26 Incredible And Fun Facts About Switzerland
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Are you excited to learn about interesting things about Switzerland before taking that trip? We are just as thrilled to tell more than just the interesting things but also the fun facts for Switzerland and many others. We’ve not spoilt the fun for you by stating some of the facts in the first few paragraphs, but we’ve listed them with facts and a few lines to it! There’s only one important fact we would like to start with!
Did you know this is one of the most expensive countries in the world?
On average, the cost of living in Switzerland is 61.7% higher than in the United States. Your cost will cover only your food, travel, and personal expenses. It won’t cover rent and tuition fees. The good news is that you can find affordable student accommodation.
26 Facts about Switzerland
We’ve categorised the facts to make it more fun and easy to scroll on parts where you are interested in knowing more about Switzerland. Let’s go!
Interesting facts about Switzerland
We’ve categorised the facts to make it more fun and easy to scroll on parts where you are interested in knowing more about Switzerland. Let’s go!
Half of the world’s timepieces are produced in Switzerland
If you haven’t heard of this interesting fact about Switzerland, then you must be shocked! As for those of you who are fans of luxury watches, this is one of the countries that dominates the watch industry. It is long known for its watch-making history and sectors. Some of the popular names that you may have come across, like Tag Heuer, Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Longines, are all made in Switzerland.
Switzerland is known to produce some of the best chocolates in the world
For all you chocolate fans, you should know this interesting fact about Switzerland. The world knows Switzerland for its great chocolate consumption and finest quality confections. The Swiss perfect the art of making the finest chocolates globally. There’s also a very intricate relationship behind the history of Switzerland.
Switzerland is also known for being the biggest cheese producer
The country produces some of the best and highest-quality cheese as a result of its long history of cheese production. Swiss cheese stands out from the rest of the world for its different tastes and textures. These cheeses are a benchmark of excellence in its culinary world for quality production. So, for cheese fans, now you know where to hunt for some of the best cheese in the world. This is one of the interesting facts about Switzerland.
There are 4 official languages in Switzerland
Have you ever heard of a European country with this many official languages? Well, Switzerland is one country that has it! These four official languages include German, French, Italian, and Romansh. However, the majority of the people in Switzerland speak German and the least spoken language in the country is Romansh, but it is still part of the Swiss culture. This is one of the interesting facts in Switzerland that you should know before moving into the country.
Switzerland has square flag
Have you ever noticed the flag of Switzerland? Well, it’s got a square flag. There are only two countries in the world that have square flags, one is the Vatican City and the other is Switzerland. It is a simple flag with a red background and a white cross over it depicting the country’s independence and neutrality.
Fun facts about Switzerland
Here’s some fun facts about Switzerland:
They hardly use Euros in Switzerland
This is a surprising and one of the fun facts about Switzerland that very few people are aware of! If you think that Switzerland is part of the EU and accepts Euro, then you are mistaken! They only accept Swiss francs as opposed to euros. However, they accept Euro notes too but no coins, and if you want to exchange them for Swiss currency, you can do that too!
Tips are not needed in restaurants
Here is a fun fact about Switzerland! You don’t need to tip! If you like to tip after eating, don’t worry—it’s already included in the bill. One of the best parts about Switzerland is that they ensure waiters and waitresses receive tips for their service through this policy. So, it’s a fair system! If you feel like adding, you can add a tip!
Car are not allowed in some places
Isn’t this such a cool and fun fact about Switzerland? Few places in Switzerland don’t allow cars into their villages, and they are strict about these laws! So, if you come across such places, don’t fret you can always use public transportation to reach and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of these places. And, with a Swiss Travel pass, you can get around everywhere are affordable rides.
There is clean water everywhere
Thanks to its great underground water reserve and natural springs, people can enjoy drinking clean and natural water in any part of the country. There’s practically pristine water everywhere! In fact, even tap water is cleaner than the average mineral water. So, there’s one fun fact that you can take advantage of while you are in Switzerland! You can fill the water and refill from any of the tap and natural waters.
The climate is more mild than you think
Since it is surrounded by the Alps, we’ve all got that thought about Switzerland being icy and cold. But is more mild than cold! The climate in Switzerland is actually not as cold as one imagine, it is considered to be moderate due to the Atlantic Ocean. If you’re hoping for snow days, it’s best to visit in January, February, and March.
Switzerland Unique Facts
Here’s some unique facts about Switzerland:
Different way of counting numbers on fingers
This is quite a unique fact about Switzerland. Unlike most of the countries, the index finger is counted as number one. But, in Switzerland, it seems they count the number one with a thumb or show the number 1. This is something unique to most countries in the world.
The font Helvetica is from here
For many of you writers out there! This may have come and crossed your mind over this font, right? Well, this country surprisingly is the one that invented this famous font that is used by writers all over the world. This is a cool and interesting fact to know about Switzerland. They may not have many famous personalities, but heck, this is something interesting they have invented!
Guess the capital city
Most people will answer Zurich, but surprise, this is not the capital city of Switzerland. The capital city of Switzerland is Ben which is located in the western part of the country. This is one of the famous places where all the important buildings and heritage centres are located.
The highest peaks in Europe are in Switzerland
This may not come as a surprise any more to most of you by now! The country is known for its Alps, which means it will have some of the highest mountain peaks in Europe. Did you know that there are 48 that are over 4000 metres high, five of them in the Jungfrau Region? Quite impressive huh!
It’s all about the Alps in Switzerland
Unlike any other country, the Alps cover almost sixty per cent of the land area in Switzerland. Despite this, it has very dense mountain ranges; the scenery is green and colourful, there the clear lakes and many types of flora and fauna grown in many parts of the country. So, it’s a mysterious place but covered with only the best of what nature has to offer man!
Switzerland Weird Facts
Here’s some weird facts about Switzerland:
Assisted Suicide is legal
This situation is bonded by some laws and regulations where if a person suffers and wishes to end their life, they have the right to do it freely from a doctor or another individual. This is the consent that has to be given by the individual whose also been given the necessary information about the cause of their death by allowing then to administer a deadly number of drugs. This is on compassionate grounds and abided by the law.
Animals can be represented by attorney
This is such an amazing law that no other country has in the world, it is also one of the weird facts about Switzerland. The country sees animals are important beings and is very supportive of animal welfare. That’s why animals have a lawyer to represent them which is usually appointed by the court itself. These lawyers are the voice of the animals with an interest in clearing any legal proceedings.
This country has al the clear energy
While many of the countries are working on it, they are way ahead in this! They have tapped into the power of water to produce electricity. With so much natural water around every area, this has become a blessing to the country and it helps promote renewable energy sources like wind, solar and other forms of clean energy. They are the finest example that demonstrates its commitment to clear energy.
There are strict laws to owning pets
The country takes good care of its citizens and their pets. And, to do this, they make sure that the pets are safe and secure and they are well protected rules and regulations of the country. Only people who are equipped enough to provide them with their basic needs like proper food, shelter, exercise, etc can have pets. The laws is against cruelty against pets and a strictly punishable offense.
Home to the longest tunnel in the world
Did you know that the Gotthard Railway Tunnel is based in Switzerland? It took 17 years to get completed and start running. It is 57 km-long (35 miles) in length. It was formally launched for regular rail service in December 2016 and has greatly enhanced connectivity and mobility in the area.
Unusual facts about Switzerland
Names of new-born needs to be approved by state
This is an unusual fact about Switzerland that you will not come across in any part of the world. So, for the child’s best interest, the name must be approved by the civil register office so that the names will not sound absurd. This is done to not violate the child’s rights and have a bad impact later on their life.
Swiss meat is the most expensive
This is another unusual fact in Switzerland. If you are a meat eater, then you have to spend a lot of money not just when you eat outside, but also while cooking at home. The high price is due to the restrictions and the protection of the animals. The farmers have to abide by many laws which drive up production costs and, as a result, raise the price of meat on the market. Also, the good quality of the meat adds up to the prices.
Joining the military is mandatory
For males who are citizens of the country and above 18 years of age, they must join the military. They have to enrol continuously in military courses as, if one gets completed, they have another one to be a part of. Female citizens are most welcome to volunteer the services.
Albert Einstein’s famous formula was developed in Switzerland
You all studied E = mc2, right? Now, this is one of the most famous formulas in the world. But, did you know that it was developed by Albert Einstein when he was studying in Bern? So, now that you have this unusual fact, you may start looking into the university where he studied and brag about the famous scene of being an alumnus!
The citizens of Switzerland vote four times a year
We bet this is one of the most unusual facts about Switzerland you’ve come across or any country for that matter. But, this place allows the citizens to take part in choosing who they think should rule through their votes. Voting happens for almost every important purpose and takes place approximately four times a year on different issues.