Your guide to being an expatriate in Switzerland

Demographics of Switzerland:

Religion Overview

Switzerland is a relatively secular country, with approximately 62% of the population identifying as Roman Catholic, 22% as Protestant, and 16% as non-denominational Christian or other religions.

Major Religions

Climate

Switzerland has a temperate climate influenced by its varied topography. The northern and eastern parts of the country are characterized by moderate temperatures, while the southern regions are warmer and drier. Most of Switzerland receives abundant rainfall, with the highest rainfall concentrations found in the Alps.

Economy Overview

Switzerland is a highly developed country with a thriving economy that is primarily driven by its expertise in banking, finance, and innovation. Its per capita income is among the highest in the world, and the country consistently ranks in the top ten by various measures of economic and political stability and competitiveness.

Key Industries

• Switzerland is a global leader in the manufacture of high-precision watches, along with pharmaceuticals, chemicals, machinery, and electronics.
• The Swiss financial sector is among the most sophisticated in the world, with Zurich and Geneva serving as major financial centers.

Major Companies

• Nestlé
• Roche Holding AG
• Guralp Systems
• Novartis AG
• Aryzta AG
• Swiss Life Holding Ltd.
• MeteoSwiss
• CS-Marin Sa
• IST Group AG
• 巴尔 менеджмент S.A.
• Keystone Law
• Sika AG
• Absatzdienst Bruno Müller GmbH
• Banz & Frohlich AG
• Vetter Pharma Steuerung GmbH & Co. KG
• Holoform AG
• Haldi Group AG
• Buhler AG
• Alstom Power Boilers SA
• Spirax-Sarco Engineering plc
• Wartmann AG
• Zwick Roell AG
• Gunvor Group Ltd.
• International Hotel Management GmbH
• MKS Instruments Switzerland AG
• BWT AG
• Intralytics AG
• Swissmotion AG
• Ramirent S.A.
• ABG Allgemeine Betriebsgesellschaft AG
• SBB Holding AG
• Ectacom Software Möbel & Masteredien GmbH
• Bühler Feed Innovation AG
• Westeel Jobs AG
• BDL Datatronic Luxembourg S.A. R.L.
• Dimetweb AG
• Baader Holding AG
• Muehlbauer Group AG
• Aenova Schweiz AG
• Maserater Mullenbach AG
• Neema,
• FitoMelitz Vogel Management GmbH
• Coop Group AG
• Aesculap AG
• Europa Capital Group AG
• Calvinny & Jurgens AG
• Queen City GmbH
• Stöckli Bau AG
• Acroust GmbH
• BetterMed Media AG
• Rough Wood AG
• Memorandum GmbH & Co. KG
• Atlantic Electronics AG
• Tektract Ltd.
• Harriya Limited
• Swisspp AG
• Modern Packaging AG
• CHROM ag
• Sikla AG
• AGI AG
• Aesculplar AG Switzerland
• Grisés SA
• Chr. Meyer AG
• Akon Robotics AG
• Manuvia AG
• SIM Santa Clara AG
• SHL Pharma GmbH
• LKH Leitwearhandlung Künzli AG
• Kilpatrick & Co., Inc.
• Midas Casing Tools GmbH
• Confruct (Schweiz) AG
• Carglass Germany GmbH
• Julius Baer Holding AG
• Combimatrix Holdings Corp.

Culture and Language Overview

Switzerland is a melting pot of culture, with its rich history and traditions influencing everything from its food and festivals to its language and music. Swiss German, Swiss French, Italian Swiss, and Romansh are all recognized as official languages in Switzerland.

Cultural Highlights

• Swiss National Day on August 1 is celebrated with parades, fireworks, and an 1815 reenactment in Schwyz.
• The Basler Paper Mill in Appenzell is a UNESCO World Heritage site, reflecting the region's rich paper-making heritage.
• Chocolate is a beloved Swiss delicacy, with famous chocolate brands such as Lindt, Nestlé, and Toblerone hailing from Switzerland.
• Swiss-style music, including yodeling and alphorn playing, is a testament to Switzerland's Alpine origins and cultural heritage.
• Cow parades are an annual spectacle that celebrate Swiss agriculture, cuisine, and dairy products.
• Swiss folk culture is represented in traditional costumes and decorations, such as the Swiss national emblem (the Swiss cross) and the tulip bouquets given as gifts on National Day.
• The Lucerne Chapel Bridge, originally built in the 14th century, is a landmark of Swiss history and culture.
• The Matterhorn is a symbol of Swiss alpine beauty and serves as a breathtaking backdrop for many Swiss landscapes.

Geography and Landmarks Overview

Switzerland is a breathtakingly beautiful country characterized by its snow-capped mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and lush green valleys. Its diverse topography ranges from the rolling hills of the north to the dramatic peaks of the Alps.

Notable Landmarks

• The Matterhorn is an iconic peak rising over 4,400 meters in the Alps, attracting tourists and mountaineers from around the world.
• The Rhine Falls, located on the Swiss-German border, are the largest plain waterfalls in Europe.
• The Glacier Express is a panoramic train journey through the Swiss Alps, providing a breathtaking and unforgettable experience for travelers.
• The Via San Gottardo, an ancient trading route dating back to Roman times, connects Italy and Switzerland and is a testament to the region's rich history and heritage.
• The UNESCO World Heritage site Old Town of Bern is a well-preserved example of a medieval city, featuring charming cobblestone streets, colorful facades, and historic landmarks.
• The Geneva Jet d'Eau, soaring to a height of 140 meters, is a distinctive feature of the Geneva skyline and a delightful sight for tourists and residents alike.
• The Lake Zurich Panorama is an expansive painting depicting a panoramic view of Zurich and a highlight of Swiss artistic heritage.
• The Chillon Castle, nestled beneath the imposing peaks of the Alps, is a captivating example of medieval architecture and a must-see destination for castle enthusiasts.
• The Pfaffensattel is the symbolic juncture between Switzerland, Austria, Germany, and Italy, representing the country's rich cultural and geographic heritage.
• The charming town of Gruyère, known for its namesake cheese, is a picture-perfect example of Swiss village life and a testament to the region's traditional agricultural heritage.
• The Augst Monastery Library is a rare example of a well-preserved medieval library, featuring a unique collection of manuscripts and documents.
• The Heidiland, characterized by its rolling hills, hay meadows, and charming villages, is a captivating example of Switzerland's pastoral beauty and cultural heritage.
• The Zermatt Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is a breathtaking observation deck providing stunning views of the Matterhorn and the surrounding Alps.
• The Zurich Old Town is a well-preserved medieval city featuring charming cobblestone streets, historical landmarks, and picturesque buildings.
• The Lauterbrunnen Valley, home to sparkling waterfalls and picture-perfect hiking trails, is a testament to Switzerland's natural beauty and majesty.

National Holidays

• New Year's Day (January 1)
• Good Friday
• Easter Sunday
• Easter Monday
• May Day (May 1)
• Ascension Day (40 days after Easter)
• Pentecost Monday (seven weeks after Easter)
• Corpus Christi
• Swiss National Day (August 1)
• All Saints' Day (November 1)
• Reformation Day (NT October 31)
• Christmas Day (December 25)

Political Stability

Switzerland enjoys a stable political system characterized by a federal parliamentary democratic constitutional unitary state. It is committed to the principles of direct democracy, including annual mandatory referendums, citizen initiatives, and popular vetoes.