Switzerland's daily life appears to be full of contradictions: the old and the new, natural beauty and industrial production, neutrality and international frankness. These sharp contrasts go hand in hand, and this unity is the real reason that this small country in the heart of Europe has developed into such an important communication and trading partner in the world today. It is Switzerland's contrasts - its diversity which attracts both the businessman and the tourist alike.
Lofty alpine landscapes, splendid ski-fields and crystal clear mountain lakes contrast with the Mediterranean ambience of the south; an internationalism that is well and truly practiced, the fascinating heritage and rich traditions of a remarkable people, the patrician old world standing proudly side-by-side a modernity that is quite avant-garde.Switzerland is so much more than the innate pragmatism of such superior inventions as banking, life insurance and timeless timekeeping would
suggest. After all, the same practical minds concocted the world's most delectable chocolate.
In an effort to protect its traditional rights and foster a national identity, Switzerland established a democracy, nearly seven hundred years ago. Today, this tiny land-locked country has the world's oldest democracy and its mechanisms have become a blueprint for the free world.
The constitutionally authoritative network of 24 cantons is further divided into self-administrative regions known as communes. The whole seemingly complex system actually translates into a working democratic tradition in its purest form - government by the people for the people. Neutrality - declared as a means of self-preservation in the 16th century - may be the foundation of the Swiss politic and an unequivocal stance that has prompted many worldwide humanitarian organisations to base themselves there, but multi-culturalism is the way of life. This is revealed in an enormous, dynamic diversity within Swiss borders in part due to the regionalisation and their respective traditions, customs and festivals and to the predominance of three strong cultures - German, French and Italian. The delightful characteristics of each permeated the individual villages, cities and towns of each canton creating a unique national culture. There are four national languages: Swiss-German, French, Italian and the rare Romansch whilst over 700 dialects add even more colour to the mix.
No matter where the location from rustic villages high in the snow-capped Alps, to the majestic shores of picture perfect lakes, the pure mountain air and fresh vistas of the Jura, bustling Zurich and rarefied Geneva, the warmest of welcomes awaits. Swiss hospitality is legendary.
