Switzerland travel guide

Carol Reed does Switzerland something of an injustice here. Not only was the cuckoo clock invented in Germany rather than Switzerland, but Switzerland was, of course, briefly conquered by Napoleon during the French Revolutionary Wars of the 18th century. Despite that, the country has long enjoyed a reputation of stability and security helped, in no small measure, by its prickly landscape – the Swiss Alps cover some 65% of the country making invasion not impossible, but not exactly easy either.

The Alpine landscape has always had a role in shaping the Swiss national character and culture – an exuberant love of the outdoors combines with a sense of self-reliance and a reluctance to get involved in the affairs of others. That was of course most keenly demonstrated by Switzerland’s official stance of neutrality during World War II. Many civilian refugees, including Jews, as well as the occasional escaping POW, found a safe haven in Switzerland, but the country has long faced criticism for the way it allowed its banks to store Nazi plunder – even today there may be treasures worth billions hidden away in Swiss bank accounts. None of which is to say the Swiss can’t take care of themselves: military service is mandatory for young males and many keep their weapons at home afterwards – Switzerland comes third in the international rankings for gun ownership. And Swiss Guards have been responsible for protecting the Pope since the 15th century.

Perhaps another reason for Switzerland’s ‘sensible’ reputation is its unique form of government. The country is actually a Confederation, composed of 26 cantons, or member states which each had its own currency, border controls and army until the mid 19th century. Executive power is held by an elected seven-person federal council, with the presidency largely a ceremonial position. National referenda are held on many major political decisions – at least one country seems to be able to manage them without going completely cuckoo.