Switzerland is recognized for its economic dynamism and quality of life (working life, health, financial situation, social integration, cultural activities, safety).
- Surface area: 41,285 sq. km. (14,841 sq. km. for French-speaking Switzerland and Ticino)
- Capital: Bern
- Population: 8.5 million
- Cantons: 20 cantons, 6 half-cantons
- Languages spoken: German 64%, French 20%, Italian 7%, Romansh 1%, other minority languages 8%
Inter-cultural encounters are part of daily life in Switzerland, where multilingualism is embedded in institutional practice. 20% of the inhabitants in Switzerland come from abroad.
The population is mainly urban, with one third of people living in the five largest cities (Zurich, Basel, Geneva, Bern and Lausanne), another third in the urban sub-regions and the remaining third in so-called rural areas.
The standard of living is generally high and the quality of services good in all sectors.
Switzerland’s international scientific reputation offers its researchers efficient networks of partners around the world.
Useful links
- CH.CH Portal of the Federal Chancellery (civil service, work, health, research, training, culture, etc.)
- My Switzerland Economy, politics, society, culture and leisure
- Swissworld Economy, politics, society, culture and leisure
- Comparis.ch Price comparisons (insurance, finance, telecommunications and practical advice on mobility)
- Family Information centre for families (in French or German only)
- Real estate boards (in French only)
- Profawo (University of Lausanne)
- Espace de vie enfantine (Childcare institution of the University of Geneva) (in French only)
- Institut de Recherche et de conseil dans le domaine de la famille (IFF) (University of Fribourg)