15 Fun Facts About Switzerland Before Your Next Trip

There are many fascinating countries in the world worth visiting, and Switzerland is definitely one to add to your list. This landlocked country in the middle of Central Europe is very different from its neighbours. It might seem like many others, yet it’s absolutely unique.

I must admit that I was once obsessed with Switzerland. It was one of those places that spoke to me. You have the Swiss Alps with stunning landscapes and an abundance of culture and history. It’s also a chocolate lover’s dream. Let’s just say that Switzerland has a lot to offer visitors. Here are some of my fave fun facts about Switzerland before you go.

Fun facts about Switzerland

So, what makes Switzerland so different from its European neighbours? Well, it’s a combination of history, laws and geography. All the stunning mountains, lakes and picturesque towns that are an iconic element of Swiss travel are also what makes this country unique.

1. Switzerland’s country code is CH

Switzerland, officially known as the Swiss Confederation, is the country’s name in English. In German, it’s “die Schweiz,” “Suisse” in French, “Svizzera” in Italian and “Svizra” in Romansch. Yet, the common abbreviation for the country is CH.

If you wonder why the Swiss shortcode is CH, you are not alone. In Latin, Switzerland is known as Confoederatio Helvetican (Confederation Helvetica), hence the CH abbreviation. Helvetica comes from “Helvetier,” the name of people who lived in what became Switzerland.

2. Switzerland is surprisingly small

Here’s a surprising fact: Switzerland is only about the size of New Jersey. Despite being relatively small compared to its neighbours, it packs an incredible amount into its small space. From the highest mountains in Europe to beautiful lakes and charming cities. It’s guaranteed to steal your heart.

3. Switzerland has perpetual neutrality

Switzerland is famous for being a neutral country. Meaning not taking sides or getting involved in wars. While there are many other neutral countries, this makes the list of fun facts about Switzerland because it’s the oldest neutral country. The country’s perpetual neutrality was officially recognized at the Congress of Vienna in 1815. However, Swiss neutrality goes back to 1515.

After the loss to the French in 1515, Swiss people decided to focus on self-preservation. They abandoned expansion policies and avoided future conflict. All was going well until the French invaded again in 1798. Switzerland became a satellite of Napoleon Bonaparte’s empire. This didn’t sit well with Swiss citizens.

Amidst the ongoing tensions between European powers, Swiss neutrality provided a valuable buffer zone between France and Austria. Hence, the Congress of Vienna and the recognition of official neutral status. Switzerland maintained its neutral stance during both World Wars, although with some criticism for trading with the Nazis.

4. Switzerland has a unique status

One of the lesser-known facts about Switzerland is the country’s membership status. The Swiss are not part of the European Union (EU) nor the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). However, Switzerland joined the United Nations (UN) in 2002 and has an active role in humanitarian initiatives across the world.

Officially, “the Swiss Armed Forces are involved in peace support operations within the framework of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), the United Nations (UN) and the European Union (EU).” Switzerland also uses the Swiss franc, not the Euro.

5. Switzerland has a standing army

Despite being officially neutral, Switzerland maintains an active army. All males between the ages of 18 and 34 are required to complete military service. For women, it’s voluntary. The Swiss also have an elaborate network of defensive systems and have enough bunkers to house the whole population in case of a nuclear war. This leads directly into another fun fact about Switzerland.

6. Swiss guards are the Pope’s official army

The Swiss Guards, dressed in iconic yellow, red, and blue uniforms that resemble those of a Renaissance jester, are the pope’s official bodyguard. Comprised of 135 guards, it’s the world’s smallest army. So, how exactly did that happen?

Historically, the Swiss were highly skilled and sought-after mercenaries. Banking on that military prowess, Pope Julius II established the Pontifical Swiss Guard in 1505. Their job was to protect the pope and safeguard the Vatican. Today, the Swiss Guard is one of the oldest military units still in operation.

There are strict rules for those who want to join the Swiss Guard. You must be a single Swiss male, Catholic and between the ages of 19 and 30. Also, there is a minimum height requirement of 5’8″ (174 cm). Mandatory military training in Switzerland is a given.

7. Switzerland has more nuclear shelters than any other country

One of the most surprising facts about Switzerland is that it has enough nuclear shelters to protect every single person in the country. These underground bunkers were built during the Cold War. Swiss law required all new buildings to include bomb shelters. Today, there are over 300,000 of these shelters throughout the country.

8. You can find palm trees in Switzerland

Here’s a fun fact that surprises many visitors. You can actually find palm trees growing in Switzerland. The southern region near the Italian border has a Mediterranean climate. Towns like Locarno and Lugano have palm trees lining their streets. This happens because the Swiss Alps protect these areas from cold northern winds.

9. Switzerland has four official languages

Switzerland has four official languages: German, French, Italian and Romansh. To make things even more fun, there are different dialects, depending on where you live. Today, many Swiss also speak English, which can make travel there easier if you are overwhelmed by the various languages.

Switzerland is composed of 26 administrative blocks, called cantons, that work together. In the past, these cantons operated as sovereign states with individual customs and languages. Each is influenced by the countries closest to them. The cantons can choose their official languages.

Italian is spoken towards the border with Italy, whereas French is spoken in the west, close to the French border. German is spoken in the central and eastern parts of the country, reflecting the surrounding German-speaking neighbours. You’ll find Romansh spoken mainly in the Canton of Graubünden, in the southwest of the country. How is that for interesting facts about Switzerland?

10. Lake Geneva is one of Europe’s largest lakes

Lake Geneva, one of the largest lakes in Western Europe, sits on the border between Switzerland and France. The lake stretches for 45 miles and reaches depths of over 1,000 feet. The city of Geneva sits at the western tip of this beautiful lake. You can take a boat trip for a better view of the stunning mountains.

11. Swiss political system and laws

One of the many intriguing facts about Switzerland is its political system. There is a seven-member executive council that serves as a collective head of state. The council then selects one person to serve as president (referred to as “first among equals”) for a one-year term.

Switzerland is a direct democracy, which means citizens over 18 can vote on how the country is run. Anyone can challenge any Swiss law by collecting 50,000 signatures within 100 days of that law being published. Once there are enough signatures, the law goes out for a national vote. The citizens then decide whether it is passed or not. 

The Swiss also have unique laws about pet ownership and the most stringent animal welfare laws in the world. It’s illegal to have only one social pet. This includes pets such as fish, birds, guinea pigs, or dogs. You are required to pay taxes for your dogs, based on their size and weight, and report if your dog dies. This alone makes me love Switzerland even more.

12. Swiss people enjoy a high quality of life

Even though Switzerland is one of the most expensive countries in the world, Swiss workers also earn higher salaries than their counterparts. The higher level of job security and low unemployment rates also contribute to a high life expectancy of 83.4 years. That is the second-highest in the world, second only to Japan.

13. The Swiss banking system is legendary

If you have watched any spy films over the years, you’ll know that all the bad guys love to hide their money in Swiss banks. There are even rumours of vaults stashed with Nazi gold and many other valuables from people who wanted to protect their wealth.

Swiss banking offers stability and low risk due to Switzerland’s neutrality and a strong economy. The banks also provide a high level of privacy. It’s not surprising then that it would appeal to many, especially those with deep pockets, to have Swiss bank accounts.

14. Cable cars are everywhere in Switzerland

Switzerland has more cable cars per square mile than anywhere else on Earth. These aerial lifts connect remote mountain villages to valleys below. Some cable cars have been running for over 100 years. The country has about 2,400 cableways in operation. They carry both locals and tourists up and down the mountainsides daily.

15. Switzerland leads the world in innovation

According to the Global Innovation Index (GII), Switzerland is the most innovative country in the world. It’s probably one of the least-known facts about Switzerland. In addition to those mentioned below, Swiss inventions include Absinth, Velcro, cellophane, the potato peeler, LSD, muesli, edible chocolate, gold and milk chocolate.

• Swiss Army knife: The Swiss Army knife was invented by Karl Elsener in 1891. After Karl found out that the army used knives made in Germany, he decided to create a versatile version that could be manufactured in Switzerland. The rest is history.
• Helvetica font: The same Helvetica font you have probably used on your computer was developed in Switzerland in 1957, by renowned typeface designer Max Miedinger. He named the font after the same Helvetian people who gave Switzerland its Latin name.
• The Red Cross: Considering Switzerland’s role as a peacekeeper, it’s not a surprise that the Red Cross was founded in Geneva in 1863. The organization has been providing assistance in countries affected by natural disasters and war since its inception. There is even a Red Cross museum in Geneva that you can visit to learn more about the organization.
• Smell-O-Vision: In 1936, Swiss inventor Dr. Hans Laube developed a technology that was used to inject scents into movie theatres. The basic idea was that the machine would inject smells into the theatre to enhance the audience’s experience. While the concept has promise, the technicalities caused issues, and it was eventually forgotten.

Final thoughts on facts about Switzerland

Switzerland has a rich cultural heritage stemming from its position at the crossroads of Europe. German, French and Italian influences have shaped Swiss culture for hundreds of years. You can see this in everything from architecture to food. Each region celebrates distinct traditions, festivals, and customs that reflect its neighbouring countries.

The Swiss have paved their path, sticking to their beliefs even in the face of conflict. Sometimes those decisions have proved problematic and resulted in criticism. That didn’t change the way Switzerland operates. It might be known as the home of Swiss watches, chocolate and cheese with stunning landscapes, but it’s also a fascinating country worth exploring.