Switzerland, the central European country, is known for its exquisite watches, delicious chocolates, and the mesmerizing beauty of the Swiss Alps. However, if you are a Pakistani, the thought of Swiss banks may also come to mind. It may be a surprise that Switzerland remained neutral during two great wars of the 20th century while hardly any other country did so. Despite being a peaceful and neutral country, every third citizen of Switzerland owns weapons. The reason for this is an interesting topic of discussion. Moreover, in Switzerland, citizens have the right to challenge the law made by the parliament and even the constitution. However, it may come as a surprise that Swiss parents do not have the right to name their own children. In this article, we will tell you some Interesting Facts about Switzerland.

Interesting Facts about Switzerland:

Why the Swiss are Armed:

Switzerland is known for its peaceful nature and neutrality in global conflicts. However, it’s surprising that firearm possession is quite high in this nation. In fact, every third Swiss citizen owns a firearm. Despite this, the crime rate in Switzerland is significantly lower than that of the United States. The number of gun-related deaths is also remarkably lower, almost ten times less in percentage terms.

This unusual trend is because Swiss law requires every male citizen to undergo temporary military service. Upon completion of the service, citizens are permitted to keep their guns or pistols with them. Even foreigners who are not Swiss citizens can obtain permits to keep weapons. This law has contributed to a high rate of firearm possession in Switzerland.

The Unusual Law in Switzerland:

We can add this Law in the list of Interesting Facts about Switzerland. Did you know that in Switzerland, parents are not allowed to name their unborn children without prior approval from the authorities? This law ensures that names given to children are not harmful or negative in any way. The Swiss government can reject any name that could potentially harm the child’s personality. The authorities examine each proposed name before granting approval, and only then can it be used in official documents. This law has been enforced strictly, as seen in the case of Swiss musician Christine Luter Berg, who had to change her daughter’s name three times before getting approval from the authorities.

Citizen Legislation in Switzerland:

Switzerland has a unique law that allows its citizens to challenge any legislation passed by the parliament. Not only that, but the citizens can also initiate a constitutional amendment process. To challenge a law, a Swiss citizen has to gather 50,000 signatures from ordinary citizens within 100 days. Once the signatures are collected, a national-level referendum or voting is held. The law cannot be implemented if the majority vote is against the legislation. Similarly, if a Swiss citizen wants to amend the country’s constitution, they need to collect 100,000 signatures. Once collected, the same procedure is followed, and if the majority vote is against the amendment, it cannot be implemented. This law ensures that the citizens of Switzerland have the power to participate in the legislative process and hold the government accountable.

Swiss Governance:

The government of Switzerland is unique in its system of governance. A single person does not head it, but rather a group of seven members known as the executive council responsible for the federal administration. Each member is in charge of a specific department, and collectively, they hold the status of Head of State. However, one of the seven members is elected as the President of the Swiss Confederation for a term of one year. It is important to note that the President does not hold any special additional powers and is considered “First among Equals”. Therefore, the executive council operates as a cooperative and collaborative group with equal responsibility and influence in decision-making.

Chocolate Consumption:

Chocolate is a popular treat enjoyed by people all around the world. However, the Swiss population holds the number one spot in the world when it comes to annual chocolate consumption per capita. According to Forbes, the average Swiss citizen consumes approximately 25 pounds of chocolate every year, the highest in the world. In second place is the United States, where every citizen consumes around 20 pounds of chocolate annually. The delicious treat has a rich history in Switzerland, with Citizen Daniel Peter and German-Swiss citizen Henry Nestle developing milk chocolate. Furthermore, the famous American chocolate company Hershey has roots in Switzerland, with its founder, Milton Hershey, having Swiss ancestors. Swiss chocolate is enjoyed domestically and exported worldwide, with annual chocolate exports worth around one billion dollars.

Swiss Scenery:

Switzerland is a country that boasts thousands of small and big lakes, covering an area of 41 thousand square kilometres. It is said that if you are anywhere in Switzerland and walk in any direction, you will come across a beautiful lake within ten miles at most. The country is known as the Alpine Nation and has the highest mountains and mountain peaks of any other European country. Although there are not many high mountains like Pakistan and Nepal, there are still 48 mountains 4 thousand meters above sea level. The beauty of Switzerland has attracted many filmmakers, and more than 800 Bollywood and countless Hollywood movies have been shot in Switzerland.

Suicide Law in Switzerland:

According to Swiss law, if a person is thinking that he should commit suicide or if he has expressed a persistent desire to take his own life, he can seek help from a physician or doctor. The doctor will prescribe a medicine by which the person can take his own life. Yes, of course, he has to use this medicine himself. This type of suicide is called Physician Assisted Suicide. For this purpose, Swiss people who visit are called Suicide Tourists. It is also legal to do so in Germany, Luxembourg, Italy, New Zealand, Canada, and some US states.

Animal Rights in Switzerland:

Switzerland takes animal rights very seriously. The country’s law requires individuals who want to keep certain animals to purchase at least two animals so that when the owner is absent, the animals will have each other for companionship. Pet owners are also encouraged to attend regular classes and seminars to learn how to care for their pets properly. If you wish to keep a dog in Switzerland, be aware that you must pay taxes to the government and register it. It is worth noting that a fisherman was once sued in Switzerland for causing a fish to suffer due to taking too long to catch it.

Switzerland’s Peaceful Policy:

Switzerland is a country known for its policy of pacifism and neutrality, which was first developed in the 16th century. This policy was adopted after the defeat of the Swiss Confederation by the French at the Battle of Marignano in 1515. The confederation realized that avoiding future conflicts was necessary for its own security and self-interest.

However, this policy was tested when Napoleon invaded Switzerland in the late eighteenth century, making it a subordinate state. After Napoleon’s defeat in the Battle of Waterloo, the major European powers felt it was beneficial for Switzerland to remain neutral since it acted as a buffer zone between these states.

Switzerland maintained its neutrality during World War I and World War II. The country has prepared for any war by building many bunkers and ensuring that citizens have access to food and other facilities. Despite this, Switzerland has remained peaceful for a long time, and the headquarters of many major international organizations are in Switzerland, including the World Health Organization, the World Economic Forum, and the World Trade Organization.

The city of Geneva hosts the headquarters of the International Human Rights Organization Red Cross, a Swiss and French citizen founded. Interestingly, the founders jointly received the first Nobel Peace Prize in 1901. Additionally, FIFA, the international football governing body, is headquartered in Switzerland. Despite being located in the heart of Europe, Switzerland has maintained its neutrality policy for centuries and has never been a member of the European Union or NATO. Here are some additional Interesting Facts about Switzerland.

A FEW MORE INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT SWITZERLAND:

• Switzerland is known for being an expensive country. However, it offers great value for money. Swiss workers are paid well, particularly those in the teaching profession, which is one of the highest-paid jobs compared to other countries. Some Swiss teachers receive an annual salary of one hundred thousand Swiss francs in certain fields. Switzerland boasts an impressively low unemployment rate of less than five percent.
• Switzerland ranks third after Finland and Denmark on the list of the happiest countries.
• In terms of life expectancy, Swiss citizens rank fourth in the world.
• The country has a population of approximately 9 million people. To obtain Swiss citizenship, an individual must reside in Switzerland for ten years and learn one of the four national languages, which do not include English. Hence, obtaining Swiss citizenship is considered somewhat challenging.
• Switzerland, a country with borders with Germany, France, Italy, Austria, and Liechtenstein, is known for its high-altitude railway station in the Swiss Alps at an elevation of 3500 meters above sea level.
• Although Switzerland is a neutral country, it has mistakenly invaded Liechtenstein thrice. Fortunately, these incidents did not result in any danger, and the last invasion occurred in 2007.
• Switzerland is famous for its watchmaking industry, with brands like Rolex, Tag Heuer, Omega, and Zenith being some of the most popular Swiss watch brands.
• The Swiss Army Knife is the most notable Swiss product, a versatile, pocket-sized, multi-purpose tool.
• According to a recent report published in 2022, Switzerland is recognized as the most innovative nation in the world, while the United States ranks second in the Global Innovation Index.
• Swiss banks are renowned for their strict privacy policies and low financial risk, making them a preferred choice for individuals worldwide, including Pakistan, to deposit their money. This is particularly true for those who may not be able to justify the source of their funds, as Swiss banks are known to hide undisclosed assets securely.
• Legendary comedian actor Charlie Chaplin spent the last 25 years of his life in Switzerland, and after his death, he was buried here. His body was stolen by a group of Swiss mechanics who tried to collect money from the family, but failing that, the body was recovered and reburied here.

Switzerland, a land of breathtaking landscapes and fascinating quirks, continues to captivate with its unique blend of tradition and innovation. That’s it for Interesting Facts about Switzerland.