Switzerland Country Report
Switzerland is a landlocked country in Western Europe, bordering Germany to the north, Austria and Liechtenstein to the east, Italy to the south, and France to the west. The official languages ​​are German, French, Italian and Romanian. Switzerland is a federal parliamentary democracy with parliamentary elections held every four years and constituencies divided into cantons based on language. The political system is very stable and operates under the federal constitution of 1848. The current government does not face any threat to its stability. Switzerland has a stable economic environment and welcomes foreign investment. The main threats to foreign tourists in Switzerland are petty crime and weather-related hazards, which mainly occur in tourist areas. The telecommunications, medical, transportation, and public infrastructures of the country are well-developed.
Switzerland is not a member of the European Union or the European Economic Area (EEA) but is a member of the European Free Trade Area (EFTA) and the Schengen Area.
Last updated: March 2, 2023
Security
The most serious threat facing travelers to Switzerland is petty crime such as pickpocketing and pickpocketing, especially in large cities such as Bern, Zurich, and Geneva. This country does not face the danger of conflict. Terrorism concerns have increased in recent years, including the possibility of domestic Islamist terrorism, but the risk of attack is believed to be lower than in some other European countries.
Last updated: May 13, 2022
Infrastructure
Air travel is safe and compliant with international safety standards.
Don’t worry about land travel, but speeding and drunk driving in Switzerland are higher than the European average.
Swiss Rhine ports are efficient gateways to the sea.
Public facilities are plentiful and almost all (94%) of the systems used in Switzerland are central and individual heating systems for buildings.
Cybercrime is growing rapidly in Switzerland.
Last updated: December 29, 2022
Environment
There is a risk of avalanches during the winter months in Switzerland’s alpine region. Mountain search and rescue insurance is strongly recommended for those who travel to mountainous areas. Heavy rains also occasionally lead to flooding in low-lying areas.
Last update: March 16, 2022
Health and Medical
Visitors do not face significant health risks when traveling to Switzerland. Medical facilities are well-equipped in both rural and urban areas. The pharmacy is well stocked with essential supplies and medicines.
Last updated: September 14, 2022
Political
Switzerland is a semi-direct democratic federal republic. After the 2019 election, the incumbent Swiss People’s Party (SVP) returned as the ruling party. A by-election for the Swiss Bundestag will be held on December 7, 2022, following the announcement by Swiss representatives Uli Maurer and Simonta Somaruga that they will be leaving the Bundestag on December 31, 2022. The parliament elected Albert Rossetti and Elisabeth Baum Schneider respectively in his place. Switzerland is one of the most politically stable countries in the world and will remain stable through the upcoming federal elections on October 22, 2023 to elect the Swiss National Council and all members of the National Council. These conditions are expected to continue. Then on December 13, the elections for the Federal Council, the head of government, and the Swiss parliament will be held.
Last updated: March 2, 2023
