What is Switzerland’s reputation in the country where you live?
Many Swiss people believe their country has a good reputation worldwide. But how true is this?
What is the perception in your home country? What image does Switzerland have where you live? What are the positive and negative impressions?
And what do you think? What’s your personal view on Switzerland’s reputation?
Thanks for your contributions, which we may use in future SWI articles.
In the Philippines, Switzerland is known to be very safe and very clean.
The fact that there is a winter with snow is also mentioned.
On the negative side, it is mentioned that it is far too expensive to get a visa for Switzerland.
My partner does not want to travel to Switzerland because of this.
In addition, all prices in Switzerland are far too high.
It is also often criticised that Switzerland is EU-friendly. These people say that Switzerland is
a neutral state.
Auf den Philippinen ist die Schweiz als sehr sicher und sehr sauber bekannt.
Auch, das es einen Winter mit Schnee gibt wird erwähnt.
Negativ wird erwähnt, dass es viel zu aufwendig ist, für die Schweiz,ein Visum zu bekommen.
Mein Partner will deswegen nicht in die Schweiz reisen .
Zudem sind in der Schweiz alle Preise viel zu hoch .
Bemängelt wird auch sehr oft, das die Schweiz EU freundlich ist. Diese Menschen sagen, die Schweiz sei
ein neutraler Staat.
Yes, Switzerland is generally regarded as an expensive country, that's true. And neutrality is a central political pillar in Switzerland, that's also true. However, it is doubtful that Switzerland is EU-friendly...
Ja, generell gilt die Schweiz als teures Land, das stimmt. Und die Neutralität ist ein zentraler politischer Pfeiler in der Schweiz, das stimmt auch. Dass die Schweiz EU freundlich ist, das kann man allerdings bezweifeln...
very good, excellent
muy buena, excelente
Switzerland learned well to hide internal flaws in the country. What was terrible here in the fifties and sixties has improved and our Government does everything in its power to make us citizens forget the terrible facts from that area. So in general many foreigners look at Switzerland as a country of perfection, which it is not.
We look great on calendars, post cards and chocolate boxes, presenting this clean, impeccable image to others but the reality is truly different
Switzerland, a country small in size but giant in cultural, natural and historical wealth. Situated in the heart of Europe, Switzerland is famous for its breathtaking alpine scenery, precision watches and world-famous chocolate. But beyond its mountains and lakes, Switzerland is a melting pot of cultures, with four official languages and a history of neutrality that has made it a symbol of peace and international cooperation.
Suiza, un país pequeño en tamaño pero gigante en riqueza cultural, natural e histórica. Situada en el corazón de Europa, Suiza es famosa por sus impresionantes paisajes alpinos, sus relojes de precisión y su chocolate de fama mundial. Pero más allá de sus montañas y lagos, Suiza es un crisol de culturas, con cuatro idiomas oficiales y una historia de neutralidad que ha convertido a este país en un símbolo de paz y cooperación internacional.
Switzerland has not been neutral for some time now.
They have a lot of the EU in their laws.
But the EU is clearly not neutral and is very belligerent.
This is the view of the Filipinos, who are well informed
Die Schweiz ist schon einige Zeit nicht mehr neutral.
Die haben vieles von der EU in ihren Gesetzen.
Die EU ist aber , ganz klar, nicht neutral und sehr kriegerisch eingestellt .
So sehen das die Philippiner , die sich gut informieren
What makes you think that Switzerland is no longer neutral? And that the EU is belligerent?
Wie kommen Sie darauf, dass die Schweiz nicht mehr neutral ist? Und dass die EU kriegerisch eingestellt ist?
In general, the reputation of Switzerland is positive and not only in society, but also for me personally. But the interaction between Switzerland and Ukraine should be "direct", bypassing officials and people, because officials and ordinary people are two big differences, as they say in Odessa. Bypassing officials and people, because officials and ordinary people are two big differences, as they say in Odessa. Swiss experience, building a democratic society, green energy, startups and much more, is something that can and should be learnt, adopted and implemented in Ukraine. But the officials of all levels and ranks in Ukraine have a completely different task and goal - to benefit only for themselves and in everything. Therefore, there is a proposal for direct interaction - transfer of experience and implementation - building a democratic society, green energy, startups (this is what I have been trying to do for fifty years). With respect to you,Yuriy Vasiliev,Ladyzhyn,Vinnitsa region,Ukraine.tel.+38097 5102196
В общем репутация Швейцарии положительна и не только в обществе,но и для меня лично. Только вот взаимодействие Швейцарии и Украины должно быть "на прямую" ,минуя чиновников с людьми, ибо чиновники и простые люди это две большие разницы-как говорят в Одессе. Опыт Швейцарии ,построение демократического общества,зелёная энергетика,стартапы и многое другое, это то чему можно и нужно поучиться,перенять и внедрить у нас в Украине. Но у чиновников всех уровней и рангов в Украине совершенно другая задача и цель-получить исключительно выгоду только для себя и во всём.Поэтому есть предложение взаимодействия на прямую-передача опыта и внедрения -построения демократического общества, зелёной энергетике,стартапах(это то чем я пытался заниматься на протяжении пятидесяти лет). С уважением к Вам,Юрий Васильев,г.Ладыжин,Винницкая область,Украина.т.+38097 5102196
Banks, clocks and permanent neutral countries. It has a strong image of being a wonderful country. However, perhaps because of its remoteness from Japan, there are few contacts with the Swiss and not many opportunities to have a concrete evaluation of the country.
Personally, I find the referendum system interesting. If such a system existed in our country, I think it would make politics more accessible.
銀行、時計、永世中立国。素敵な国というイメージが強い。しかし、日本から遠いためか、スイス人との接点がほとんどなく、具体的な評価を持つ機会はあまり多くない。
個人的には、国民投票のシステムが興味深いと感じます。このようなシステムが我が国にも存在すれば、もっと政治が身近になると思います。
I am Peruvian and for me Switzerland is the best political organisation or system in the world. It is so because the participation of citizens in the different affairs of society is democratic and open via referendums and popular initiatives. It is so important to me that I have just written an essay published on 12 July 2024 in which I present a new Decentralised Democratic State for Peru. In it I propose that the president and vice-presidents of Peru should not be elected universally by the citizens of Peru, that there should be two councils: national and departmental, that there should be referendums only at departmental level (as this is possible for a less developed economy) and that there should be an Economic Assembly or Congress which is a meeting of national and foreign producers (workers, peasants and businessmen) who meet in civil society and their agreements are taken to the Council of Departments where they are analysed and approved and then coordinated with the National Council and legalised. All this I have written and published in a 64-page essay. The Economic Congress is the inspiration of Víctor Raúl Haya de la Torre (RIPT), founder of APRA (Alianza Popular Revolucionaria Americana), a democratic organisation that celebrated its 100th anniversary on 7 June. VRHT is Latin America's greatest politician of the 20th and 21st centuries.
I believe that the reputation of the Swiss State (Swiss Confederation) will help me to solve the problems of corruption in Peru. Here for 40 years the presidents and the highest authorities of the sub-national governments have been imprisoned, prosecuted, persecuted, disliked, etc. All those who have won elections over the last four decades have done so as "the lesser evil".
That is why I am interested in and admire Switzerland.
Soy peruano y para mi Suiza es la mejor organización o sistema político del mundo. Lo es porque la participación de los ciudadanos en los diferentes asuntos de la sociedad es democrática y abierta vía los referéndum y las iniciativas populares. Tan importante es para mí que acabo de elaborar un ensayo publicado el 12 de julio de 2024 donde presento un nuevo Estado Democrático Descentralizado para Perú. En él propongo que el presidente y vicepresidentes de Perú no sea por elección universal de los ciudadanos en Perú, que hayan dos consejos: nacional y de departamentos, que haya referéndum solo a nivel de departamentos (ya que así es posible para una economía de menor desarrollo) y que exista una Asamblea o Congreso Económico que es una reunión de productores nacionales y extranjeros (obreros, campesinos y empresarios) que se reúnen en la sociedad civil y sus acuerdos son llevados al Consejo de Departamentos donde son analizados y aprobados para después coordinarlos con el Consejo Nacional y legalizarlos. Todo esto lo he escrito y publicado en un ensayo de 64 páginas. El Congreso Económico es inspiración de Víctor Raúl Haya de la Torre (QEPD), fundador de la APRA (Alianza Popular Revolucionaria Americana), organización democrática que el 7 de junio cumplió 100 años. VRHT es el político más grande de América Latina de los siglos XX y XXI.
Creo que la reputación del Estado Suizo (Confederación Helvética) me ayudará para resolver los problemas de corrupción en Perú. Aquí desde hace 40 años los presidentes y las más altas autoridades de los gobiernos subnacionales están presos, enjuiciados, perseguidos, mal vistos, etc. Todos los que han ganado las elecciones desde hace 4 décadas lo han hecho como "el mal menor".
Por eso me interesa y admiro a Suiza.
Personally, I perceive Switzerland as one giant money-laundering center (Malaysia's 1MDB), subtly racist (the type of racism that you can feel innately but not physically), pretentious (neutrality for who?), criminally expensive (can find better stuff and quality in the Netherlands). Ultimately it and Austria would be eventually annexed by Germany (not a German).
What a sham! Not inviting Russia to such an important conference...like holding a wedding without the groom. Shame on you, Switzerland.
Switzerland is not known in my country. "Suiza no existe".
Die Schweiz ist in meinem Land nicht bekann. "Suiza no existe".
Which country is that in? And can you tell us why?
In welchem Land ist das? Und können Sie uns sagen, weshalb?
Here in Kenya, everyone sees Switzerland as a paradise.
Hier in Kenia sehen alle die Schweiz als Paradies.
Incorrect. I am a native of there currently in Europe and we don't highly rate Schweiz. That would be UK and US since we have a history with the former and the latter is a capitalist paradise.
In Australia, people hardly recognise Switzerland. Most Aussies recognise Switzerland as "Ah yes, blonde girls and IKEA!". Even when I travelled around the world 1085 times, in many countries the Swiss passport was seen as unknown and viewed with suspicion.
In Adustralien kennt man die Schweiz kaum. Meistens erkennen die Aussies dei Schweiz als " Ah ja, blonde Girls und IKEA!". Auch als ich in 1085 Mal um die Welt reiste, in vielen Laendern wurde der schweizer Pass als unbekannt und mit Misstrauen angeschaut.
Yes, the confusion with Sweden is a classic! For people in Australia, I would therefore recommend this article in English: https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/society/sweden-has-had-enough-of-being-confused-with-switzerland/48920996
In the meantime, the Swiss passport is probably better known - enough time has passed :)
Ja, die Verwechslung mit Schweden ist ein Klassiker! Für die Menschen in Australien würde ich deshalb diesen Beitrag auf Englisch empfehlen: https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/society/sweden-has-had-enough-of-being-confused-with-switzerland/48920996
Mittlerweile ist der Schweizer Pass wohl bekannter - es ist ja genug Zeit vergangen :)
Every one in Australia knows Ikea is Swedish and also knew until the last year that Volvo was Swedish (now owned by a Chinese company and is not reliable as before). Everyone knows about Swiss watches (I bought an Omega in Switzerland in 1969 and recently sold it for nearly $9000 a large profit)
I have never heard anyone mention blonde girls from Switzerland. We have had backpackers from many countries including Switzerland and Sweden. As an engineer I appreciate the Swiss machinery as from Brown-Boverie and the drug makers such as Roche Pharma.
I've lived in many countries - the same everywhere, hardly anyone knows anything negative about the CH!
But I do these days ... How could it have come to this, that rents and costs have skyrocketed so brutally, how the purchasing power of the general population is sinking ever lower, how existential fears are choking off the air and the joy of life for many, how tenants are enslaved with absurd deposits?
There are too many things wrong with the fairytale that is Switzerland - and I suspect we all know where the fly lies, don't we?
Ich lebte schon in vielen Ländern - überall das gleiche, negatives kennt kaum jemand über die CH!
Ich aber schon eher heutzutage ... Wie konnte es soweit kommen dass Mieten und Kk dermassen brutal in die Höhe sprossen, wie die Kaufkraft der Allgemeinen Bevölkerung immer tiefer sinkt, wie Existenzängste vielen die Luft und und Lebensfreude abschürt, wie Mieter mit absurden Kautionen versklavt werden?
Es stimmt zu vieles nicht mehr mit dem Märchen Switzerland - und ich vermute wir alle wissen wo die Made im Speck liegt, nicht wahr?
Yes, that's the thing about fairy tales - they're not real... Not everything is rosy in Switzerland either, you certainly describe that correctly.
Where do you see the fly in the ointment?
Ja, das haben die Märchen so an sich - sie sind nicht real... Auch in der Schweiz ist nicht alles rosig, das beschreiben Sie sicher richtig.
Wo liegt denn für Sie die Made im Speck?
I live in the USA and Switzerland has a very good reputation here. Some people ask me: What are you doing in the USA? Switzerland is one of the best countries in the world!
I am very proud to be Swiss.
Ich lebe in den USA und die Schweiz hat ein sehr guten Ruf hier. Einige Leute fragen mich: Was machst Du in den USA? Die Schweiz ist ein der best Land der Welt!
Ich bin sehr stolz dass ich Schweizerin bin.
In the USA the view of Switzerland depends on which group of people you are asking. Most Americans think of it in stereotypes of very clean with snowcapped mountains and green meadows, blond women with braided hair and men in lederhosen. If they are not of European descent they may be only vaguely aware of it. If they are Jewish, they may think of the collaboration of Swiss banks with the Nazis. The more educated and sophisticated have a more nuanced view. They are aware that Switzerland has done a very good job with certain things like the environment, education and social welfare but that there are areas that some people don't like. They are aware that Switzerland and its banks have aided lots of corrupt politicians and businessmen around the world hide their ill-gotten fortunes. They are also aware that some Swiss international companies have pushed shoddy products and exploited unfair situations in other countries. And a lot of Swiss can be accused of very rigid thinking. I had a Swiss repairman who would fix things at my house in Los Angeles who told me he had to leave Switzerland because his neighbors would express disapproval if he didn't stack his firewood the correct way.
Hello!
Greetings Mario Trejo Domínguez:
Mexico and Switzerland have the potential to carry out joint research projects in sectors such as: environment and climate change; agriculture and rural development; education; and science and technology (biotechnology, nanotechnology and information technologies); among others.
I consider Switzerland's reputation in Mexico to be the best.
Congratulations!
¡Hola!
Te saluda Mario Trejo Domínguez:
México y Suiza tienen potencial para llevar a cabo proyectos de investigación conjunta en sectores como: medio ambiente y cambio climático; agricultura y desarrollo rural; educación; y ciencia y tecnología (biotecnología, nanotecnología y tecnologías de la información); entre otros.
Considero que la reputación de Suiza en México es la mejor.
¡Enhorabuena!
Exciting ideas! Switzerland also attaches great importance to science. Do you already know of any Swiss-Mexican projects that you consider to be successful?
Spannende Ideen! Die Schweiz misst ja der Wissenschaft auch einen hohen Stellenwert zu. Kennen Sie bereits schweizerisch-mexikanische Projekte, die in Ihren Augen erfolgreich sind?
I am Swiss and have been living in Kenya with my Kenyan husband for 19 years. My husband worked in Switzerland for 3 years, but couldn't stay for health reasons (winter). He didn't want to go back to Kenya, for him Switzerland is a paradise. And he tells everyone that.
Ich bin Schweizerin und lebe mit meinem kenianischen Mann seit 19 Jahren in Kenia. Mein Mann hat 3 Jahre in der Schweiz gearbeitet, konnte aber aus gesundheitlichen Gründen nicht bleiben (Winter). Er wollte gar nicht zurück nach Kenia für ihn ist die Schweiz ein Paradies. Und das erzählt er allen.
Thank you, very interesting! How would you say people in Kenya describe Switzerland?
Danke, sehr interessant! Was würden Sie sagen, wie beschreiben die Menschen in Kenia die Schweiz?
Is the Swiss economy tied to banking systems? Does Switzerland allow the circulation of currencies from tax havens? What benefits does the Swiss government derive from these financial movements, or does it come through taxation of the citizen?
A economia Suíça ela estará atrelada aos sistemas bancários? A Suíças permite a circulação de moedas vindas de paraísos fiscais? Quais benefícios o governo suíço tem em relação a esses movimentos financeiros ou ele chega pela tributação do cidadão?
UTOPIA, a place that does not exist and that when I speak about it with people, they think that I am lying :-D
The neutral and peaceful country
who seeks to make peace
البلد المحايد المسالم
الذي يسعى لصنع السلام
As a direct neighbour to Switzerland (my place of residence is on the Rhine right on the Swiss border), I follow the activities in Switzerland with great interest. I find the way citizens are directly involved in political decision-making particularly exciting. I would like my home country to be as close to the people as well — Switzerland, a real role model! Of course, not everything is gold in Switzerland either, but they simply do a lot of things better there. Congratulations on that and keep up the good work! I also love the two radio stations “Swiss Classic” and “Swiss Jazz” and I am very grateful that we can also listen to them here.
Greetings from Austria
Als direkte Nachbarin zur Schweiz (mein Wohnort liegt am Rhein direkt an der Schweizer Grenze) verfolge ich die Aktivitäten in der Schweiz mit großem Interesse. Besonders spannend finde ich die Art, wie die Bürger direkt eingebunden werden in die politische Entscheidungsfindung. Ich würde mir wünschen, mein Heimatland wäre auch so nahe dran am Volk - die Schweiz, ein echtes Vorbild! Klar ist auch in der Schweiz nicht alles Gold, aber vieles machen sie dort einfach besser. Dazu herzlichen Glückwunsch und weiter so! Im Übrigen finde ich auch die zwei Radiosender "Swiss Classic" und"Swiss Jazz" super und bin sehr dankbar, dass wir sie hier auch hören können.
Liebe Grüße aus Österreich
Thanks for your comment What do you think: Are there (directly) democratic or other political instruments in Austria that would also be suitable for Switzerland?
Danke für Ihren Kommentar. Was denken Sie: Gibt es in Österreich (direkt)demokratische oder sonstige politische Instrumente, die auch für die Schweiz in Frage kommen würden?
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