Overview

Associations: the European Union

Capital: Bern

Location: Switzerland is located in Central Europe, east of France and north of Italy.

Climate: Although Switzerland’s climate is generally temperate, it varies depending upon the altitude of the city in question. Swiss winters are normally cold, cloudy, and rainy or snowy while the summers are cool to warm and cloudy and humid.

Religion: The Swiss population is roughly half Roman Catholic and half Protestant.

Entry and Exit: Switzerland has 65 airports.

Non-resident stay: Visas are not required for tourist or business stays of up to 90 days.

Language: Switzerland has four official languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansch. The majority of the population, over 60%, speaks German. French is the second most widely spoken language.

Communication: Switzerland has an excellent, world-class communications infrastructure.

Currency: Swiss franc (CHF)

GDP per capita: $32,800 (2003 estimates)

Main industry: Switzerland’s main industries are machinery, chemicals, watches, textiles, and precision instruments.

Legal System

The Swiss legal system is built upon the principles of civil law.

Civil law, also called Continental law or Romano-Germanic law, is the most prevalent legal system in the world. The main difference between civil and common law is that that common law draws abstract rules from specific cases, whereas civil law starts with abstract rules, which judges must then apply to the various cases before them. In other words, historically speaking, common law is based upon traditions and laws are codified following court rulings. On the other hand, in the case of civil law, laws are first codified and then applied.

The final court of appeals in Switzerland is the Federal Supreme Court of Switzerland. Because of Switzerland\'s system of direct democracy, the Supreme Court does not have the authority to review the constitutionality of federal statutes; however, the people can strike down a proposed law by referendum. Nevertheless, according to settled case law, the Court has the power to review the compliance of all Swiss law with certain categories of international law, in particular the European Convention of Human Rights.

Privacy

At this time Switzerland has not signed a Tax Information Exchange Agreement or Mutual Assistance Treaty with the United States. Although Switzerland is a participant in the European Union Savings Directive, it has not agreed to share personal information with other nations. As such, Switzerland provides a high level of privacy for citizens of the United States and the European Union. Also, it is fair to suggest that Switzerland is seriously interested in protecting the privacy of its foreign investors.

Latest news

• FACTBOX-EU launches Kosovo police and justice mission - Reuters

  
  Google News - Switzerland
  17-February-2008

  PR-Inside.com (Pressemitteilung)FACTBOX-EU launches Kosovo police and justice missionReuters - 6 hours agoSeveral non-EU states are to take part in the rule of law mission: the United States, Turkey, Switzerland, Croatia and Norway have all signaled they will ...The EU's police and justice mission to Kosovo EUbusiness (press release)all 385 news articles

  [full story]

• Gov't to insist at US high court Arelma account is ill-gotten - Sun.Star

  
  Google News - Switzerland
  17-February-2008

  Gov't to insist at US high court Arelma account is ill-gottenSun.Star, Philippines - 6 hours agoDevanadera claimed, however, that international assistance has already bolstered the government's bid, pointing out that the Switzerland Embassy has, ...Cabaero: Tempering of executive powers Sun.Starall 3 news articles

  [full story]

• Gov't to insist at US high court Arelma account is ill-gotten - Sun.Star

  
  Google News - Switzerland
  17-February-2008

  Gov't to insist at US high court Arelma account is ill-gottenSun.Star, Philippines - 6 hours agoDevanadera claimed, however, that international assistance has already bolstered the government's bid, pointing out that the Switzerland Embassy has, ...RP to defend right over $35-M Arelma account before US court GMA news.tvall 3 news articles

  [full story]

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