at the meeting point of the Aare and Reuss rivers near the town of Windisch.
The first and second centuries AD were times of growth on the Swiss Plateau. Towns such as Aventicum, Iulia Equestris, and Augusta Raurica grew large, and hundreds of agricultural estates (Villae rusticae) were built in the countryside.
Around 260 AD, the fall of the Agri Decumates territory north of the Rhine made today’s Switzerland a border region of the Roman Empire. Repeated attacks by the Alamanni tribes led to the destruction of Roman towns and the economy, forcing people to seek shelter near Roman fortresses, like the Castrum Rauracense near Augusta Raurica. The Empire built another line of defense along the northern border (called the Donau-Iller-Rhine-Limes). By the end of the fourth century, increased pressure from Germanic tribes caused the Romans to abandon their linear defense strategy. The Swiss Plateau then became open to Germanic tribes.
In the Early Middle Ages, from the end of the fourth century, the western part of modern-day Switzerland was part of the Burgundian kings’ territory, which introduced the French language to the area. The Alemanni settled the Swiss Plateau in the fifth century and the Alpine valleys in the eighth century, forming Alemannia. Modern-day Switzerland was then divided between the kingdoms of Alemannia and Burgundy. The entire region became part of the growing Frankish Empire in the sixth century after Clovis I defeated the Alemanni at Tolbiac in 504 AD and later Frankish control over the Burgundians.
Throughout the sixth, seventh, and eighth centuries, Swiss regions remained under Frankish rule (under the Merovingian and Carolingian dynasties). After Charlemagne expanded the empire, the Frankish Empire was divided by the Treaty of Verdun in 843. The areas of present-day Switzerland became part of Middle Francia and East Francia until they were reunited under the Holy Roman Empire around 1000 AD.
In the 10th century, as Carolingian rule weakened, the Magyars destroyed Basel in 917 and St. Gallen in 926. In response, Henry the Fowler, ruler of East Francia, ordered the fortification of key settlements to protect against these attacks. Large villages and towns, including strategic places like Zurich and St. Gallen, were built with strong defenses. This led to the creation of early urban strongholds and city governments in eastern Switzerland.
By 1200, the Swiss Plateau was ruled by the houses of Savoy, Zähringer, Habsburg, and Kyburg. Some regions (Uri, Schwyz, Unterwalden, later called Waldstätten) were given Imperial immediacy, allowing the empire to directly control mountain passes. After the Kyburg dynasty’s male line died out in 1263, the Habsburgs under King Rudolph I (Holy Roman Emperor in 1273) claimed the Kyburg lands and expanded their territory to the eastern Swiss Plateau.
The Old Swiss Confederacy was an alliance among the valley communities of the central Alps. The Confederacy was led by nobles and patricians from various cantons who managed shared interests and kept peace on mountain trade routes. The Federal Charter of 1291 is considered the founding document of the Confederacy, even though similar alliances likely existed earlier. The document was signed by the rural communes of Uri, Schwyz, and Unterwalden.
By 1353, the three original cantons had joined with Glarus, Zug, and the city-states of Lucerne, Zurich, and Bern to form the
Geography
Switzerland is located across the north and south sides of the Alps in west-central Europe. It covers 41,291 square kilometres (15,943 sq mi) and has a variety of landscapes and climates.
Switzerland lies between latitudes 45° and 48° N and longitudes 5° and 11° E. It has three main land areas: the Swiss Alps to the south, the Swiss Plateau (or Central Plateau), and the Jura Mountains to the west. The Alps are a mountain range that runs across the central and southern parts of the country and cover about 60% of Switzerland’s area. Most people live on the Swiss Plateau. The Alps have many glaciers, covering 1,063 square kilometres (410 sq mi). These glaciers are the source of major rivers, such as the Rhine, Inn, Ticino, and Rhône, which flow in all directions across Europe.
Switzerland has many lakes and rivers, including Lake Geneva, Lake Constance, and Lake Maggiore. These are some of the largest freshwater bodies in Central and Western Europe. Lake Geneva is the largest and is shared with France. The Rhône River flows into and out of Lake Geneva. Lake Constance is the second largest and is near the border with Austria and Germany. The Rhône flows into the Mediterranean Sea, while the Rhine flows into the North Sea, about 1,000 km (620 miles) apart. However, the sources of these rivers are only about 22 km (14 miles) apart in the Swiss Alps.
About 90% of Switzerland’s rivers and streams have been straightened, dammed, or redirected to prevent natural disasters like flooding and landslides. Most of the country’s drinking water comes from groundwater sources.
Forty-eight mountains in Switzerland are 4,000 metres (13,000 ft) or higher. Monte Rosa is the tallest, at 4,634 m (15,203 ft), while the Matterhorn, at 4,478 m (14,692 ft), is the most famous. Both are in the Pennine Alps in the Valais canton, near the Italian border. The Bernese Alps have famous peaks like Jungfrau, Eiger, and Mönch, as well as the Lauterbrunnen valley, which has 72 waterfalls. The Engadin Valley in the southeast, including St. Moritz, is also well known. The highest peak in the Bernina Alps is Piz Bernina, at 4,049 m (13,284 ft).
The Swiss Plateau has open and hilly areas with forests, pastures, and farmland. It is home to large lakes and major cities.
Switzerland includes two small areas that belong to other countries: Büsingen (Germany) and Campione d'Italia (Italy). Switzerland has no areas that belong entirely to other countries.
Switzerland has a temperate climate, but it varies greatly. Mountain tops have glacial conditions, while the southern tip has near-Mediterranean weather. Some valleys in the south have cold-hardy palm trees. Summers are warm and humid, with rain that helps pastures. Winters in the mountains can have long periods of clear weather, but lower areas may experience fog.
A weather pattern called the föhn (similar to the chinook wind) can occur when warm, dry air moves north of the Alps during rain on the southern side. This happens more often when wind comes from the south. Valleys running north to south experience the strongest effects. Inner alpine valleys, like Graubünden, are drier because clouds lose moisture over the mountains. In the Valais region, wine grapes are grown due to the drier climate.
The wettest areas are in the high Alps and the Ticino canton, which has sunny weather but occasional heavy rain. Rainfall is spread throughout the year, with more in summer. Autumn is the driest season, and winter has less rain than summer. Weather patterns are not always the same each year.
Global warming has changed Switzerland’s climate. Heat waves and heavy rain are happening more often. Since 1871–1900, the average temperature has risen by 2.9°C, more than twice the global average. In 2022, the average temperature was 7.4°C, the highest since records began in 1864. The nine warmest years in Switzerland were all after 2010, with 2022 being the hottest.
Switzerland has two main land ecosystems: Western European broadleaf forests and Alps conifer and mixed forests.
Switzerland’s many small valleys, separated by mountains, have unique plant life. The Alps have a fragile ecosystem that is sensitive to climate change. In 2014, Switzerland ranked first among 132 countries for environmental protection due to its focus on renewable energy, low greenhouse gas emissions, and strong public health. In 2020, it ranked third out of 180 countries. Switzerland aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 and reach zero emissions by 2050.
However, Switzerland has less natural resources than the world average. In 2016, each person had only 1.0 hectares of biocapacity (land and water that can support life), 40% less than the global average of 1.6. Swiss people use 4.6 hectares of biocapacity, which is more than the country can provide. This extra use comes from other countries and shared resources like the atmosphere. In 2019, Switzerland had a low Forest Landscape Integrity Index score of 3.53/10, ranking it 150th out of 172 countries.
In 2024, Switzerland ranked 9th in the Environmental Performance Index. It scored well in areas like air quality, water, waste management, and climate action.
About 85% of Switzerland’s people live in cities. From 1930 to 2000, Switzerland changed from a rural to an urban country. After 1935, urban growth covered as much land as it did in the previous 2,000 years. Urban areas are expanding in the plateau, Jura Mountains, and Alpine foothills, causing concerns about land use. In the 21st century, cities are growing faster than rural areas.
Switzerland has a network of large, medium, and small towns. The plateau is densely populated,
Government and politics
According to International IDEA's Global State of Democracy (GSoD) Indices and Democracy Tracker, Switzerland has strong scores in overall democratic measures but has some challenges with people voting in elections.
The Federal Constitution, created in 1848, is the main law of Switzerland. It has been updated twice, in 1874 and 1999. This law outlines the rights of individuals, how citizens can participate in government, and how power is shared between the national government and the cantons. It also defines the roles of the federal government. Three main groups lead the federal government: the Federal Assembly (the lawmaking body), the Federal Council (the executive branch), and the federal courts (the judicial branch).
The Federal Assembly is Switzerland's parliament. It has two parts: the Council of States, which has 46 members (two from each canton and one from each half-canton), and the National Council, which has 200 members chosen based on the population of each canton. Members of both groups serve four-year terms and work part-time. When both groups meet together, they are called the Federal Assembly. Citizens can challenge any law passed by the parliament through optional referendums.
The Federal Council is the executive branch of the Swiss government. It leads the federal administration and acts as the collective head of state. It is a group of seven members, elected by the Federal Assembly for four-year terms. Each member leads a department of the federal government. Every year, one member is chosen as President of the Confederation by the Assembly. The president chairs and represents the government but does not have extra powers and continues to lead their department.
Since 1959, the federal government has been a coalition of the four major political parties. Each party has a number of seats in the Federal Council that roughly match its share of the electorate and representation in the federal parliament. This system is called the "magic formula." Since 2003, the seven seats in the Federal Council have been divided among the parties as follows:
The Federal Supreme Court is responsible for hearing appeals against decisions made by cantonal or federal courts. Judges are elected by the Federal Assembly for six-year terms.
Direct democracy and federalism are important features of the Swiss political system, as defined in the Swiss Constitution. The Swiss people are subject to three levels of legal authority: municipal, cantonal, and federal. At the federal level, citizens have the right to propose new laws (federal initiatives) and vote on laws (referendums), both of which can overturn decisions made by the parliament.
There are three types of federal referendums in Switzerland:
The Federal Council and the Federal Assembly can respond to a popular initiative with a counterproposal. Voters must then choose between the two proposals if both are accepted.
The Swiss Confederation consists of 26 cantons. These are federated states with permanent constitutional status and a high level of independence compared to subnational divisions in most countries. Under the Federal Constitution, all 26 cantons are equal in status, except for six (called half-cantons), which have one representative in the Council of States instead of two and have half a vote in referendums about constitutional changes. Each canton has its own constitution, parliament, government, police, and courts. However, the cantons vary greatly in population and size. Their populations range from 16,003 (Appenzell Innerrhoden) to 1,487,969 (Zurich), and their areas range from 37 km² (14 sq mi) (Basel-Stadt) to 7,105 km² (2,743 sq mi) (Grisons).
As of 2026, the cantons include 2,110 municipalities.
Before 1848, the Confederation did not have a central government. Important decisions were made during meetings in different locations. In 1848, the Federal Constitution stated that the Federal Assembly would decide where federal institutions should be located. On November 28, 1848, the Federal Assembly voted to place the government in Bern. As a compromise, other federal institutions, such as the Federal Polytechnical School (later ETH) in Zurich and the Federal Insurance Court in Lucerne, were placed in other cities. Over time, other institutions were assigned to Lausanne, Bellinzona, and St. Gallen.
The 1999 Constitution does not mention a "Federal City," and the Federal Council has not addressed this issue. Therefore, no city in Switzerland has an official title of capital or Federal City. However, Bern is often called the "Federal City" in German, French, and Italian. Zurich, the largest city, is used as the time zone reference on computer systems.
Traditionally, Switzerland avoids joining alliances that might involve military, political, or economic actions. It has been neutral since the end of its expansion in 1515. This neutrality was recognized internationally at the Congress of Vienna in 1815. Switzerland's neutrality has sometimes been questioned. In 2002, Switzerland became a full member of the United Nations, the first country to do so through a referendum. Switzerland maintains diplomatic relations with most countries and has historically acted as a mediator between other states. Switzerland is not a member of the European Union, as the Swiss people have consistently rejected membership since the early 1990s. However, Switzerland participates in the Schengen Area.
Many international organizations have their headquarters in Switzerland because of its neutrality. Geneva is the birthplace of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, the Geneva Conventions, and the United Nations Human Rights Council, which it hosts since 2006. Although Switzerland joined the United Nations later than many countries, the Palace of Nations in Geneva is the second-largest UN center after New York. Switzerland was a founding member of the League of Nations and hosted it.
In addition to the United Nations, Switzerland hosts many UN agencies, including the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Labour Organization (ILO), the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and about 200 other international organizations, such as the World Trade Organization and the World Intellectual Property Organization. The annual meetings of the World Economic Forum in Davos bring together leaders from around the world to discuss important issues. The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) moved its
Economy
Switzerland has a strong, wealthy, and advanced economy. It is often ranked as one of the world's richest countries based on income per person. For example, in 2024, the CIA World Factbook listed Switzerland as having the 10th highest GDP per capita (adjusted for purchasing power) globally. The country is also ranked among the least corrupt in the world, although its banking sector was described in 2018 as "one of the most corrupt in the world." Switzerland has the 20th largest economy by nominal GDP and the 38th largest by purchasing power parity. As of 2021, it is the 13th largest exporter globally and the 5th largest exporter per person. Zurich and Geneva are considered global cities, ranked as Alpha and Beta, respectively. Basel is the center of Switzerland's pharmaceutical industry, home to companies like Novartis, Roche, and others. It is a major hub for life sciences research.
In 2023, Switzerland had the second-highest score in the Index of Economic Freedom, while also providing strong public services. On a per-person basis, its nominal GDP is higher than that of larger Western and Central European countries and Japan. Adjusted for purchasing power, Switzerland ranked 11th in 2017, 5th in 2018, and 9th in 2020. The European Union called Switzerland Europe's most innovative country. Switzerland was ranked the most innovative country in the Global Innovation Index in 2025, as it was in 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, and 2019. It ranked 20th out of 189 countries in the Ease of Doing Business Index. Slow economic growth in the 1990s and early 2000s led to support for economic reforms and closer ties with the European Union. In 2020, IMD ranked Switzerland first in attracting skilled workers.
For much of the 20th century, Switzerland had the highest per-person GDP in Europe. It holds one of the world's largest account balances as a percentage of GDP. In 2018, the canton of Basel-City had the highest GDP per capita, followed by Zug and Geneva. According to Credit Suisse, only about 37% of residents own their homes, one of the lowest rates in Europe. In 2007, housing and food prices in Switzerland were 171% and 145% of the EU-25 index, compared to 113% and 104% in Germany.
Switzerland is home to many large multinational companies. The largest by revenue include Glencore, Gunvor, Nestlé, Mediterranean Shipping Company, Novartis, Hoffmann-La Roche, ABB, Mercuria Energy Group, and Adecco. Other notable companies are UBS, Zurich Insurance, Richemont, Credit Suisse, Barry Callebaut, Swiss Re, Rolex, Tetra Pak, Swatch Group, and Swiss International Air Lines.
Switzerland's most important economic sector is manufacturing. Products include specialty chemicals, health and pharmaceutical goods, scientific and precision measuring instruments, and musical instruments. The largest exports are chemicals (34% of total exports), machines and electronics (20.9%), and precision instruments and watches (16.9%). The service sector, including banking, insurance, commodities trading, tourism, and international organizations, is also a major industry. Exported services make up about one-third of total exports.
Agricultural protectionism, an exception to Switzerland's free trade policies, contributes to high food prices. Product market liberalization in Switzerland lags behind many EU countries, according to the OECD. Except for agriculture, trade barriers between Switzerland and the EU are minimal. Switzerland has free trade agreements with many countries and is a member of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).
Switzerland is known as the "land of Cooperatives." In 2018, the ten largest cooperative companies accounted for more than 11% of GDP. These include Migros and Coop, the two largest retail companies in the country.
Switzerland is a tax haven. The private sector dominates the economy, with low tax rates. Tax revenue as a percentage of GDP is among the lowest in developed countries. The Swiss Federal budget was 62.8 billion Swiss francs in 2010, or 11.35% of GDP. However, canton and municipal budgets are not included in the federal budget. Total government spending is closer to 33.8% of GDP. The main sources of federal income are value-added tax (33% of tax revenue) and direct federal tax (29%). Major spending areas include social welfare and finance/taxes. Federal expenditures grew from 7% of GDP in 1960 to 10.7% in 2010. Spending on social welfare and finance/taxes increased from 35% in 1990 to 48.2% in 2010, while spending on agriculture and national defense decreased from 26.5% to 12.4% (estimated for 2015).
Slightly more than 5 million people work in Switzerland. In 2004, about 25% of employees belonged to a trade union. Switzerland has a flexible labor market, and unemployment rates are consistently low. The unemployment rate rose from 1.7% in June 2000 to 4.4% in December 2009, then fell to 3.2% in 2014 and remained steady for several years. It dropped further to 2.5% in 2018 and 2.3% in 2019, reaching a 20-year low of 2% in 2023. Population growth from net immigration was 0.52% in 2004, increased in later years, and fell to 0.54% in 2017. In 2015, 28.9% of the population were foreign citizens, similar to the rate in Australia.
In 2022, the median monthly gross income in Switzerland was 6,788 Swiss francs (about $7,467). After paying rent, taxes, pensions, and other expenses
Demographics
The Swiss population was about 9 million as of June 2024. Like other developed countries, Switzerland had rapid population growth during the industrial era, with the number of people increasing four times between 1800 and 1990. Population growth is expected to continue until 2035, mainly because of immigration. Like much of Europe, Switzerland has an aging population, with a fertility rate close to the level needed to replace the population. Switzerland has one of the world’s oldest populations, with an average age of 44.5 years.
According to the World Factbook, as of 2020, the largest ethnic group in the country was Swiss (69.2%), which includes several language groups. Other groups included German (4.2%), Italian (3.2%), Portuguese (2.5%), French (2.1%), Kosovan (1.1%), Turkish (1%), and others (16.7%). The Council of Europe estimated that about 30,000 Romani people live in Switzerland.
In 2023, foreigners living in Switzerland made up 26.3% of the population. Most of these (83%) came from European countries. Italy had the largest group of foreigners, making up 14.7% of all foreign residents, followed closely by Germany (14.0%), Portugal (11.7%), France (6.6%), Kosovo (5.1%), Spain (3.9%), Turkey (3.1%), North Macedonia (3.1%), Serbia (2.8%), Austria (2.0%), the United Kingdom (1.9%), Bosnia and Herzegovina (1.3%), and Croatia (1.3%). Immigrants from Sri Lanka (1.3%), mostly former Tamil refugees, were the largest group of Asian origin (7.9%).
In 2021, 39.5% of the permanent resident population aged 15 or older (about 2.89 million people) had an immigrant background, compared to 34.7% in 2012. Of those with an immigrant background, 38% (about 1.1 million people) held Swiss citizenship.
In the 2000s, organizations and institutions raised concerns about what they saw as an increase in xenophobia. In response to one report, the Federal Council said, “Racism unfortunately is present in Switzerland,” but noted that the large number of foreign citizens and the successful integration of foreigners showed Switzerland’s openness. A study in 2018 found that 59% of people believed racism was a serious problem in Switzerland. The percentage of people who said they had been targeted by racial discrimination increased from 10% in 2014 to nearly 17% in 2018, according to the Federal Statistical Office.
Switzerland has four national languages: German (spoken natively by 62% of the population in 2026), French (22.7%, spoken natively in the west), and Italian (8.2%, spoken natively in the south). The fourth national language, Romansh (0.5%), is a Romance language spoken in the southeastern canton of Grisons. Article 4 of the Federal Constitution lists Romansh as a national language along with German, French, and Italian. Article 70 states that Romansh is an official language when authorities communicate with people who speak it. However, federal laws and other official documents do not need to be written in Romansh.
In 2016, the most common languages spoken at home by permanent residents aged 15 or older were Swiss German (59.4%), French (23.5%), Standard German (10.6%), and Italian (8.5%). Other languages spoken at home included English (5.0%), Portuguese (3.8%), Albanian (3.0%), Spanish (2.6%), and Serbian and Croatian (2.5%). About 6.9% of people reported speaking another language at home. In 2019, more than two-thirds (68%) of the permanent resident population said they spoke more than one language regularly.
The federal government must communicate in the official languages, and the federal parliament provides simultaneous translation in and out of German, French, and Italian.
In addition to the official languages, each of Switzerland’s four linguistic regions has local dialects. In German-speaking areas, Swiss German dialects have become more common since the mid-20th century, especially in media, and are widely used in everyday speech. However, Standard German is used for writing. In French-speaking regions, local dialects like Franco-Provençal have nearly disappeared, with only a small percentage of people in certain areas still speaking them. In Italian-speaking regions, Lombard dialects are mostly used in family settings and casual conversation.
The main official languages have special terms unique to Switzerland, called Helvetisms. German Helvetisms include words not found in Standard German or other dialects, such as terms borrowed from neighboring languages. Swiss French also has unique vocabulary, such as different words for numbers like 70 (septante) and 90 (nonante). Duden, a major German dictionary, lists about 3,000 Helvetisms, while French dictionaries include several hundred.
Learning another national language is required for all Swiss students, so many Swiss are bilingual, especially those from minority language groups. Because most of Switzerland is German-speaking, many French, Italian, and Romansh speakers who move to other parts of the country, and their children, learn German. While learning another national language is important, many Swiss also learn English to communicate with people from other language groups, as English is seen as a neutral language. English often acts as the main language used for communication between people of different backgrounds.
According to surveys by the Swiss Federal Statistical Office, Christianity is the most common religion in Switzerland. It is divided between the Catholic Church (31.9% of the population), the Swiss Reformed Church (20.4%), and other Christian groups.
Switzerland has no official state religion, though most cantons (except Geneva and Neuchâtel) recognize the Catholic Church or the Swiss Reformed Church as official churches. These churches, along with some others, receive funding through taxes paid by their members. In 2020, the Roman Catholic Church had 3,048,475 registered members (35.2% of the population), and the Swiss Reformed Church had 2,015,816 members (23.3% of the population).
As of 2023, other large Christian groups included Eastern and Oriental Orthodoxy (2.8%), Reformed Evangelicalism (1.1%), Neo-Pietism (0.4%), Pentecostalism and other Charismatic communities (0.4%), Adventism (0.4%), Apostolic communities (0.2%), the Old Catholic Church (0.1%), and other Christian groups (0
Culture
Swiss culture has many different traditions, which are shown in the customs of different areas. Some regions share cultural connections with nearby countries that speak the same language, all influenced by western European traditions. However, the Romansh language in Graubünden, eastern Switzerland, is different. It is only spoken in the high valleys of the Rhine and Inn rivers and is trying to keep its language alive.
Switzerland has many famous people who have contributed to art, architecture, literature, music, and science. The country also welcomed creative people during times of war or conflict. There are about 1,000 museums in Switzerland.
Important cultural events held each year include the Paléo Festival, Lucerne Festival, Montreux Jazz Festival, Locarno International Film Festival, and Art Basel. Switzerland has also hosted the Eurovision Song Contest three times: in 1956 (Lugano), 1989 (Lausanne), and 2025 (Basel). Switzerland won the contest in 1956 (Lys Assia), 1988 (Celine Dion), and 2024 (Nemo).
Alpine symbols have been important in shaping Swiss history and identity. Many mountain areas and ski resorts attract visitors for winter sports and summer activities like hiking and mountain biking. Spring and autumn are quieter times of the year. In many areas, traditional farming and small farms are common. Folk art is supported by groups across the country and appears in music, dance, poetry, wood carving, and embroidery. The alphorn, a wooden musical instrument, is a symbol of traditional Swiss music, along with yodelling and the accordion.
Early Swiss literature was written in German, as it was the most common language. In the 18th century, French became popular in Bern and other areas, especially because of French-speaking neighbors.
Important Swiss writers include Jeremias Gotthelf and Gottfried Keller, and later writers like Max Frisch and Friedrich Dürrenmatt. Dürrenmatt’s book The Pledge was made into a Hollywood movie in 2001. French-speaking writers like Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Germaine de Staël also contributed to Swiss literature. More recent writers include Charles Ferdinand Ramuz and Blaise Cendrars. Italian and Romansh-speaking authors also added to Swiss literature, depending on how many people speak their languages.
One of the most famous Swiss books is Heidi, a story about a girl living with her grandfather in the Alps. It is a popular children’s book and represents Switzerland. The book was written by Johanna Spyri.
Switzerland guarantees freedom of the press and free expression in its constitution. The Swiss News Agency (SNA) provides news in three of the four national languages, covering politics, economics, society, and culture. SNA supplies most Swiss and foreign media with its reports.
Important Swiss newspapers include the German-language Tages-Anzeiger and Neue Zürcher Zeitung, and the French-language Le Temps. Most cities have at least one local newspaper in the main language spoken there.
The government controls broadcast media more than print media, especially because of how it is funded and licensed. The Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (now called SRG SSR) produces and shares radio and TV content. Its studios are in different language regions. Radio is made in six central and four regional studios, while TV is made in Geneva, Zurich, Basel, and Lugano. A large cable network allows most Swiss people to watch content from neighboring countries.
Swiss food has many different styles. Dishes like fondue, raclette, and rösti are common, but each region has its own food based on climate and language. Traditional Swiss food uses ingredients similar to other European countries, along with unique cheeses like Gruyère and Emmental. There are many fine-dining restaurants, especially in western Switzerland.
Chocolate has been made in Switzerland since the 18th century. Its popularity grew in the late 19th century with new methods like conching and tempering, which improved quality. In 1875, Daniel Peter invented solid milk chocolate. Switzerland is the world’s largest chocolate consumer.
The most popular alcoholic drink in Switzerland is wine. The country has many types of grapes because of different soil and climate conditions. Swiss wine is mainly grown in Valais, Vaud (Lavaux), Geneva, and Ticino, with more white wine than red. Vineyards have been grown in Switzerland since Roman times. Common grape varieties include Chasselas (called Fendant in Valais) and Pinot Noir. Merlot is mainly grown in Ticino.
Popular sports in Switzerland include skiing, snowboarding, and mountaineering, which match the country’s natural features. Winter sports are enjoyed by both locals and visitors. Bobsleigh was invented in St. Moritz. The first world ski championships were held in Mürren (1931) and St. Moritz (1934). St. Moritz also hosted the 1928 and 1948 Winter Olympics. Famous Swiss skiers include Pirmin Zurbriggen and Didier Cuche.
The most watched sports in Switzerland are football and ice hockey. The headquarters of FIFA and IIHF are in Zurich. Other international sports organizations, like the IOC and CAS, are based in Lausanne. Switzerland hosted the 1954 FIFA World Cup and co-hosted the 2008 UEFA Euro tournament with Austria. The Swiss Super League is the top football league, with teams like BSC Young Boys competing in European matches. The highest football pitch in Europe, at 2,000 meters above sea level, is in Switzerland.
Many Swiss people follow ice hockey and support one of the 14 teams in the National League, the most attended league in Europe. Switzerland hosted the IIHF World Championship in 2009 and was runner-up in 2013, 2018, and 2024. Switzerland’s lakes make it a good place for sailing. Lake Geneva is home to the sailing team Alinghi, which won the America’s Cup in 2003 and 2007.
Roger Federer is considered one of the greatest tennis players in the world. He won 20 Grand Slam titles, including a record 8 Wimbledon titles. He also won six ATP Finals and was ranked No. 1 in the ATP rankings for 237 weeks. He was ranked No. 1 at the end of 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2009. Other Swiss tennis players include…