Modest as we Swiss are, we rarely mention how sustainable our country really is. Yet Switzerland has so much to offer! Countless rankings offer proof of this. Switzerland regularly scores above average in international studies when it comes to sustainability and quality of life. Being among the best in the world spurs us on to defend these ranks year after year – and to do so successfully.

For flora and fauna

Nature reserves

Switzerland has numerous nature reserves. Nature reserves serve to protect areas of particular value for people and nature and are characterised by near-natural and diverse habitats. Examples include the Swiss National Park, biosphere reserves such as the Biosphere Reserve Entlebuch, water and migratory bird reserves such as the Grande Cariçaie, as well as federal hunting reserves such as the Aletsch Forest.

Swiss parks

The Swiss National Park is the oldest national park in the Alps and one of 20 Swiss parks of national importance. The Swiss parks support the conservation and enhancement of natural habitats and landscapes that are particularly beautiful. The 20 Swiss parks cover a total of 5,839 square kilometres, which equates to 14% of the area of Switzerland.

Swiss forests

Since 1876, the Forest Act has ensured that the area of Swiss forests does not decrease. Today, 31% of Switzerland is forested – and this figure is rising. Among other things, the trees protect against avalanches and have a CO2-reducing effect.

Blue gold

Switzerland holds around six per cent of the continent’s freshwater reserves – and is considered Europe’s water reservoir. Many large rivers such as the Rhone, Rhine, Ticino and Inn have their source here. The many streams, rivers and lakes are very important not only for biodiversity but also for tourism. Uniquely, even in the larger cities, going for a swim is perfectly safe here. The protection of this precious resource is a high priority – so that future generations will be able to benefit from it too.

Take a deep breath

Air quality in Switzerland has improved steadily over the past 30 years and is now considered good by international standards. This makes Switzerland one of the countries in Europe with the lowest concentrations of particulate matter. With measures for the consistent use of the best available technology in agriculture, transport, industry and heating, further progress with respect to clean and healthy air in Switzerland will be possible in the future too.

The power of nature

Renewable energies are on the rise in Switzerland. For example, 80% of the electricity from Swiss outlets is generated from renewable energy sources, primarily hydropower.

Switzerland – a nation of recyclers

The Swiss are world champions when it comes to recycling: 95% of waste glass and almost 85% of PET bottles end up at special collection points rather than in the household bin. The containers are recycled and given a second life. In addition, Switzerland is one of the European leaders in consistent recycling and has an exemplary waste disposal system.

Low-emission mobility

Switzerland is the country of environmentally conscious activities. Public transport is used for travel, and low-emission activities such as hiking and cycling are clearly in the foreground.

Getting around Switzerland on public transport

On the approximately 3,000km-long network of the SBB, almost 9,700 passenger trains are in operation daily, which means that the SBB transports more than 1.1 million passengers each day. With one of the densest rail networks in the world, even the most remote locations are accessible by public transport.

SwitzerlandMobility promotes slow traffic

SwitzerlandMobility is a free platform for planning an active leisure time programme. Whether hiking, cycling, cross-country skiing or snowshoe hiking – the platform features a network of uniformly signposted routes throughout the country that are perfectly coordinated with public transport.

  • Switzerland: How to

    How do you dispose of rubbish in Switzerland? Will a foreign diploma be recognised? From Switzerland's visa requirements to how the school system works, here you'll find useful tips, facts and links to practical information about Switzerland from SWI...

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  • Security, Criminality and Insurance

    Health and Insurance Drinking and eating-out is hygienic and the tap water is safe. Immunization for contagious diseases is only required if the traveler has been in an infected area within 14 days preceding arrival in Switzerland. Personal...

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  • Climate

    The climate is moderate with no excessive heat, cold or humidity. From July to August the daytime temperature range is 18 to 28 °C (65° - 82° F) and from January to February the range is -2 to 7 °C (28° - 45° F). In spring...

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  • Population

    There are 8,7 Mio. people living in Switzerland. Demographic trends are being influenced by multilingualism, the rising average age and the high proportion of foreigners living in the country.

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  • Language distribution

    Switzerland has four unevenly distributed languages and a wealth of dialects. German (62.6 %) German is by far the most widely spoken language in Switzerland: 19 of the country’s 26 cantons are predominantly (Swiss) German-speaking. French...

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  • Religion

    The majority of people living in Switzerland are Christians. 34.4 % are Roman Catholic, and 22.5 % Protestant. There are also many other religions represented in Switzerland: 5.4 % Muslim, 2.6 % Orthodox Christians, 0.5 % Buddhist, 0.2% Jewish. The...

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  • Politics

    1848: The founding of Switzerland The establishment of the modern state of Switzerland dates back to 1848. Prior to this, Switzerland consisted of a loose alliance of independent cantons. In 1848 Switzerland formed a modern constitution which made a...

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  • Swissness

    The language communities eat different things and have different traditions and customs. Even their shared history only goes back about two centuries. The Swiss themselves are sometimes puzzled about what they have in common apart from their...

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  • Geography

    Switzerland has an area of 41,285 square kilometres (15,940 square miles). The productive area - that is, the area without the lakes, rivers, unproductive vegetation and no vegetation at all - covers 30,753 square km (11,870 square miles). It...

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  • Economy

    Switzerland’s economy is based on a highly qualified labour force performing highly skilled work. The main areas include microtechnology, hitech, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, as well as banking and insurance know-how. The service sector now...

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