List of countries in the world. Facts and information

You might not think that Switzerland has some of the most liberal gun laws (there are 2.3-4.5 million guns for a population of 8 million). It also has one of the lowest crime rates in the world.

Foreigners make up 23 percent of Switzerland's 8 million population.

The country, a land of diverse landscapes, surprises with its palm trees in the south, flourishing around Lake Lugano. This unique blend of nature is just one of the many fascinating aspects of the local culture.

According to the Economist Intelligence Unit's Quality of Life Index, the country is the best place to be born. This index includes employment, crime, quality of life, healthcare, and life satisfaction.

Stereotypes are true - chocolate is indeed the most significant export commodity. Let's get back to chocolate... The Swiss have invented edible chocolate gold.

In a testament to their commitment to safety, the state has built bunkers capable of accommodating its entire population in the event of a nuclear war. This preparedness is a reassuring aspect of life in Switzerland.

Also, in case of war, they can quickly turn their roads into runways by removing interchanges and intersections.

Swiss speeding fines depend on the citizen's income. Recently, one Swiss man who exceeded the speed limit in a Ferrari was fined almost a quarter of a million dollars because he earned about a million dollars a year.

The locals live in the only country in the world with direct democracy. This means that any citizen can question any law and propose constitutional changes.

Have you ever wondered why the Swiss domain is designated with CH? Well, we'll tell you a secret: the country's name in Latin (often used in other areas) sounds like this: Confoederatio Helvetica.

Military service is mandatory for men starting at age 18. Since most of the adult male population is in the army reserve, all men must have a gun and the necessary ammunition at home to be ready for action at any moment. And you thought the Swiss were a bunch of pacifists?

Bern has a 500-year-old statue of a man-eating babies from a bag. No one knows why this creepy monument was erected.

The country's army has prepared every potential mountain pass and tunnel for possible detonation. Why? In the event of war, Switzerland will close all attack routes for the enemy.

Switzerland does not have a head of state. Instead, a seven-member council does all the work. The country also does not have a capital because the constitution does not specify one (Bern is the de facto capital).

In 1802, the local people started a war called Stecklikrieg. The craziest thing is that they were armed only with sticks because Napoleon took their guns.

The only part of the Swiss knife not made in Switzerland is the corkscrew. It is made in Japan.

Again, we are here to destroy your idea of ??Switzerland as a country of pacifists… The army has fully equipped bunkers disguised as country houses in the most populated villages. It is better not to quarrel with Switzerland.

The country code and the country domain ending are used as CH. However, unlike other countries, the abbreviation is difficult to deduce from the country's name. This is one of the interesting facts about Switzerland. It comes from the first letters of the official name of Switzerland in Latin, which is called Confoederatio Helvetica and means Swiss Confederation. Helvetica was given as the name of this land by the Romans, who were descended from the Celtic Helvetian tribes that lived there. Although Switzerland CH is the official Internet domain of Switzerland, it is extremely popular in China.

You know that Bern is the capital of Switzerland. However, one of the interesting facts about Switzerland is that it officially has no capital. When the Swiss federal state was founded in 1848, it was impossible to decide whether Switzerland needed capital and, if so, what it should be because it was a confederation. However, Bern, Lucerne, and Zurich were the most significant cities. Eventually, a compromise was reached between the 26 cantons of the country: Bern became the federal residence, and vital state organs such as the federal government, the Federal Assembly, and the Federal Administration were located there. This means that Bern is the capital of Switzerland (de facto). Still, according to the current legislation (de jure), it does not have an official capital, and all the administrative centers of the cantons have equal status.

The Catholic cantons of the country hired the Supreme Pontiff's personal bodyguards, and they have the right to protect the Holy See. Many people ask why these Swiss Guards wear unique, exclusive uniforms. One of the historical facts about Switzerland is that the agreement establishing the Pontifical Swiss Guard was signed in 1506 with the support of Pope Julius II, and they wore this uniform back then.

One of the most interesting countries to travel to is Switzerland. The pedantic and stern Swiss seem ready to warmly welcome guests and leave only the brightest impressions in their hearts.

There are no considerable megalopolises here. The population of the largest cities does not exceed 500,000 people.

Most stores are open until seven o'clock. However, Thursday is considered a day of big shopping and almost all stores extend their working day until nine o'clock in the evening.

Sunday is a day off, so you should not expect to make purchases. You can also buy alcohol only until nine o'clock in the evening.

Military service deserves special attention. They serve here practically throughout their entire lives. Every year, there are courses lasting about three weeks. After completing the service, each state citizen can keep their firearm.

Although about 150 years ago, the state was one of the poorest in Europe, today, the country's economy is one of the strongest in the world.

To obtain local citizenship, you must live there for as many as 12 years.

Any foreigner wishing to receive an education in a higher educational institution in the country can do so for free.

The country's government takes care of its citizens in all manifestations. For example, in case of a nuclear war, the country has a large number of bunkers. The concern is that the shelters can accommodate the country's entire population.

Switzerland is a small country that is quite diverse. Close ties with its European neighbors have led to the government not having a single language, and individual regions are tacitly isolated. Residents distinguish between the German, French, and Italian parts of Switzerland, which in turn are divided into cantons. In essence, the cantons are independent states with constitutions, laws, courts, and government. Although each canton has its own cultural and linguistic characteristics, Switzerland is still a united country, and it even has an official motto: One for all and all for one!