Switzerland is a landlocked country in the centre of Europe, bordering Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, Italy and France. It does not have its own national language, but the inhabitants speak the respective language of the bordering country. Switzerland has around 8.7 million inhabitants living in an area of just under 41 000 square kilometres.
A brief history of Switzerland
The area that is now Switzerland was already inhabited in the Palaeolithic Age. As the Romans spread further and further, they also conquered the area of Switzerland, which remained under Roman occupation until the 1st century AD. After the end of the Roman Empire, the Burgundians and Alamanni settled. Even then there was a division into Romance languages (French, Italian and Rhaeto-Romanic) in the south and the Alemannic language. Later, Switzerland was part of the Frankish Empire. This empire was later divided and Switzerland became part of the Eastern Frankish Empire, which later became the Holy Roman Empire.
An important date is 1 August 1291, when the original cantons of Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden formed an alliance and, according to legend, swore the Swiss Confederation on the Rütli (Rütli Oath). Later, Lucerne, Zurich, Glarus, Zug and Bern joined in, giving the confederation its political significance. Until the beginning of the 16th century, other cantons were added.
After the end of the Thirty Years' War, the Confederates decided on the armed neutrality that still exists today, although this could not always be observed in the following centuries. In 1648, the country was separated from the Holy Roman Empire and thus became independent.
In 1798, the country was occupied by France as the "Helvetic Republic", which brought some innovations for Switzerland. There was a unified economic and monetary area and freedom of religion and conscience was permitted. In 1803, Switzerland became federalist and was from then on called the "Swiss Confederation", and at the Congress of Vienna in 1815, Switzerland was also recognised internationally.
In 1847, civil war broke out in Switzerland (Sonderbundskrieg). In 1848, Bern was designated as the capital of Switzerland.
In the First World War, Switzerland remained neutral, and in the Second World War the country also insisted on this status, but prepared for defence.
Although Switzerland remained neutral, after the Second World War it joined the European Free Trade Association, the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe and the European Free Trade Association, among others.
The Swiss political system
Switzerland is a federal state, but it has some special features compared to other states. The most obvious feature is the strong presence of elements of direct democracy. With a popular initiative, the people decide whether a new provision is to be included in the constitution. In addition, there is the referendum, in which the people vote on new laws. In the cantons of Appenzell. In the cantons of Appenzell Innerrhoden and Glarus, the people decide in the Landsgemeinde. This is when the inhabitants of a village who are able to vote meet and vote on certain bills.
Swiss democracy is also characterised by a strong influence of federalism. All tasks that are not explicitly assigned to the federal government are the responsibility of the cantons.
Legislative power is exercised by two chambers. The National Council has 200 members. The Council of States represents the cantons and has 46 members.
The executive consists of seven federal councillors who are elected by parliament.
The judiciary consists of the Federal Supreme Court in Lausanne, in addition to other subordinate courts.
How easy it is to enter Switzerland with ETIAS
At first glance, entering Switzerland with ETIAS may seem like an extra effort for many tourists. In reality, however, this is very little, because the application can be filled out in just a few minutes.
However, travellers must bear a few things in mind. First of all, the application can probably only be made via the internet. This may be a problem for some travellers, but it can also be done through an agency, an acquaintance or a relative. So if you do not yet have access to the internet, you can still travel to Switzerland.
When filling out the form, you must have your passport handy. ETIAS is only valid in conjunction with the passport and the data must match. Particular care must be taken with the passport number, as this is where most mistakes happen. There should also be no mistakes in the validity of the passport and the name. Often this is only noticed at the airport and then a new application has to be made immediately. However, the plane does not wait until this is approved.
ETIAS offers greater security for travel to Switzerland
Although Switzerland is considered a safe country to travel to, the possibility of terrorists carrying out attacks there cannot be ruled out. The form can prevent this in advance, because travellers who pose a security risk will be refused entry to Switzerland. The few minutes it takes to fill out the ETIAS will make the traveller feel safer.
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Switzerland is a landlocked country in the centre of Europe, bordering Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, Italy and France. It does not have its own national language, but the inhabitants speak the respective language of the bordering country. Switzerland has around 8.7 million inhabitants living in an area of just under 41 000 square kilometres.
A brief history of Switzerland
The area that is now Switzerland was already inhabited in the Palaeolithic Age. As the Romans spread further and further, they also conquered the area of Switzerland, which remained under Roman occupation until the 1st century AD. After the end of the Roman Empire, the Burgundians and Alamanni settled. Even then there was a division into Romance languages (French, Italian and Rhaeto-Romanic) in the south and the Alemannic language. Later, Switzerland was part of the Frankish Empire. This empire was later divided and Switzerland became part of the Eastern Frankish Empire, which later became the Holy Roman Empire.
An important date is 1 August 1291, when the original cantons of Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden formed an alliance and, according to legend, swore the Swiss Confederation on the Rütli (Rütli Oath). Later, Lucerne, Zurich, Glarus, Zug and Bern joined in, giving the confederation its political significance. Until the beginning of the 16th century, other cantons were added.
After the end of the Thirty Years' War, the Confederates decided on the armed neutrality that still exists today, although this could not always be observed in the following centuries. In 1648, the country was separated from the Holy Roman Empire and thus became independent.
In 1798, the country was occupied by France as the "Helvetic Republic", which brought some innovations for Switzerland. There was a unified economic and monetary area and freedom of religion and conscience was permitted. In 1803, Switzerland became federalist and was from then on called the "Swiss Confederation", and at the Congress of Vienna in 1815, Switzerland was also recognised internationally.
In 1847, civil war broke out in Switzerland (Sonderbundskrieg). In 1848, Bern was designated as the capital of Switzerland.
In the First World War, Switzerland remained neutral, and in the Second World War the country also insisted on this status, but prepared for defence.
Although Switzerland remained neutral, after the Second World War it joined the European Free Trade Association, the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe and the European Free Trade Association, among others.
The Swiss political system
Switzerland is a federal state, but it has some special features compared to other states. The most obvious feature is the strong presence of elements of direct democracy. With a popular initiative, the people decide whether a new provision is to be included in the constitution. In addition, there is the referendum, in which the people vote on new laws. In the cantons of Appenzell. In the cantons of Appenzell Innerrhoden and Glarus, the people decide in the Landsgemeinde. This is when the inhabitants of a village who are able to vote meet and vote on certain bills.
Swiss democracy is also characterised by a strong influence of federalism. All tasks that are not explicitly assigned to the federal government are the responsibility of the cantons.
Legislative power is exercised by two chambers. The National Council has 200 members. The Council of States represents the cantons and has 46 members.
The executive consists of seven federal councillors who are elected by parliament.
The judiciary consists of the Federal Supreme Court in Lausanne, in addition to other subordinate courts.
How easy it is to enter Switzerland with ETIAS
At first glance, entering Switzerland with ETIAS may seem like an extra effort for many tourists. In reality, however, this is very little, because the application can be filled out in just a few minutes.
However, travellers must bear a few things in mind. First of all, the application can probably only be made via the internet. This may be a problem for some travellers, but it can also be done through an agency, an acquaintance or a relative. So if you do not yet have access to the internet, you can still travel to Switzerland.
When filling out the form, you must have your passport handy. ETIAS is only valid in conjunction with the passport and the data must match. Particular care must be taken with the passport number, as this is where most mistakes happen. There should also be no mistakes in the validity of the passport and the name. Often this is only noticed at the airport and then a new application has to be made immediately. However, the plane does not wait until this is approved.
ETIAS offers greater security for travel to Switzerland
Although Switzerland is considered a safe country to travel to, the possibility of terrorists carrying out attacks there cannot be ruled out. The form can prevent this in advance, because travellers who pose a security risk will be refused entry to Switzerland. The few minutes it takes to fill out the ETIAS will make the traveller feel safer.