National Flag:
Red square with a bold, equilateral white cross in the center that does not extend to the edges of the flag; various medieval legends purport to describe the origin of the flag; a white cross used as identification for troops of the Swiss Confederation is first attested at the Battle of Laupen (1339)
Capital: Bern
Langauges:
Currency: Swiss Franc
Main Industries:
Switzerland is a peaceful, prosperous, and modern market economy with low unemployment, a highly skilled labor force, and a per capita GDP among the highest in the world. Switzerland’s economy benefits from a highly developed service sector, led by financial services, and a manufacturing industry that specializes in high-technology, knowledge-based production. Industries of note include machinery, chemicals, watches, textiles, precision instruments, tourism, banking, and insurance.
Did You Know?
- The colors of the flag of the red cross (the international humanitarian organization founded in 1863) are the reverse of the Swiss flag.
- The Swiss flag is square, not rectangular, in shape.
- The Swiss Confederation was founded in 1291 as a defensive alliance among three cantons. In succeeding years, other localities joined the original three. The Swiss Confederation secured its independence from the Holy Roman Empire in 1499.
- Switzerland’s sovereignty and neutrality have long been honored by the major European powers, and the country was not involved in either of the two World Wars. The political and economic integration of Europe over the past half century, as well as Switzerland’s role in many UN and international organizations, has strengthened Switzerland’s ties with its neighbors. However, the country did not officially become a UN member until 2002. Switzerland remains active in many UN and international organizations but retains a strong commitment to neutrality.
- The headquarters of the Red Cross Humanitarian Society are in Geneva. Jean Henri Dunant, a Swiss businessman from Geneva, witnessed the plight of the casualties after the Battle of Solferino in Italy in 1859. He played a key role in the establishment of the Red Cross. This voluntary relief organization was originally set up to assist wounded soldiers. In 1901 Dunant was the first recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize.
- Switzerland is the ‘birthplace’ of world watch making and there are many horological museums there.
