Switzerland (Swiss Confederation)
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CultureGramsTM World Edition 2015 Switzerland (Swiss Confederation) centuries. Later, Burgundian tribes settled in the west and BACKGROUND Alemannic tribes in the east; both were Germanic tribes, but they developed along different lines. During most of the Land and Climate Middle Ages, Switzerland was part of the Holy Roman Switzerland is a little bigger than Taiwan, or about twice the Empire, but its remote location and the decline of the Holy size of the U.S. state of New Jersey. Switzerland is known for Roman Empire allowed dynastic families like the Hapsburgs its diverse landscape and distinct seasons. It is sometimes to come to power in Switzerland. called the “roof of Europe” because of its towering Alps, The Swiss Confederation which cover more than half of the country, running east to Switzerland is one of the world's oldest democracies. The west. The Jura Mountains extend across another 10 percent of founding of the Swiss Confederation took place on 1 August the territory. The highest mountain peaks include Monte 1291, when the mountain territories of Uri, Schwyz, and Rosa, at 15,209 feet (4,635 meters), and the Matterhorn, at Unterwalden began a revolt against Austrian Hapsburg 14,691 feet (4,478 meters). control by signing the Perpetual Covenant of 1291. This Numerous lakes and large, flat green valleys are covenant united these three territories in an effort to defend interspersed throughout the majestic Alps. Because of the their interests and traditions against the influence of the mountainous terrain, only one-tenth of the land can be used Hapsburg family and maintain peace, security, and rule of for farming. Swiss waters drain into five key European rivers: law. the Rhine, Rhône, Po, Adige, and Danube. Waterpower is one The confederation later grew by adding other states, of the chief natural resources of Switzerland. starting with Lucerne and Zürich. By 1513 a total of 13 states The climate varies according to elevation and region but is (both urban and rural) made up the Eidgenossenschaft generally temperate. In major cities, daily summer (literally, “oath comradeship”). Through military conquest temperatures average 77°F (25°C), while winter temperatures and diplomacy, these states governed substantial territories range between 27 and 32°F (-3–0°C). Winters tend to be long within what is now Switzerland. and snowy, especially in mountainous areas. The Alpine Military Prowess and Political Growth region of Switzerland has about 10,000 avalanches a year. In the Middle Ages, Swiss soldiers gained a reputation for Swiss valleys are frequently foggy and rainy. their fighting prowess and fought as mercenaries for neighboring leaders. This military advantage was lost with the History advent of artillery, and by the early 16th century, the Swiss Early Tribes and Empires had suffered a massive defeat in battle that ended its role as a The Celtic tribes that occupied the area of present-day major European power. Swiss soldiers continued to fight as Switzerland were part of the Roman Empire for five mercenaries, and in 1506 the pope hired the Swiss Guard, 1 TM CultureGrams Switzerland which still guards the current pope today. its relationship with the EU with a series of bilateral The Thirty Years’ War, which devastated large parts of agreements covering every possible area of mutual Europe in the 17th century, passed Switzerland by to a large interaction, including customs, transport, energy, and extent. The Treaty of Westphalia, which ended the war, education. As the number of EU member states has increased, recognized the Swiss Confederation as an independent nation this process has become more difficult and time-consuming. in 1648. Every time Switzerland plans to join an international The 17th and 18th centuries are known as the Ancien organization, the subject must be brought to popular vote; the Regime. During this period, states and cities were ruled by majority of the people and the majority of the cantons must small oligarchies of influential merchants and guilds. be in favor. The Swiss population voted to join the United Democratic institutions with wider participation existed Nations (UN) in 2002, and it maintains solid relations with mainly in the rural states, especially regarding pasture and many nations. grass rights. Switzerland serves the world by sponsoring the Napoleon and the Founding of the Helvetic Republic International Red Cross, hosting a number of UN offices, and In 1798, Napoleon invaded Switzerland, which surrendered acting as an impartial location for peace conferences and after a brief fight by the Bernese. Napoleon’s forces looted summits. Bern (which had become a wealthy and powerful city state) Current Challenges and forced between seven thousand and nine thousand Swiss In response to the 2011 Fukushima nuclear catastrophe, the to join France’s armies for an unsuccessful invasion of Swiss government was the first in Europe to announce plans Russia; only a few hundred Swiss survived. to phase out nuclear power. No new reactors will be built, and In the meantime, Napoleon had completely reorganized the government estimates that by 2034, all current reactors Switzerland into the Helvetic Republic, making cantons (a will be shut down. French term for an administrative district) and replacing local Like many wealthy European countries, Switzerland is sovereignty with a strong, centralized government. This divided over how to handle immigration. Despite enjoying a unpopular form of government lasted only five years before a prosperous economy, many Swiss worry that immigration more federal constitution replaced it in 1803 and gave the will negatively impact the country’s cultural identity. In a cantons almost total sovereignty again. In 1815, after February 2014 referendum, a narrow majority voted to Napoleon’s final defeat, the European powers recognized reintroduce immigration quotas, a move that violates Switzerland’s permanent neutrality. Switzerland’s agreements with the European Union to allow Political and Industrial Change EU citizens to freely immigrate to the country. However, In 1848, after a short civil war between Catholic and Swiss business and union leaders have strongly argued that Protestant cantons, Switzerland adopted a liberal constitution, immigration is a major benefit to the Swiss economy. Public unifying the cantons’ currency, creating a bicameral opinion began to turn, and the following November, a large legislature, and protecting civil rights. The constitution also majority of voters rejected another referendum that would introduced universal male suffrage. have severely cut back on the number of immigrants who can Switzerland experienced industrialization and urbanization enter the country. during the 19th century. While other neutral European nations Recent Events and Trends fell to attacking armies during World Wars I and II, • Banking secrecy: In May 2013, the Swiss government Switzerland, aided by natural geography, remained neutral announced that it would allow Swiss banks to disclose broad and was not invaded. information on U.S. American clients with hidden accounts to Banking Controversy and Constitutional Amendments the U.S. government in exchange for a promise by U.S. Switzerland's image was tarnished in 1996 after U.S. authorities not to indict any banks for tax fraud. However, in American Jewish groups and others alleged that its status in June, the lower house of Swiss parliament voted not to World War II was not entirely neutral. Millions of dollars discuss the bill, essentially killing the law. Switzerland has belonging to European Jews were deposited in Swiss bank been frequently scrutinized by the United States and other accounts before or during the war and then “lost” or used to European countries as a tax haven because of its banking fund Nazi activities. Several years of negotiations led to an secrecy laws. August 1998 settlement by the two largest Swiss banks to pay •Parliamentary elections: In October 2015, the right-wing, US$1.25 billion to cover monetary losses of Holocaust nationalist Swiss People’s Party (SVP) scored a major victory survivors during World War II. Many critics accused Swiss over its rivals, winning more than 29 percent of the vote in bankers of slowing investigations with unnecessary parliamentary elections. The election results indicate a bureaucratic hurdles. continuing move to the right in Swiss politics and growing In April 1999, the Swiss approved several constitutional opposition to the mass migration from Africa and the Middle amendments, including changing the requirement that the East happening currently in Europe. Right-wing parties now currency be backed by gold, granting the right to strike, and control a majority in the National Council (lower house). giving equal opportunity to the disabled. Foreign Relations As part of its position of neutrality, the Swiss Federation is THE PEOPLE not a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) or the European Union (EU). Switzerland manages Population 2 TM CultureGrams Switzerland Switzerland is home to a variety of ethnic groups, most of General Attitudes whom share a common history. The German Swiss, who The Swiss value hard work, thrift, and independence. They account for 65 percent of the total population, are most prize tolerance, punctuality, and a sense of responsibility. A prevalent in the east and central cantons (states). The French favorite saying claims that if people are late, they are either Swiss, who comprise 18 percent of the population, are located not wearing Swiss watches or not riding Swiss trains. The mostly in the west. In parts of the south, most people are of Swiss also value nature and beauty and are proud of their Italian descent and account for 10 percent of the total efforts to protect the environment through conservation and population. One percent of the population has Romansch recycling. For example, city services collect and recycle ancestry. The Romansch are native to southern Switzerland paper, cardboard, glass, and other materials. Their attitudes and northern Italy.