Switzerland Country Report

Switzerland is a landlocked country in Western Europe, bordered by Germany to the north, Austria and Liechtenstein to the east, Italy to the south, and France to the west. The official languages are German, French, Italian, and Romansh. Switzerland is a federal parliamentary democracy and holds legislative elections once every four years, with constituent areas divided into Cantons according to language. The political system is very stable and operates under the Federal Constitution of 1848. The current government does not face any threats to its stability. Switzerland has a stable economic environment and welcomes foreign investment. The primary threats to foreign travelers within Switzerland are petty crime, which predominantly occurs in tourist areas, and weather-related hazards. The country's communications, medical, transportation, and utilities infrastructure are well-developed.

Switzerland is not a member of the European Union or of the European Economic Area (EEA), but is a member of the European Free Trade Area (EFTA) and the Schengen zone.

The most significant threat facing travelers to Switzerland is from petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag-snatching, particularly in the main cities of Bern, Zurich and Geneva. The country does not face any conflict risk. Concern regarding terrorism has grown in recent years to include the possibility of Islamist domestic-based terrorism, although the risk of attacks is believed to be lower than in some other European countries.

Air travel is safe and in compliance with international safety standards.

There are no concerns over overland travel, however, self-reported speeding and drink-driving in Switzerland are higher than the European average.

The Swiss Rhine ports provide a gateway to the sea and is efficient.

Utilities are good and individual heating and central heating systems for buildings make up almost all (94%) of the systems used in Switzerland.

Cybercrime is slowly increasing in Switzerland.

Switzerland has a generally continental climate, with higher altitudes experiencing colder temperatures. There is a risk of avalanches during the winter months in Switzerland’s alpine region. Mountain search and rescue insurance is strongly recommended for those who travel to mountainous areas. Heavy rains and thunderstorms occasionally lead to flooding in low-lying areas.

Visitors do not face significant health risks while traveling within Switzerland. Medical facilities are excellent and present in both rural and urban areas. Pharmacies are well-stocked with supplies and medication.

Switzerland is a federal parliamentary directorial republic. At the federal level, the Federal Council, which consists of seven members, forms the government and acts as cabinet and collective head of state by exercising executive power. The parliament, or the Federal Assembly, consists of the Council of States (upper house) and the National Council (lower house) and exercises legislative power. The Federal Assembly elects the members of the Federal Council and chooses the President among them. The President has representative functions but no additional powers. Federal elections take place once every four years. Switzerland is divided into 26 cantons, which have their own constitutions, legislatures, governments, and courts. The judiciary is independent of the executive and legislature.

The Federal government is a coalition of the four major political parties in the Federal Assembly. Government collapses are uncommon. State institutions are competent and effective and provide reliable services across the country.