Famous people of Zurich. Switzerland is proud of it Famous people of Switzerland

To famous people, born or lived in Zurich, include a very large number of famous scientists, writers and artists. Thanks to their creativity, this city became famous all over the world.

Notable scientists

Felix Bloch (1905 - 1983) was a Swiss physicist who was born in Zurich and later worked in the United States. In 1952 he became a laureate Nobel Prize in the area of. Bloch studied in Zurich, at the Higher Technical School. Then he continued his education at the University of Leipzig, where he received his doctorate in 1928. He was engaged in science for a long time in Germany, together with Pauli, Heisenberg, Fermi and Bohr. In 1933 he emigrated to the USA, where he began working at Stanford University. During the Second World War, Bloch took part in the atomic project at the Los Alamos laboratory. Subsequently, he worked in the field of nuclear magnetic resonance and nuclear induction - the basic principles of magnetic imaging. He was awarded the Nobel Prize "for the discovery of new methods of measurement in nuclear physics." He worked as a director general at CERN. In 1961 he received the title of professor of physics.

famous writers

Johann Jakob Meyer - born in Zurich in 1798, worked as a newspaper editor in the besieged city of Messolongion during liberation war 1821-1829 in Greece. He died in 1826 during the breakthrough of the besieged.

Painters

Augusto Giacometti (1877 - 1947) - Swiss painter. Giacometti is a major representative of post-symbolism and postmodernism, a master of monumental wall painting and stained glass. He was born into a family of sculptors, painters and architects. From 1894 to 1897 he studied painting at the School of Applied Arts in Zurich, later he studied in Florence and Paris. The artist created beautiful stained-glass windows for the cathedral in Frauenfeld, for the church windows of the choir in Adelboden. Giacometti became one of the first artists of the 20th century who worked in the style of abstractionism.

Switzerland is a country of mountains and lakes.

Switzerland is a country where peace and tranquility reign in a very small area. Here are the most stable and indestructible banks in the world, the most accurate clocks, the strongest education system for both students and employers. Calm cows graze in the meadows, eating organic grass, and give delicious milk, from which they later make the most delicious cheese and chocolate in the world.

Switzerland is the ideal purity of nature.

In such a small area, there are four official languages at the same time: French, German, Italian, Romansh (Swiss Romansh). Living in this country is calm and comfortable. In the case of immigration, after a not very calm life in other European countries, you may even become a little bored from calm Switzerland. Here the state of peace never leaves. The people live in peace and harmony. This is what Switzerland is famous for all over the world.

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Switzerland sightseeing map.

Top 10 safest countries in the world.

Switzerland is famous for its security. According to a study, Geneva, Bern and Zurich are among the most peaceful and safe cities in the world. Although at the present time, spending on the country's defense industry is increasing every year, arms exports per capita are also increasing.

Switzerland has the highest rate among countries Western Europe. Accordingly, we can conclude that access to weapons in the country is quite easy. But at the same time, there is the lowest level of crime and political terrorism.

Fifth place in the Top 20 most peaceful nations.

View of Zermatt valley and Matterhorn peak at sunrise, Switzerland

Here is a good, kind, peaceful and very hospitable people. But I would like to note that it was in 2013, after the export of weapons to the country was significantly increased, that it dropped to fifth place. Prior to that, starting from 1815, it steadily occupied the fourth position.

Thanks to its peacefulness and hospitality, Switzerland is one of the most attractive countries for immigration. It is here on the same territory that they can live peacefully different nations peace. This is what Switzerland is good for visitors. There are no quarters for Russians, quarters for Ukrainians and citizens of other countries. You, being a native of any country, can absolutely calmly live on the same landing with the Swedes. And, believe me, no one will look at you “crookedly”.

Until many decades ago, Switzerland was already the most attractive haven for great exiles. Here the spiritual wounds of the famous philosopher were healed Jean Jacques Rousseau when in France he was sentenced to be burned for undermining religious principles in his books Emile and The Social Contract.

A famous actor found shelter in Switzerland Charlie Chaplin, after the FBI banned him from entering the United States. He and his family settled in a small Swiss village, where he lived for 25 years, raised four children and ended his days here. And who knows who else this calm country will shelter.

Swiss banks

Swiss banks are modern structures equipped with the best security systems in the world. After all, it is not in vain that international figures keep it here, because they can be calm, because there is simply no more reliable refuge for their funds. Swiss banks can be safely compared to the Swiss Alps, they are just as unshakable and calm.

Even unclaimed deposits will lie here untouched until the end of days. Who knows whose treasures these immovable walls keep and what else Switzerland is rich in. They are never in danger of ruin, because they do not participate in financial transactions, respectively, and do not take risks.

High level of education

Among other things, Switzerland is famous for the highest level of education. Swiss universities have produced far more than one Nobel laureate. Among them: Albert Einstein, Wilhelm Roentgen, Charles Guillaume, Kofi Annon, Charles Goba and many others. Teaching methods have been developed and strengthened over decades, combining the best features of many European universities.

Many famous personalities from the world of politics, culture, etc. strive to educate their children here. After all, every parent strives to give their child the best education, so to speak, “to pave the way to the future”, because with a diploma from a Swiss university, unlimited opportunities for a further career open up .

Higher education here can be obtained in many areas: economics, linguistics, engineering and the humanities. Of course, it is impossible to forget about the restaurant, hotel and tourism business. This branch of education in Switzerland has no equal in the world, because this country is considered the birthplace of such a business. A number of reference areas in Swiss universities must include finance and banking.

No wonder the stability of the banks of this country is recognized all over the world. Medical education is highly valued, but it is quite difficult for a foreign student to enter this faculty. With a diploma from a Swiss university, all doors will open for you, because this education is known and highly appreciated by employers all over the world.

Swiss chocolate

If you switch from serious conversations to delicious conversations, then you definitely want to talk about Swiss chocolate. This is the national pride of the Swiss. The recipe for this delicious chocolate was finally developed in the 17th century and has survived to this day. True, then chocolate was sold on bottling and was considered a medicine that could be bought strictly by prescription. In the form of tiles, it began to be produced only from 1819. Since then, chocolate Switzerland has become famous all over the world.

Swiss chocolate is made only by hand and exclusively by men. Women in such a "sacrament" are not allowed. Very popular for foreigners are "chocolate tours", where you can visit the production and be sure to taste the most delicious chocolate in the world.

And also very important natural factor that inspires calmness among the inhabitants and guests of Switzerland are the silent, impregnable, quiet and indestructible Alps. Here you can sit in a small "chalet" on the lake or on the embankment of Montreux, in the shade of palm trees and admire the snow-capped peaks of the Alps.

The tourist infrastructure of the country is very developed, it is expensive and high level service. Well, ski slopes and glaciers attract winter sports enthusiasts from all points. the globe. Skiing or boarding in Switzerland is very prestigious. In terms of the level of ski slopes, this country has no equal anywhere in the world.

Switzerland is a country that must be seen and the calmness that reigns in the air must be felt.

Picturesque and expensive in all respects, Switzerland can offer tourists several types of recreation. Skiing, health-improving or just relaxing - on the cleanest lakes, in ancient cities, in an unknown rural outback, in the bosom of pastoral meadows and magnificent Alps.

Numerous mountain peaks of the country have long been mastered by climbers, businessmen, and travelers. Cableways and railways are laid to them. On their slopes there are world-famous resorts - St. Moritz, Zermatt, Engelberg. Alpine paths trodden by numerous tourists and guides lead to their peaks. Lake Geneva, Bad Ragaz, Leukerbad and Scuol are replete with spas and modern sanatoriums that deal with both the prevention and treatment of all types of diseases.

The historical centers of Zurich, Bern, Lucerne are a combination of all kinds of architectural monuments of the Middle Ages - temples, towers, fortresses, squares, private houses and fountains. The mild alpine climate, not prone to sudden temperature changes, allows you to endlessly walk along the old streets, from time to time looking into local cafes and restaurants.

The national cuisine of Switzerland is based on sour-milk and cheese products, meat flavored with a variety of spices and the world-famous chocolate. While in Switzerland, try to visit the unique Ice Gorge in Grindelwald, the high-altitude revolving restaurant in Saas-Fee, and the Roman colony located nine kilometers from Basel. In addition to edible souvenirs (cheese and chocolate), in Switzerland you should definitely buy local watches and army penknives.

The best hotels and hostels at affordable prices.

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What to see in Switzerland?

The most interesting and beautiful places, photos and a brief description.

One of the most recognizable mountains in the world is located on the border of Switzerland and Italy, in the resort area of Zermatt, in the Alps. "Meadow Peak" rises above the ground to a height of four and a half thousand meters and is a favorite climbing place. The first attempts to conquer the Matterhorn began in the 50s XIX years century. Today, the Alpine peak can be reached along the long-established Hörnli route.

The male Protestant monastery, built in the Romanesque style, was built over two centuries and was opened around 1220. Nowadays with observation deck Cathedral offers a wonderful view of the Old Town and Lake Zurich. Every Wednesday evening, Grossmünster hosts organ music concerts.

Formed by ancient glaciers descending from the mountains, the lake is the cradle of Switzerland. It was in its vicinity in 1291 that three local cantons concluded a friendly alliance - Schwyz, Uri and Unterwalden, thereby giving the beginning new country. Consisting of four basins, the reservoir is navigable. Its clear and blue water warms up to twenty degrees in summer.

One of the oldest resorts in the world, located in the Engadine Valley, has twice been honored to host the Winter Olympic Games - in 1928 and 1948. Throughout the winter, skiing and luge competitions, music and gastronomic festivals are held in the homeland of bobsleigh. St. Moritz is not a cheap resort. On it you can meet representatives of royal dynasties and stars of world show business.

The largest waterfall in Europe appeared on the Rhine River about seventeen thousand years ago. With a width of one hundred and fifty and a height of twenty-three meters, it throws out from two hundred and fifty to seven hundred cubic meters of water per second! You can look at this miracle from several viewing platforms, one of which is located right in the heart of the Rhine Falls.

Located on the border of Switzerland and France, the lake has the shape of a crescent, in whose bend lies the picturesque village of Yvoire. The northern shore of the reservoir is strewn with fashionable resorts and is called the Swiss Riviera. The famous Chillon Castle is located in the area of Lake Geneva. The clean and cool water of the "crescent" allows you to swim only in the second half of summer.

Zurich as a city was formed on the site of a former Roman fortification and a medieval Frankish castle. Its historical part is territorially divided into the Small Town - standing on the left bank of the Limmat River and the Big Town - on the right. From an administrative point of view, Old Zurich is divided into four districts - Town Hall, University, City and Lindenhof.

Known from Byron's poem "The Prisoner of Chillon", the castle is located on the shores of Lake Geneva. Founded in the 9th century, it was first used as the residence of the Dukes of Savoy, then it was a prison, and then a defensive structure. Since the 19th century, a museum has been located within the walls of the Chillon Castle.

The glacier descending along the southern slope of the Bernese Alps is notable for the fact that its shape resembles a man-made road. Eighty-six square kilometers of ice are twenty-four kilometers long. The Great Aletsch Glacier is fed by firn ice formations emanating from four basins adjacent to it, with a total area of thirty square kilometers.

Rural life in 19th century Switzerland comes alive in the warm season right above Lake Brienz. Ninety hundred years old houses, two hundred and fifty farm animals, "historical" gardens and fields acquaint museum visitors with architectural, domestic and cultural characteristics different parts of the country.

The oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe is located in Lucerne, on the Reuss River. Built in 1365 as a defensive corridor connecting the old and new parts of the city, today it keeps the historical memory of Switzerland, captured in one hundred and eleven triangular paintings.

Opened in 1891, the first electrified Railway Switzerland is named after the three-kilometer mountain spur to which it rises from the resort of Zermatt. Nine kilometers of gear rails shoot upwards with a maximum gradient of twenty percent. Since 1942, the Gornergrat railway has been operating all year round.

Contrary to popular legend, the Pilatus massif is not named after the famous Pontius Pilate, whose grave is allegedly located in the Swiss Alps. The mountains got their name due to the dense cap of clouds enveloping their top (translated from the Latin "pilleatus" - "in a felt hat"). You can climb Pilatus from Kriens by cable car.

Located in the Vist Valley, in the southern part of the Alps, the famous Swiss resort all year round ready to receive guests. The slopes of three mountain peaks - Matterhorn, Monte Rosa and Doma are equipped with everything necessary for a ski holiday: hundreds of kilometers of slopes of any difficulty level and several dozen lifts.

The majestic dying lion, carved into a sheer rock overlooking a picturesque oval pond, is a mournful sign of memory of the courage and courage of the seven hundred and sixty Swiss guards who gave their lives in 1792 for Louis XVI. The Lucerne sculpture belongs to the cutter of Bertel Thorvaldsen.

Founded at the end of the 12th century, the city was named after the first animal that came out to meet its founder, Duke Berthold V. The historic center of Bern (Bear) is located on a hilly peninsula surrounded by the river Aare. The main attractions of the Old Town are medieval temples and towers and numerous fountains that appeared here in the 16th century.

One hundred and thirty-kilometer railway line, laid in the tourist part of the southeastern region of Switzerland - Graubünden, connects Tusis and Poschiavo. On its way, all the local beauties meet: picturesque landscapes and romantic villages, high mountain passes and "screw" railway bridges.

A fortified architectural composition of three castles and stone walls connecting them appeared around the city of Bellinzona in the 13th-15th centuries. Castelgrande was the first to be built on the site of Roman fortifications, then Montebello, the latest was the castle of Sasso Corbaro. Today, many fortress halls are given over to museums and restaurants.

Opened in 1910, the Museum of Art and History of Geneva is the owner of rich paintings, numismatics, textiles, music, ceramics and weapons collections. The halls of the museum exhibit both Egyptian and Sudanese antiquities, as well as works by Renoir, Monet, Veronese, Van Gogh.

The three-kilometer Mount Titlis, which is part of the Urnensky Alps mountain range, is ideal both for skiing and luge (in the region of the western foot) and for traveling to the top by cable car. The top of Titlis is decorated with a small glacier, with an area of one square kilometer, and a hundred-meter suspension bridge, passing over an abyss five hundred meters deep.

W Velcro- this beautiful accessory was invented in the mid-40s of the last century by the Swiss engineer George de Mestral. The idea came to him after a hunt: he returned home covered in seeds that stuck to his boots, clothes and dog. After he examined them under a microscope to figure out what was what, he created the Velcro fastener. This material is heterogeneous in composition, consists of velvet and hooks, and resembles small hooks that seeds use.

Cellophane- another material of complex composition, combining cellulose and French diathan, was created in 1908 by Jacques Brandenberger, who saw how a client poured wine on a tablecloth in a restaurant. After that, Brandenberger began to look closely at waterproof fabric, but then he discovered that the cellulose material that he sprayed onto the fabric could be easily separated from it in the form of thin sheets. Then he realized that he had discovered something more.

swiss army knife- invented by Carl Elsener and named after his mother Victoria Victorinox (Victoria plus inox - stainless steel). The Swiss officer's knife, since its inception in the 1890s, has evolved from a mere knife to something that includes a rich arsenal - from the common corkscrew to such very modern additions as LED lights and MP3 players.

direct democracy- despite the fact that the ancient Greeks are considered the founders of the concept of democracy, it was founded by the Swiss Confederation in 1291, which introduced the principles of direct democracy at a time when monarchs still ruled everywhere in Europe. Today, popular initiatives and the referendums they generate are a special part of the Swiss heritage.

Helvetica font is one of the most popular typefaces ever created. It was developed in 1957 by Max Miedinger and Eduard Hoffmann. The classic Helvetica and its many variations are known for their crisp, slashed lines. By the way, the New York Museum of Modern Art in 2001 even arranged a 50th anniversary of Helvetica for the popularity of the typeface. And not many fonts have their own exhibitions in art museums,

Absinthe- although most of the drink is drunk by the French, the anise spirit of absinthe originated in the Swiss canton of Neuchâtel. The "Green Fairy" was at one time all the rage in drinking establishments throughout Europe, until its consumption was eventually banned in several countries due to the narcotic nature and associated anti-social behavior that the drink was blamed for. But in last years absinthe is experiencing a rebirth.

LSD- Hippies, artists, and other psychedelic adventurers can thank Albert Hofmann of Talence for creating yet another psychotropic substance, lysergic acid diethylamide, better known as LSD (or simply acid). She was born in the Sandoz laboratory in 1938. By the way, Bicycle Day (April 19, 1943) is also celebrated every year as the day when a doctor first experimented with LSD on a person - on himself.

Muesli. Not many people can boast of having a porridge named after them. Muesli, known in Switzerland as Birchermüesli, was created by the Swiss doctor Maximilian Bercher-Benner for patients at his sanatorium in Zurich. The original version includes a lot more fruit and is topped with orange juice, unlike today's heavy boxes of cereal mixes that are served with milk. During the healthy eating cult of the 1970s, muesli became a worldwide sensation.

Internet time. By allocating time zones, the Swiss company Swatch divided the day into 1000 .beats (beats), each .beats is equal to 1 minute 24.6 seconds. But while it's not exactly mainstream, we have to acknowledge the logic and ingenuity of the Swiss firm that brought change to the world we know.

And of course - milk chocolate. In the late 1800s, Swiss Daniel Piet solved a problem that had long plagued chocolate makers by using condensed milk instead of regular milk. This gave a sweet taste to dark chocolate and made it popular in Europe. Milk farmers are still very grateful to him.

Yes, you probably know that Switzerland has the Alps, reliable cans and lots of chocolate. But you probably did not know other - sometimes strange and crazy - facts about this country. For example, that it is the only direct democracy in the world, that it has the most liberal gun laws, and yes, even palm trees grow in it! In general, let's get down to business and honor the most incredible and amazing facts about one of the richest countries in the world.

1. You probably would never have thought that Switzerland has some of the most liberal gun laws (2.3-4.5 million guns for a population of 8 million).

2. This country also has one of the lowest crime rates in the world.

3. Foreigners make up 23% of Switzerland's 8 million population.

4. Switzerland has more than just mountains! In the south of the country, for example, palm trees grow - you will find them in the region of Lake Lugano.

5. Switzerland has 4 national languages - German, French, Italian and Romansh.

6. According to the Quality of Life Index developed by the Economist Intelligence Unit, Switzerland is the best place to be born. This index includes indicators of population employment, crime rate, quality of life, healthcare system, feeling of satisfaction with life, etc.

7. The country has 208 mountains over 3,000 meters high and 24 over 4,000 meters high.

8. Stereotypes have come true - chocolate is indeed the largest export commodity.

9. In case of start nuclear war the Swiss built bunkers capable of accommodating the entire population of the country.

10. Also, in case of war, they can easily turn their roads into landing strips by removing interchanges and intersections.

11. Back to chocolate… The Swiss have come up with edible chocolate gold.

12. Swiss fines for speeding depend on the citizen's income. Recently, a Swiss driver was fined almost a quarter of a million dollars for speeding in a Ferrari because he was making about a million dollars a year.

13. The Swiss live in the world's only country with a direct democracy. This means that any citizen can question any law and propose changes to the constitution.

14. Have you ever wondered why the Swiss domain is denoted by the letters CH? Well, let's reveal a secret: because the name of the country in Latin (which, by the way, is often used in other areas) sounds like this - Confoederatio Helvetica.

15. Back to chocolate… Every year, 7 million Toblerone chocolate bars are produced in Bern.

16. In 2010, the average annual salary of a Swiss teacher was $120,000, while teachers in the US earn an average of $35,000 per year.

17. Military service for men is compulsory from the age of 18. Due to the fact that most of the adult male population is in the army reserve, all men must have weapons and the necessary ammunition at home in order to be ready for action at any moment. And you thought the Swiss were a bunch of pacifists?

18. In Bern there is a 500-year-old statue of a man devouring babies from a bag. No one knows why this creepy monument was erected.

19. The Swiss army prepared every potential mountain pass and tunnel for a possible undermining. What for? In the event of war, Switzerland will close all lines of advance to the enemy.

20. Switzerland does not have a head of state. Instead, there is a 7-person board that does all the work.

23. In 1802, the Swiss started a war called Stecklikrig. You know what's the craziest thing? They were only armed with sticks because Napoleon had taken their weapons.

24. The only part of a Swiss knife that is not made in Switzerland is the corkscrew. It's made in Japan.

25. Again, we are here to destroy your view of Switzerland as a country of pacifists... The army has well-stocked bunkers disguised as country houses that are located in the most populated villages. It is better not to quarrel with Switzerland ...

Famous people who were born or lived in Zurich include a very large number of famous scientists, writers and artists. Thanks to their creativity, this city became famous all over the world.

Notable scientists

Felix Bloch (1905 - 1983) was a Swiss physicist who was born in Zurich and later worked in the United States. In 1952 he won the Nobel Prize in the field. Bloch studied in Zurich, at the Higher Technical School. Then he continued his education at the University of Leipzig, where he received his doctorate in 1928. He was engaged in science for a long time in Germany, together with Pauli, Heisenberg, Fermi and Bohr. In 1933 he emigrated to the USA, where he began working at Stanford University. During the Second World War, Bloch took part in the atomic project at the Los Alamos laboratory. Subsequently, he worked in the field of nuclear magnetic resonance and nuclear induction - the basic principles of magnetic imaging. He was awarded the Nobel Prize "for the discovery of new methods of measurement in nuclear physics." He worked as a director general at CERN. In 1961 he received the title of professor of physics.

famous writers

Johann Jakob Meyer - born in Zurich in 1798, worked as a newspaper editor in the besieged city of Messolongion during the War of Independence 1821-1829. in Greece. He died in 1826 during the breakthrough of the besieged.

Painters

Augusto Giacometti (1877 - 1947) - Swiss artist. Giacometti is a major representative of post-symbolism and postmodernism, a master of monumental wall painting and stained glass. He was born into a family of sculptors, painters and architects. From 1894 to 1897 he studied painting at the School of Applied Arts in Zurich, later he studied in Florence and Paris. The artist created beautiful stained-glass windows for the cathedral in Frauenfeld, for the church windows of the choir in Adelboden. Giacometti became one of the first artists of the 20th century who worked in the style of abstractionism.

The Internet often hosts themes "Country through the eyes of a Russian", "Curious facts about the country", etc. I have accumulated a certain amount of material on different countries, I will collect it in a bunch and show you as much as possible. It may be useful to some, but for many it will be just interesting.

So, the first country is Switzerland.

1. In Switzerland, one of the 7 members of the federal council is appointed in turn to the presidency. In 2011, this post is held by a woman, Mechel Calmy Rey (before that, there was also a woman). Theoretically, each minister can be president many times, there were also cases when it was not possible to become president. Appointments take place every year.

2. There are no million-plus cities in Switzerland, not even half a million.

3. Switzerland is home to one of the tallest concrete dams in the world, the Grand Dixence.

4. In Switzerland, the system of elections (or rather referendums) allows for a referendum every Sunday. In practice, this happens less often - several times a year, and without much excitement.

5. One such referendum prohibited the construction of new minarets.

6. In total, there are 6 minarets in the country, but they do not fulfill their main function (gathering for prayer) because of the law on silence. Switzerland bans construction of mosques

7. Coins in denominations from 5 centimes to 5 francs, banknotes - from 10 to 1000 francs. There are 100 centimes (FR) or rapen (German) in the franc, 1 franc is approximately 0.8 euros or 1 US dollar.

8. Switzerland is the only confederation in the world.

9. In Switzerland 4 official languages. The rarest, Romansh, is owned by 0.7% of the country's population.

10. In Switzerland, school starts at the age of 4, 4 days a day (Wednesday-day off).

11. In Switzerland, shops close at 7 pm and are closed on Sundays. Exceptions: Thursday open until 9, and small shops open as they please.

12. Switzerland has no access to either the sea or the ocean, which did not prevent it from once winning the Cup of America ocean regatta.

13. In the past few years, banking secrecy has been shaken. Swiss banks have been pressured to release some customer data to US and German authorities.

14. In Switzerland, alcohol is not sold in stores after 9 pm.

15. In Switzerland, only one city has a metro (Lausanne) and it is ground-based and without a driver.

16. They serve in the Swiss army almost all their lives, regularly going through weekly training sessions (about a year in total). The employer pays the regular salary during the training camp.

17. You can officially get rid of the army if you give 3% of all money earned before the age of 30 to the budget.

18. You can keep weapons after service, and the state encourages this. It is not uncommon to meet people with an overweight machine even in public transport.

19. Have a weapon and serve in power structures only citizens can.

20. Citizenship can be obtained after 12 years of residence in the country.

21. Switzerland consists of 26 cantons (territorial unit), the canton consists of communes.

22. Accordingly, laws (and taxes) are communal, cantonal and federal levels.

23. Switzerland began with 4 cantons, one of which (Schwyz) gave the country its name. As a result of the accession of various states to the confederation, the number increased to 25 (Geneva was the last to join). And in 1979, one canton split into two as a result of a referendum.

24. Inflation in Switzerland does not exceed 1% per year.

25. In Switzerland, half of the electricity is generated by hydroelectric power plants.

26. Switzerland has the longest tunnel in the world - the Gotthard base tunnel, 57 km. However, commissioning is scheduled for 2017. Among those built there is Saint-Gothard, which ranks 3rd in the world among automobiles - 17 km. Unlike the famous Mont Blanc tunnel (which is also shorter), the Swiss one is free (more precisely, it is included in the annual fee for using the entire autobahn system of the country). In the meantime, there is such a tunnel - Lötschberg. Its length is 34700 meters.

27. In Switzerland, education is free, including for foreigners. Private schools cost from 25 thousand francs a year.

28. Medicine is paid, insurance is mandatory.

29. Geneva airport is located in Switzerland, but there is a road leading to France, bypassing the land border (formally, the border passes at the airport).

30. And in Basel (Mulhouse), on the contrary, there is an airport in France and a road has been laid to Switzerland, which is considered the territory of Switzerland.

31. In the film GoldenEye, James Bond jumps from the 4th highest dam in Switzerland (Verzasca or Contra), where the highest banjo jumping point in the world is located.

32. In Switzerland, there is the highest railway station in Europe - Jungfraujoch.

33. According to the Legatum Prosperity Index, Switzerland has been ranked first in the world in terms of management quality for the last 3 years.

34. Suvorov made his passage through the Alps through the territory of Switzerland.

35. Switzerland has a huge number of headquarters of international organizations such as the UN, Red Cross, WHO, WTO, CERN, etc. Sports: FIFA, FIBA, IOC, commercial ones are also pulling up: Nestle, Philip-Morris, Novartis, etc. d.

36. As part of the state program, drug addicts are given a dose, food and a place to sleep for free. It is believed that this is cheaper than counteracting wrongdoing on their part.

37. The most famous Swiss athlete is tennis player Roger Federer, the former number one in the world, and even now he is in the top players.

38. Christmas trees In Switzerland, you can throw away only 1 day a year - at the very beginning of January.

39. Small offerings to officials are actually legalized - for any certificate you need to pay at least 25 francs, they do it quickly.

40. To cut down a tree, you need to get permission from the authorities, even if you planted it yourself on your own land.

41. Swiss wine is almost unknown in the world, as everyone drinks it inside the country.

42. Swiss fondue and raclette dishes are very easy to prepare and are prepared literally on the table in the presence of guests.

43. In the Swiss city of Zermatt, petrol and diesel cars are completely banned, only electric cars are allowed.

44. For an address In Switzerland, not houses are numbered, but entrances (front doors). There are no apartment numbers - instead of them there are nameplates.

45. There are no homeless dogs and cats on the streets.

46. At some point in time, every new house had to have a bomb shelter, then the obligation was replaced by the payment of a tax, then this law was completely canceled, but the bomb shelters remained.

47. Apartment buildings usually have an equipped laundry room in the basement. Access to it is strictly on schedule for residents of the house.

48. Any company in Switzerland must have a Swiss director. There is even such a profession as a nominal hired director. Holders of Swiss passports can earn decent money doing nothing, but simply being a director in several companies.

49. In Switzerland, the world's first zero-star hotel opened in an anti-nuclear bunker.

50. Rapidshare's file hosting servers are located in an underground nuclear bunker in Switzerland.

51. The country is so conveniently located that you can go to fill the refrigerator in Germany, dine on marine reptiles in Paris or for a sale in Milan.

52. Owls have a hard time because all institutions and shops close and open early.

53. 4 official languages: German, French, Italian and Romansh. So far I have only seen Romansh on TV, they are given an hour a day for broadcasts. Many Swiss speak two or three foreign languages.

54. At present, a quarter of the country's population consists of foreigners, in the canton of Zurich every third foreigner, and in Geneva already read every second. And in 1940, there were only 5% of those who came in large numbers. In total, 8 million people live permanently in the country.

55. The most numerous nations (thousand people): Italians (287), Germans (263), Portuguese (213), Serbs (122), French (96). Russians 12, Ukrainians 5, Belarusians 1, which in total is comparable to the number of East Asians (18).

56. At the same time, the country is still one of the most difficult in Europe for the average non-European to obtain a residence permit and citizenship. 10 years you need to sit on type B, renewing it every year for 100 CHF, then finally give C (perpetual), and after 12 years you have the right to start the naturalization procedure. There are exceptions, but this is generally the case.

57. Russians here are divided mainly into three groups: “marriage with the country”, self-employed workers and the rich. They don't like each other and don't interact much.

58. “I flew to Zurich and thought: how many foreigners! Then it turned out that they were just speaking Swiss German.” Dialects of German are a challenge for foreigners living in the German part. But if desired, the dialect learns. The method is simple: (1) listen a lot, (2) figure it out from a book with basic principles, (3) try to speak, despite the fact that at first, of course, hearing yourself is very funny.

59. It is important at least to learn to understand the dialect. Yes, the polite Swiss will speak standard German to you, but you need to see the joy on their faces when you tell them that you understand the dialect. According to them, ordinary German is the same as a foreign language for them.

60. But even with a dialect, the way to the heart of a Swiss is not easy to find. Most of them have few friends, and even those from school.

61. Once in one article, Switzerland was called the "ashtray of Europe." There are indeed many smokers here, despite the ban on indoor smoking and the ever-increasing prices of cigarettes. Now a pack costs about 7.5 CHF.

62. The Swiss are lovers of herbs, and she is picky here.

63. The country has an ideal public transport system: in any locality can be reached without a car. At the same time, you can calculate your path with an accuracy of up to a minute, and in 95% of cases it will be so. This saves a lot of time. The train must have a toilet and a place / car for bicycles.

64. The transport network in cities is very dense, for example, in the city of Zurich with a population of 400,000 as many as 15 tram routes, 2 new ones have been introduced over the past 4 years.

65. The country has 3 international airports: Zurich, Geneva and Basel/Mühlhausen (24, 13 and 5 million passengers in 2011), as well as 11 regional ones. The passenger flow of the Zurich airport is comparable to the flow to Domodedovo or Sheremetyevo, despite the fact that the population of the whole country is half the population of the Moscow agglomeration. At the airport, among other things, there are many shops (with extended opening hours) and completely regular prices. The journey from the center of Zurich to the airport takes 6 minutes by train. This creates certain inconveniences for people living in the neighborhood: at exactly 6 in the morning, planes begin to buzz over the houses with a frequency of one or two minutes.

66. There is a whole waste disposal system. (1) Rubbish may only be disposed of in special chargeable bags. (2) This can be saved by sorting waste: paper, cardboard, garden waste, compost, glass, metal, plastic bottles, batteries, light bulbs... There are different collection containers and pickup schedules for everything. You can also give away old clothes and shoes every three months.

67. For almost all services, whether it be a doctor or a repairman, the Internet or a cell phone, payment occurs after the service is rendered and through an invoice sent to your postal address. Some accounts can be switched to automatic mode by linking them to a bank account. Even online purchases can often be paid not with a credit card, but after receiving the goods. Of course, the Swiss post also works like a Swiss watch: the ordered electrical appliance can be sent to you in a day and sometimes even with free shipping. There are difficulties with orders from Europe: the post office charges a decent customs fee.

68. By the age of 30, an ordinary working Swiss without higher education can afford to take out a mortgage. Another thing is that there is an opinion that having your own house is quite expensive, responsibly, ties you to a certain place and is comparable in terms of expenses to renting the same house, about which you will absolutely not have a headache.

69. It is popular to play sports here and almost every Swiss is semi-professional in some area and is a member of a sports association.

70. There is a private air ambulance, REGA, founded in 1952. 60% of funding comes from voluntary donations. There are almost 11 thousand helicopters in the park.

71. Switzerland is a mountainous country, on the territory there are about 50 four-thousander peaks. Mountains occupy almost 70% of the entire territory. At the same time, wonderful car roads and drilled tunnels. The longest road tunnel - Gotthard, the third longest in the world, is 17 kilometers. Often there are harsh mountain fogs on one side of it, and the bright Italian sun on the other.

72. Two important concepts in Swiss society are Dankbarkeit (gratitude) and Respekt (respect). The first one is simpler: if you took something that was done for you for granted, then most likely you did not thank you very much. For Russians with a categorical imperative in grammar, it can be difficult to adjust the degree of gratitude at first. Respekt means the fulfillment of certain social norms, which a foreigner, at first, naturally does not know. For example, it's disrespectful if you're visiting and in a hurry to just say goodbye and leave. Saying goodbye should begin at least 15 minutes before the intended departure. It is disrespectful to bring up certain topics in a conversation. It can even be disrespectful to spontaneously put horns on a photograph.

73. The Swiss joke quite caustically, sparing neither relatives nor friends.

74. There is rarely a washing machine in apartments: it is expensive to connect it. Therefore, the washing room is equipped in the basement. If the apartment is cheaper, everyone is washed in a common machine, more expensive - the machine can be individual. There is a plan for laundry, which, depending on the neighbors, has to be signed up a month in advance. Also, sometimes you need to write threatening warnings to those who do not take out their underwear on time and climb out of the plan, it happens that you just throw wet soapy things into the basket.

75. Products in stores are mostly expensive, especially meat, fish and fruits. German Lidl and Aldi represent the lowest price category, followed by Denner, Migros and Coop. Moreover, the price-quality ratio is not required to be fulfilled, you need to know where it is better to buy.

76. It is mandatory for everyone to have health insurance, which costs about 250 CHF per month. A visit to a specialist with an examination on devices and analyzes will cost from 300 to 500 CHF, an appointment is usually a couple of months, if not something critical. The insurance covers almost everything, except for the dentist, a filling will cost 500 CHF.
And for all diseases here are Aspirin, Neocitran and sucking tablets for throat and cough.

77. There are about 10 universities in the country, where studying is quite cheap, per year for a foreigner an average of 2000 CHF for a bachelor's or master's degree. True, they are going to increase the fee for undergraduate studies, believing that Swiss education is indecently cheap. The auditoriums are well equipped: a computer with the Internet and a projector almost everywhere. And of course, many laboratories for science students, huge libraries (mostly free and with free access for everyone).

78. In summer, the most popular pastime here is roasting meat in nature or in the garden. In almost every forest you can find a specially equipped place for fires and tables. A cloud of all kinds of discounts on marinated meat is offered. In winter, everyone goes to the mountains, respectively, to ski, board or sled. In the last couple of years, winters have been abnormally warm, snow on the two-thousanders falls poorly.

79. Most of the days off in the year are church holidays.

80. The motto of Switzerland is very musketeer: “One for all, and all for one!”.

81. The country is known for its notorious neutrality, which is not at all explained by love for the world, but by the fact that for this small country, bordering on such military-active countries as France, Germany, Italy and Austria, there was simply no other way out. Neutrality consists in non-intervention in any armed conflicts. Neutrality does not leave Switzerland a chance to win Eurovision.

82. At the same time, Switzerland has an army that functions according to the principle “Switzerland has no army, Switzerland is an army!”. Every male Swiss is obliged to pay a debt: military service, alternative service or money. At the same time, if you leave to serve, the work will be kept for you, and as a reward they will also give you a personal machine gun home.

83. There are almost no minerals in the country, the villagers raise livestock, plant grain, potatoes, carrots and corn, grow fruits in some places and make wine. In stores, everything grown, harvested and slaughtered in Switzerland stands out and costs more.

84. Despite the popular belief that Switzerland lives off its banks, this is not the case: the percentage of high-tech products in GDP is at the level of Germany and higher than that of Japan. However, 70% of the population is employed in the service sector: trade, healthcare, education, finance and insurance.

85. There is little tasty and healthy food in traditional Swiss cuisine: they eat mostly cheese dishes, various sausages and potatoes. The ones that everyone hears about are Fondue (melted cheese in a pot mixed with wine, bread is dipped in it), Raklett (melted cheese on a spatula with jacket potatoes, pickles and fried pieces of meat), Rösti (a type of fried potato), Älplermagronen (fried mixture of pasta, potatoes, cheese, cream and onions with various additives), Sausisson (healthy sausage with lots of fatty meat inside, served with red cabbage with chestnuts). They also like to eat asparagus.

86. Elections and other voting take place by mail: an envelope with ballots and information is sent, it must be filled out and sent back before the appointed time. At the same time, political agitation can be very cruel: when they voted for some law on the entry of foreigners, Switzerland was portrayed as trampled down by the black feet of those who came in large numbers.

87. There are many bureaucratic institutions, you need to know where to get which certificate. It helps that they work quite quickly and smoothly, for example, changing a residence permit takes a maximum of a couple of hours: sign the form with the secretary at work and call in the Kreisbüro district office to give the form and pay the fee. A new permit will be sent by registered mail within two weeks.

88. Cities organically coexist with nature: 10 minutes from the center there can be a pasture with cows, rivers are full of bread-hungry ducks, a fat swan walks on the bridge in the center on Sunday morning, and herons fly over the houses. Perhaps the most unpleasant animal here is the forest cockroach, it looks exactly like an ordinary red cockroach, but it is not afraid of the light and flies with might and main.

89. A popular tradition is a carnival procession, in different cities at different times. Everyone makes masks and costumes for themselves and passes through the center, dancing, scaring the kids and playing musical instruments.

90. When you first come to Switzerland from Russia, it seems that everything is so small, small.

91. Dadaism was founded in the Cabaret Voltaire in Zurich, which is why the picture gallery flaunts one of the most amazing paintings by Max Ernst. Also, the artist Giger, who came up with the screen image of Aliens, is Swiss, and there is his museum in Gruyère.

92. The Swiss are masters of building cable cars and high mountain trains. Train on gear train, traveling at an incline of 48 degrees to a height of 2000 meters, is located on Mount Pilatus in the canton of Obwalden.

93. The country actively supports Scientific research in the field of nanotechnology, informatics, space and climate. Also recently, the Higgs boson may have been discovered at the Large Hadron Collider. Get a postgraduate position with a good Russian education and decent English is not difficult. Here, they still believe that the Russians are very smart and strong in technical disciplines.

94. In general, the level of understanding of mathematical disciplines by students is not high. At the exams in mathematics and statistics (the subject was taken voluntarily) in the magistracy, they write such things that a first-year bachelor in Russia will be ashamed. The reason, it seems to me, is that curriculum students choose for themselves and many important areas remain very chaotically mastered. Best Knowledge show, as a rule, the Chinese.

95. It is customary for people to help each other. Someone will definitely help to bring and take out the stroller on the bus (it’s not a shame to ask about it directly), load heavy suitcases, hang the bike on a hook on the ceiling in the train. There are many low-floor buses and trams for the disabled, and if anything happens, the driver will come out and help.

96. The Swiss Post is also a financial institution. There you can open an account on more favorable terms than in commercial banks, however, all the nishtyaks operate mainly within the country. You can also pay with their card on Swiss websites.

97. Here they calmly treat non-traditional orientation. There is a gay and a lesbian in the city council of the city of Zurich. Every year in August, the Love Parade takes place. It's perfectly normal to see an uncle in the city center in a red suit, green platform sandals and a bright manicure. Not that there are many of them, it's just that everyone doesn't care.

98. Kindergartens for children, according to rumors, are very expensive, so often women after 30 get married, give birth to several children in a row and sit with them. At the same time, there are no problems moving with children, there are changing tables and children's rooms everywhere.

99. Prostitution and torrenting are legal. On TV, after 12, they only play advertisements for all kinds of establishments. The state is worried in every possible way about the conditions of street labor of priestesses of love.

100. Switzerland is recognized as the most mountainous country in Europe. Mountains occupy 2/3 of the entire territory of this country

101. The best and most expensive watches in the world are made in Switzerland. Of course, brands are on everyone's lips - Rolex, Chopard, Breguet, Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin, Tissot, Swatch, etc. By the way, the first wrist watch was invented by the dude Patek Philippe in 1868.

102. Switzerland makes the best chocolate in the world. The first chocolate bar was produced in 1819

103. The Swiss Army Knife is also the most famous penknife in the world. By the way, it is made red in order to make it easier to find it in the snow or grass if you drop it.

104. Yodel (such lousy singing without words) has long been used by Swiss shepherds as a means of communication

105. Wherever you are in Switzerland, there will be a swimming pool within 13 miles of you

106. Switzerland is in second place in Europe in terms of life expectancy (on the first - Sweden)

107. The most famous Swiss dish in the world is fondue. Initially, fondue was the food of the peasants, who thus ate the remnants of bread and cheese.

108. Switzerland is located in the center of Europe, but is not part of the European Union

109. The world-famous company Davidoff was founded in Switzerland by an emigrant from Kyiv

110. Switzerland is one of the richest countries in the world. It is also the largest financial center

111. 15% of the country's income comes from tourism

112. The Swiss Guard must be at least 174 cm tall and must not wear a mustache, beard or long hair. And during the service, he can not marry. Exceptions are rarely made and only if the bride of the Guardsman is a staunch Catholic

113 . Switzerland is a paradise for mushroom pickers. White mushrooms, of which there are a great many, no one collects and does not eat)

114 . The Swiss are the most inventive nation in the world. There are 2,286 patents per million inhabitants of Switzerland. The closest competitors are the Dutch (1427 patents per million population), South Koreans (1139) and Japanese (1118). It is believed that increased ingenuity is associated with the lack of minerals and access to the sea in Switzerland, which does not allow the development of either serious industry or trade. You have to lean on ingenuity.

Who else knows something interesting about Switzerland? And who can correct something in these facts?

A small Alpine state is located in the very center of Europe. It is often called the "land of lakes", but charming Switzerland can boast not only picturesque nature. What else is famous for? Travelers who fall in love at first sight with a tourist paradise remember amazing historical and architectural monuments, luxurious ski resorts, famous watches and delicious chocolate.

In this article, we have collected Interesting Facts about a wonderful European country, and for both young and adult readers, this information will be fascinating and informative. Natural and man-made masterpieces of a colorful country are studied at school, on the subject " The world"(Grade 3). What is Switzerland famous for all over the world? Now we'll tell you!

What should we know about the amazing state, every corner of which remembers an eventful history? You can travel around colorful Switzerland all year round, and every time it brings pleasant surprises. Since most of its territory is occupied by the majestic Alps, the powerful mountain range is what Switzerland is famous for all over the world. It is no coincidence that a small state evokes associations with all kinds of ski holidays.

There are resorts for every taste, and a huge selection of steep slopes and comfortable slopes will bring incredible pleasure to both professionals and beginners. The beauty of the mountain peaks, covered with snow-white bedspreads, fascinates and forever remains in the memory of those who have ever visited these places. If the Alps disappear from geographical map world, then the fabulous country will immediately lose half of its attractiveness in the eyes of vacationers.

powerful glaciers

When asked what the country of Switzerland is famous for, many travel lovers will remember the age-old glaciers - the largest in Europe. In total, there are about 140 miraculous sights that keep the ideal temperature on the slopes. It is thanks to them that tourists can ski all year round. So, in the south of the state there is a true masterpiece, captivating views with bizarre forms.

The most famous Aletsch glacier is an unusual sight: thousands of tons of ice have formed a unique canyon, which is recognized as one of the main pearls of the region. It seems as if an icy river flows along the bottom of a deep valley with a total area of more than 80 kilometers along the mountain peaks near the beautiful ski resort of Zermatt. The immobility and amazing silence of Alech are deceptive, because the miraculous monument, famous for its special purity, lives its own life. It slowly moves, and the speed of smooth movement is 200 meters per year.

Unfortunately, global warming does not pass without a trace for the glacier: the natural miracle is decreasing in size, and it is not known what will happen to it in a hundred years.

Lakeland

What will the locals answer to the question: "What is Switzerland famous for - a country where six percent of the world's fresh water reserves are concentrated?". Many, without hesitation, will talk about the beauty of the picturesque lakes, which are the same "brand name" as the Alps. Transparent reservoirs formed during the melting of giant glaciers are recognized calling card countries and are considered one of the main places of attraction for tourists from different countries. They occupy an important place in the landscape of the state, and each of them is a beautiful corner, a visit to which will be remembered forever.

Therefore, speaking about what Switzerland is famous for, it is worth mentioning the shining water surface, surrounded by a powerful mountain range and at all times attracting great poets and artists. Now thousands of guests are in a hurry to relax on the lakes, the number of which exceeds 1500. All the routes of the proposed tours one way or another pass in the immediate vicinity of them.

The fabulous creations of Mother Nature are compared to mirrors because their waters are perfectly calm. The largest lake is Geneva, and its northern shore with the most famous resorts is called the "Swiss Riviera". Tourists adore the ancient city of Lucerne, which can be found on the coast of the reservoir of the same name. In the west of the country there is a balneological resort, which appeared on the shores of Lake Neuchâtel, framed by high mountains. Rest here is not only useful, but also prestigious.

Europe in miniature

But that's not all Switzerland is famous for. Despite its modest size, the country of contrasts will allow you to visit Germany, Austria, France and Italy in a few days without crossing borders. Depending on which part the tourists are in, the language, landscape and even cuisine are very different from each other. state bordering on different countries, combined the features of the cultures of several peoples. "Europe in miniature" attracts not only with wonderful landscapes, but also with ancient buildings that leave no one indifferent. The country cares about the heritage, and modern architects make a significant contribution to the development of architecture.

Open-air museum

It is fair to say that much of what Switzerland is known to the whole world is man-made. The traditions of four nations at once influenced the architecture of a small state, famous for its advantageous location. And on its territory you can see buildings made in the most famous styles (baroque, classical, gothic, modern).

It is for this reason that the country is compared to an open-air museum. There are a huge number of medieval castles located everywhere - high in the mountains and on the lake. The oldest is the Spitz citadel, the Montebello castle complex is recognized as the most popular among tourists, and Oberhofen, which has a fabulous charm, is the most beautifully preserved.

Modern architectural structures

Among the modern buildings, it is worth highlighting the Sphinx observatory, which is located at an altitude of more than three thousand meters, not far from Bern. Looking very unusual, it was intended only for scientists, but enterprising locals have made the fairy-tale corner available to tourists who enjoy amazing views from the observation deck.

Another interesting structure is the "Hunched House", the asymmetry of which evokes a sense of danger. As tourists admit, and from the point of view of aesthetics, the building, almost devoid of sunlight, looks rather strange. The architects who designed the building of an abstract look could not harmoniously fit their offspring into environment but attracted attention. And such tricks in the creative environment are very common.

Natural and man-made attractions are not all that Switzerland is famous for. It is quite difficult to briefly talk about everything, but it is impossible not to mention which ones are produced in the country. Their production dates back several hundred years. Inside the complex mechanism there are up to three hundred smallest details, and some devices for measuring time are piece and very expensive goods. One watch is assembled for about two months, and it is done using manual labor and precision equipment.

Switzerland is considered the world monopoly in the luxury watch segment: it produces approximately 30 million pieces a year. The most famous companies are Rolex, Swatch Group, Richemont.

Favorite dishes of the Swiss

If we talk about the traditional cuisine of the country, then we must admit that it was influenced by German, Italian, French cuisine. Residents of the state answer the question of what dish Switzerland is famous for in different ways, but the majority calls fondue. It is based on hard cheeses, which are melted in dry white wine. The delicious dish is served with croutons and a small fork, on which a piece of dried bread is pierced, and then it is dipped into the hot mass. It is believed that fondue first appeared in the city of Neuchâtel, and therefore it is called Neuchâtel. Almost all recipes in Swiss cuisine use locally produced cheese - fatty and buttery. It is often melted in a frying pan, serving dear guests as the main decoration of the table, a hot product.

What else is Switzerland famous for? Different provinces have their favorite dishes. For example, in Zurich, they are very fond of kreepfli (puff pastry pies) and hühli (a sweet treat resembling pudding). The chefs of Bern are famous for their fragrant sausages and delicious appetizers of sauerkraut, beans and fried potatoes. And tourists who have visited Basel remember with pleasure the most delicate almond cookies with the beautiful name "lotus petals".

Wine and chocolate

Few people know, but Switzerland is also famous for its wonderful wines, which have absorbed the aroma of clean air of picturesque valleys and the light of the gentle sun. Sparkling drinks, offering the whole palette of taste, receive high marks and awards at various competitions.

In addition, when Switzerland is mentioned, chocolate immediately comes to mind. Wonderful country is considered the birthplace of a popular delicacy, which began to add milk. It seems that the aroma of confectionery is everywhere, and here and there in the narrow streets there are shops selling a sweet aphrodisiac.

The world leader in the production of chocolate does not just breathe it, it lives it. Local residents consume an incredible amount of a product that produces the hormone of happiness (approximately 12 kg per person). There is a lot of cocoa butter in the delicacy, only Swiss milk and elite cocoa beans are added to it. Manufacturers carefully store old recipes and strictly monitor the quality of products.

Country of banks

Every businessman knows that Switzerland is a country of banks, whose activities are strictly controlled. If the slightest violation of the law is found, the organization's license is revoked. 10 percent of the world's capital is held in financial institutions that have never yet put customer deposits at risk. Perhaps that is why the small state is among the richest countries in the world, and the stock exchange in Zurich is in third place. It is no coincidence that the first private banks emerged in Switzerland, which is the most respectable financial center in Europe.

Capital of the crypto world

More recently, the country that has created all the conditions for doing business has turned into the capital of the crypto world. Bitcoins are considered here as assets, and crypto-currency activities are regulated by the provisions of the Criminal Code. Curiously, the authorities are integrating the cryptocurrency they use to buy goods into everyday life of people. So, residents of the town of Zug pay utility bills using bitcoin.

The materials given in our article can be used in a lesson on the topic "What Switzerland is famous for" ("The World Around", Grade 3 of the school curriculum).