Switzerland - The World Factbook (2024)

FAQs

How big is Switzerland compared to a US state? ›

There is no state in the U.S. that comes close to Switzerland in terms of size. Switzerland is nearly the size of Vermont and New Hampshire combined.

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.)

Switzerland is famous for its mountains, clocks and its food – especially cheese and chocolates. It's a fantastic place for winter sports. The British Royals love to snowboard in Klosters while skiing in Zermatt gives you fantastic views of the iconic Matterhorn mountain.

It's a wealthy country with a high standard of living and high wages, plus the Swiss landscape is unrivalled in its beauty. Many of the world's wealthiest people live, do business, and holiday in Switzerland, which makes it one of the best countries in the world for living.

Ouray, Colorado is known as "Little Switzerland." The Million Dollar Hwy from Ouray to Durango offers one of the most amazing mountain views you'll ever see!

Ouray, Colorado is the Switzerland of America.

Industrialization and innovation

Switzerland is renowned for having a strong and varied export market. Pharmaceuticals, gems, chemicals, and machinery are the main contributors. Another key factor is Switzerland's focus on its own industries.

Switzerland crime rate & statistics for 2022 was 0.00, a 100% decline from 2021. Switzerland crime rate & statistics for 2021 was 0.48, a 11.19% decline from 2020. Switzerland crime rate & statistics for 2020 was 0.54, a 1.44% increase from 2019.

The majority of people living in Switzerland are Christians. 34.4 % are Roman Catholic, and 22.5 % Protestant. There are also many other religions represented in Switzerland: 5.4 % Muslim, 2.6 % Orthodox Christians, 0.5 % Buddhist, 0.2% Jewish.

Some traditional Swiss dishes, such as fondue and raclette, are more typically eaten in the winter. Others, such as muesli – also known in Switzerland as Birchermüesli – and rösti are popular all year round and come in many variations.

What do the Swiss eat for breakfast? ›

If you're in Zurich, you can start your day with a classic Swiss breakfast consisting of fresh bread, croissants, and cheese. You can also try Birchermüesli, a popular Swiss breakfast dish made from oatmeal, yogurt, and fresh fruit.

While there are numerous benefits to living in Switzerland, there are also some drawbacks to consider: High Cost of Living: As mentioned earlier, the cost of living in Switzerland is considerably high. This extends beyond just housing and includes groceries, dining, and general entertainment.

The example of Switzerland:

With a cost of living index of 123 all goods are on average about 23% more expensive than in the USA. But the average income in Switzerland of 7,958 USD is also 24% higher, which means that citizens can also afford more goods.

Switzerland has universal health care, regulated by the Swiss Federal Law on Health Insurance. There are no free state-provided health services, but private health insurance is compulsory for all persons residing in Switzerland (within three months of taking up residence or being born in the country).

Colorado Facts

The mountainous area of Colorado is six times the size of Switzerland and contains 9,600 miles of fishing streams, 2,850 lakes, and over 1,000 peaks that are at least two miles high. Colorado contains 75% of the land area of the United States with an altitude over 10,000 feet.

Safety. Depending on where you live in the United States, you may sometimes worry about yourself or your loved ones' safety. On the other hand, Switzerland is known to be one of the safest countries in the world. In fact, the United States reports six times more murders per million people than Switzerland.