What associations come to mind when you hear the word «Switzerland»? Chocolate, ancient castles, snow-capped mountains, punctual Swiss, an indestructible bank account, the world’s best wristwatch. But in fact, there is much more amazing in this country, and it’s easy to see for yourself – just go here on vacation for at least a couple of weeks.
Facts about Switzerland
- Here The Swiss franc is still in use today. It is approximately equal to the US dollar in value.
- This country does not have an official capital. Administrative functions are performed by the city of Bern. By the way, this is not the only state in the world without a capital – there is also Nauru (interesting facts about Nauru).
- The population of Switzerland is 8.6 million people.
- Almost every adult male Swiss has a military weapon. At the same time, the crime rate here is one of the lowest in the world.
- Laws here prohibit keeping guinea pigs alone, as scientists have established that these animals need the company of relatives.
- Approximately 0.01 % of Swiss are over 100 years old.
- Traditionally, only the Swiss act as guards in the Vatican (interesting facts about Vatican).
- The state system of Switzerland is a confederation. It is the only confederate state in the world.
- There are four official languages. In practice, almost all locals speak three of them – German, French and Italian. Less than 1% of the population speak Romashno. But many also speak English.
- There are no apartment numbers in Swiss houses. Instead, the name of the tenant is indicated on the door.
- Two-thirds of Switzerland is mountains. By the way, this is the most mountainous European country (interesting facts about mountains).
- On Sundays, all more or less large shops are closed here.
- Swiss children go to school from the age of 4, and they study not 5 days a week, but 4.
- Subway in Swiss The city of Lausanne operates without drivers – trains are controlled by computers.
- Almost a quarter of the total population of Switzerland are foreigners.
- This country is not so cold, as is usually thought of her. So, even palm trees grow here in the south!
- Among all the goods exported by Switzerland, chocolate occupies the first place.
- In case of war, there are numerous bunkers that can accommodate the entire population.
- Education in Switzerland is free. And not only for local citizens, but also for foreigners.
- Until 1971, women did not have the right to vote here.
- Switzerland is not part of the European Union.
- Zermat, one of the local towns, has completely banned internal combustion engines.
- Military service is compulsory for all men. Those who do not want to serve can instead pay a special tax of 3% of all money earned before the age of 30.
- Health insurance is mandatory for all residents of the country. Medicine costs decent money.
- For a tree cut down without special permission in Switzerland, you can get a big fine. Even if you cut down a tree planted on your own land.
- The corkscrews for the famous Swiss knives are made in Japan.
- The local wineries produce excellent wine. In other countries, it is not popular because no one knows about it – the Swiss do not export it.
- There are no homeless animals in Swiss cities.
- In case of war, most highways in Switzerland are built in such a way as to be able to quickly convert them into runways.
- Traffic fines here are directly dependent on income. The more the violator earns, the more he will pay.