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Overview
The Swiss Confederation was founded in 1291 by three cantons and grew through medieval and early-modern wars into a uniquely decentralized state whose neutrality was recognized in 1815.
Basic Information
CapitalBern
Population8.8 million
Area41,285 km²
CurrencySwiss franc (CHF)
LanguagesGerman, French, Italian, Romansh
RegionWestern Europe
History Timeline
- 1291Rütli Oath
- 1499De facto independence from the Empire
- 1648Peace of Westphalia recognizes independence
- 1815Congress of Vienna guarantees neutrality
Ancient Peoples
- Helvetii
- Rhaetians
Ancient Kingdoms
- Kingdom of Burgundy
Empires
- Holy Roman Empire (as member)
Religions
- Roman Catholicism
- Protestantism
Culture
Precision watches, banks, Alpine folk traditions, the Red Cross.
Language
Four national languages; German is the largest.
Important Battles
- Battle of Morgarten1315
Swiss victory over Habsburgs
- Battle of Marignano1515
Turning point toward neutrality
Historical Figures
William Tell
traditional 14th c.
Legendary hero
Ulrich Zwingli
1484 – 1531
Swiss reformer
Archaeological Sites
- Prehistoric pile dwellings (Alpine)
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- Old City of Bern
- Jungfrau-Aletsch
- Rhaetian Railway
Dynasties
- None (federal)
Colonial Period
Never colonized.
Modern History
Federal republic; not an EU member; joined UN only in 2002.