Switzerland History, Language and Culture
History of Switzerland
Neutrality is a key part of the Swiss national identity. While the conflicting forces of the world have squared up to each other time and time again, Switzerland has steered clear of global clashes since it first adopted a neutral stance in 1515. Though peace and stability have characterised the last two centuries, the country's earlier years were more turbulent.
Switzerland's history dates back to Roman times, with the area first invaded by the Romans in the 1st century BC. As the Roman Empire declined in the 4th and 5th centuries, Germanic and Burgundian tribes arrived, shaping the cultural and linguistic regions still visible today. By the 9th century, the territory was part of the Holy Roman Empire under Charlemagne. In 1291, the founding of the Swiss Confederation by three cantons marked the start of Swiss independence, and the Confederation expanded over the following centuries.
Switzerland's neutrality was formalised at the Congress of Vienna in 1815, and the country remained uninvolved in both World Wars. A new constitution in 1848 established a federal government and enshrined democratic rights, paving the way for economic and social stability. In more recent history, Switzerland joined the United Nations in 2002 and became part of the Schengen Area in 2008. While the Swiss have rejected full EU membership in referendums, the country maintains strong bilateral agreements with the EU. Today, Switzerland is a global financial hub and a model of stability, democracy, and neutrality.
Did you know?
• Women were granted the right to vote at the federal level in 1971, much later than most other Western countries.
• Swiss animal welfare laws mandate that social animals, like guinea pigs, must be kept in pairs or groups to prevent loneliness.
• Bern is home to a disturbing 500-year old fountain sculpture depicting an ogre-like man eating a baby mid-bite. Oddly, nobody is sure exactly why it is there.
Switzerland Culture
Religion in Switzerland
Roman Catholic (36.5%), Atheist (24.9%), Protestant (24.5%), Other Christian Denominations (5.9%), Muslim (5.2%), Jewish (0.3%), Others (1.4%).
Social Conventions in Switzerland
Switzerland is renowned for its environmental consciousness, and visitors are encouraged to follow recycling rules and avoid littering. Punctuality is highly valued, as is maintaining quietness in public spaces and respecting personal space in social interactions. These small courtesies go a long way in aligning with Swiss cultural expectations.
If invited to a Swiss home, it is customary to bring a small gift, such as flowers, chocolates, or a bottle of wine, as a token of appreciation. Flowers should be unwrapped before being presented, and avoid giving chrysanthemums or white lilies, as they are associated with funerals. It is also common to remove your shoes when entering a home. When in doubt, check with the host.
Swiss public transport operates on a trust-based system. Ensure you have a valid ticket before boarding.
Language in Switzerland
Switzerland is a multilingual country with four official languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh.
German is the most widely spoken language and is predominantly used in central, eastern, and northern regions of the country. French is primarily spoken in western Switzerland, an area often referred to as the Romandy region. Italian is the main language in southern Switzerland, particularly in the Ticino canton and parts of southern Graubünden.
Switzerland's linguistic diversity is further reflected in its cantons with multiple official languages. For example, Bern, Fribourg/Freiburg, and Valais/Wallis are bilingual, speaking both German and French. Meanwhile, Graubünden/Grisons is unique as a trilingual canton where German, Romansh, and Italian are all officially recognised.
