Switzerland

Switzerland, officially the Swiss Confederation, is a landlocked country located in west-central Europe. It is bordered by Italy to the south, France to the west, Germany to the north and Austria and Liechtenstein to the east. Switzerland is geographically divided among the Swiss Plateau, the Alps and the Jura; the Alps occupy the greater part of the territory, whereas most of the country's population of 9 million are concentrated on the plateau, which hosts its largest cities and economic centres, including Zurich, Geneva, and Basel.
switzerland

Some of the key events about Switzerland

  • 1291
    The Swiss Confederation was founded with the signing of the Federal Charter
  • 1515
    Swiss forces suffered a devastating defeat at the Battle of Marignano, ending Swiss expansionism
  • 1798
    French forces invaded and occupied Switzerland, establishing the Helvetic Republic
  • 1815
    Switzerland's neutrality was formally recognized at the Congress of Vienna
  • 1847
    The Sonderbund War, a civil war between Catholic and Protestant cantons, resulted in numerous casualties
  • 1848
    The Swiss Federal Constitution was adopted, establishing Switzerland as a federal state
  • 1863
    The International Committee of the Red Cross was founded in Geneva
  • 1902
    The Simplon Tunnel, then the world's longest railway tunnel, was completed
  • 1920
    Geneva became the headquarters of the League of Nations
  • 1934
    Switzerland experienced a severe economic crisis during the Great Depression
  • 1938
    Switzerland closed its borders to Jewish refugees fleeing Nazi persecution
  • 1945
    Switzerland faced international criticism for its financial dealings with Nazi Germany during World War II
  • 1948
    The World Health Organization (WHO) was established with headquarters in Geneva
  • 1960
    Switzerland became a founding member of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA)
  • 1970
    A Swissair flight crashed near Würenlingen, killing all 47 people on board
  • 1982
    A major fire in the Gotthard Road Tunnel killed 11 people and caused extensive damage
  • 2001
    A disgruntled former employee carried out a mass shooting in the Zug cantonal parliament, killing 14 people
  • 2002
    Switzerland joined the United Nations as a full member
  • 2008
    Switzerland's largest bank, UBS, required a government bailout during the global financial crisis
  • 2016
    The Gotthard Base Tunnel, the world's longest and deepest railway tunnel, was opened

Disclaimer: This material is written based on information taken from open sources, including Wikipedia, news media, podcasts, and other public sources.

Switzerland Latest news

UK's Industrial Revival: From Invention to Production

UK's Industrial Revival: From Invention to Production

Britain's inventive legacy contrasts with its current economic focus. A shift towards reindustrialization could boost growth, following examples from countries like Switzerland and Poland.

Business, Economics, Science • September 16 2024, 10:35 AM  •  1761 views
Sir Ed Davey Expresses Concerns Over Assisted Dying Legislation

Sir Ed Davey Expresses Concerns Over Assisted Dying Legislation

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey warns that legalizing assisted dying could pressure elderly individuals to feel like a burden. The issue is set for a potential Commons vote in the near future.

Society, Politics • September 16 2024, 10:12 AM  •  467 views
Citizens' Jury Backs Assisted Dying: Democratic Process Questioned

Citizens' Jury Backs Assisted Dying: Democratic Process Questioned

A citizens' jury supports legalizing assisted dying, sparking debate on its influence and legitimacy. The article examines the role of such juries in shaping legislative decisions and emphasizes the importance of parliamentary debate.

Society, Politics • September 13 2024, 04:36 PM  •  91 views
Former Miss Switzerland Finalist's Gruesome Murder Shocks Nation

Former Miss Switzerland Finalist's Gruesome Murder Shocks Nation

A former model and Miss Switzerland finalist was allegedly murdered by her husband in Binningen. Medical reports reveal shocking details of the crime, contradicting the husband's self-defense claim.

Society, Culture • September 12 2024, 05:14 PM  •  106 views
Swiss Court Convicts Islamic Scholar Tariq Ramadan of Rape

Swiss Court Convicts Islamic Scholar Tariq Ramadan of Rape

Tariq Ramadan, former Oxford professor, found guilty of rape by Swiss appeals court, overturning previous acquittal. Sentenced to three years, with two suspended, in landmark verdict.

Society, Culture • September 11 2024, 09:15 AM  •  153 views
German Opposition Pushes for Stricter Border Controls Amid Migration Debate

German Opposition Pushes for Stricter Border Controls Amid Migration Debate

Germany's opposition leader demands tougher immigration policies as the government announces additional border checks. Political tensions rise over migration control measures in response to recent events.

Society, Politics • September 10 2024, 11:04 AM  •  250 views
Germany Tightens Border Controls to Combat Illegal Immigration

Germany Tightens Border Controls to Combat Illegal Immigration

Germany announces stricter border measures starting September 16, 2024, to address illegal immigration and security concerns. The move comes amid rising far-right support and upcoming state elections.

Society, Politics • September 9 2024, 11:28 PM  •  928 views
Spain's Wealth Tax Sparks Debate: Millionaires Weigh Options

Spain's Wealth Tax Sparks Debate: Millionaires Weigh Options

Spain's "solidarity" tax on the wealthy raises concerns among millionaires. While some consider relocating, others adapt. The tax's effectiveness and global wealth taxation trends are under scrutiny.

Economics, Politics • September 9 2024, 05:55 AM  •  235 views
UK's End-of-Life Care Inadequate for Assisted Dying, Says Health Secretary

UK's End-of-Life Care Inadequate for Assisted Dying, Says Health Secretary

Health Secretary Wes Streeting expresses concerns about UK's readiness for assisted dying legislation, citing inadequate end-of-life care. He emphasizes the need for safeguards against coercion and improved palliative care.

Society, Politics • September 7 2024, 06:34 PM  •  270 views
UK MP Wins Ballot to Propose Assisted Dying Bill, Sparking Debate

UK MP Wins Ballot to Propose Assisted Dying Bill, Sparking Debate

Labour MP Jake Richards secures spot to introduce assisted dying legislation in UK Parliament. The move reignites discussions on end-of-life choices, with opposing views from various organizations.

Society, Politics • September 5 2024, 07:20 PM  •  448 views
Wealthy Britons Flee as Tax Hike Fears Mount Ahead of Budget

Wealthy Britons Flee as Tax Hike Fears Mount Ahead of Budget

Affluent individuals and business owners are leaving the UK, fearing potential tax increases in the upcoming Budget. Experts warn of economic consequences as popular relocation destinations emerge.

Business, Economics, Politics • August 31 2024, 07:31 PM  •  209 views
UK Pensioners Abroad Keep Winter Fuel Aid as Domestic Cuts Loom

UK Pensioners Abroad Keep Winter Fuel Aid as Domestic Cuts Loom

British retirees in Europe retain winter fuel allowance while UK residents face cuts. New legislation affects millions, sparking debate on pensioner support and financial priorities.

Economics, Politics • August 27 2024, 07:23 PM  •  15 views
Ukraine Launches New Border Raids as Kursk Occupation Continues

Ukraine Launches New Border Raids as Kursk Occupation Continues

Ukrainian forces attempt cross-border incursions into Russia's Belgorod region, while maintaining their hold on Kursk. President Zelensky frames the operation as part of a broader victory strategy.

Politics • August 27 2024, 03:05 PM  •  16 views
Elderly Italian Woman Survives Forest Ordeal with Unusual Companion

Elderly Italian Woman Survives Forest Ordeal with Unusual Companion

An 88-year-old Italian woman endured four days lost in a forest, surviving on rainwater and befriending a fox. Rescued after an extensive search, she's now recovering in hospital.

Society, Culture • August 27 2024, 02:37 PM  •  0 views
UK Debates Assisted Dying Legislation Amid Growing Public Support

UK Debates Assisted Dying Legislation Amid Growing Public Support

The UK grapples with potential assisted dying legislation, balancing public demand for end-of-life choices with concerns about healthcare impact and ethical implications.

Society, Politics • August 23 2024, 11:17 PM  •  0 views
Tugendhat Proposes Family-Focused Reforms to Boost UK Birth Rates

Tugendhat Proposes Family-Focused Reforms to Boost UK Birth Rates

Tom Tugendhat, MP, advocates for tax and childcare reforms to support family formation in Britain. He aims to address declining birth rates and make parenting more affordable, drawing inspiration from successful policies in other countries.

Society, Politics • August 23 2024, 06:51 PM  •  0 views