Switzerland
![Founded in 44 BC by [[Lucius Munatius Plancus](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a8/Theater_Kaiseraugst.jpg)
Switzerland originates from the Old Swiss Confederacy established in the Late Middle Ages, following a series of military successes against Austria and Burgundy; the Federal Charter of 1291 is considered the country's founding document. Swiss independence from the Holy Roman Empire was formally recognised in the Peace of Westphalia in 1648. Switzerland has maintained a policy of armed neutrality since the 16th century and has not fought an international war since 1815. It joined the United Nations only in 2002 but pursues an active foreign policy that includes frequent involvement in peace building.
Switzerland is the birthplace of the Red Cross and hosts the headquarters or offices of most major international institutions, including the WTO, the WHO, the ILO, FIFA, and the UN. It is a founding member of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), but not part of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area, or the eurozone; however, it participates in the European single market and the Schengen Area. Switzerland is a federal republic composed of 26 cantons, with federal authorities based in Bern.
Switzerland is one of the world's most developed countries, with the highest nominal wealth per adult and the eighth-highest gross domestic product (GDP) per capita. Switzerland ranks first in the Human Development Index since 2021 and also performs highly on several international metrics, including economic competitiveness and democratic governance. Cities such as Zurich, Geneva and Basel rank among the highest in terms of quality of life, albeit with some of the highest costs of living.
It has four main linguistic and cultural regions: German, French, Italian and Romansh. Although most Swiss are German-speaking, national identity is fairly cohesive, being rooted in a common historical background, shared values such as federalism and direct democracy, and Alpine symbolism. Swiss identity transcends language, ethnicity, and religion, leading to Switzerland being described as a ("nation of volition") rather than a nation state. Due to its linguistic diversity, Switzerland is known by multiple native names: , .}} (German); or , pronounced . ''Schwyz'' is also the standard German (and international) name of one of the Swiss cantons.}} (French); (Italian); and (Romansh). On coins and stamps, the Latin name, —frequently shortened to "Helvetia"—is used instead of the spoken languages. Provided by Wikipedia
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Published: 2003-2006
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Published: 2011-2011
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Published: 1995-
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Published: 2007-2011
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Published: 2005-2006
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Published: 2007-2007
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Published: 2000-2012
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Published: 2007-2011
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Published: 2010-2010
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Published: 2002-
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Published: 2004-2004
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Published: 2003-2005
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Published: 2002-2011
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Published: 2012-
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Published: 2010-2011
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Published: 2010-2010
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Published: anfangs;, 2000-
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Published: 2007-2007
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Published: 2006-
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Published: 2008-
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