In this article we will tell you about a small European country, where many would dream of being born, a country where the standard of living is as high as the mountains.
1. One of the richest countries in the world
Switzerland is one of the richest countries in the world. The standard of living in this country is the highest of all. At the same time, Switzerland has virtually no natural resources. The source of Switzerland's wealth is its highly developed, high-tech industry, services, and banking sectors. The average salary in Switzerland, after taxes, is 4,700 euros per month.
2. Swiss neutrality
One of the main reasons for Switzerland's wealth and prosperity is its refusal to participate in world wars, despite its location almost in the center of Europe. The reason for this is the famous Swiss neutrality. The country decided back in the 19th century not to interfere in the affairs of other states and always remains neutral to everything that happens around it. It is for this reason that Switzerland has managed to avoid the destruction that armed conflicts inevitably bring. Switzerland is located in Europe between Italy, France and Germany, but despite this, it is not a member of NATO or even the EU. This country also often acts as a mediator during negotiations between two warring countries that have severed diplomatic relations.
3. The purpose of the army is to fight, not to peel potatoes
Military service is mandatory for all men, and the term of service stretches over decades, or to be precise, until the age of 51. From the moment of adulthood until the age of 51, Swiss men are required to attend military training every year, which lasts from two to five weeks. During the training, soldiers are taught to shoot, use various military equipment, drive a tank, and so on. For example, Swiss soldiers do not have to clean toilets, stand guard, or peel potatoes; private companies do this for them. That is, all efforts are aimed at training the Swiss to fight, if it is ever necessary. It is possible to dodge military service, however, almost no one does this, since military service in this country is considered very prestigious.
4. Legal firearms
It is completely legal to own a firearm in Switzerland. More than half of the country's population owns some form of firearm at home, mostly shotguns and pistols. However, the rate of gun homicides in Switzerland is extremely low, at just 0.5 homicides per 100,000 people per year. By comparison, in the United States the rate is 10 times higher, at 5 homicides per year per 100,000 people.
5. In Switzerland they speak German
Switzerland has 4 official languages: German, French, Romansh and Italian. The most popular of them is German. People speak one language or another depending on which region of Switzerland they live in.
6. A democratic country has not adopted a universal income
Switzerland is a very democratic country, there is a so-called "direct democracy". The fact is that the Swiss parliament constantly comes up with laws and amendments to them, however, in order for certain laws made by the authorities to come into force, they must first be approved by the people. Therefore, before the adoption of any important law, a referendum is organized, and every citizen can come and vote. Moreover, the parliament often issues a law, puts it to a referendum, but people vote against it, so the law is not adopted. For example, in 2016, a referendum was held on the introduction of unconditional income. Unconditional income - the state paid each citizen 2,500 euros, regardless of whether he had a job or not, but the Swiss spoke out against this idea, since most of the population understands finance. Every Swiss can organize a referendum on this or that issue. To do this, it is enough to collect 50 thousand signatures among the population, then the state will be obliged to hold this referendum in the country.
7. In Switzerland they eat their cats and dogs
Switzerland is a country with the highest standard of living. Human rights and freedoms are in first place there, and the laws of the state are based on the principles of humanity. However, there are a certain number of people in Switzerland with very specific views and tastes who eat dogs and cats. The meat of these animals has long been considered a delicacy in some areas of Switzerland. So, about 3% residents of Switzerland regularly eat cats and dogs. Swiss laws prohibit the sale of meat from these animals, but do not prohibit eating your own cats and dogs.
8. Swiss guinea pigs must be in pairs
If you live in Switzerland and want to get a guinea pig, you are required by law to have at least two of them. This law was passed because the Swiss authorities considered pigs to be very social animals that suffer when left alone. If one of the guinea pigs dies, you will have to buy a pair, and so on ad infinitum. It is also forbidden to trim cats' claws in Switzerland.
9. The doorman is not the one who opens the door
Until the 19th century, residents of Switzerland were called Swiss in Russia, and the same word was also used to refer to gatekeepers and watchmen. This happened because in Europe, influential people were accustomed to hiring security guards and bodyguards from Switzerland. To avoid confusion, the word "Swiss" was specially introduced in Russia.
10. Swiss women are in no hurry to get married before 30
The Swiss think very sensibly and rationally, so they start families relatively late. On average, men get married for the first time at 32, and women get married at 30. Women give birth to their first child at about the same age. All this has a very positive effect on the development of families and their growing children.
