Switzerland

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, when the nation became the 190th to enter. [1] Neutrality did not mean non-involvement in world affairs; in fact, it often allowed Switzerland to act as a communications intermediary between countries at war. The Swiss economy is robust and helped considerably by the banking sector.

Switzerland and Norway are the only major countries in Western Europe that do not belong to the European Union.

Switzerland is the currently the only direct democracy in existence.