A land renowned for cheese, chocolate and banks, Switzerland, nestled in the heart of Europe, held its general election on Sunday.
As the small Alpine country of 8.8 million people names its new members of both houses of parliament, here are five things to know about Switzerland:Switzerland has four official languages: German, French, Italian and Romansh, a Latin-descended language spoken in the southeastern Graubunden canton.
But the term goes beyond language and cuisine, summing up all cultural and political differences between the two major parts of the country.Landlocked Switzerland is known worldwide for its neutrality, which traces its roots back to 1516 and has been internationally recognised since 1815. "Even if neutrality is no longer needed to hold Switzerland together along confessional, cultural and linguistic dividing lines, neutrality remains an important part of the tradition, history and self-image of Switzerland," it says. The confederation, its 26 constituent cantons and the local municipalities operate, at the executive level, on a principle of collegiality and consensus.
The country's highly-developed, mixed economy is built on a strong pharmaceutical industry, and also on making machines and luxury watches, not to mention its important banking and insurance sectors.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
NSW to experience dangerous fire weather on SundayThe Bureau of Meteorology has issued a warning for New South Wales residents to prepare for dangerous fire weather on Sunday.
Read more »
Race-by-race preview and tips for Coonabarabran on SundayEverything you need to know to find a winner on cup day.
Read more »
AFLW Sunday — Collingwood beats Geelong by six points at Victoria ParkCollingwood secures a fourth-straight AFLW win with a narrow victory over Geelong in difficult conditions at Victoria Park.
Read more »
‘Asking for it’: Aussie MotoGP move in spotlight after cancelled Sunday exposes big issueMotoGP: Johann Zarco dramatically ousted Prima Pramac team-mate Jorge Martin on the final lap at the Australian Grand Prix.
Read more »