Coffee in Switzerland is 400% more expensive than the average rates in the world.

For years, coffee culture has grown significantly and spread throughout all sectors of the world, but one of the most unique coffee experiences can be found in Switzerland In the city of Zurich, coffee prices at local specialty shops and cafes are brought up to nearly a 400% increase and is also considered to be the most expensive coffee sold in the world. 

On average, a cup of coffee can cost nearly 4 USD according to the data from the 2016 Coffee Price Index. Additionally, coffee from known franchises such as Starbucks is considered to be the most expensive choice compared to other local shops and specialty stores. 

Switzerland has strict regulations for baby names.

According to Swiss law, parents of newborn children cannot give their child a particular name that is not approved by the proper authorities in Switzerland. The law states that these baby names must all be pre-approved before recording it on official documents such as the child’s birth certificate.

Under this law, the Swiss government can reject harmful or offensive baby names. These baby names must also be seen fit for the respective gender of the child and cannot be named after famous brands, evil characters in religious text, as well as famous places and landmarks. 

The average Swiss person consumes over 36 liters of wine per year.

According to a 2012 study, drinking trends have decreased in Switzerland over the last 30 years. However, Switzerland continuously remains to have one of the highest alcohol consumption rates among other countries in the United Nations. 

According to the data, around 20% of the total population of Switzerland drink heavily, but 54% of all their consumed beverages involve some type of alcoholic base. Additionally, research has also suggested that this may be due to Switzerland’s lower tax rates on spirits, as beer and wine have no type of taxation whatsoever.

A Swiss chemist named Albert Hoffman discovered LSD.

In 1943, Swiss resident Albert Hoffman accidentally experienced the first acid trip in history. While conducting tests on a type of medication designed to cure migraines and other severe headaches, Hoffman absorbed the LSD compound by mistake through his fingertips. 

At the time, Hoffman conducted this project as a part of a fairly large research program that aimed to look for useful alternatives to ergot alkaloids. After a few years, the world fully understood the so-called psychedelic properties of LSD thanks to Hoffman’s little accident.

Switzerland ranks among the most innovative countries in the world.

As of 2019, the United Nations has reported Switzerland as one of the world’s most innovative countries. Additionally, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has ranked Switzerland in the first place when it comes to global innovations. 

According to the report, Switzerland excels in technology due to the country’s research system, as well as its economic and human capital. Due to these factors, many studies create successful partnerships between the universities and the local economy of the country. 

Heart diseases cause around 33% of deaths in Switzerland.

According to a death survey conducted by the Federal Statistical Office in Switzerland, around a third of the tidal deaths that have occurred in the country in 2013 was due to various forms of heart complications and diseases. Out of 21,512 deaths, around six to seven thousand individuals suffered from various forms of heart complications. 

Additionally, the Federal Statistical Office stated that despite this large number of cases for heart complications within the country, this value is considered to be significantly lower compared to the statistics from 20 years ago. A few other common diseases and complications found among the Swiss population include terminal cancer and dementia.

Switzerland has the highest railway station in all of Europe.

Found in the Bernese Alps of Switzerland, the Jungfraujoch underground railway station stands 3,454 meters above sea level. That said, this railway station ranks as the highest in Switzerland, but in all of Europe. 

The Jungfraujoch railway station lies close to the summits of 3 mountains, namely Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau. To get to this station, passengers must switch to the Wengernalp rack railway towards the Kleine Scheidegg area, which will lead them to the Jungfrau railway as a direct stop. Definitely one of the Switzerland facts you’d want to see for yourself.

Switzerland ranks high in terms of quality of life.

According to the 2020 Mid-year Quality of Life index, Switzerland ranks 2nd in terms of quality of life index, with a final score of 190.92. Additionally, this ranking is based on the country’s general infrastructure, public transportation, personal safety measures, high earning potential, and how easily accessible nature is from major cities. 

Among the world’s best cities in terms of quality of life, 3 come from Switzerland. Aside from being its best cities,  Zurich, Bern, and Geneva are also the most expensive cities in Switzerland. Due to the successful growth of its economy over the years, companies based in Switzerland are more open towards new applicants and entrepreneurs.

School systems in Switzerland rank highest in science and math subjects.

According to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (ORCD), the school system in Switzerland produces the 8th-highest science and math scores in the world.

Additionally, a survey conducted by the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) further supported this data by showing how Swiss teens excel in the two subjects more compared to students from other European countries. Despite a few criticisms regarding this topic from other countries in the United Nations group, there is no doubt that Switzerland produces some of the world’s brightest minds and ideas. 

The famous Swiss army knife is one of Switzerland's proudest inventions.

Manufactured by the company Victorinox in 1891, the Swiss army knife is a pocket-sized multi-tool made exclusively in two factories located in Switzerland. Over the years, the designs of the pocket knife have varied to cater to multiple other uses and situations. According to the Victorinox company, Switzerland sells over 15 million pocket knives each year on average. How’s that for interesting Switzerland facts?

Switzerland is approximately 1/10th of the size of the U.S state of California.

Despite its world-famous reputation and long history, Switzerland is considerably smaller compared to other European countries. It is estimated that the country of Switzerland spans approximately 41,277 square kilometers in size.  

Generally, natural formations such as meadows, rivers, and the mountain ranges like the Swiss Alps make up a majority of Switzerland. This only adds to its appeal, as visitors from all over the world often travel to witness Switzerland’s natural beauty.

Switzerland is also home to several nuclear fallout shelters.

Swiss law, grants all citizens of Switzerland access to a nuclear fallout shelter within or near their properties. It has also been stated that the Swiss army continuously stocks these artillery bunkers with essential supplies, making it comfortable enough for regular citizens to stay in. 

The government of Switzerland also ensures that the fallout shelters found within the country can accommodate the entire population of the country. When these bunkers are not in use, they are typically disguised as country homes at the center of populated cities and villages in Switzerland. 

The world’s tallest gravity dam is found in the Swiss Alps.

Completed in 1961, the Grande Dixie Dam lies along the Dixence River next to the Swiss Alps in Switzerland. As a gravity dam, it stands 285 m tall and spans a total of 695 ft wide from the crest, holding a volume of 7,848,000 cubic yards.

The Grande Dixie Dam also impounds a reservoir of around 325,000 acre-feet, making it the tallest dam in the world until 1980. By this time, the Nurek Dam’s completion in the Soviet Union took its title. For its construction, the Grande Dixie Dam was built in annual stages due to the Alpine’s short working season. 

Switzerland has one of the lowest rates of obesity among other European cities.

With around 14.9% of its adult population having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 and higher, Switzerland has one of the lowest rates of obesity in the world. However, over the recent years, obesity in Switzerland has slowly increased, and has now been cited as a major health issue within the country, especially within Zurich. 

On average, the BMI in Switzerland is 25, which resembles that of South America and Africa. This makes the average BMI still fairly low compared to other parts of Europe and the United States. Compared to other countries, Swiss women especially have slimmer body shapes than any other country in Europe. 

The city of Zurich and Geneva is considered to be some of the most livable cities in the world.

Each city in Switzerland has a worldwide reputation for its museums, galleries, parks, and other cultural destinations. These cities have ideal living conditions in terms of leisure, education, housing, and public safety, making it one of the most desirable locations in the world to settle in. 

Additionally, the city of Geneva is also surrounded by the Swiss Alps in the south and other chocolate mountain formations. These cities in Switzerland also host one of the largest financial centers in the world, with various forms of work available for its residents. How’s that for interesting Switzerland facts?

The main access points in Switzerland are wired to explode in an event of an attack.

As part of the country’s defense strategy, each main access point in Switzerland is wired in a way that is set to explode in the event of an attack from foreign enemies. Located in over 3,000 different locations across the country, this defense mechanism will destroy each main road, railroad, and bridge in Switzerland, upon triggering.

This is also considered to be one of Switzerland’s main forms of national defense from foreign enemies and attacks, hidden by a closed panel that would pop open to extend the internal canons. Additionally, the explosions would close off mountain tunnels to act as a nuclear-proof shelter from air raids.

Switzerland is also known as the Confoederatio Helvetica (CH).

The official name for the country of Switzerland is the Swiss Confederation. However, to avoid being favored in any language, the Swiss government officially recognized Switzerland with the Latin term Confoederatio Helvetica, which serves as its official name when used in particular subject matters. 

Additionally, it can also be considered as the Helvetic Confederation, which avoids being regarded as one of the four official languages of Switzerland. While the official name for Switzerland is in Latin, it also has a version in languages such as French, German, Italian, Romansh, and more. 

The Swiss typically marry later compared to other European countries.

Over the years, marriages in Switzerland have slowly experienced a decline, as more of its citizens are losing interest in the concept of civil partnerships and marriages. Figures from the Swiss Federal Statistical Office show that marriages in 2019 experienced a steady 6.2% decrease compared to the previous year.

Additionally, this figure also represents marriages and civil partnerships among all types between Swiss, foreign, and mixed Swiss and non-Swiss couples. Through this survey, individuals that reside in Switzerland also stated the survey that they value their personal space and independence more which pushes them further away from the idea of getting married in the future. 

Switzerland is also home to the longest staircase in the world.

Known as the Niesen Mountain Railway, the longest staircase can be found in Switzerland. With a total of 11,674 steps, the staircase is open to the public for hiking purposes once a year during the Niesen Run. 

Built alongside the railway, the staircase spans a total of 3.4 kilometers long, at an altitude of 1.669 meters while climbing. This famous Swiss staircase is also considered to be one of the scariest staircases in the world, attracting several people looking to conquer the challenge of climbing to the top. 

Swiss women gained the ability to vote at a federal level in 1971.

In Switzerland, women only gained the right to vote in federal elections after a particular referendum that occurred in February 1971. Due to this, women could only vote starting from the Federal Assembly’s election on October 31st, 1971.

Additionally, the first Swiss woman to take on the role of a position in office was Trudy Spath-Schweizer, who was elected to the municipal government of Riehen in 1958. From here, she served in office for a total of 16 years on the Burgerrat. At the time, this council was considered to be the executive branch of the Burgergemeinde or the citizen’s community, responsible for certain issues that involved solely citizens of Riehen such as social services.

Switzerland has one of the lowest crime rates in the world.

The country of Switzerland is considered to be one of the safest places in the world due to the low crime rate that the country experiences on average. According to statistics, Switzerland has one of the lowest homicide and robbery rates in the world mainly due to the 26 different types of authorities that the country upholds throughout the 26 different regions of Switzerland. 

According to official statistics in 2017, Switzerland experienced a crime rate of 0.50%, with a 0% increase from the previous year and a 28.57% decrease from the crime rate recorded in 2015. Additionally, the police force in Switzerland has around 23,000 members including communal police forces and Swiss guards located all around the country’s borders. 

Switzerland has an unemployment rate of 4.8% as of 2017.

Since the 1990s, Switzerland has been one of the world’s safe havens for investing. As a fairly prosperous country, it also has a stable economy with low unemployment rates. Each year, it averages around 4%, making it one of the world’s biggest economic leaders. 

Primarily, Switzerland’s economy thrives on its service sector, which profits from a large amount of tourism that the country receives annually. Switzerland also possesses a relatively high level of education, which allows the majority of its citizens to attain better levels of productivity and efficiency. 

In Switzerland, assisted suicide is considered to be legal.

In 2014, Switzerland experienced a total of 752 cases of euthanasia with 330 of the cases came from men and 422 of the cases came from women. Additionally, the number of euthanasia organizations found in Switzerland has been most widely used by foreigners that have the elderly as its concerning party. 

Despite being generally legal in Switzerland, these organizations continue to face criticisms from those who label this act as suicide tourism. Additionally, the Swiss law also requires specific situations and reasons before undergoing the act. 

Any law in Switzerland can be challenged by citizens if it is passed by parliament.

According to the Swiss government, any citizen of Switzerland has the right to challenge a law passed by the parliament. As long as that citizen can gather a total of 50,000 signatures against the passed law within the first 100 hours of its implementation, a national vote will be held to determine the law’s status. 

This national vote is scheduled and announced at a specified date where all Swiss citizens are free to partake in and vote according to their opinions. Swiss citizens can then vote at designated polling stations in several cities, or choose to vote in advance by sending their ballots through the mail. 

Tuition fees for universities are considerably cheaper in Switzerland.

On average, the overall cost to receive a bachelor’s degree in Switzerland reaches around 18,500 Swiss Francs for the average 4-year program. However, it is safe to assume that enrolling in a university program in Switzerland costs between 5,000 to 24,000 Swiss Francs, depending on the institution or university. 

Additionally, tuition fees for a master’s degree can also vary greatly depending on the program such, as a general master of arts program to MBA courses. Switzerland also offered tuition fee-free universities for International students that enroll in select educational institutes within the country. 

In Switzerland, Sundays are considered to be a sacred day.

In Switzerland, Sundays serve as a rest day for Swiss citizens, with several stores and banks closing to allow workers to rest at home and enjoy peace. Additionally, every Sunday of the week is considered to be sacred in respect of the Sabbath day. 

Similarly, Sundays are observed as rest days in other European countries such as Germany, France, and many more. During this day, residents are generally expected to refrain from creating loud noises, most especially after a certain time at night.

Switzerland has a total of 4 official languages.

The four official national languages of Switzerland are considered to be German, French, Italian, and Romansh. Despite being widely spoken, the English language is not seen as an official language of Switzerland. Instead, English only caters to foreigners.

According to historical claims, Switzerland has a total of 4 national languages due to the different territorial dominions from its early invasions of the German and settlements of the French in the past. 

More than half of domestic electricity in Switzerland is produced mainly by hydroelectric plants.

Switzerland relies on several energy sources for its main power such as oil, nuclear power, hydropower, and power converted from natural gasses. Switzerland has also been known to use renewable energy sources since 2005 such as ambient heat, wind power, solar power, and also biomass power. 

According to official statistics by Switzerland, hydroelectric power provides 59.9% of the country’s power, followed by 33.5% of nuclear power and thermal power at 2.3%. Due to these alternative sources of energy, Switzerland’s average power usage per person has continued to drop significantly by 14.5% since 1990.

There is a high gun rate ownership in Switzerland.

Despite the low crime rate that Switzerland experiences, this country has a relatively high gun ownership rate with 2.332 million citizens in the country owning some form of a firearm. With a population of over 8 million residents, around 28 people out of every 100 are confirmed to own a gun or other forms of firearms in their homes. 

Over time, gun ownership became a culture of its own within the country, which served as a form of national identity during the post-Napoleonic Restoration of the Confederacy. Additionally, both foreign and Swiss residents may be issued a permit to carry firearms, despite not having a permanent residence address within the country. Essentially, this gives Switzerland one of the most liberal firearms acquisition laws in the world.

Switzerland is ruled by a seven-member executive council instead of one head of state.

The country of Switzerland operates through an executive council made up of 7 major members in place of a single head of state. As per Swiss law, this council is responsible for leading the federal administration in Switzerland, with each of the council members acting as the head of each executive department.

Additionally, the position for the president of the Swiss confederation is changed each year in a rotation among the seven members of the executive council where the vice president of the previous year will become the president in the following year. Typically, the members of this council also serve four-year terms, where each member is elected through a confidential ballot. 

Switzerland is also noted for its luxury watch brands and timepieces.

Over the years, Switzerland has become almost synonymous with luxury watches due to the number of top Swiss luxury watch brands that come from the country. Since the early 1840s, several Swiss watchmakers have honed their craft and have produced top of the line luxury pieces of higher quality than any other watch brand could produce. 

Many critics state that the reason why Swiss-made watches come in such high quality is due to the specially developed mechanisms and 316L surgical steel that go into each timepiece. Additionally, the abundance of high-quality watches in Switzerland makes it generally cheaper to buy authentic timepieces in the country than anywhere else in the world. 

As of 2012, tobacco consumption in Switzerland is considered to be widespread.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), tobacco smoking has been noted to be growing more common among residents and citizens where the average number of smokers per city has increased slowly over the years. A Zurich University study also showed that around 3 Billion Swiss francs are spent on average for health treatments regarding tobacco consumption as of 2015.

To lower further health risks for its citizens and reduce harm to the environment, Switzerland implemented an anti-smoking law in May 2010. This law forbids smoking in enclosed public areas such as restaurants, offices, restrooms, and public transport. Those who are caught violating this law will undergo reprimand and also have to pay a penalty fee.

Switzerland holds a nine-day long hot air balloon festival each year.

The international hot air balloon festival first began in 1979 and has been celebrated annually in Chateau-d’Oex, Switzerland towards the end of January. Each year, an average of 100 hot air balloons feature in the event. For 9 days, the event also showcases contributions from over 20 different countries. 

The event is most especially famous for taking place in the snowy valleys of Switzerland, best highlighting its famous night glow event on the 7th day of the celebration. Typically, visitors must pay an entrance fee per day of the event, but can also opt for a nine-day pass if they wish to stay for the entire duration of the celebration. 

Around a quarter of the population in Switzerland is foreign.

According to the Federal Statistics Office, foreign residents in Switzerland make up nearly a quarter of the total population of the country as of the end of 2017. Additionally, the collected data also states that the population of foreign nationals residing within Switzerland is more than 2.13 million individuals where Italians make up the largest group followed by German nationality and Portuguese. 

However, the Federal Statistics Office states that there are about 20,000 fewer people of foreign nationality compared to the date in 2016. Additionally, this figure also  does not include those of foreign nationality who later on become citizens of Switzerland. 

Switzerland’s economy is considered to be quite stable.

For years, the Swiss government has steadily kept the economy of the country stable thanks to its international outreach and considerably powerful intertwining with the economy of foreign countries as well. Due to this, Switzerland steadily experiences long-term monetary security along with political stability. 

Switzerland also has one of the largest rates of exports in terms of gross domestic product percentage, as the European Union (EU) serves as its main trading partner. Switzerland has several large sectors that help continuously drive the Swiss economy including the service sector and its medical research institutes. 

Swiss male citizens must undergo mandatory military service.

According to Swiss law, all able-bodied male citizens of Switzerland are required to take part in mandatory military services when they reach the age of majority. Due to this law, conscripts make up the majority of the armed forces in Switzerland’s armed forces. 

Women, on the other hand, may join the Swiss armed forces voluntarily and can also apply for any available position in any of the sectors for the armed forces. However, on the 22nd of September in 2013, Switzerland released a referendum stating the abolishment of conscriptions which later on failed with over 73% of its electorate voting against it which shows the strong support among the Swiss for the conscription in Switzerland. 

Switzerland experiences typically cold weather.

If the snowy alps are any indication, Switzerland constantly has cold winters within its mountain area, while maintaining an average temperature of 1°C below zero throughout the country. During the summer, Switzerland also experiences hot weather typically above 25°C during the summer around its plains.

Wintertime in Switzerland also causes precipitation which falls in the country each year. Typically, the country experiences its coldest month in January. 

The European Organization of Nuclear Research is located on the border of Switzerland.

In 1954, the European Organization of Nuclear Research (CERN) was established and set along the Franco-Swiss borders close to Geneva. This organization is also considered to be one of the first joint ventures in Europe, with 23 member states such as Switzerland, France, Germany, Greece, Sweden, Norway, and Belgium 

Additionally, CERN operates the largest particle physics laboratory in the world that helps its teams research nuclear compounds and other related matters. As of 2016, the organization has more than 2,500 staff members divided into scientific, technical, administrative, and other roles. 

Approximately 208 mountains can be found within the area of Switzerland.

Among its natural wonders, Switzerland stands out for its towering mountain formation, averaging at 3,000 meters high. According to world statistics, Switzerland also has the most number of high peaks than any other country found in the European region, with around 48 of its peaks reaching over 4,000 meters high. 

Today, visitors can also come and hike up these famous Alpine treks and sign up for a classic 12-day tour that can bring you up to the most well-recognized areas of the Swiss Alps. Apart from the number of mountains that the country holds, several great lakes add to the appeal of the surrounding location.

Swiss meat is considered to be one of the most expensive in the world.

According to global statistics, meat in Switzerland costs 1.5 times higher than that of the global average, which makes it more expensive than any other place in the world. Additionally, studies have also shown that the country’s high prices for meat cuts have driven out businesses such as marketplaces for catering. 

One of the reasons why Swiss meat often comes more expensive compared to other countries is due to the processes that increases its quality. Additionally, nearly 80% of all meat sold and consumed in Switzerland is grown and prepared within the country, which subjects it to higher standards than any other country in the world. 

The Gotthard tunnel in Switzerland is considered to be the longest tunnel in the world.

The Gotthard Base Tunnel runs underneath the Swiss alps right between the towns of Erstfeld and Bodio in the north and south. Apart from being the longest in history, this tunnel is also considered to be the deepest running tunnel in the world. 

The tunnel measured around 57 kilometers long and reached a depth of around 2,300 meters, which took 17 years to complete before being opened to the public. According to the construction details, this tunnel was designed to shave off around an entire hour off of travel time between the city of Zurich and Milan. 

Nearly half of marriages in Switzerland eventually file for divorce.

In Switzerland, around 40% of registered marriages result in a divorce as of 2019, with the average marriage lasting 15 years. At this rate, it is estimated that 2 in every 5 marriages are more likely to end in filing for divorce.

Due to this, more and more couples are less appealed by the idea of marriages and civil partnerships due to their value of independence and freedom that cannot be granted while in a committed marriage.  Additionally, the same is also the case among same-sex couples where civil partnerships are mostly avoided. 

The national anthem of Switzerland was written and composed in 1841.

Switzerland’s national anthem was composed by the musician Alberich Zwyssig, who passed away in 1854. Since the composition of the song, it had often been used by several groups and was frequently sung during patriotic events and such which led it to, later on, be officially recognized by the Federal Council as the official anthem of the country.

The national anthem of Switzerland is more commonly referred to as the Swiss Psalm titled ‘When you call us, Fatherland.’ Generally, it is sung in the tune of the song ‘God Save the Queen.’ According to historical records, the current Swiss anthem was first performed in the year 1841.

Switzerland is also considered to be one of the most expensive countries to live in.

According to numerous statistics reports and studies, Switzerland is considered to be one of the most expensive countries in the world to live in followed by Norway, Iceland, and Japan. On average, the cost of living index ranks Switzerland with a score of 122.4, with the rent index is set around 50.25. 

For example, staying in the capital of Switzerland, Bern, can cost an average of 1,366 USD for a month including living costs and accommodation, while overnight stays can cost as much as 86 USD per night. Additionally, Switzerland is also considered to be one of the hardest countries for foreign nationalities to move into and gain citizenship. 

Switzerland also has the highest chocolate consumption and production rates in the world.

According to the federal statistics office, approximately 54% of the country’s total chocolate supply was consumed by Swiss citizens in 2000. Additionally, Switzerland also has the highest per capita rate of chocolate consumption in the world which is equivalent to around 30 pounds of chocolate each year. 

Switzerland also produces around 80% of the world’s global cocoa production, with forastero growing more quickly with a higher yield compared to any other variety of cocoa. This allows Switzerland to produce chocolates of higher quality which is also one reason Swiss chocolates are one of the most famous in the world.  

The average life expectancy in Switzerland is considered to be quite high.

As of 2019, the average life expectancy in Switzerland is 83.7 years old, which is a 0.17% increase from the previous records in 2018. From this statistic, this ranks Switzerland first for countries with the highest life expectancy in Europe. 

Additionally, studies have also shown that the reason for this high life expectancy is due to the low rate of fertility among the Swiss population compared to that of other European countries. Furthermore, there is also a societal appreciation for preventative health and for healthy aging among the Swiss. 

There is a Swiss law that states that the minimum pet ownership is 2.

According to Swiss law, those who reside in Switzerland and wish to get a pet must buy a minimum of two pets to keep each other company in the absence of its owner if they are considered to be social species. Additionally, dog owners will also have to take classes and seminars that explain to them how to properly feed and care for their pets.

The Swiss government has also stated that this law is practiced as a means of widening laws on animal rights and to protect the best interest of animals in the country. Additionally, these laws on animal care also apply to farmers who use animals to harvest food and supplies. 

There is also an anti-powerpoint presentation party in Switzerland among politicians.

The Anti-PowerPoint Party was established by the Swiss political party to prevent national-economic damages to the economy of Switzerland. Additionally, this is also implemented as a means of ultimately increasing the quality of presentations made during official meetings and discussions among the political parties of Switzerland. 

The Anti-PowerPoint Party was formed by Matthias Poehm before the 2011 federal elections. With his former work as a software engineer, Poehlm aimed to initiate a national referendum seeking prohibition of the use of PowerPoint during presentations. The Anti-PowerPoint Party also states that it further seeks to raise awareness on this matter among citizens of Switzerland and in other countries as well. 

Nearly 15% of the Swiss Alps in Switzerland is considered Swiss.

The famous Swiss alps cover approximately 60% of Switzerland’s total geography, which gives it the title of the most alpines of any country. The Swiss alps are also considered to be one of the highest and the most extensive mountain range systems located completely in Europe. 

Due to this matter, visits to the location are considered to be quite expensive, most especially when the preferred destinations are Matterhorn and Jungfrau due to the specific transportation needed. However, despite the heavy price needed to see the scenery, it is also considered to be one of the most beautiful and isolated places in the world. 

The Swiss are considered to be highly eco-friendly.

For years, Switzerland has been considered to be a highly eco-friendly destination due to its strict green legislation and the widely spread general public awareness on this matter. In the majority of the towns found in Switzerland, improper trash disposal can lead to fines, which also sustains the country’s excellent recycling system. 

Additionally, Switzerland is also considered to be one of the cleanest places in the world, even having the cleanest water in the world. Furthermore, many companies and groups in Switzerland also adhere to strict eco-friendly laws and practices. 

Tourists can experience the Heidi Myth in Maienfeld, Switzerland.

The Heidi Myth is a famous story originating in Switzerland, which tells the story of a young orphan Swiss girl named Heidi who finds her happiness in the Swiss alpine. First published during the 1880s, the story has since then transformed into a popular and iconic Swiss figure recognized all over the world. 

Due to the popularity of the tale, Swiss tourism has also managed to turn the myth of Heidi into a popular tourist attraction when coming to see the Swiss Alps. Additionally, the tour also includes visiting sites of the alpine as mentioned in the story, which gives visitors an authentic fairy tale experience. 

As of 2015, Switzerland is still considered to be lacking in terms of chances for gender equality.

Among all the countries found in Europe, Switzerland is considered to be the last country to establish gender equality in terms of marriages and individual rights. As a result, several Swiss women have often been forced to stand up against gender discrimination and protest against the old reforms regarding the issue. 

Additionally, due to gender inequality in Switzerland, many women also experience hardships in finding suitable employment with regards to salary value and available positions. Furthermore, other known issues regarding violence against women and fertility and reproductive rights have also been a common recurring subject when it comes to discussing how equal gender rights can be established. 

There are more than 900 museums located in Switzerland.

The country of Switzerland is home to numerous natural sites and is also filled with an abundance of culture and history. Over the years, these notable bits of information and history have been collected, stored, and preserved in several different types of museums to which Switzerland is home to more than 900 within the borders of the country. 

This is equivalent to a ratio of 1 museum per 7,500 people in Switzerland as of the total population recorded after the end of WW2. Additionally, historians also note that many of these museums preserve the history of the many small local villages found all over the country. 

The country of Switzerland has over 7,000 lakes.

Due to the distinct land formation of Switzerland, its geography includes several thousand natural bodies of water such as lakes, rivers, and streams. According to geographical studies, Switzerland has around 103 lakes that go beyond an average area of 30 hectares. Meanwhile, over 58 lakes in Switzerland have an average area of 1 square kilometer, while 17 lakes occupy a little over 10 square kilometers. 

Among all the lakes found in Switzerland, around 5 of them occupy an area over 100 square kilometers, which makes them among the largest lakes found within the borders of the country. Moreover, many of the lakes found in the country are also considered to be popular sites for recreational activities such as swimming, fishing, and camping. 

Switzerland has one of the highest rates of cannabis consumption in the world.

According to Swiss law, cannabis remains widely illegal throughout the borders of the country, with the possession and use of the product punishable by law. However, in 2012, several cantons in Switzerland began allowing its adult residents to begin cultivating and using their homegrown cannabis, but was later on shut down by the federal court due to no prior legalization of the use of the product. 

As of 2016, Switzerland has estimated that around half a million adults regularly smoke the product out of the entire population of the country. While the use of cannabis remains illegal for most cases, some exceptions made in Switzerland include smoking for medical and therapeutic use.

Switzerland also has incredibly low rates of poverty.

Since 2007, Switzerland has noted that the national poverty rate has been steadily decreasing each year, with only 4.6% of the population living under cases of extreme poverty. Due to the low poverty rate, Switzerland also ranks in third place among the highest amount of disposable income in all of Europe. 

As of 2018, the poverty rate in Switzerland means that 660,000 people in the country experience some form of income poverty and live poor lifestyles. Over the years, research has also shown that the low poverty rate in Switzerland could also be due to the number of innovative businesses and methods that the country uses.

Switzerland’s flag is found to appear similar to the logo for the Red Cross.

The flag of Switzerland is famously known for its white cross symbol embedded on the center of the flag, which is surrounded by a red background that resembles the symbol of the famous Red Cross group. The famous white cross on the center of the flag is also known as the Swiss cross where its arms are equally measured to a length to width ratio of 7 to 6. 

According to historians, the white cross found on the flag originates from three competing Swiss legends: the Theban Legion, the Arma Christi, and the Reichssturmfahne. Additionally, the symbol has been sewn onto the clothing of the combatants for centuries, with its most notable usage during the battle of Arbedo in 1422.

Albert Einstein developed his most famous formula while he was in Switzerland.

Albert Einstein changed history with his contributions to the scientific field, namely for his theory of relativity and many other pillars of modern physics. Notably, Albert Einstein was also most famously known by the general public for developing his mass-energy equivalence formula known as E = mc2.

One of the coolest Switzerland facts is that the famous scientist fully developed his formula while in Switzerland. Upon gaining citizenship, he received his diploma in teaching from the Swiss Federal Polytechnic School in Zurich. 

Switzerland is also known for being active in the global academic field.

Over the years, Switzerland has shown notable progress in raising the quality of its educational system. Additionally, several universities found within Switzerland are also home to numerous Nobel Laureates as well as notable Nobel Prize winners and scientists. 

Due to the numerous achievements collected over the years, Switzerland’s contribution to the academic field has also turned into one of the strongest integral parts of Swiss culture. Additionally, several buildings have also been named after the academic achievements of some of Switzerland’s most renowned scientists, researchers, and notable developers. 

In Switzerland, you can be taxed for owning a pet dog.

According to Swiss law, those who are currently residing in Switzerland and wish to own a pet dog must also pay an annual dog tax as part of its requirements. Additionally, your pet dog must also be registered in the municipality that you are currently staying in, with each pet dog taxed individually. 

According to the Swiss Federal Council, the tax for pet dogs is dependent on the weight and size of each dog. Additionally, it has also been noted that expats in Switzerland also typically pay a higher tax fee compared to those of Swiss nationality.