Difference between revisions of "Switzerland"
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'''Switzerland''' is a [[Europe]]an country located between [[Germany]], [[Italy]], [[France]], and [[Austria]]. The capital of Switzerland is Berne and the largest city is Zurich. Four languages are spoken: [[German]], [[French]], [[Italian]], and [[Romansch]] (a Rhaeto-Romance language). Switzerland has been an independent country since 1291 and is a confederation of 26 cantons with a direct democracy where all laws passed by parliament can be overturned by arranging a referendum. | '''Switzerland''' is a [[Europe]]an country located between [[Germany]], [[Italy]], [[France]], and [[Austria]]. The capital of Switzerland is Berne and the largest city is Zurich. Four languages are spoken: [[German]], [[French]], [[Italian]], and [[Romansch]] (a Rhaeto-Romance language). Switzerland has been an independent country since 1291 and is a confederation of 26 cantons with a direct democracy where all laws passed by parliament can be overturned by arranging a referendum. | ||
| − | Switzerland is notable for its long history of military neutrality and its beautiful Alps. The Swiss economy is robust and helped considerably by the banking sector as well as cheese and knife making. | + | Switzerland is notable for its long history of military neutrality and its beautiful Alps. This policy of neutrality extended to [[United Nations]] membership until 2002. The Swiss economy is robust and helped considerably by the banking sector as well as cheese and knife making. |
Switzerland is the currently the only [[direct democracy]] in existence. | Switzerland is the currently the only [[direct democracy]] in existence. | ||
[[Category:European Countries]] | [[Category:European Countries]] | ||
Revision as of 06:20, July 10, 2007
Switzerland is a European country located between Germany, Italy, France, and Austria. The capital of Switzerland is Berne and the largest city is Zurich. Four languages are spoken: German, French, Italian, and Romansch (a Rhaeto-Romance language). Switzerland has been an independent country since 1291 and is a confederation of 26 cantons with a direct democracy where all laws passed by parliament can be overturned by arranging a referendum.
Switzerland is notable for its long history of military neutrality and its beautiful Alps. This policy of neutrality extended to United Nations membership until 2002. The Swiss economy is robust and helped considerably by the banking sector as well as cheese and knife making.
Switzerland is the currently the only direct democracy in existence.