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Country Profile: Switzerland
FactfileCapitalBernLargest cityZurichOther cities and townsGeneva, Lausanne, BaselOfficial languagesGerman, French, Italian, RomanshArea41, 284 sq kmPopulation7, 700, 600 (2008 est.)CurrencySwiss franc |
Languages
The linguistic geography of Switzerland is in three parts, with the Swiss German region in the northeast, the Swiss French part in the west and the Swiss Italian area to the south. There is also a small population of Romansh speakers. These four languages make up the official languages of Switzerland.
Economy
Switzerland has a stable and well developed capitalist economy, with a high GDP - it is ranked as the second most competitive economy in the world. Switzerland houses a number of large corporations, including Nestle, Credit Suisse, Zurich Financial Services and Adecco. Important industries in Switzerland are pharmaceuticals, musical instruments, real estate, tourism, chemicals and electronics. Unemployment in Switzerland is extremely low. Switzerland is a member of the OECD, and EFTA., but, controversially, has not joined the EU, despite bringing many of its economic policies in line with EU legislature. In late 2008, Switzerland joined the Schengen passport-free zone.
Energy
Switzerland's energy sources are mostly split between hydroelectricity and nuclear power, resulting in an almost completely CO2 free electricity network. There are plans in place for more nuclear power stations to be built in the country. The Swiss Federal Office of Energy is responsible for issues relating to energy production within the Federal Department of Environment, Transport, Energy and Communication, and it supports the plans to cut the nation's energy use by a half by 2050. Switzerland is one of the top recycling countries in the world.
Science and Technology
Switzerland is a leading nation for scientific and technological research, and there have been several Nobel prizewinners born and bred in the country, most famously Albert Einstein, who developed his theory of relativity while working in Bern. The biggest university in Switzerland is the University of Zurich.
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