Switzerland is a fascinating paradox. It’s profoundly conservative in some facets of life, perspective and governance, but absolutely liberal in others. I have learned quite a bit about this European singularity since moving to Zurich almost six months ago. So, in honor of this next milestone, I’m sharing six interesting facts about Switzerland that you probably didn’t know.
1. Switzerland has FOUR national languages and NINE official names.
You may have realized already that Switzerland is a land of many languages, but have you imagined how it affects matters of state?
German, French, Italian and Romansh are the four national languages of Switzerland. German is spoken by over 60% of the population (actually, they speak Swiss German, which is practically its own language. But more on Schweizerdeutsch another time). French speakers make up 20% of the population, while only 6.5% of Swiss citizens speak Italian and less than 1% understand and use Romansh, a Latin based language from the mountainous region of Graubünden. Each language has a formal and informal title for Switzerland:
But one country with eight names is just a little too complicated for modern world politics. Eventually, the Swiss of the 19th century came together to create Switzerland’s ninth and official name: Confœderatio Helvetica. The “Helvetic Confederation” is a nod to the pre-Roman peoples who lived in the region long-ago, and Latin is a neutral language choice for all.
“Oh, what’s in a name?” asks Juliette.
Apparently, a lot in Switzerland.
2. The Alps are a huge playground for the Swiss and home to the slowest express train in the world.
Switzerland has more than 400 mountains over 3,000 meters high (approx. 10,000 feet). Almost 30 of them soar above 4,000 meters (13,000+ feet) into the air. That’s a lot of mountain! Moreover, with thousands of kilometers of winter ski slopes and summer hiking trails, these geological giants are the Swiss’ favorite recreational area, a treasured resource to enjoy all year long.
Weaving among these mountains since 1930, The Glacier Express connects two of Switzerland’s most popular resort towns – the glitzy St. Moritz and snowy Zermatt, which sits at the base of the Matterhorn. The train snakes through the Alps at a very slow pace, traversing 291 bridges and 91 tunnels, and high-mountain passes. This particular journey across the southern portion of the country takes over seven hours. Not exactly the timing I envisioned with the word express…
3. Switzerland has been politically neutral for centuries, but the country remains prepared for war.
If you think Switzerland is the pushover on the European schoolyard, think again!
Supporting the stereotype of Swiss precaution, the Swiss have maintained defensive and offensive military strategies for decades. Almost every mountain tunnel leading into Switzerland is loaded with explosives to block off the country from enemy invasion at a moment’s notice. Also, seemingly innocuous country barns hide large artillery weapons all across Switzerland. Many highways can be converted into emergency aircraft landing strips. Men are required to serve in the military, and they keep their guns at home; they can be ready to fight within hours. Finally, there are enough underground bunkers to shelter the entire population of the country, plus a few thousand more, in the event of an attack.
The point of the story: Don’t mess with the Swiss.
4. Swiss products are far more famous than Swiss people.
When I give walking tours in Zurich, I often ask visitors this question: “When you think about Switzerland, what comes to mind?” Most reply with a barrage of Swiss-made products: Swiss chocolates, Swiss cheeses, Swiss army knives, Swiss watches, Swiss banking, Swiss timing, the Swiss Alps.
But no one ever mentions a famous Swiss person.
Other than my cousin’s tennis star lookalike, there just aren’t many Swiss on the world’s public stage. Yet, these unfamous people are making some of the most desirable and luxurious products on the planet. Now, isn’t that a curious thing?
5. Switzerland is the only country in the world with a direct democracy, but women weren’t allowed to vote until 1971.
For a country that has no head of state and gives more power to its people than any other nation, the fact that women suffrage was instituted in the 1970s is somewhat astounding. Yet, that’s Switzerland for you – a land where conservative constructs coexist with radical practices. Nowadays, all Swiss people hold political power and can challenge laws on local, cantonal, and federal levels. To call for a vote on a constitutional law, a “federal popular initiative” can be launched with the collection of 100,000 signatures.
My personal citizenship may reside with “The Land of the Free,” but I’m a little envious of Swiss citizens and their democratic power to affect change within their own borders.
6. Diversity is what unifies Switzerland.
The Swiss people value independence and self-regulation. They love their rules, but they don’t like to be ruled. They cherish a society where you can be proud of your province first, your nation second, and in fact, they have a word for that sentiment: Kantönligeist. However, the 26 cantons of Switzerland know that they are stronger together. Thus, the Swiss stick to the consensus of opinion and move forward in unity.
Did you learn anything new about Switzerland from this post?
Can you name a famous Swiss person?
Do you have any more interesting facts to share about Switzerland?
Share your thoughts in the Comment Section below!