Switzerland
EuropeSZ September 17, 2025
Background
The Swiss Confederation was founded in 1291 as a defensive alliance among three cantons. In succeeding years, other localities joined the original three. The Swiss Confederation secured its independence from the Holy Roman Empire in 1499. A constitution of 1848, which was modified in 1874 to allow voters to introduce referenda on proposed laws, replaced the confederation with a centralized federal government. The major European powers have long honored Switzerland's sovereignty and neutrality, and the country was not involved in either World War. The political and economic integration of Europe over the past half-century, as well as Switzerland's role in many UN and international organizations, has strengthened Switzerland's ties with its neighbors. However, the country did not officially become a UN member until 2002. Switzerland remains active in many UN and international organizations but retains a strong commitment to neutrality.
Geographic coordinates
47 00 N, 8 00 E
Natural hazards
avalanches, landslides; flash floods
Area - comparative
slightly less than twice the size of New Jersey
Environmental issues
air pollution from vehicle emissions; water pollution from agricultural fertilizers; soil pollution from chemical contaminants; soil erosion; loss of biodiversity
International environmental agreements
Party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Heavy Metals, Air Pollution-Multi-effect Protocol, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protection, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling
Signed, but not ratified: None of the selected agreements
Signed, but not ratified: None of the selected agreements
Climate
temperate, but varies with altitude; cold, cloudy, rainy/snowy winters; cool to warm, cloudy, humid summers with occasional showers
Coastline
0 km (landlocked)
Land boundaries
Total: 1,770 km
Border countries (5): Austria 158 km; France 525 km; Italy 698 km; Liechtenstein 41 km; Germany 348 km
Border countries (5): Austria 158 km; France 525 km; Italy 698 km; Liechtenstein 41 km; Germany 348 km
Land use
Agricultural land: 37.9% (2022 est.)
Arable land: 10% (2022 est.)
Permanent crops: 0.6% (2022 est.)
Permanent pasture: 27.2% (2022 est.)
Forest: 32.3% (2022 est.)
Other: 29.8% (2022 est.)
Arable land: 10% (2022 est.)
Permanent crops: 0.6% (2022 est.)
Permanent pasture: 27.2% (2022 est.)
Forest: 32.3% (2022 est.)
Other: 29.8% (2022 est.)
Maritime claims
none (landlocked)
Natural resources
hydropower potential, timber, salt
Geography - note
landlocked; crossroads of northern and southern Europe; along with southeastern France, northern Italy, and southwestern Austria, has the highest elevations in the Alps
Terrain
mostly mountains (Alps in south, Jura in northwest) with a central plateau of rolling hills, plains, and large lakes
Location
Central Europe, east of France, north of Italy
Map references
Europe
Irrigated land
494 sq km (2020)
Total renewable water resources
53.5 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Population distribution
population distribution corresponds to elevation, with the northern and western areas far more heavily populated; the higher Alps of the south limit settlement
Elevation
Highest point: Dufourspitze on Monte Rosa 4,634 m
Lowest point: Lake Maggiore 195 m
Mean elevation: 1,350 m
Lowest point: Lake Maggiore 195 m
Mean elevation: 1,350 m
Major watersheds (area sq km)
Atlantic Ocean drainage: Rhine-Maas (198,735 sq km), (Black Sea) Danube (795,656 sq km), (Adriatic Sea) Po (76,997 sq km), (Mediterranean Sea) Rhone (100,543 sq km)
Major lakes (area sq km)
Fresh water lake(s): Lake Constance (shared with Germany and Austria) - 540 sq km; Lake Geneva (shared with France) - 580 sq km
Major rivers (by length in km)
Rhein (Rhine) river source (shared with Germany, France, and Netherlands [m]) - 1,233 km
Note: [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
Note: [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
Area
Total : 41,277 sq km
Land: 39,997 sq km
Water: 1,280 sq km
Land: 39,997 sq km
Water: 1,280 sq km
Age structure
0-14 years: 15.1% (male 685,221/female 650,802)
15-64 years: 64.6% (male 2,887,767/female 2,834,842)
65 years and over: 20.3% (2024 est.) (male 830,117/female 971,825)
15-64 years: 64.6% (male 2,887,767/female 2,834,842)
65 years and over: 20.3% (2024 est.) (male 830,117/female 971,825)
Sex ratio
At birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.85 male(s)/female
Total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
0-14 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.85 male(s)/female
Total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Nationality
Noun: Swiss (singular and plural)
Adjective: Swiss
Adjective: Swiss
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
Total: 17 years (2023 est.)
Male: 17 years (2023 est.)
Female: 17 years (2023 est.)
Male: 17 years (2023 est.)
Female: 17 years (2023 est.)
Urbanization
Urban population: 74.2% of total population (2023)
Rate of urbanization: 0.79% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Rate of urbanization: 0.79% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Drinking water source
Improved:
Urban: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Urban: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Major urban areas - population
1.432 million Zurich, 441,000 BERN (capital) (2023)
Physician density
4.48 physicians/1,000 population (2022)
Hospital bed density
4.4 beds/1,000 population (2021 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth
31.1 years (2020 est.)
Dependency ratios
Total dependency ratio: 54.8 (2024 est.)
Youth dependency ratio: 23.3 (2024 est.)
Elderly dependency ratio: 31.5 (2024 est.)
Potential support ratio: 3.2 (2024 est.)
Youth dependency ratio: 23.3 (2024 est.)
Elderly dependency ratio: 31.5 (2024 est.)
Potential support ratio: 3.2 (2024 est.)
Sanitation facility access
Improved:
Urban: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Urban: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Ethnic groups
Swiss 69.2%, German 4.2%, Italian 3.2%, Portuguese 2.5%, French 2.1%, Kosovan 1.1%, Turkish 1%, other 16.7% (2020 est.)
Note: Data represent permanent and non-permanent resident population by country of birth
Note: Data represent permanent and non-permanent resident population by country of birth
Religions
Roman Catholic 34.4%, Protestant 22.5%, other Christian 5.7%, Muslim 5.4%, other 1.5%, none 29.4%, unspecified 1.1% (2020 est.)
Languages
German (or Swiss German) (official) 62.1%, French (official) 22.8%, Italian (official) 8%, English 5.7%, Portuguese 3.5%, Albanian 3.3%, Serbo-Croatian 2.3%, Spanish 2.3%, Romansh (official) 0.5%, other 7.9% (2019 est.)
Major-language sample(s):
Das World Factbook, die unverzichtbare Quelle für grundlegende Informationen. (German)
The World Factbook, une source indispensable d'informations de base. (French)
L'Almanacco dei fatti del mondo, l'indispensabile fonte per le informazioni di base. (Italian)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Note: shares sum to more than 100% because respondents could indicate more than one main language
Major-language sample(s):
Das World Factbook, die unverzichtbare Quelle für grundlegende Informationen. (German)
The World Factbook, une source indispensable d'informations de base. (French)
L'Almanacco dei fatti del mondo, l'indispensabile fonte per le informazioni di base. (Italian)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Note: shares sum to more than 100% because respondents could indicate more than one main language
Health expenditure
11.8% of GDP (2021)
12.4% of national budget (2022 est.)
12.4% of national budget (2022 est.)
Gross reproduction rate
0.77 (2024 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
57.5% (2023 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
Total: 7.9% (2024 est.)
Male: 8.3% (2024 est.)
Female: 7.5% (2024 est.)
note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Male: 8.3% (2024 est.)
Female: 7.5% (2024 est.)
note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Net migration rate
5.9 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Median age
Total: 44.2 years (2024 est.)
Male: 43.5 years
Female: 44.9 years
Male: 43.5 years
Female: 44.9 years
Maternal mortality ratio
5 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Total fertility rate
1.59 children born/woman (2024 est.)
Population
Total: 8,860,574 (2024 est.)
Male: 4,403,105
Female: 4,457,469
Male: 4,403,105
Female: 4,457,469
Infant mortality rate
Total: 3 deaths/1,000 live births (2024 est.)
Male: 3.4 deaths/1,000 live births
Female: 2.5 deaths/1,000 live births
Male: 3.4 deaths/1,000 live births
Female: 2.5 deaths/1,000 live births
Tobacco use
Total: 22.8% (2025 est.)
Male: 25.5% (2025 est.)
Female: 20.1% (2025 est.)
Male: 25.5% (2025 est.)
Female: 20.1% (2025 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
19.5% (2016)
Death rate
8.5 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Birth rate
10.1 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita
Total: 9.41 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Beer: 3.17 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Wine: 4.35 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Spirits: 1.76 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Other alcohols: 0.12 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Beer: 3.17 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Wine: 4.35 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Spirits: 1.76 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Other alcohols: 0.12 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Life expectancy at birth
Total population: 83.9 years (2024 est.)
Male: 82 years
Female: 85.8 years
Male: 82 years
Female: 85.8 years
Education expenditure
5.1% of GDP (2023 est.)
15.9% national budget (2023 est.)
15.9% national budget (2023 est.)
Population growth rate
0.75% (2024 est.)
Total water withdrawal
Municipal: 930 million cubic meters (2022)
Industrial: 642.7 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Agricultural: 160.1 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Industrial: 642.7 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Agricultural: 160.1 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Waste and recycling
Municipal solid waste generated annually: 6.08 million tons (2024 est.)
Percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 30.1% (2022 est.)
Percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 30.1% (2022 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
9 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
33.306 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From coal and metallurgical coke: 195,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From petroleum and other liquids: 27.528 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From consumed natural gas: 5.583 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From coal and metallurgical coke: 195,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From petroleum and other liquids: 27.528 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From consumed natural gas: 5.583 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
99.578 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Diplomatic representation from the US
Chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires Bradford BELL (since January 2025) note - also accredited to Liechtenstein
Embassy: Sulgeneckstrasse 19, CH-3007 Bern
Mailing address: 5110 Bern Place, Washington DC 20521-5110
Telephone: [41] (031) 357-70-11
FAX: [41] (031) 357-73-20
Email address and website:
https://ch.usembassy.gov/
Embassy: Sulgeneckstrasse 19, CH-3007 Bern
Mailing address: 5110 Bern Place, Washington DC 20521-5110
Telephone: [41] (031) 357-70-11
FAX: [41] (031) 357-73-20
Email address and website:
https://ch.usembassy.gov/
Administrative divisions
26 cantons (cantons, singular - canton in French; cantoni, singular - cantone in Italian; Kantone, singular - Kanton in German); Aargau, Appenzell Ausserrhoden, Appenzell Innerrhoden, Basel-Landschaft, Basel-Stadt, Berne/Bern, Fribourg/Freiburg, Genève (Geneva), Glarus, Graubuenden/Grigioni/Grischun, Jura, Luzern (Lucerne), Neuchatel, Nidwalden, Obwalden, Sankt Gallen, Schaffhausen, Schwyz, Solothurn, Thurgau, Ticino, Uri, Valais/Wallis, Vaud, Zug, Zuerich
Note 1: The names listed above are in the canton's official language(s), with conventional names in parentheses
Note 2: 6 of the cantons -- Appenzell Ausserrhoden, Appenzell Innerrhoden, Basel-Landschaft, Basel-Stadt, Nidwalden, Obwalden -- are referred to as half cantons because they elect only one member (instead of two) to the Council of States, and in popular referendums where a majority of popular votes and cantonal votes are required, these 6 cantons have a half vote
Note 1: The names listed above are in the canton's official language(s), with conventional names in parentheses
Note 2: 6 of the cantons -- Appenzell Ausserrhoden, Appenzell Innerrhoden, Basel-Landschaft, Basel-Stadt, Nidwalden, Obwalden -- are referred to as half cantons because they elect only one member (instead of two) to the Council of States, and in popular referendums where a majority of popular votes and cantonal votes are required, these 6 cantons have a half vote
Capital
Name: Bern
Geographic coordinates: 46 55 N, 7 28 E
Time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October
Etymology: The origin of the name is uncertain; it is sometimes associated with the German word Baer (bear), but a more likely origin is an Indo-European root word ber, meaning "marshy place"
Geographic coordinates: 46 55 N, 7 28 E
Time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October
Etymology: The origin of the name is uncertain; it is sometimes associated with the German word Baer (bear), but a more likely origin is an Indo-European root word ber, meaning "marshy place"
Constitution
History: Previous 1848, 1874; latest adopted by referendum 18 April 1999, effective 1 January 2000
Amendment process: Proposed by the two houses of the Federal Assembly or by petition of at least one hundred thousand voters (called the "federal popular initiative"); passage of proposals requires majority vote in a referendum; following drafting of an amendment by the Assembly, its passage requires approval by majority vote in a referendum and approval by the majority of cantons
Amendment process: Proposed by the two houses of the Federal Assembly or by petition of at least one hundred thousand voters (called the "federal popular initiative"); passage of proposals requires majority vote in a referendum; following drafting of an amendment by the Assembly, its passage requires approval by majority vote in a referendum and approval by the majority of cantons
Executive branch
Chief of state: President of the Swiss Confederation Karin KELLER-SUTTER (since 1 January 2025)
Head of government: President of the Swiss Confederation Karin KELLER-SUTTER (since 1 January 2025)
Cabinet: Federal Council or Bundesrat (in German), Conseil Federal (in French), Consiglio Federale (in Italian) indirectly elected by the Federal Assembly for a 4-year term
Election/appointment process: President and vice president elected by the Federal Assembly from among members of the Federal Council for a 1-year, non-consecutive term
Most recent election date: 11 December 2024
Election results: 2024: Karin KELLER-SUTTER elected president for 2025; Federal Assembly vote - Karin KELLER-SUTTER (FDP.The Liberals) 168 of 203; Guy PARLEMIN (SVP) elected vice president for 2025; Federal Assembly vote - 196 of 219
2023: Viola AMHERD elected president for 2024; Federal Assembly vote - Viola AMHERD (The Center) 158 of 204; Karin KELLER-SUTTER (FDP.The Liberals) elected vice president for 2024; Federal Assembly vote - 138 of 196
2022: Alain BERSET elected president for 2023; Federal Assembly vote - Alain BERSET (SP) 140 OF 181; Viola AMHERD elected vice president; Federal assembly vote - 207 of 223
Expected date of next election: December 2025
Note: The Federal Council, composed of 7 federal councilors, constitutes the federal government of Switzerland; council members rotate the 1-year term of federal president
Head of government: President of the Swiss Confederation Karin KELLER-SUTTER (since 1 January 2025)
Cabinet: Federal Council or Bundesrat (in German), Conseil Federal (in French), Consiglio Federale (in Italian) indirectly elected by the Federal Assembly for a 4-year term
Election/appointment process: President and vice president elected by the Federal Assembly from among members of the Federal Council for a 1-year, non-consecutive term
Most recent election date: 11 December 2024
Election results: 2024: Karin KELLER-SUTTER elected president for 2025; Federal Assembly vote - Karin KELLER-SUTTER (FDP.The Liberals) 168 of 203; Guy PARLEMIN (SVP) elected vice president for 2025; Federal Assembly vote - 196 of 219
2023: Viola AMHERD elected president for 2024; Federal Assembly vote - Viola AMHERD (The Center) 158 of 204; Karin KELLER-SUTTER (FDP.The Liberals) elected vice president for 2024; Federal Assembly vote - 138 of 196
2022: Alain BERSET elected president for 2023; Federal Assembly vote - Alain BERSET (SP) 140 OF 181; Viola AMHERD elected vice president; Federal assembly vote - 207 of 223
Expected date of next election: December 2025
Note: The Federal Council, composed of 7 federal councilors, constitutes the federal government of Switzerland; council members rotate the 1-year term of federal president
Flag
Description: Red square with an equal-armed white cross in the center that does not extend to the edges of the flag
History: The origin of the flag is unclear, but a white cross was used to identify Swiss Confederation troops at the Battle of Laupen (1339)
Note: In 1863, the newly formed International Red Cross chose the inverse of the Swiss flag -- a red cross on a white field -- as its symbol
History: The origin of the flag is unclear, but a white cross was used to identify Swiss Confederation troops at the Battle of Laupen (1339)
Note: In 1863, the newly formed International Red Cross chose the inverse of the Swiss flag -- a red cross on a white field -- as its symbol
Independence
1 August 1291 (founding of the Swiss Confederation)
Judicial branch
Highest court(s): Federal Supreme Court (consists of 38 justices and 19 deputy justices organized into 7 divisions)
Judge selection and term of office: Judges elected by the Federal Assembly for 6-year terms; judges are affiliated with political parties and are elected according to linguistic and regional criteria in approximate proportion to party representation in the Federal Assembly
Subordinate courts: Federal Criminal Court (established in 2004); Federal Administrative Court (established in 2007)
Note: Each of Switzerland's 26 cantons has its own courts
Judge selection and term of office: Judges elected by the Federal Assembly for 6-year terms; judges are affiliated with political parties and are elected according to linguistic and regional criteria in approximate proportion to party representation in the Federal Assembly
Subordinate courts: Federal Criminal Court (established in 2004); Federal Administrative Court (established in 2007)
Note: Each of Switzerland's 26 cantons has its own courts
Legal system
civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts, except federal decrees of a general obligatory character
Legislative branch
Legislature name: Federal Assembly (Bundesversammlung - Assemblée fédérale - Assemblea federale)
Legislative structure: Bicameral
Legislative structure: Bicameral
International organization participation
ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Australia Group, BIS, CD, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EFTA, EITI (implementing country), ESA, FAO, FATF, G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD (partners), ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAIA (observer), MIGA, MONUSCO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OIF, OPCW, OSCE, Pacific Alliance (observer), Paris Club, PCA, PFP, Schengen Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNITAR, UNMISS, UNMOGIP, UNOOSA, UNRWA, UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC
National holiday
Founding of the Swiss Confederation in 1291
Note: Celebrated as Swiss National Day since 1 August 1891
Note: Celebrated as Swiss National Day since 1 August 1891
Political parties
The Center (Die Mitte, Alleanza del Centro, Le Centre, Allianza dal Center) (merger of the Christian Democratic People's Party and the Conservative Democratic Party)
Evangelical Peoples' Party or EVP/PEV
Federal Democrats or EDU
Geneva Citizens Movement or MCR/MCG
Green Liberal Party (Gruenliberale Partei or GLP, Parti vert liberale or PVL, Partito Verde-Liberale or PVL, Partida Verde Liberale or PVL)
Green Party (Gruene Partei der Schweiz or Gruene, Parti Ecologiste Suisse or Les Verts, Partito Ecologista Svizzero or I Verdi, Partida Ecologica Svizra or La Verda)
The Liberals or FDP.The Liberals (FDP.Die Liberalen, PLR.Les Liberaux-Radicaux, PLR.I Liberali, Ils Liberals)
Social Democratic Party (Sozialdemokratische Partei der Schweiz or SP, Parti Socialiste Suisse or PSS, Partito Socialista Svizzero or PSS, Partida Socialdemocratica de la Svizra or PSS)
Swiss People's Party (Schweizerische Volkspartei or SVP, Union Democratique du Centre or UDC, Unione Democratica di Centro or UDC, Uniun Democratica dal Center or UDC)
Evangelical Peoples' Party or EVP/PEV
Federal Democrats or EDU
Geneva Citizens Movement or MCR/MCG
Green Liberal Party (Gruenliberale Partei or GLP, Parti vert liberale or PVL, Partito Verde-Liberale or PVL, Partida Verde Liberale or PVL)
Green Party (Gruene Partei der Schweiz or Gruene, Parti Ecologiste Suisse or Les Verts, Partito Ecologista Svizzero or I Verdi, Partida Ecologica Svizra or La Verda)
The Liberals or FDP.The Liberals (FDP.Die Liberalen, PLR.Les Liberaux-Radicaux, PLR.I Liberali, Ils Liberals)
Social Democratic Party (Sozialdemokratische Partei der Schweiz or SP, Parti Socialiste Suisse or PSS, Partito Socialista Svizzero or PSS, Partida Socialdemocratica de la Svizra or PSS)
Swiss People's Party (Schweizerische Volkspartei or SVP, Union Democratique du Centre or UDC, Unione Democratica di Centro or UDC, Uniun Democratica dal Center or UDC)
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Government type
federal republic (formally a confederation)
Country name
Conventional long form: Swiss Confederation
Conventional short form: Switzerland
Local long form: Schweizerische Eidgenossenschaft (German)/ Confederation Suisse (French)/ Confederazione Svizzera (Italian)/ Confederaziun Svizra (Romansh)
Local short form: Schweiz (German)/ Suisse (French)/ Svizzera (Italian)/ Svizra (Romansh)
Abbreviation: CH
Etymology: Name derives from the canton of Schwyz, one of the founding cantons of the Swiss Confederacy formed in the late 13th century
Conventional short form: Switzerland
Local long form: Schweizerische Eidgenossenschaft (German)/ Confederation Suisse (French)/ Confederazione Svizzera (Italian)/ Confederaziun Svizra (Romansh)
Local short form: Schweiz (German)/ Suisse (French)/ Svizzera (Italian)/ Svizra (Romansh)
Abbreviation: CH
Etymology: Name derives from the canton of Schwyz, one of the founding cantons of the Swiss Confederacy formed in the late 13th century
Diplomatic representation in the US
Chief of mission: Ambassador Ralph HECKNER (since 18 September 2024)
Chancery: 2900 Cathedral Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
Telephone: [1] (202) 745-7900
FAX: [1] (202) 387-2564
Email address and website:
Washington@eda.admin.ch
https://www.eda.admin.ch/washington
Consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Chicago, New York, San Francisco
Consulate(s): Boston
Chancery: 2900 Cathedral Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
Telephone: [1] (202) 745-7900
FAX: [1] (202) 387-2564
Email address and website:
Washington@eda.admin.ch
https://www.eda.admin.ch/washington
Consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Chicago, New York, San Francisco
Consulate(s): Boston
National anthem(s)
Title: The Swiss anthem has four names: "Schweizerpsalm" [German] "Cantique Suisse" [French] "Salmo svizzero," [Italian] "Psalm svizzer" [Romansch] (Swiss Psalm)
Lyrics/music: Leonhard WIDMER [German], Charles CHATELANAT [French], Camillo VALSANGIACOMO [Italian], and Flurin CAMATHIAS [Romansch]/Alberik ZWYSSIG
History: Adopted 1981; all four of the versions (German, French, Italian, Romansch) are considered official
Lyrics/music: Leonhard WIDMER [German], Charles CHATELANAT [French], Camillo VALSANGIACOMO [Italian], and Flurin CAMATHIAS [Romansch]/Alberik ZWYSSIG
History: Adopted 1981; all four of the versions (German, French, Italian, Romansch) are considered official
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
National symbol(s)
Swiss cross (white cross on red field)
Citizenship
Citizenship by birth: No
Citizenship by descent only: At least one parent must be a citizen of Switzerland
Dual citizenship recognized: Yes
Residency requirement for naturalization: 12 years including at least 3 of the last 5 years prior to application
Citizenship by descent only: At least one parent must be a citizen of Switzerland
Dual citizenship recognized: Yes
Residency requirement for naturalization: 12 years including at least 3 of the last 5 years prior to application
National heritage
Total World Heritage Sites: 13 (9 cultural, 4 natural)
Selected World Heritage Site locales: Old City of Berne (c); Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch (n); Monte San Giorgio (n); Abbey of St Gall (c); Three Castles, Defensive Wall, and Ramparts of the Market-Town of Bellinzona (c); Rhaetian Railway in the Albula/Bernina Landscapes (c); La Chaux-de-Fonds/Le Locle, Watchmaking Town Planning (c); Prehistoric Pile Dwellings around the Alps (c); Benedictine Convent of St John at Müstair (c); Lavaux, Vineyard Terraces (c)
Selected World Heritage Site locales: Old City of Berne (c); Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch (n); Monte San Giorgio (n); Abbey of St Gall (c); Three Castles, Defensive Wall, and Ramparts of the Market-Town of Bellinzona (c); Rhaetian Railway in the Albula/Bernina Landscapes (c); La Chaux-de-Fonds/Le Locle, Watchmaking Town Planning (c); Prehistoric Pile Dwellings around the Alps (c); Benedictine Convent of St John at Müstair (c); Lavaux, Vineyard Terraces (c)
National color(s)
red, white
Population below poverty line
15.8% (2021 est.)
note: % of population with income below national poverty line
note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Household income or consumption by percentage share
Lowest 10%: 3% (2021 est.)
Highest 10%: 26.6% (2021 est.)
note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Highest 10%: 26.6% (2021 est.)
note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Exports - commodities
gold, packaged medicine, vaccines, nitrogen compounds, base metal watches (2023)
note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Exports - partners
Germany 14%, China 12%, USA 11%, Italy 5%, Turkey 5% (2023)
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Agricultural products
milk, sugar beets, wheat, potatoes, pork, apples, barley, beef, maize, grapes (2023)
note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Budget
Revenues: $153.795 billion (2023 est.)
Expenditures: $152.488 billion (2023 est.)
note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Expenditures: $152.488 billion (2023 est.)
note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Imports - commodities
gold, packaged medicine, vaccines, cars, jewelry (2023)
note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Exchange rates
Swiss francs (CHF) per US dollar -
Exchange rates:
0.88 (2024 est.)
0.898 (2023 est.)
0.955 (2022 est.)
0.914 (2021 est.)
0.939 (2020 est.)
Exchange rates:
0.88 (2024 est.)
0.898 (2023 est.)
0.955 (2022 est.)
0.914 (2021 est.)
0.939 (2020 est.)
Industries
machinery, chemicals, watches, textiles, precision instruments, tourism, banking, insurance, pharmaceuticals
Economic overview
high-income, non-EU European economy; top ten in GDP per capita; renowned banking and financial hub; low unemployment and inflation; slowed GDP growth post-pandemic; highly skilled but aging workforce; key pharmaceutical and precision manufacturing exporter; leader in innovation and competitiveness indices
GDP (official exchange rate)
$936.564 billion (2024 est.)
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
GDP - composition, by end use
Household consumption: 51.1% (2023 est.)
Government consumption: 11.3% (2023 est.)
Investment in fixed capital: 25.8% (2023 est.)
Investment in inventories: 0.2% (2023 est.)
Exports of goods and services: 73.3% (2023 est.)
Imports of goods and services: -62% (2023 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Government consumption: 11.3% (2023 est.)
Investment in fixed capital: 25.8% (2023 est.)
Investment in inventories: 0.2% (2023 est.)
Exports of goods and services: 73.3% (2023 est.)
Imports of goods and services: -62% (2023 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Imports - partners
Germany 17%, USA 9%, Italy 8%, France 6%, China 5% (2023)
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Average household expenditures
On food: 9% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
On alcohol and tobacco: 3.5% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
On alcohol and tobacco: 3.5% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Remittances
0.4% of GDP (2024 est.)
0.4% of GDP (2023 est.)
0.4% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
0.4% of GDP (2023 est.)
0.4% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Labor force
5.153 million (2024 est.)
note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
$909.366 billion (2024 est.)
$863.892 billion (2023 est.)
$923.628 billion (2022 est.)
note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
$863.892 billion (2023 est.)
$923.628 billion (2022 est.)
note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Public debt
19.9% of GDP (2023 est.)
note: central government debt as a % of GDP
note: central government debt as a % of GDP
Unemployment rate
4.2% (2024 est.)
4.1% (2023 est.)
4.2% (2022 est.)
note: % of labor force seeking employment
4.1% (2023 est.)
4.2% (2022 est.)
note: % of labor force seeking employment
Taxes and other revenues
9% (of GDP) (2023 est.)
note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$741.035 billion (2024 est.)
$731.508 billion (2023 est.)
$726.544 billion (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
$731.508 billion (2023 est.)
$726.544 billion (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
Inflation rate (consumer prices)
1.1% (2024 est.)
2.1% (2023 est.)
2.8% (2022 est.)
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
2.1% (2023 est.)
2.8% (2022 est.)
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
Current account balance
$47.162 billion (2024 est.)
$47.455 billion (2023 est.)
$72.325 billion (2022 est.)
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
$47.455 billion (2023 est.)
$72.325 billion (2022 est.)
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Real GDP per capita
$82,000 (2024 est.)
$82,300 (2023 est.)
$82,800 (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
$82,300 (2023 est.)
$82,800 (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
Imports
$582.554 billion (2024 est.)
$556.351 billion (2023 est.)
$518.002 billion (2022 est.)
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
$556.351 billion (2023 est.)
$518.002 billion (2022 est.)
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports
$675.059 billion (2024 est.)
$654.175 billion (2023 est.)
$628.737 billion (2022 est.)
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
$654.175 billion (2023 est.)
$628.737 billion (2022 est.)
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Real GDP growth rate
1.3% (2024 est.)
0.7% (2023 est.)
3% (2022 est.)
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
0.7% (2023 est.)
3% (2022 est.)
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
Industrial production growth rate
1.7% (2024 est.)
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
Agriculture: 0.6% (2024 est.)
Industry: 24.7% (2024 est.)
Services: 72% (2024 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Industry: 24.7% (2024 est.)
Services: 72% (2024 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Electricity access
Electrification - total population: 100% (2022 est.)
Coal
Consumption: 126,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
Exports: 300 metric tons (2023 est.)
Imports: 156,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
Exports: 300 metric tons (2023 est.)
Imports: 156,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
Fossil fuels: 0.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Nuclear: 34.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Solar: 6.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Wind: 0.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Hydroelectricity: 53% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Biomass and waste: 4.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Nuclear: 34.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Solar: 6.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Wind: 0.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Hydroelectricity: 53% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Biomass and waste: 4.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Natural gas
Consumption: 2.915 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Imports: 2.869 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Imports: 2.869 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Petroleum
Total petroleum production: 300 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Refined petroleum consumption: 194,000 bbl/day (2024 est.)
Refined petroleum consumption: 194,000 bbl/day (2024 est.)
Electricity
Installed generating capacity: 26.502 million kW (2023 est.)
Consumption: 55.643 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Exports: 33.856 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Imports: 27.462 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Transmission/distribution losses: 4.81 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Consumption: 55.643 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Exports: 33.856 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Imports: 27.462 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Transmission/distribution losses: 4.81 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Internet users
Percent of population: 97% (2023 est.)
Internet country code
.ch
Broadcast media
publicly owned Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SRG/SSR) has 8 national TV networks, 3 broadcasting in German, 3 in French, and 2 in Italian; private commercial TV stations broadcast regionally and locally; German, Italian, and French TV broadcasts widely available via multi-channel cable and satellite TV; SRG/SSR has 17 radio stations (2019)
Telephones - mobile cellular
Total subscriptions: 10.9 million (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 120 (2022 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 120 (2022 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions
Total: 4.33 million (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 49 (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 49 (2023 est.)
Telephones - fixed lines
Total subscriptions: 3.003 million (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 34 (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 34 (2023 est.)
Railways
Total: 5,296 km (2020) 5,296 km electrified; Switzerland remains the only country with a fully electrified network
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
HB
Airports
66 (2025)
Merchant marine
Total: 17 (2023)
By type: Bulk carrier 14, general cargo 1, other 2 (includes Liechtenstein)
By type: Bulk carrier 14, general cargo 1, other 2 (includes Liechtenstein)
Heliports
52 (2025)
Military service age and obligation
18-30 years of age for compulsory military service for men; 18 years of age for voluntary military service for men and women; every Swiss male has to serve at least 245 days in the armed forces; conscripts receive 18 weeks of mandatory training, followed by six 19-day intermittent recalls for training during the next 10 years (2024)
Note: Conscientious objectors can choose 390 days of community service instead of military service; as of 2023, women comprised about 1% of the active Swiss military
Note: Conscientious objectors can choose 390 days of community service instead of military service; as of 2023, women comprised about 1% of the active Swiss military
Military expenditures
0.7% of GDP (2024 est.)
0.7% of GDP (2023 est.)
0.7% of GDP (2022 est.)
0.7% of GDP (2021 est.)
0.7% of GDP (2020 est.)
0.7% of GDP (2023 est.)
0.7% of GDP (2022 est.)
0.7% of GDP (2021 est.)
0.7% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military and security forces
Swiss Armed Forces (aka Swiss Army or Schweizer Armee); Army (aka Land Forces), Swiss Air Force (2025)
Note: The federal police maintain internal security and report to the Federal Department of Justice and Police
Note: The federal police maintain internal security and report to the Federal Department of Justice and Police
Military - note
the Swiss military is responsible for territorial defense, limited support to international disaster response and peacekeeping, and providing support to civil authorities when their resources are not sufficient to ward off threats to internal security or provide sufficient relief during disasters; Switzerland has long maintained a policy of military neutrality but does periodically participate in EU, NATO, Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), and UN military and peacekeeping operations; however, Swiss units will only participate in operations under the mandate of the UN or OSCE; Switzerland joined NATO’s Partnership for Peace program in 1996; it has contributed to the NATO-led force in Kosovo (KFOR) since 1999 (2025)
Military and security service personnel strengths
approximately 145,000 Swiss Armed Forces (2024)
Note: The strength figures include professional cadre (approximately 20,000 personnel), people awaiting or participating in mandatory annual training, and people who have already completed their training service obligation
Note: The strength figures include professional cadre (approximately 20,000 personnel), people awaiting or participating in mandatory annual training, and people who have already completed their training service obligation
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the military's inventory includes a mix of domestically produced and imported European and US weapons systems; the Swiss defense industry produces a range of military land vehicles (2024)
Military deployments
175 Kosovo (NATO/KFOR) (2024)
Refugees and internally displaced persons
Refugees: 213,177 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 97 (2024 est.)
Stateless persons: 1,267 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 97 (2024 est.)
Stateless persons: 1,267 (2024 est.)
Terrorist group(s)
Terrorist group(s): Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS)
Note: Details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide
Note: Details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide
Nuclear energy
Number of operational nuclear reactors: 4 (2025)
Net capacity of operational nuclear reactors: 2.97GW (2025 est.)
Percent of total electricity production: 32.4% (2023 est.)
Number of nuclear reactors permanently shut down: 2 (2025)
Net capacity of operational nuclear reactors: 2.97GW (2025 est.)
Percent of total electricity production: 32.4% (2023 est.)
Number of nuclear reactors permanently shut down: 2 (2025)
Legislative branch - lower chamber
Chamber name: National Council (Nationalrat - Conseil national - Consiglio nazionale)
Number of seats: 200 (all directly elected)
Electoral system: Proportional representation
Scope of elections: Full renewal
Term in office: 4 years
Most recent election date: 10/22/2023
Parties elected and seats per party: Swiss People's Party (SVP/UDC) (62); Socialist Party (SP/PS) (41); Centre Party (29); FDP/The Liberals (FDP/PLR) (28); Green Party (GPS/PES) (23); Liberal Green Party (GLP/PVL) (10); Other (7)
Percentage of women in chamber: 39%
Expected date of next election: October 2027
Number of seats: 200 (all directly elected)
Electoral system: Proportional representation
Scope of elections: Full renewal
Term in office: 4 years
Most recent election date: 10/22/2023
Parties elected and seats per party: Swiss People's Party (SVP/UDC) (62); Socialist Party (SP/PS) (41); Centre Party (29); FDP/The Liberals (FDP/PLR) (28); Green Party (GPS/PES) (23); Liberal Green Party (GLP/PVL) (10); Other (7)
Percentage of women in chamber: 39%
Expected date of next election: October 2027
Legislative branch - upper chamber
Chamber name: Council of States (Ständerat - Conseil des Etats - Consiglio degli Stati)
Number of seats: 46 (all directly elected)
Electoral system: Other systems
Scope of elections: Full renewal
Term in office: 4 years
Most recent election date: 10/22/2023
Parties elected and seats per party: Centre Party (15); FDP/The Liberals (FDP/PLR) (11); Socialist Party (SP/PS) (9); Swiss People's Party (SVP/UDC) (6); Green Party (GPS/PES) (3); Other (2)
Percentage of women in chamber: 33.3%
Expected date of next election: October 2027
Number of seats: 46 (all directly elected)
Electoral system: Other systems
Scope of elections: Full renewal
Term in office: 4 years
Most recent election date: 10/22/2023
Parties elected and seats per party: Centre Party (15); FDP/The Liberals (FDP/PLR) (11); Socialist Party (SP/PS) (9); Swiss People's Party (SVP/UDC) (6); Green Party (GPS/PES) (3); Other (2)
Percentage of women in chamber: 33.3%
Expected date of next election: October 2027
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
33.8 (2021 est.)
note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality