Switzerland
Membership in EU:
Political system:Federation
Capital city:Berne
Total area: 41 290 km²
Currency:Swiss franc (CHF)
Economy | Business Protocol | Legislative and Political System | More about the Country | Order a Business Information Report (BIR)
Economy
Statistical Office

Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Entrepreneurship in the Country

The most famous Swiss products are cheese, watches, chocolates and pocketknives. But all these famous products represent only a small part of the Swiss production and export. Switzerland has no mineral resources and is largely dependent on import of energetic resources (coal, oil and gas), since the domestic water energy does not supply for the needs of the state. Other conditions for industry and service sector are favourable; therefore the Swiss economy is one of the most developed in the world. So far Switzerland overcame all world crises relatively good.
Business Directories

Local Communities

Business Protocol
Business Communication

The Swiss are a private people, so try to avoid asking personal questions until a good relationship has been established. What constitutes personal are areas such as occupation, age, marital status, religion, etc.
The communication style can come across as quite sober; initially it is advisable to avoid jokes and engaging in any banter as this may be misconstrued.

Business Negotiation

The Swiss are known for getting the best possible deal in negotiations without ever appearing aggressive or demanding.

Through quiet self-confidence and a no-nonsense approach to business they sidestep 'hard-sell' and other high-pressure tactics.

In addition they will refuse to rush a decision, until they have properly examined all the facts and information and reported these to the decision maker(s).

Legislative and Political System
Government

Prime Minister

Ministries

Constitutional Court

Legislation

More about the Country
Geographical Characteristics

Swiss Confederation (lat. Confoederatio Helvetica) is a landlocked country in Central Europe. It is bordered by Germany, France, Italy, Austria and Liechtenstein.
Languages

German, French, Italian and Romansh.
Short History

In 1848 Swiss drew up and adopted the federal constitution, which was extensively modified in 1974. With this constitution the federal administration was given the responsibility for defense, trade and legal matters. Since then the history of Switzerland is marked by the continuous political, economic and social progress.

Switzerland is well-known by its historic neutrality, since it did not participate in the World Wars.

In 2002 Switzerland became a full member of the United Nations (UN).

Time Zone

GMT/UTC + 1
International Dialing Code

+41
Average Temperatures

July 18 0C, January 0 0C.
Opening Hours of Banks

Monday - Friday: 8.30am – 4.30pm.
Opening Hours of Post-Offices

Monday - Friday: 7.30am – 6.00pm.

 

Saturday: 7.30am – 11.00am.

Opening Hours of Shops

Legally permitted opening hours:

 

Monday - Friday: 9.00am – 6.30pm.

Saturday: 9.00am – 4.00pm.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are widely accepted in Switzerland in cities and holiday resorts. The most common credit cards, such as American Express, MasterCard and Visa are accepted in numerous hotels, restaurants and shops. Almost all petrol stations will accept credit cards.
Foreign Currency Exchange

Apart from the banks, foreign currency can be also exchanged in exchange offices, hotel receptions, tourist agencies, petrol stations and larger department stores.
Mobile Telecommunications

The country is almost entirely covered by mobile telephony signal. The main operators have concluded contracts with larger European and world operators. Mobile phones in the country are designed to function within the network of frequency bands 900 MHZ and 1800 MHZ. You can host in the following mobile networks: Swisscom, Sunrise, Orange.
Emergency Telephone Numbers

Police

112/117

Medical emergency

112/144

Fire emergency

112/118

Population of the State

Population of the Capital

Demographics

Religion

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