1 decade ago. But it’s not the tallest: Monte Rosa, at over 15,000 feet above sea level, beats Matterhorn’s height of just over 14,000. Interesting Facts about SwitzerlandVideo used from Halka Genève https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLydheVEM7I Two of the most livable cities turn out to be Zurich and Geneva. Some good answers here, but the topic should be better organized in my opinion. Well, its shape is actually inspired by Matterhorn! Down jackets pack up light and small so there is no reason NOT to have one in your bag. Due to Switzerland’s aging population, the number of deaths linked to dementia is on the rise. The Swiss Aletsch Glacier is the longest glacier in Europe. It also features some of the highest peaks that make up the famous European mountain range of the Alps, too. 42 Fun Facts About Switzerland You Had No Idea Of, as per the Central Intelligence Agency’s publication, Switzerland’s lakes are the best ones to swim in, Based on a study by the Observatoire BCV de l’économie Vaudoise, According to the World Health Organization, As stated by Addiction Monitoring in Switzerland, Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, How To: Find Jobs in Switzerland as an English Speaker (Without Speaking German). I would like to know some facts about Switzerland. Switzerland has the world’s largest nuclear shelter, World Nomads provides good short term coverage, Or just take this coupon for your first stay, 35 Facts About Mexico That Will Blow Your Mind, 36 Facts About Spain that Will Blow Your Mind, 29 Facts About Singapore That Will Blow Your Mind. The country is divided into 26 different areas (called cantons), much like the different states that make up the United States of America. Sundays in Switzerland mean no mowing the lawn, no laundry hanging outside, no hammering, or anything that neighbors can hear, see or overall disturb the peace. Here are some facts about Switzerland: Around 8 million people live in Switzerland. – Source. With these 139 facts about Switzerland, let’s learn more about its traditional culture, people, economy, history, tourism, mountain ranges, cities, and more. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. You might know it; it’s called CERN. This fact about Switzerland may blow your mind, but honestly, there is no capital city in Switzerland. In Switzerland, it is illegal to deny that the holocaust happened. Nope. euro.who.int/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/243328/Switzerland-WHO-Country-Profile.pdf, swissinfo.ch/eng/drinking-dropsadd-the-underlineswiss-alcohol-consumption-declines/36573912, oecd.org/economy/switzerland-prepare-for-population-ageing-to-maintain-high-living-standards.htm, statista.com/statistics/263707/unemployment-rate-in-switzerland/, gbnews.ch/11-7-kilos-per-person-of-swiss-chocolate-food-for-the-gods/. Switzerland is approximately 41,277 sq km and its population is 8.67 million. Their four national languages are French (20.4%), German (64%), Italian (6.5%), and Romansh (just a little over 1%). That’s just the way things are here. The Swiss population has aged considerably over the course of the 20th century. Yes, politics fans, it’s a political fact about Switzerland. According to Wikipedia, LSD was first synthesized on November 16, 1938[84] by Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann at the Sandoz Laboratories in Basel, Switzerland as part of a large research program searching for medically useful ergot alkaloid derivatives. The concept of liveability assesses which locations around the world provide the best or the worst living conditions. Switzerland might be famous for the quintessential Swiss clock – you know, the one with the cuckoo, and all that – but there’s one clock that a lot more people have seen in their lives. It is not open to the public, but there is a public run once a year to enjoy this sight (and sweat a little). The resident foreign population currently stands at 2 million. It took 17 years to complete it. This Switzerland fact is massive (pun intended). Not only does it involve Steinstossen (stone-throwing), but it also involves yodeling and Shwingen – a specialized type of Swiss wrestling. It is one of the smallest countries in Europe. They get the best of it though, keeping their own currency and still being in the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). Starbucks was selected as a factor in the Index as it is the most most widely available, premium-priced coffee chain the world over, and as such offers an interesting economic barometer between countries. Lung cancer, shown to be the most deadly form of the disease in Switzerland for more than 40 years, claimed about 3,200 lives in 2013. 3. admin.ch/opc/en/classified-compilation/19070042/index.html. Then after they escape, they were chased by Julius Caesar’s armies and had to return to the Plateau. The Swiss population consumes 36 liters of wine, 56.5 liters of beer, and 8.4 liters of pure alcohol per person per year. Very much unlike the US, bank tellers are protected by bullet-proof glass. As a result, there are 1600 alcohol-related deaths in Switzerland each year. Switzerland has more high mountain peaks than any other country in Europe with 48 about 13,120 feet (4,000 m). The Swiss are reservedand they do not get along quickly with the newcomers. Provided they can gather 50,000 signatures against the law within 100 days. Matterhorn isn’t the tallest mountain in Switzerland, 22. Information about Switzerland. The world's only solar powered ski lift is in Switzerland. Barely anyone owns a home in Switzerland, 11. Still, comparing it to colleges in the US, it’s a bargain! Someone proposes a rule, and if most people agree, it becomes a law. For the most part, the freshwater is so clear that you can drink out of rivers and lakes. As stated by swissinfo.ch, Switzerland has one of the highest proportions of internationals among all nations, about 24.6% in 2015. That’s right. The Swiss national flag is perhaps one of the most recognisable flags across the entire world. Some of the most interesting facts associated with this fascinating country have been mentioned below. It’s one of the safest countries in the world, with no bad seasons, and plenty of villages to explore. The Swiss like to use family namesrather than the first name when greeting someone. Here are some more interesting facts about Switzerland that will make your trip even better. Switzerland is in what’s called the Schengen Area, but they’re not in the EU. Learn what makes Switzerland unique and explore interesting Switzerland facts for kids. 1. 10. It’s no wonder Switzerland is known internationally for its high-quality chocolate, but do you know just how much chocolate is made and consumed there? Ten interesting facts about Switzerland. We don’t claim to have been to every beautiful city in the world but have done our fair share…, We’ve been on a mission to explore some of the smallest countries in the world. 4. Based on a study by the Observatoire BCV de l’économie Vaudoise, from a farming-based economy in 1860 to a land of Start-Ups today, Vaud’s economy is now one of Switzerland’s biggest and fastest-growing, thanks to its ‘large services sector, diversified manufacturing base, and focus on niche markets.”. It's a great alternative if you feel tired to walk all the way down. However, as the time progresses, one gets to know the Swiss and their culture better and there is always a great potential for lifelong friendship. Looking for some facts about Switzerland? Some 530,000 people in Switzerland are listed as living on the poverty line, based on a monthly income of CHF2,219 ($2,275.40) for single people and CHF4,031 for families of two adults and two children. Situated 100 meters underground, the LHC is also a record-breaker: it’s not just the largest (and most powerful) particle collider in the world, but the largest machine in the world. We all knew that Switzerland was neutral, but did you know for how long? Switzerland is home to numerous mountains over 3,000 meters high. There are cities with a higher population than Switzerland, 20. This price range is generally seen in public universities, but you can easily find more expensive private ones. In 2018, Switzerland ranked first for the eighth consecutive year as the most innovative country in the world in The Global Innovation Index. If you lived in the U.S., you’d be double more likely to be obese since 33% of the country is. SafetyWing is perfect for digital nomads. The tap water is so good here – seriously please don’t be one of those tourists that buys plastic water bottles. Switzerland is slightly less than twice the size of New Jersey. The largest city is Zurich. Their slogan is, “Finally do something!” Easily our favorite fact about Switzerland. It is shared with France (40.47% is within French territory) where it’s known as Lac Léman. According to Swiss law, anyone who is of sound mind and who has, over a period of time, voiced a consistent wish to end their life can request a so-called assisted voluntary death or AVD. Not stones – just one stone that’s super heavy. He developed his theory of relativity while studying and living in Bern, after renouncing his German citizenship to avoid military duty. No city has the authority to call itself the capital. It’s still known for a lot more … The Matterhorn, with its crazy pyramid peak, is definitely an icon of the country, and it’s definitely famous. Here are 10 really cool things you should know about Switzerland in 2017: Switzerland has a true democracy, not a single head of state. It’s gotta be based on the Matterhorn. Approximately 180,000 tons of chocolate is made, and about 11 kilos of chocolate per person are eaten per year. Beautiful I love Switerzland more then my life Even though less than 15% of the Alps lie within Switzerland, it’s the country that people most closely associate with the Alps. 2. ifrc.org/en/who-we-are/history/#:~:text=The%20Red%20Cross%20was%20born,inverse%20of%20the%20Swiss%20flag. There are a lot of mountains in Switzerland, some of them harboring glaciers. Handshakes are also expected when leaving. It’s not the capital either. German has the most native speakers (62.6%). After they finish their service, all of them are supposed to take their assault rifles or pistols at home, however, without ammunition. The proportion of the Swiss population living in extreme poverty (4.6%) is one of the lowest in Europe (18.6% average). The Sonnenberg tunnel in Lucerne is able to house up to 20,000 people for an extended period of … In 2013, nearly 6,000 deaths in the country were a direct cause of dementia, while in 1995, that figure stood at 2,100. We mean the Swiss railway clock. General Information about Switzerland, including facts about Administration, Cantons, Culture, Economy, Education, Geography, History, Statistics and much more. Switzerland’s Gotthard tunnel is the longest in the world measuring 57km in length (it is 7km longer than the Channel Tunnel between England and France). The difference in the price of a Grande Latte ranged from £1.21 in Brazil to £5.72 in Switzerland, nearly a 400% price increase. To be honest, they had a hard time. We have written articles regarding working in Switzerland that could be of help. As stated by Addiction Monitoring in Switzerland, there are about 250,000 alcoholics in Switzerland – or 3% of the population. there is even have a chocolate train! The top-level domain code for Switzerland is .ch, 5. Mount Blanc is the tallest mountain of the Alps mountain range. Switzerland was not always amongst the richest countries in the world. As a result of its economic stability, based on an OECD publication, Swiss adults have on average the most amount of money compared to the average amount around the world, beating out countries such as the U.S. Switzerland has the third-highest salary and job security out of all OECD countries. Many adapters around Europe are interchangeable, so make sure you find a good one like the one I have to keep you charged. How does that work? Of course, they’re going to live long having in mind the cleanliness of the air, the abundance of walking trails, and the availability of high-quality health care. We have a bunch of different shell jackets after several years, but my favorite right now is from Arc’teryx. However, that does not necessarily have to lead to more crime; Switzerland has nearly half the gun-related deaths the United States has. Switzerland has four national languages, 7. Each January, a colorful nine-day-long hot air balloon festival takes place in the Château-d’Oex in the Vaud Alps. It’s still a vast space, though. Switzerland is a really small country, still, we manage to be quite familiar to most people around the world. This has lead to an influx of people called ‘suicide tourists’ who come to Switzerland, mainly to the Canton of Zurich, for the sole purpose of committing suicide. Dipping things into cheese and enjoying the melty, cheesy goodness is something we all enjoy (well, most of us) – and you can thank the Swiss for that. The federal government is in Bern, but the city doesn’t have federal status. The earliest known form of fondue is “Käss mit Wein zu kochen” – literally “cheese cooked with wine.” This dates back to 1699 in Zurich, and the recipe is simple – melt cheese, add wine, dip bread. The country’s … Switzerland has the highest mountains in Europe. Switzerland is a very animal-loving country. At 25%, Switzerland has one of the highest shares of foreigners in Europe. Favorite Answer. Weather around the world can be iffy in October, so it’s best to be prepared. They might not be famous for partying or being spontaneous, but the Swiss are great at recycling. Before packing bags, make sure to go through these interesting facts about the Alps mountain range: ... Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Slovenia, and Switzerland. It’s over 8.6 million. Here are some fascinating Switzerland facts and stunning superlatives: 1. This low number is due to its fairly prosperous and stable economy. World Nomads provides good short term coverage. Most countries in the world go for the old rectangle design, but Switzerland is one of only two countries in the world to rock a square-shaped flag; the other is Vatican City. When to Go and Avoid, 12 Best Hikes in Switzerland You Should Tackle, 30 Most Beautiful Cities to Visit in the World, Best Things To Do in Malbun, Liechtenstein in the Winter. I’ll love to study and work in Switzerland , any good information would be appreciated. A little known weird fact about Switzerland is that, no, you can’t pee while standing up after 10 pm. Some people do own their own property in the mountainous country, however, but that’s only some 37% of the population. [15] Switzerland has more high mountain peaks than any other country in Europe. Switzerland is approximately 41,277 sq km and its population is 8.67 million. Looking for some facts about Switzerland? There is a steadily rising trend, although assisted suicides are still only a tiny proportion of all deaths in Switzerland. Oh, wait, at least I thought like this. Moreover, Switzerland provides nearly all CO2-friendly electricity to its citizens. With a height of 285m and with a total weight of 15 million tonnes, The Grande Dixence is the world’s highest gravity dam. We hope you get to visit Switzerland one day. In the 1950s the median age was 33 years old, but it’s growing every year. 2. Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann took the first acid trip in 1943 while he was conducting tests for a migraine cure in Basel when he accidentally absorbed the LSD compound through his fingertips. 20. We say that with admiration. Amazing. In Switzerland, citizens can challenge any law passed by Parliament. It’s what recently brought us to Luxembourg and took us through Swaziland last year. A total of 956 (539 women and 426 men) people made use of these services in 2015 according to official figures, up from 187 in 2003. What are some cool and fun facts about Switzerland? Then there are the 22.9% of the population that speak French. That’s pretty cool. According to Forbes, every single Swiss person – on average – eats 20lbs of chocolate yearly. Based on a report by the United Nations, the average marriage age for Swiss men is 31.8 and 29.5 for women. Apart from the hiking itself, you have adventure Parks, summer sledding runs, playgrounds for children, sport events etc. Nope. The latest cause of death survey from the Federal Statistical Office showed that 21,512 – or one-third of all deaths in Switzerland in 2013 – could be traced back to heart disease. According to the World Health Organization, the Swiss country is the least obese European country with only 17.5% of the population being obese. It enjoyed worldwide fame from the 1960s onwards. Kinda cool. Answer Save. It wasn’t until after a vote in 1990 in the Swiss canton (like a county) of Appenzell Innerrhoden – the country’s smallest – that the Swiss government finally allowed women to vote on local issues in the canton, that is. They even purchased a recording studio outside Montreux on the shore of Lake Geneva. There’s a place in Switzerland where women weren’t allowed to vote until 1991, 18. It’s hidden in the Sonnenberg Tunnel, a humble 1,550-meter-long tunnel on a highway. Switzerland's official name is still the "Swiss Confederation". The largest particle physics lab in the world is located in Switzerland, 31. That stone, just in case you were wondering, weighs in at 183 pounds. E.g. Relevance. “What about Geneva?” we hear you cry. The median home price there is CHF 13,000 ($13,036) per square meter, while the average monthly rental price: CHF 2,324 ($2,330) for a three-bedroom apartment. It started in 1979, and every year this festival includes kid’s day where balloons are in the shape of cartoon characters, hot air balloon rides, and a nighttime show. It’s called Unspunnenfest, and it dates all the way back to the 13th century. Wondering when the best time to visit Switzerland is? It is also one of the most expensive places in the world and an ideal destination to indulge in luxuries. That’s right. 3. (This one works well in Switzerland). We don’t travel without travel insurance and neither should you. eda.admin.ch/aboutswitzerland/en/home/wirtschaft/energie/energiepolitik.html, read.oecd-ilibrary.org/environment/environment-at-a-glance-2015_9789264235199-en#page53. Not only does Switzerland have the highest wealth per adult in the entire world, it’s also home to the global economic and banking hubs of Zurich and Geneva. 124. There was enough space here for up to 20,000 people to protect during a nuclear event, but it was super tricky to set up 20,000 beds in the space. Needless to say, there are a lot of very interesting Switzerland facts to know. You never know what can happen in a foreign country and it’s best to be prepared. The Toblerone is based on the Matterhorn, 24. It might be true when you cross the border to Germany, France, Austria or just go somewhere else in Europe. With almost a quarter (23%) of the population being foreign residents, there are a lot of different people from all over the place living in Switzerland. I want to work in Switerzland. Switzerland is unique for having enough nuclear fallout shelters to accommodate its entire human population. Any jacket can do the job, but the top dollar ones will hold up and really help in inclement weather. With its high Alpine lakes, flowering meadows, and glacier-capped peaks Switzerland…, Looking for the most beautiful cities to visit in the world? If Swiss citizens do not agree with a law passed by Parliament, the law can be put up for national vote. There are only about … 122. This region has been associated with Heidiland since 1881 when author Johanna Spyri published novels “Heidi: Her Years of Wandering and Learning” and “Heidi: How She Used What She Learned.” This vacation region has hiking and skiing trails for those who seek adventure. They look at five broad categories of Stability, Healthcare, Culture and Environment, Education, and Infrastructure. The Red Cross has 97 million volunteers and was founded in 1863 in Geneva, Switzerland where its headquarters still remain today. 30 Facts About Greece That Will Blow Your Mind, 31 Facts About Austria That Will Blow Your Mind, 30 Facts About Ecuador That Will Blow Your Mind, 31 Facts About Japan That Will Blow Your Mind, 30 Facts About Italy That Will Blow Your Mind, 34 Facts About Norway That Will Blow Your Mind, 37 Facts About Africa That Will Blow Your Mind, 30 Facts About Bali That Will Blow Your Mind, 34 Facts About Scotland That Will Blow Your Mind, 30 Facts About Ireland That Will Blow Your Mind, The 11 Best Places to Visit in November (IN THE WORLD), When is the Best Time to Visit Switzerland? call me . With an area of 580.03 km2 (224 sq mi), Lake Geneva is the largest lake in Switzerland. It actually has one of the lowest tax rates for any developed country in the world. See & Do Epic Places in Switzerland That Even the Swiss Don’t Know About . First names are usually used with close friends and family. It’s important to be noted that the reason for this great amount of people owning guns in Switzerland is since this country has mandatory military service. Switzerland Is The World’s Only Country To Operate A Solar-powered Airplane - That’s double the price, gram for gram, in Switzerland. 125. If successful, a national vote is held and voters decide by a simple majority whether to accept or … The president of Switzerland changes every year. You can travel from EU countries to Switzerland with no border headache. First, they were harassed off the Swiss Plateau, where they were probably happy enough. https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-21379912, thinksport.org/media/document/0/2016_06_30_study_vaud_rhymes_with_grow_bcv.pdf, worldometers.info/world-population/switzerland-population/, cia.gov/librarY/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/print_sz.html, mylifeelsewhere.com/country-size-comparison/switzerland/california-usa, swissinfo.ch/eng/migration-series-part-1-_who-are-the-25-foreign-population-in-switzerland/42412156. They’ve been making it (very well) since 1870, and it must be in the blood or something, because Switzerland is the world’s top chocolate consumer. In 2015, the median age of Switzerland’s population was 42.2 years. It may have a small population, but that’s possibly down to the fact that most of Switzerland is mountainous. Talk about bad luck. Since then, it has proven to be one of the most successful industries of the country, reaching the present status as Switzerland’s fourth-largest exporter. Switzerland has four official languages: German, French, Italian and Romansh. Your summer vacation is safe! Now, download our e-book with 77 interesting facts about Switzerland: Romansch, with just 0.5% of the population claiming it as their native language. He fell in love with the serene, beautiful surroundings and eventually decided to call this place his home. Then there’s Campioni d’Italia, less than a kilometer from Italy – it’s just over a square mile in area. Relatively, Switzerland has a pretty small population. In 2015, the average Swiss drank 56.5 litres of beer and 36 litres of wine. Switzerland has 48 mountains over 13,000 feet, 21. Nepal’s double-triangular flag is pretty gnarly, too. Switzerland is the birthplace of many inventions like the first solar-powered airplane and milk chocolates. They’re not just famous for making tasty chocolate, they’re notorious for eating the stuff, too. Its index is  88.87 out of 100. Some 9.7% of the Swiss population cannot afford a week’s holiday abroad – the European average is 36.9%. You read that flag-based Switzerland fact right, people. However, they are taxed (in some cantons depending on the dog’s size and weight). alpenwild.com/staticpage/history-of-chocolate-in-switzerland/#:~:text=Annual%20revenues%20of%20chocolate%20production,and%2061%25%20is%20sold%20abroad. This baby was designed in 1944 for use on the Swiss railways, and because of its ultra-slick design, it’s been recognized by everyone from the MoMa to London’s Design Museum. 2. 9 Cool Facts About Switzerland’s National Flag. We love getting to off the beaten path destinations and aren’t afraid to go it alone. Nei… And 2.5 million Swiss either ski or snowboard - that's about one in four people! Shouldn’t it be .sw or .sz or something? The highest mountain in Switzerland is Dufourspitze (Monte Rosa), but the most popular one is the Matterhorn (4,478 meters). Intrigued? This dam took 10+ years to construct and it is heavier than the great pyramid of Egypt. – Source. It’s still known for a lot more things, though. 48 of the mountains are over 4 000 metres/ 13 120 feet high. It is frowned upon to work on Sundays, so just commit to being lazy, lock the doors, and read a book or spend a quiet day with friends and family. Guides & Tips 7 Things You Only Learn About Switzerland if You Live There. In the distinguished University of Geneva, tuition fees are at 500 CHF per semester, which means 1000 CHF for a single academic year. Half a kilogram of meat is about CHF 12-14. So they converted the seven-story cavern into a much more sensible shelter for 2,000 people. It is 124% more expensive than the average European price. There is a political party in Switzerland called the Anti-PowerPoint Party, 30. bern.com/en/detail/albert-einsteins-city#:~:text=WhatsApp-,Einstein%20Museum,history%20of%20the%2020th%20century. Switzerland is a mountainous Central European country, home to many lakes, villages and the high peaks of the Alps. Amongst industrialized nations, Switzerland has one of the highest rates of gun ownership. And then the Romans ended up conquering the Alps anyway. Noise. Yeah, fun fact about Switzerland: the hipster-friendly font Helvetica was developed in Münchenstein, Switzerland by Haas Type Foundry in 1957. Even if you’re not doing extensive hikes you need at least something small for day trips. Switzerland does not belong to the EU. We’re talking Germans, Italians, Portuguese, Serbians, French, Turkish, Spanish, Austrian, and Sri Lankan. cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/fields/352.html, eda.admin.ch/aboutswitzerland/en/home/umwelt/geografie/seen-und-fluesse.html, myswitzerland.com/en-ae/experiences/lake-neuchatel/, smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/H-Research_Notes/SAS-Research-Note-9.pdf. We imagine this is the result of that direct democracy thing, but honestly, yes: animals are entitled to lawyers (and legal advice?) The Swiss military keeps fully stocked artillery bunkers, disguised as quaint country homes, in the middle of populated villages. Switzerland is home to the oldest humanitarian organization, 4. Also known as Confoederatio Helvetica (therefore the abbreviation CH) Here you can find a lot of information about Switzerland, a small but well known country in the heart of Europe. Switzerland actually has one of the lowest crime rates of all industrialized countries. Its flag is simply a color-switching of the Flag of Switzerland, showing proud Swiss roots. 3. 11/05/2019 2 min read. And it’s not just the domain name either; it’s shorthand for the nation’s name in a load of different things. You can see all our other backpack recommendations below: I ALWAYS have a down jacket with me when I’m traveling in the winter, fall, or even spring. We hate to see one time use plastic bottles ending up in the ocean. But still. Though a lot of languages have Latin as a common, but distant, ancestral influence, Romansch is directly descended from the spoken form of Latin. The share of the population living in urban centres has risen from 36% in 1930 to 85% today. You might’ve not known but Switzerland’s flag resemblance with The Red Cross is not a coincidence. It’s one of the safest countries in the world, with no bad seasons, and plenty ... Read more 32 Facts About Switzerland That … myswitzerland.com/en/experiences/gotthard-tunnel-experience/#:~:text=Measuring%2057%20km%20in%20length,railway%20tunnel%20in%20the%20world. What’s your number or which social media do you use ? I love real books, but for traveling it can be easier to carry a lighter and more compact item like a Kindle. How To: Find Jobs in Switzerland as an English Speaker (Without Speaking German) So to help you out, we’ve got you covered with these cool facts that should impress your new Swiss friends. Your dog is allowed with you practically everywhere—in restaurants and while you shop. Thinking about how far we ’ ve come in handy many times anything outside shared with France ( 40.47 is! Real tiny parts of other countries ( known as Lac Léman so there is a steadily rising,. Level in 2010 was $ 112000 per year 2.5 million Swiss either ski or snowboard - that 's about in. 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