Country Profile: Switzerland

Switzerland, officially known as the Swiss Confederation, is a landlocked country in Central Europe bordered by France, Italy, Austria, Germany, and Liechtenstein. It has a total area of 41,277 square kilometers and a population estimated at about 8.86 million in 2024. The economy is characterized as a high-income, non-EU European economy with a strong banking sector and a diverse export base, primarily in pharmaceuticals and precision manufacturing. The governing structure is a federal republic with a strong commitment to neutrality in international affairs.

Geography

Switzerland is situated in Central Europe, marked by its mountainous terrain, primarily the Alps in the south. The country has a temperate climate that varies with altitude, leading to cold, snowy winters and mild summers. Switzerland's landscape includes rolling hills, plains, and significant water bodies, including large lakes like Lake Geneva and Lake Constance.

1,770 km: Total land boundaries with neighboring countries
41,277 sq km: Total area, slightly less than twice the size of New Jersey
4,634 m: Highest point, Dufourspitze on Monte Rosa
1,280 sq km: Water area, featuring numerous lakes

People and Society

As of 2024, Switzerland's population is about 8.86 million, composed of various ethnic groups, with Swiss nationals making up the majority. The country has four official languages—German, French, Italian, and Romansh—reflecting its cultural diversity. The Swiss education system is robust, and the country enjoys a high standard of living, reflected in its life expectancy of nearly 84 years.

74.2%: Urban population as of 2023
83.9 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024 est.)
83%: Female population with higher life expectancy than males (85.8 years)
15.1%: Population aged 0-14 years

Economy

Switzerland boasts a highly developed and diversified economy, often noted for its innovation and competitiveness. Its GDP per capita ranks among the highest globally, driven by significant contributions from the service sector, especially banking, pharmaceuticals, and tourism. Despite challenges in post-pandemic growth, the economy remains strong with low unemployment rates.

$741.035 billion: Real GDP (PPP) estimated for 2024
4.2%: Unemployment rate in 2024
72%: Contribution of the services sector to GDP (2024 est.)
$936.564 billion: GDP based on official exchange rates (2024 est.)

Government

Switzerland's government operates as a federal republic, composed of 26 cantons. The country has a unique system of direct democracy, allowing citizens to participate actively in decision-making through referendums. The President of the Swiss Confederation is the head of state and government, elected annually from the Federal Council.

26: Number of cantons
18 years: Universal suffrage age
200: Seats in the National Council, the lower house of the Federal Assembly
4: Year term for National Council members

Military and Security

The Swiss Armed Forces are responsible for national defense and internal security, with around 145,000 personnel. Switzerland practices a policy of military neutrality but engages in international peacekeeping operations. The military budget remains stable, encapsulating a commitment to maintain defense capabilities.

0.7%: Military expenditures as a percentage of GDP (2024 est.)
18-30 years: Military service age for compulsory service
4: Operational nuclear reactors expected by 2025
175: Military deployments in Kosovo (NATO/KFOR, 2024)

Energy

Switzerland excels in renewable energy production, particularly hydropower, which forms the backbone of its electricity generation. The country has achieved 100% electricity access, balancing its energy needs across various sources.

100%: Electrification coverage of the population (2022 est.)
55.643 billion kWh: Total electricity consumption (2023 est.)
53%: Share of hydroelectricity in total installed capacity (2023 est.)
4: Number of operational nuclear reactors by 2025

Environment

Switzerland is committed to environmental sustainability, participating in numerous international agreements. However, it faces challenges such as air and water pollution and loss of biodiversity. The nation emphasizes conservation and has a substantial portion of its land designated for agricultural and forest use.

37.9%: Agricultural land as a percentage of total land area (2022 est.)
32%: Percentage of municipal solid waste recycled annually (2015 est.)
8.97 micrograms/m³: Particulate matter emissions (2019 est.)
53.5 billion cubic meters: Total renewable water resources (2020 est.)

Transportation

Switzerland has an advanced transportation system, including a fully electrified railway network, extensive roadways, and numerous airports. The country is known for its efficient public transport system, which facilitates easy travel within and beyond its borders.

66: Airports expected in 2025
5,296 km: Total length of electrified railways
10.9 million: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2023 est.)
49: Broadband fixed subscriptions per 100 inhabitants (2023 est.)

Communications

Switzerland offers a robust communications infrastructure, with high internet penetration and extensive mobile networks. With a multilingual broadcasting system, the country ensures diverse media coverage across its official languages.

97%: Internet user penetration (2023 est.)
3.003 million: Fixed-line telephone subscriptions (2023 est.)
10.9 million: Mobile subscriptions, reflecting high connectivity
4.33 million: Fixed broadband subscriptions (2023 est.)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	8,860,574	Estimated for 2024
Area	41,277 sq km	Total area
GDP	$936.564 billion	Official exchange rate (2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate	4.2%	Estimated for 2024
Energy Consumption	55.643 billion kWh	Total electricity consumption (2023 est.)
Birth Rate	10.1 births/1,000 population	Estimated for 2024
Life Expectancy at Birth	83.9 years	Estimated for 2024
Urban Population	74.2%	Total urban population (2023)
Military Expenditures	0.7%	GDP percentage (2024 est.)
Total Renewable Water Resources	53.5 billion cubic meters	Estimated for 2020