Switzerland: How To

How do you dispose of rubbish in Switzerland? Will a foreign diploma be recognised? From Switzerland’s visa requirements to how the school system works. Here you’ll find useful tips, facts and links to practical information about life in Switzerland.

Introduction to Switzerland

Switzerland, officially known as the Swiss Confederation, is a small yet influential nation located at the crossroads of Europe. Famous worldwide for Alpine landscapes, precision engineering, political neutrality, and a high standard of living. Switzerland is unique in many ways. From vibrant cultural diversity to robust economic prosperity, life in Switzerland consistently fascinates the world with its blend of tradition and innovation.

Geography and landscape

Switzerland is a landlocked nation situated in Central Europe, sharing borders with Germany, France, Italy, Austria, and Liechtenstein. Though relatively small—covering just over 41,290 square kilometres—its landscapes are exceptionally diverse. Approximately 60% of its territory is covered by the Swiss Alps. These feature peaks like the Matterhorn and Dufourspitze, which stands at 4,634 meters as the highest point. The Swiss Alps attract millions annually for skiing, hiking, and sightseeing. Experiencing these activities is a big part of life in Switzerland.

To the north lies the Swiss Plateau, home to the majority of the population and large cities such as Zurich, Geneva, Basel, Lausanne, and the capital, Bern. Towards the northwest, the Jura Mountains stretch along the French border, characterized by lush forests and rolling hills. The country’s landscapes are filled with lakes, including Lake Geneva, Lake Zurich, and Lake Lucerne. These add to the scenic beauty of life in Switzerland.

The Swiss education system

Compulsory education lasts 11 years in Switzerland. After that the path typically leads to either a secondary school or a vocational apprenticeship.

Why is Switzerland called Swiss?

The name “Switzerland” is derived from Schwyz, one of the original three cantons—Schwyz, Uri, and Unterwalden—that formed the Swiss Confederacy in 1291. Over time, the name Schwyz evolved into “Swiss,” becoming synonymous with the entire confederation. Thus, Switzerland got its common international name, and its people became known as the Swiss. Understanding this historical context enriches the experience of life in Switzerland.

The Swiss political system

Direct democracy, federalism, and neutrality in foreign affairs are central components of the Swiss political system.

Why is Switzerland so rich?

Switzerland is consistently ranked among the world’s richest nations, primarily due to its highly diversified and competitive economy. A robust financial sector, anchored by globally respected banking institutions, plays a significant role. Additionally, pharmaceuticals with giants like Roche and Novartis, luxury watchmaking, precision engineering, and tourism also drive its economy.

Moreover, political stability, neutrality, excellent education, and an innovative spirit contribute significantly to its wealth. Swiss cities regularly rank among the best globally for quality of life, attracting international talent and investments. This further boosts its prosperity. This economic strength is a defining characteristic of life in Switzerland.

Birth, marriage, death

These are universal themes, but each country handles births, marriages and deaths slightly differently. You can find the Swiss quirks here.

Why is Switzerland so expensive?

Visitors and expats frequently note that Switzerland is among the most expensive countries globally. Several factors contribute to this reputation. The country maintains an exceptionally high quality of infrastructure and public services. These include world-class healthcare, transportation, and education systems, all of which increase living costs.

Additionally, Switzerland’s strong currency (Swiss Franc) makes imported goods costly. Strict quality standards, high wages, and import dependencies mean everyday items, housing, and dining out are significantly more expensive compared to neighbouring European nations. This high cost of living is a notable aspect of life in Switzerland.

How to immigrate to Switzerland

Switzerland has one of the highest proportions of foreign residents in the world. Most of these people come from Europe. Recently workers have been…

What is Switzerland’s capital?

Interestingly, Switzerland doesn’t have three capitals in the traditional sense but rather has three cities that fulfil central political and administrative roles. Bern is officially recognised as the federal capital, hosting the federal parliament and government. Lausanne is often considered the judicial capital, housing the Federal Supreme Court. Zurich, while not officially a capital, serves as Switzerland’s economic and financial centre. Meanwhile, Geneva acts as the global diplomatic hub, hosting numerous international organisations and diplomatic missions.

Looking for work in Switzerland

Foreigners wishing to work in Switzerland must be familiar with the regulations that vary according to their country of origin. Once this hurdle has been overcome, there are numerous quirks of the Swiss job market to consider, from expectations of a good application to the work culture.

Daily life in Switzerland

Where can I find somewhere to live? Who pays the bill if I have to go to hospital? And which pets are not allowed to live alone in Switzerland? You can find answers to these and other questions about everyday life in Switzerland here.

Growing old in Switzerland

The living conditions and infrastructure for older people in Switzerland are good, including the social and pension system. However, the latter is coming under increasing pressure: while life expectancy has risen significantly in recent decades, there have only been minor changes in the retirement age.

Investing in Switzerland

The Swiss economy has a reputation for having a high degree of openness. Nevertheless, there is a multitude of restrictions and regulations for foreign investors. This is noticeable, for example, when someone wants to buy a property or start a business.