Number 8 might come as a surprise to you, its Switzerland! Switzerland is located in Central Europe. It is bordered on the south by Italy, on the west by France, on the north by Germany, and on the east by Austria. Switzerland has a population of approximately 8.5 million, which is considerably smaller in comparison to other countries on the list. But what it might lack in size it definitely makes up in atmosphere, food, and overall enjoyment for its citizens. According to US News.com, Switzerland ranks #4 on the ‘Best Countries In the World of 2021’ report. Perhaps it’s time to swap stony beaches in the UK for some time in the Swiss Alps.
Fashion
Generally, individuals in Switzerland dress in a relaxed manner. In major towns like Zurich and Geneva, though, it’s nearly impossible to overdress. If you’re going to a bigger city, make sure you pack at least one (or two!) classy outfits. Black and darker-coloured materials are considered attractive and refined by the Swiss. When in doubt, wear black, urges fashion in Switzerland, as it does in many other locations throughout the world.
Currently, the Swiss wear western-style clothing, but when it comes to traditional celebrations, they still dress traditionally. Classic Swiss garments that their ancestors wore at celebrations.
Language
One feature that sets Switzerland apart from other countries is its multilingualism. Unlike myself, many Swiss people are brought up to speak multiple languages, this makes it easier when communicating with people from diverse backgrounds, no wonder their business sector is constantly booming.
German, French, Italian, and Romansh are the four official languages. Despite the fact that the country is multilingual, most citizens don’t speak all four languages. The majority of the population speaks Schwiizertütsch, a Swiss-German dialect.
Cuisine
The Swiss cheese and chocolate, of course. Tourists and locals alike like these two wonders. If you ask a Swiss person how they get along regardless of their beliefs, they will tell you about their mutual love of cheese. Even though fondue is one of the simplest dishes to prepare, there is much disagreement about the type of cheese to use and other ingredients to use in order to produce the best results. When it comes to chocolate, the Swiss have a unique way of making it. The Chocolate Train is a fantastic way to learn more about the process! There are, however, a plethora of other delectable Swiss delicacies to sample.
One of Switzerland’s staple and national dishes is Rösti. Rösti is a potato cake that can be eaten as a side or main dish. Firstly, potatoes are cooked in their jackets first, then peeled and shredded before being fried in butter into a circular flat cake. Sounds heavenly.
Values
The Swiss place an emphasis on health, honesty, work ethic, and wealth. “Unity, yes; uniformity, no,” is the motto. The Swiss have a great appreciation for saving and the material richness that comes with it. They tend to be extremely proud of their surroundings and have a long history of independence. As a result, Switzerland is a society that values competitiveness, accomplishment, and success, with success defined as being the victor – a value system that begins in school and extends throughout a person’s career.
Tolerance, timeliness, and a sense of duty are important to them. They take great pride in their neutrality and commitment to world peace.
Religion
In Switzerland, Christians make up the majority of the population. About 38% of the population is Roman Catholic, while 27% is Protestant (2015 figures). Other religions are also embodied: 5% Muslim, 0.5 percent Buddhist, and 0.3 percent Jewish. Individuals who have no religious allegiance has risen dramatically (21.4 percent). There are also new communities of people who practise various faiths.
Economy & Trade
Machinery and equipment, chemical-pharmaceutical items, timepieces, and textiles and apparel are among Switzerland’s top exports. About a quarter of all imports are made up of raw materials, food, vegetable oils, and gasoline. Switzerland has a long history of being a trailblazer in liberalising and enabling international trade, which is vital to its economy. The EU accounts for the majority of Switzerland’s trade, with three-quarters of its imports and three-fifths of its exports flowing to EU countries.
Science & Technology
Switzerland is in the forefront of scientific innovation on a European and global scale, with multiple top-ranked universities and programmes, and a close relationship between industry and scientific research. Due to the scarcity of natural resources in Switzerland, science and technology play a vital role in the Swiss economy. The Swiss National Science Foundation is the most important institution encouraging scientific research, as authorised by the Swiss government.
Overall, Switzerland most certainly is an influential and extremely impactful country, thriving in various and important aspects. It is internationally respected due to its high regard for equality, transparency, and economic stability.
“It’s tough to find a place not to like in Switzerland.”
Michele Bachmann
Toni is an Administrative Personal Assistant and Business Executive, who loves travelling, health and beauty, lifestyle and business. She regularly spends her time multitasking.
