new_zealand new_zealand island nation southwestern pacific_ocean country geographically comprises main north island south island numerous smaller islands new_zealand situated kilometres east australia sea roughly kilometres south pacific island areas new fiji lands settled humans long period isolation new_zealand developed distinctive biodiversity animal fungal plant life country varied topography sharp mountain peaks southern alps owe land volcanic new_zealand capital city wellington populous city settled islands later new_zealand developed distinctive culture dutch explorer european sight new_zealand representatives british crown chiefs signed treaty making new_zealand british colony today majority new_zealand population million european descent indigenous largest minority followed pacific reflecting new_zealand culture mainly derived early british settlers recent arising increased immigration official languages english new_zealand sign language english predominant new_zealand developed country market economy new_zealand world bank high income economy ranks highly international comparisons national performance health education economic freedom quality life nationally legislative authority elected parliament executive political power exercised cabinet led prime minister currently john key queen elizabeth_ii country head state represented governor general addition new_zealand organised regional councils territorial authorities local government purposes realm new_zealand includes dependent territory cook islands self governing states free association new_zealand ross new_zealand territorial claim antarctica new_zealand member united_nations commonwealth nations organisation economic operation development pacific islands forum asia pacific economic cooperation etymology dutch explorer sighted new_zealand called connected southern tip south_america dutch renamed land nova dutch province british explorer james cook subsequently new_zealand translated land long white cloud current new_zealand unknown country arrival europeans originally referring north island traditional names main islands including fish north island waters canoe south island early european maps labelled islands north north island middle south island south stewart island maps began use north south distinguish largest islands accepted norm new_zealand geographic board discovered names north island south island names alternative names set names north island south island note island english history new_zealand major settled humans dating evidence mitochondrial dna populations suggest new_zealand settled eastern concluding long series southern pacific islands centuries followed settlers developed distinct culture known population divided tribes cooperate compete fight point group migrated chatham islands named developed distinct culture population wiped largely invasion 1830s european diseases contributed survived known died europeans known reached new_zealand dutch explorer crew hostile encounter crew members killed hit shot europeans new_zealand british explorer james cook mapped entire coastline following cook new_zealand visited numerous european north american sealing trading ships traded european food metal tools weapons goods timber food artifacts water introduction potato musket transformed agriculture warfare potatoes provided reliable food surplus enabled longer sustained military campaigns resulting musket wars encompassed battles killing early 19th century christian missionaries began settle new_zealand eventually converting population population declined percent pre contact level 19th century introduced diseases major factor captain arthur assumed position governor new british colony new_south_wales according commission included new_zealand british government appointed james british resident new_zealand following petition northern following announcement impending french settlement charles united tribes new_zealand sent declaration independence king william united_kingdom asking protection ongoing unrest proposed settlement new_zealand new_zealand company sent ship buy land dubious legal standing declaration independence prompted colonial office send captain william claim sovereignty great_britain negotiate treaty treaty signed bay islands february response new_zealand company attempts establish independent settlement wellington french settlers purchasing land declared british sovereignty new_zealand copies treaty circulating country sign signing treaty declaration sovereignty number immigrants particularly united_kingdom began increase new_zealand colony new_south_wales separate colony new_zealand july colony gained representative government parliament met colony effectively self governing gaining responsibility domestic matters native policy control native policy granted following concerns south island form separate colony premier alfred moved resolution transfer capital locality near cook wellington chosen harbour central location parliament officially sitting time immigrant numbers increased conflicts land led new_zealand wars 1860s 1870s resulting loss land liberal party led john came power organised political party liberal government later led richard passed important social economic measures new_zealand nation world grant women right vote pioneered adoption compulsory arbitration employers unions government passed old age act general scheme british_empire request new_zealand parliament king edward vii proclaimed new_zealand dominion british_empire reflecting self governing status accordingly title dominion new_zealand dates country adopted statute westminster confirming british parliament longer new_zealand consent new_zealand new_zealand involved world affairs fighting british_empire second world wars suffering great depression depression led election labour government establishment comprehensive welfare state economy new_zealand experienced increasing prosperity following world war began leave traditional rural life cities search work protest movement developed criticised worked greater recognition culture treaty tribunal set investigate alleged treaty enabled investigate historic grievances government negotiated settlements grievances claims proved controversial 2000s politics government new_zealand constitutional monarchy parliamentary democracy constitution codified elizabeth_ii queen new_zealand head state queen represented governor general advice prime minister governor general exercise crown powers reviewing cases injustice making appointments ministers ambassadors key public officials rare situations reserve powers power dissolve parliament refuse royal bill law powers queen governor general limited constitutional constraints normally exercised advice cabinet new_zealand parliament holds legislative power consists queen house_of_representatives included upper house legislative council abolished supremacy parliament crown government institutions established england bill rights ratified law new_zealand house_of_representatives elected government formed party coalition majority seats majority formed minority government formed support parties confidence supply votes assured governor general ministers advice prime minister convention parliamentary leader governing party coalition cabinet formed ministers led prime minister highest policy making body government responsible deciding significant government actions convention members cabinet bound collective responsibility decisions cabinet parliamentary general elections held past post voting system elections dominated political parties national labour election form proportional representation called mixed member proportional system person votes electoral seats including reserved party election electorate seats includes remaining seats assigned representation parliament reflects party vote party win electoral seat percent total party vote eligible seats march august new_zealand country world highest offices land head state governor general prime minister speaker chief justice occupied simultaneously women judges judicial officers appointed non politically strict rules tenure help maintain constitutional independence government theoretically allows judiciary interpret law based solely legislation enacted parliament influences decisions council london country final court appeal replaced newly established supreme_court new_zealand judiciary headed chief justice includes court appeal high_court subordinate courts new_zealand identified world stable governed nations country ranked fifth strength democratic institutions government transparency lack corruption new_zealand high level civic participation voter turnout recent elections compared average furthermore new trust political institutions far higher average foreign relations military early colonial new_zealand allowed british government determine external trade responsible foreign policy imperial conferences decided new_zealand allowed negotiate political treaties commercial treaty ratified japan september new_zealand allied britain declared war germany prime minister michael savage proclaiming goes stands stand united_kingdom increasingly focused european interests new_zealand joined australia united_states security treaty influence united_states new_zealand weakened following protests vietnam war refusal united_states france sinking rainbow warrior disagreements environmental agricultural trade issues new_zealand nuclear free policy despite suspension obligations treaty remained effect new_zealand australia foreign policy followed similar historical trend close political contact maintained countries free trade agreements travel arrangements allow citizens visit live work countries restrictions new_zealand citizens living australia percent population new_zealand australians live new_zealand new_zealand strong presence pacific island countries large proportion new_zealand aid goes countries pacific people migrate new_zealand employment permanent migration regulated scheme pacific access category allow nationals pacific respectively permanent new_zealand residents year seasonal workers scheme temporary migration introduced pacific employed new_zealand involved pacific islands forum asia pacific economic cooperation association southeast asian nations regional forum including east asia summit new_zealand member united_nations commonwealth nations organisation economic operation development power defence arrangements new_zealand defence force branches royal new_zealand navy new_zealand army royal new_zealand air_force new_zealand national defence needs modest direct attack global presence country fought world wars notable campaigns gallipoli crete gallipoli campaign played important new_zealand national identity strengthened tradition shares australia according mary paul world war left new_zealand society nearly total dying result war wounded affected emotionally overseas fighting force population million new_zealand played key parts naval battle river plate battle britain air campaign world war united_states american military personnel stationed new_zealand addition vietnam world wars new_zealand fought korean war second boer war emergency gulf war afghanistan war contributed forces regional global missions cyprus bosnia iran iraq border east solomon islands new_zealand sent unit army engineers help rebuild iraqi infrastructure year iraq war new_zealand ranks 8th center global development commitment development index ranks world developed countries dedication policies benefit poorer nations new_zealand considered fourth peaceful country world according global peace index local government external territories officially new_zealand divided regions early european settlers divided new_zealand provinces degree autonomy financial pressures desire consolidate railways education land sales policies government provinces abolished result new_zealand separately represented entities provinces remembered regional public holidays sporting rivalries councils administered local areas legislation determined central government government reorganised local government current tier structure regional councils territorial authorities municipalities existed consolidated territorial authorities regional councils regional councils role regulate natural environment particular emphasis resource management territorial authorities responsible sewage water local roads building local matters territorial councils authorities act regional councils territorial authorities consist city councils district councils chatham islands council officially chatham islands council authority functions regional council new_zealand realms commonwealth realm new_zealand territory queen new_zealand sovereign comprises new_zealand ross cook islands cook islands self governing states free association new_zealand new_zealand parliament pass legislation countries consent act behalf foreign affairs defence non self governing territory uses new_zealand flag anthem administered council elders ross new_zealand territorial claim antarctica operates scott base research facility new_zealand citizenship law treats parts realm equally people born new_zealand cook islands ross new_zealand citizens conditions apply born onwards environment geography new_zealand new_zealand located near centre water hemisphere main islands number smaller islands main islands north island south island separated cook kilometres wide point north south islands largest inhabited islands stewart island chatham islands great barrier island gulf island sounds island central country islands lie latitudes new_zealand long narrow kilometres north north east axis maximum width kilometres coastline total land area square kilometres far outlying islands long coastline country extensive marine resources exclusive economic zone largest world covering times land area south island largest new_zealand divided length southern alps peaks metres highest mount cook metres steep mountains deep record extensive ice age south western corner south island north island mountainous marked highly active volcanic zone formed large volcanic plateau punctuated north island highest mountain mount metres plateau hosts country largest lake lake world active country owes varied topography emergence waves dynamic boundary pacific australian plates new_zealand nearly half size australia gradually submerged breaking away million years ago shift plate movements began region evident southern alps formed compression crust alpine fault plate boundary involves plate producing trench south trench east north island trenches north new_zealand australia wider regions known oceania term oceania denote region encompassing australian continent new_zealand islands pacific_ocean included seven continent model landscapes new_zealand climate new_zealand mild temperate maritime climate mean annual temperatures ranging south north historical canterbury conditions vary sharply regions extremely wet west_coast south island semi arid central basin inland canterbury subtropical seven largest cities receiving average millimetres rain year wellington receiving twice wellington receive yearly average hours sunshine southern south western parts south island cooler climate hours northern north eastern parts south island areas country receive hours general snow season early june early october south island snowfall common north island occur climates new_zealand table lists climate month largest cities new_zealand north island cities generally slightly warmer february south island cities january biodiversity new_zealand geographic isolation million years island influenced evolution country species animals fungi plants physical isolation caused biological isolation resulted dynamic evolutionary ecology examples distinctive plants animals populations widespread species percent new_zealand indigenous plants endemic covering species genera includes single endemic family number fungi recorded new_zealand including forming species known proportion fungi endemic estimate suggests species forming fungi new_zealand percent endemic main types forest dominated trees southern beech cooler climates remaining vegetation types consist majority arrival humans estimated percent land covered forest high alpine wet volcanic areas trees massive occurred humans arrived half forest cover lost fire settlement remaining forest fell european settlement logged cleared room pastoral farming leaving forest occupying percent land forests dominated birds lack predators led like evolving arrival humans associated changes habitat introduction rats mammals led extinction bird species including large birds like eagle indigenous animals represented reptiles frogs spiders insects unique called living fossils species bats extinct sign native land mammals new_zealand discovery bones unique mouse sized land million years old marine mammals abundant half world large numbers fur seals reported new_zealand waters breed new_zealand unique country species found new_zealand country human arrival half country species extinct including birds frogs freshwater fish bat endangered range severely reduced new_zealand pioneered methods help threatened wildlife recover including island pest control wildlife ecological restoration islands selected areas according environmental performance index new_zealand considered strong performer environmental protection ranking 14th assessed countries economy new_zealand modern prosperous developed market economy estimated gross domestic product purchasing power capita roughly currency new_zealand dollar informally known dollar cook islands cook islands dollar islands new_zealand ranked sixth human development index fourth heritage foundation index economic freedom 13th global innovation index historically industries contributed strongly new_zealand economy different times sealing gold native timber development shipping 1880s meat dairy products exported britain trade provided basis strong economic growth new_zealand high demand agricultural products united_kingdom united_states helped new achieve higher living standards australia western_europe 1950s 1960s new_zealand export market reduced united_kingdom joined european community factors oil energy crisis led severe economic depression living standards new_zealand fell australia western_europe new_zealand lowest capita income developed nations surveyed world bank successive governments engaged major restructuring known rapidly transforming new_zealand highly economy free trade economy unemployment peaked percent following share market crash eventually fell record low percent ranking fifth seven comparable nations global financial crisis followed major impact new_zealand consecutive quarters longest recession thirty years unemployment rising percent late general unemployment rate percent unemployment rate youth aged percent september quarter unemployment new_zealand experienced series brain drains 1970s continue today nearly quarter highly skilled workers live overseas australia britain largest proportion developed nation recent years brain gain brought educated professionals europe developed countries trade new_zealand heavily dependent international trade particularly agricultural products exports account percent output making new_zealand vulnerable international prices global economic food products value country exports wood second largest major export partners australia united_states japan china united_kingdom april new_zealand china signed new_zealand china free trade agreement agreement china signed developed country service sector largest sector economy followed manufacturing construction farming raw material extraction tourism plays significant role new_zealand economy contributing billion new_zealand total supporting percent total workforce international visitors new_zealand increased percent year october expected increase rate percent annually new_zealand eliminated agricultural subsidies wool new_zealand major agricultural export late 19th century late 1960s export revenues price steadily dropped relative wool longer profitable farmers contrast dairy farming increased number dairy cows doubling new_zealand largest export year june dairy products accounted percent billion total merchandise exports country largest company controls international dairy trade agricultural exports meat percent wool percent fruit percent fishing percent new_zealand wine industry followed similar trend dairy number doubling period overtaking wool exports time infrastructure energy generated percent new_zealand gross energy supply primarily hydroelectric power power new_zealand transport network comprises kilometres roads including kilometres kilometres railway lines major cities towns linked bus services private car predominant mode transport railways government stages state owned enterprise operates railways exception commuter services operated railways run length country lines carry freight passengers international visitors arrive air new_zealand international airports currently airports connect directly countries australia fiji new_zealand post office monopoly telecommunications new_zealand formed initially state owned enterprise spark new_zealand chorus split owns majority telecommunications infrastructure competition providers increased united_nations international union ranks new_zealand 12th development information communications infrastructure having moved places water supply water supply new_zealand universal good quality urban areas provided local government called territorial authorities new_zealand territorial authorities consist city councils urban areas district councils rural areas legal framework includes health act amended local government act resource management act june population new_zealand estimated million new_zealand predominantly urban country percent population living main urban areas percent living largest cities wellington hamilton new_zealand cities generally rank highly international measures instance ranked world 4th city wellington 12th quality life survey life new years females years males life birth forecast increase years years infant mortality expected decline new_zealand fertility rate relatively high developed country natural account significant proportion population growth consequently country young population compared nations percent new years old younger population forecast reach million median age rise years years percentage people years age older rise percent percent despite high life mortality heart disease higher new_zealand developed western countries australia united_kingdom canada ethnicity immigration census new_zealand residents identified european major ethnic groups include asian pacific peoples thirds live region population diverse recent decades census reported population new_zealand percent european percent asian pacific minorities sharing remaining percent new_zealand citizen new informal commonly internationally locals refer new european descent reject word today increasingly refer non new people reach new_zealand followed early european settlers following immigrants predominantly britain ireland australia restrictive policies similar white australian policies significant dutch italian german immigration indirect european immigration australia north_america south_america south_africa following great depression policies relaxed diversity increased annual target permanent residence set new_zealand immigration service new new_zealand residents new_zealand population born overseas majority living region united_kingdom remains largest source new_zealand overseas population quarter overseas born new born major sources new_zealand overseas born population china india australia south_africa fiji number fee paying international students increased sharply late 1990s studying public institutions language english predominant language new_zealand spoken percent population new_zealand english similar australian english speakers northern hemisphere unable tell accents apart prominent differences new_zealand english dialect english shifts short sound kit sound sound dress moved sound sound trap moved sound new_zealand pronunciation words bad dead fish chips sound like bed non new second world war discouraged speaking language schools existed community language remote areas recently undergone process declared new_zealand official languages spoken percent population language schools television channels nationwide television channels majority prime time content delivered places english names officially recognised widely spoken non official language new_zealand percent followed hindi chinese french chinese new_zealand sign language people declared new_zealand official languages education primary secondary schooling compulsory children aged majority attending age school years attending state public schools free new_zealand citizens permanent residents person 5th birthday end calendar year following 19th birthday new_zealand adult literacy rate percent half population aged hold qualification types government owned institutions universities colleges education specialist colleges addition private training establishments adult population percent bachelor degree higher percent form secondary qualification highest qualification percent formal qualification programme international student assessment ranks new_zealand education system 7th best world students performing exceptionally reading mathematics science religion christianity predominant religion new_zealand society secular world census percent population identified religions including percent identifying christians percent indicated religion main christian denominations roman catholicism percent percent percent christian defined people identifying christian stating percent based religions percent christian significant minority religions include percent buddhism percent islam percent indigenous christians tend associated anglican catholic churches pacific people tend presbyterian methodist catholic day saint adherents culture early adapted based east culture line challenges associated larger diverse environment eventually developing distinctive culture social organisation largely communal families sub tribes tribes ruled chief position subject community approval british irish immigrants brought aspects culture new_zealand influenced culture particularly introduction christianity regard allegiance tribal groups vital identity roles resemble peoples recently american australian asian european cultures exerted influence new_zealand non cultures apparent world largest festival annual event largely rural life early new_zealand led image new rugged problem expected enforced tall poppy syndrome high received harsh criticism time new_zealand known intellectual country early 20th century late 1960s culture suppressed attempted british new 1960s higher education available cities expanded urban culture began dominate majority population lives cities new_zealand art literature film humour rural themes middle 20th century cultural icons called started emerge help define means new silver shell art resurgence culture traditional crafts carving weaving widely practised artists increasing number influence carvings feature human figures generally fingers natural looking detailed head head surface patterns consisting ridges fish scales carvings pre eminent architecture consisted carved meeting houses decorated symbolic carvings illustrations buildings originally designed constantly rebuilt changing adapting different needs decorated white wood buildings red mixture red shark fat black paint painted pictures birds reptiles designs cave walls consisting coloured mixed cut flesh bone european arrival paintings photographs dominated landscapes originally works art factual portrayals new_zealand portraits common early painters portraying noble exotic friendly natives country isolation delayed influence european artistic trends allowing local artists developed distinctive style 1960s 70s artists combined traditional western techniques creating unique art forms new_zealand art craft gradually achieved international audience exhibitions venice paradise exhibition new_york fine patterned black red white diamonds geometric shapes fashioned known design distorted human figure sitting cross legged head europeans brought english fashion new_zealand 1950s people dressed social occasions standards relaxed new_zealand fashion received reputation casual practical local fashion industry grown significantly doubling exports increasing handful established labels labels gaining international recognition literature quickly adopted writing means sharing ideas oral stories poems converted written form early english literature obtained britain 1950s local publishing outlets increased new_zealand literature started widely known largely influenced global trends events great depression writers 1930s began develop stories increasingly focused experiences new_zealand period literature changed activity academic pursuit participation world wars gave new_zealand writers new perspective new_zealand culture post war expansion universities local literature flourished city literature media entertainment new_zealand music influenced blues jazz country rock roll hip hop genres given unique new_zealand interpretation developed traditional chants songs ancient south east asian origins centuries isolation created unique sound musical instruments signalling devices war special occasions early settlers brought ethnic music brass bands choral music popular musicians began touring new_zealand 1860s pipe bands widespread early 20th century new_zealand recording industry began develop onwards new_zealand musicians obtained success britain united_states artists release language songs tradition based art song dance resurgence new_zealand music awards held annually recorded music awards held golden disc awards recorded music publishes country official weekly record charts radio arrived new_zealand television number new_zealand films significantly increased 1970s new_zealand film commission started assisting local film makers films attained world audience receiving international highest grossing new_zealand movies include hunt boy world fastest indian warriors whale rider 1980s saw sudden increase numbers radio television stations new_zealand television primarily broadcasts american british programming large number australian local shows country diverse scenery compact size plus government incentives encouraged producers film big budget movies new_zealand including avatar lord rings chronicles king new_zealand media industry dominated small number companies foreign owned state retains ownership television radio stations reporters borders consistently ranked new_zealand press freedom new_zealand ranked 13th worldwide press freedom freedom house 2nd media asia pacific region sports major sporting codes played new_zealand british origins rugby union considered national sport attracts spectators golf tennis cricket highest rates adult participation rugby union football soccer popular young people percent new_zealand participate sports school victorious rugby tours australia united_kingdom late 1880s early 1900s played early role national identity popular spectator sport rugby racing beer culture 1960s participation european sports particularly evident rugby country team performs traditional challenge international matches new_zealand competitive international teams rugby union cricket rugby league traditionally rowing cycling new_zealand participated summer olympics joint team australia participating country ranked highly medals population ratio recent games blacks national men rugby union team successful history international rugby reigning world cup champions new_zealand known extreme sports adventure tourism strong tradition seen success notable new sir outdoor pursuits cycling fishing swimming running hunting popular sport racing increased popularity international sport involving teams pacific cuisine new_zealand cuisine described pacific rim drawing inspiration europe asia dishes distinctly new_zealand style lamb pork salmon bluff types new_zealand sweet potato national traditional new_zealand method cooking food heated rocks buried pit oven new_zealand food way new eat generally preferring relaxed unaffected possible keeping new_zealand climate ideal fine wine growing


switzerland switzerland officially swiss confederation latin federal republic europe named swiss confederation historical reasons modern switzerland federal directorial republic consisting seat federal authorities called federal city german french italian country situated western central europe bordered italy south france west germany north austria east switzerland country geographically divided alps swiss plateau spanning area km2 alps occupy greater territory swiss population approximately million people concentrated plateau largest cities found global economic centers geneva establishment swiss confederation traditionally dated august celebrated annually swiss national day country long history armed neutrality state war internationally join united_nations pursues active foreign policy frequently involved peace building processes world addition birthplace red_cross switzerland home numerous international organizations including second largest office european level founding member european free trade association notably european_union european economic area country participate area single market number treaties spanning intersection romance europe switzerland comprises main linguistic cultural regions german french italian majority population german speaking swiss national identity rooted common historical background shared values direct democracy alpine symbolism linguistic diversity switzerland known variety native names german french italian switzerland developed countries world highest nominal wealth adult eighth highest capita gross domestic product according switzerland ranks near globally national performance including government transparency civil liberties quality life economic human development geneva ranked cities world terms quality life ranked second globally according etymology english switzerland compound containing obsolete term swiss use 16th 19th centuries english swiss loan french use 16th century origin associated territory formed nucleus old swiss confederacy originates applied pro troops confederacy swiss began adopt war alongside term literally comrades oath 14th century attested old high german ultimately related burn referring area forest burned cleared build extended area dominated war gradually came entire confederation swiss german country settlement distinguished use definite article confederation simply town latin introduced gradually formation federal state napoleonic republic appearing coins inscribed federal palace official seal banking code swiss taken state latin derived tribe living swiss plateau roman era appears national swiss confederacy 17th century play history switzerland existed state present form adoption swiss federal constitution switzerland established protective alliance end 13th century forming loose confederation states persisted centuries early history oldest traces existence switzerland date years oldest known farming settlements switzerland found dated earliest known cultural tribes area members cultures named archaeological site north lake culture developed flourished late iron age possibly influence greek important tribal groups swiss region steadily harassed germans decided abandon swiss plateau migrate western armies pursued defeated battle today eastern france forcing tribe original homeland destined second roman emperor brother conquered alps integrating roman empire area occupied later rome province superior province eastern portion modern switzerland integrated roman province start common era romans maintained large camp called ruin confluence rivers near town second century age prosperity population living swiss plateau towns like reached remarkable size hundreds agricultural estates founded countryside fall territory north rhine transformed today switzerland frontier land empire repeated raids tribes provoked ruin roman towns economy forcing population find shelter near roman fortresses like near empire built line defense north border called rhine end fourth century increased pressure forced romans abandon linear defence concept swiss plateau finally open settlement german tribes early middle ages end 4th century western extent modern day switzerland territory kings settled swiss plateau 5th century valleys alps 8th century forming modern day switzerland divided kingdoms entire region expanding empire 6th century following victory later domination rest 6th 7th 8th centuries swiss regions continued extension empire divided treaty territories present day switzerland divided middle east holy roman empire swiss plateau comprised houses regions later known accorded imperial grant empire direct control mountain passes extinction male line dynasty fell king holy roman emperor laid claim lands annexed extending territory eastern swiss plateau old swiss confederacy old swiss confederacy alliance valley communities central alps confederacy facilitated management common interests ensured peace important mountain trade routes federal charter agreed rural considered confederacy founding document similar alliances likely existed decades earlier original joined city states form old confederacy states existed end 15th century expansion led increased power wealth confederation controlled territory south west rhine alps mountains particularly victories battle battle charles bold success swiss mercenaries swiss victory war league emperor amounted facto independence holy roman empire old swiss confederacy acquired reputation earlier wars expansion confederation suffered setback swiss defeat battle ended called heroic swiss history success reformation led inter religious conflicts wars years internal wars peace european countries recognized switzerland independence holy roman empire neutrality early modern period swiss history growing families combined financial crisis wake thirty years war led swiss peasant war background struggle conflict catholic protestant persisted violence war war second war napoleonic era revolutionary french government conquered switzerland imposed new unified constitution government country effectively joined france valley republic separating switzerland new regime known republic highly unpopular imposed foreign invading army destroyed centuries tradition making switzerland french satellite state fierce french suppression revolt september example oppressive presence french army local population resistance occupation war broke france rivals russian austrian forces invaded switzerland swiss refused fight alongside french republic napoleon organised meeting leading swiss politicians sides paris result act largely restored swiss autonomy introduced confederation henceforth swiss politics concern balancing tradition self rule need central government congress vienna fully established swiss independence european powers agreed permanently recognise swiss neutrality swiss troops served foreign governments fought siege treaty allowed switzerland increase territory admission geneva switzerland borders changed minor adjustments federal state restoration power temporary period unrest repeated violent clashes civil war broke catholic tried set separate alliance war lasted month causing fewer casualties friendly fire minor appears compared european riots wars 19th century major impact psychology society swiss switzerland war convinced swiss need unity strength european neighbours swiss people strata society catholic protestant liberal conservative current realised profit economic religious interests merged rest europe saw revolutionary uprisings swiss drew constitution provided federal layout inspired american example constitution provided central authority leaving right self government local issues giving credit favoured power national assembly divided upper house council states representatives lower house national council representatives elected country mandatory amendment constitution system single weights measures introduced swiss swiss single currency article constitution forbade sending troops serve abroad swiss obliged serve francis swiss guards present siege marking end foreign service important clause constitution written completely deemed necessary enabling evolve modified amendment time need soon proved rise population industrial revolution followed led calls modify constitution accordingly early draft rejected population modifications led acceptance introduced referendum laws federal level established federal responsibility defense trade legal matters constitution revised unusually strong elements direct democracy remain unique today modern history switzerland invaded world wars world war switzerland home remained swiss neutrality seriously questioned affair short lived switzerland joined league nations based geneva condition exempt military requirements world war detailed invasion plans drawn germans switzerland attacked switzerland able remain independent combination military concessions germany good fortune larger events war delayed invasion general central command general armed forces ordered swiss military strategy changed static defence borders protect economic organised long term attrition withdrawal strong positions high alps known switzerland important base espionage sides conflict communications axis allied powers switzerland trade blockaded allies axis economic cooperation extension credit varied according perceived likelihood invasion availability trading partners concessions reached peak crucial rail link france severed leaving switzerland completely surrounded axis course war switzerland interned refugees international red_cross based geneva played important conflict strict immigration asylum policies financial relationships nazi_germany raised controversy end 20th century war swiss air_force engaged aircraft sides shooting luftwaffe planes june forcing change policy following threats germany allied bombers crews interned war allied bombers mistakenly bombed places switzerland cities war swiss government exported credits charitable fund known donated marshall plan help europe recovery efforts ultimately benefited swiss economy cold war swiss authorities considered construction swiss nuclear bomb leading nuclear federal institute technology paul realistic possibility financial problems defense budget prevented substantial funds allocated nuclear non treaty seen valid alternative remaining plans building nuclear weapons dropped switzerland western republic grant women right vote swiss approved federal level achieved resistance remaining obtaining suffrage federal level women quickly rose political significance woman seven member federal council executive served female president switzerland joined council europe areas attained independence forming new april swiss population voted favour completely revised federal constitution switzerland member united_nations leaving vatican city widely recognised state membership switzerland founding member member european economic area application membership european_union sent advanced rejected december switzerland country launch referendum issue mixed reaction population membership application frozen nonetheless swiss law gradually adjusted conform government signed number agreements european_union switzerland completely surrounded austria entry june swiss voters agreed majority join treaty result regarded commentators sign support switzerland country traditionally perceived independent reluctant enter bodies geography extending north south alps west central europe switzerland encompasses great diversity landscapes climates limited area square kilometres population million resulting average population density people square kilometre mountainous southern half country far sparsely populated northern half largest lying entirely alps population density falls switzerland lies latitudes contains basic areas swiss alps south swiss plateau central plateau mountains west alps high mountain range running central south country comprising country total area majority swiss population live swiss plateau high valleys swiss alps glaciers found totalling area square kilometres originate major rivers rhine inn flow cardinal directions europe network includes largest bodies freshwater central western_europe included lake geneva called french lake known german lake switzerland lakes contains europe stock fresh water lakes glaciers cover national territory largest lake lake geneva western switzerland shared france main source outflow lake geneva lake second largest swiss lake like lake geneva intermediate step rhine border austria germany flows mediterranean_sea french region rhine flows north_sea netherlands apart springs apart swiss alps switzerland mountains metres sea altitude higher highest regarded famous located alps border italy section alps deep glacial valley containing known picturesque valleys region southeast long valley encompassing area known highest peak neighbouring alps populous northern country comprising country total area called swiss plateau greater open hilly landscapes partly forested partly open usually grazing vegetables fruit fields hilly large lakes found biggest swiss cities area country climate swiss climate generally temperate vary greatly glacial conditions pleasant near mediterranean climate switzerland southern tip valley areas southern switzerland cold hardy palm trees found summers tend warm humid times periodic rainfall ideal grazing humid winters mountains long intervals stable conditions weeks lower lands tend suffer periods seeing sun weeks weather phenomenon known identical effect wind occur times year characterised unexpectedly warm wind bringing air low relative humidity north alps rainfall periods southern face alps works ways alps efficient blowing south step oncoming wind south valleys running south north trigger best effect conditions persist inner alpine valleys receive rain arriving clouds lose lot content crossing mountains reaching areas large alpine areas remain drier pre alpine areas main valley wine grown conditions persist high alps sun heavy bursts rain time time precipitation tends spread moderately year peak summer autumn season winter receives precipitation summer weather patterns switzerland stable climate system variable year year strict predictable periods environment switzerland ecosystems particularly fragile delicate valleys separated high mountains form unique mountainous regions vulnerable rich range plants found altitudes experience pressure visitors grazing climatic geological conditions alpine region fragile ecosystem particularly sensitive climate change according environmental performance index switzerland ranks nations environment high scores environmental public health heavy reliance sources energy energy control greenhouse gas emissions politics federal constitution adopted legal foundation modern federal state oldest world new constitution adopted introduce notable changes federal structure outlines basic political rights individuals citizen participation public affairs divides powers confederation defines federal jurisdiction authority main governing bodies federal level parliament legislative federal council executive federal court judicial swiss parliament consists houses council states representatives half elected system determined national council consists members elected system proportional representation depending population members houses serve years houses joint session known collectively federal assembly citizens challenge law passed parliament initiatives introduce amendments federal constitution making switzerland direct democracy federal council constitutes federal government directs federal administration serves collective head state body seven members elected year mandate federal assembly exercises oversight council president confederation elected assembly seven members traditionally rotation year term president chairs government assumes representative functions president inter additional powers remains head department administration swiss government coalition major political parties party having number seats roughly reflects share electorate representation federal parliament classic distribution stood known magic formula following federal council elections seven seats federal council distributed follows seat christian democratic people party seats free democratic_party seats social democratic_party seats swiss people party function federal supreme_court hear appeals federal courts judges elected federal assembly year terms direct democracy direct democracy swiss political system swiss citizens subject legal jurisdictions municipality federal levels federal constitution defines system direct democracy called half direct representative direct democracy aided commonplace institutions representative democracy instruments system federal level known popular rights german french italian include right submit federal initiative referendum parliamentary decisions calling federal referendum group citizens challenge law passed parliament gather signatures law days national vote scheduled voters decide simple majority accept reject law constitutional referendum federal law similarly federal constitutional initiative allows citizens constitutional amendment national vote voters sign proposed amendment months federal council federal assembly supplement proposed amendment counter proposal voters indicate preference ballot case proposals accepted constitutional amendments introduced initiative parliament accepted double majority national popular vote popular votes administrative divisions swiss confederation consists half known half represented councillor instead council states permanent constitutional status comparison situation countries high degree independence federal constitution equal status constitution parliament government courts considerable differences individual particularly terms population geographical area populations vary area km2 km2 comprise total municipalities switzerland belongs germany belongs italy foreign relations international institutions traditionally switzerland avoids alliances military political direct economic action neutral end expansion policy neutrality internationally recognised congress vienna switzerland member united_nations state join referendum switzerland maintains diplomatic relations countries historically served states switzerland member european_union swiss people consistently rejected membership early 1990s switzerland participate area large number international institutions seats switzerland policy neutrality geneva birthplace red_cross red crescent movement geneva conventions hosts united_nations human rights council switzerland recent countries joined united_nations palace nations geneva second biggest centre united_nations new_york switzerland founding member home league nations apart united_nations headquarters swiss confederation host agencies like world health organization international labour organization international union united_nations high commissioner refugees international organisations including world trade organization world intellectual property organization annual meetings world economic forum bring international business political leaders switzerland foreign countries discuss important issues facing world including health environment additionally headquarters bank international settlements located furthermore sport organisations located country international basketball federation geneva union european football associations international federation association football international ice hockey federation international cycling union international olympic committee military swiss armed forces including land forces air_force composed male citizens aged special cases years country switzerland navy lakes bordering neighbouring countries armed military patrol boats swiss citizens prohibited serving foreign armies swiss guards vatican dual citizens foreign country reside structure swiss militia system soldiers army issued equipment including personal weapons home organizations political parties find practice controversial mainstream swiss opinion favour system compulsory military service concerns male swiss citizens women serve voluntarily men usually receive military conscription orders training age thirds young swiss found suited service found forms alternative service exist annually approximately persons trained recruit centres duration weeks reform army adopted popular vote replaced previous model army reducing active periodic army training non training reserves overall general declared ensure integrity neutrality switzerland held occasion franco prussian war second response outbreak world war august army took place september response german attack poland elected general chief neutrality policy swiss army currently armed conflicts countries missions world armed force department maintained intelligence gathering system monitor satellite communications following end cold war number attempts curb military activity abolish armed forces altogether notable referendum subject launched anti group held november defeated thirds voters proposal similar referendum called held shortly september attacks defeated voters gun politics switzerland unique europe relatively high percentage citizens legally armed large majority firearms kept home militia issued weapons ammunition issued economy labour law switzerland stable prosperous high tech economy enjoys great wealth ranked wealthiest country world capita multiple rankings ranked wealthiest country world capita terms wealth defined include financial non financial assets credit global wealth report showed switzerland country highest average wealth adult world nineteenth largest economy nominal thirty sixth largest purchasing power twentieth largest despite small size switzerland highest european rating index economic freedom providing large coverage public services nominal capita higher larger western central european economies japan adjusted purchasing power switzerland ranks 8th world terms capita according world bank ranked 15th according cia world economic forum global report currently ranks switzerland economy competitive world ranked european_union europe innovative country 20th century switzerland wealthiest country europe considerable margin capita gross median household income switzerland estimated usd purchasing power median income usd switzerland world largest account percentage switzerland home large multinational corporations largest swiss companies revenue energy group notable financial services credit barry swiss group swiss international air lines switzerland ranked having powerful economies world switzerland important economic sector manufacturing manufacturing consists largely production specialist chemicals health goods scientific precision measuring instruments musical instruments largest exported goods chemicals exported goods machines electronics precision instruments watches exported services exports service sector especially banking insurance tourism international organisations important industry switzerland million people work switzerland employees belonged trade union switzerland flexible job market neighbouring countries unemployment rate low unemployment rate increased low june peak december unemployment rate population growth net immigration high population foreign citizen population australia hour worked world 16th highest international dollars switzerland overwhelmingly private sector economy low tax rates western world standards overall taxation smallest developed countries switzerland relatively easy place business currently ranking 20th countries ease business index slow growth switzerland experienced 1990s early 2000s brought greater support economic reforms european_union according credit residents homes lowest rates home ownership europe housing food price levels index compared germany swiss federal budget size billion swiss equivalent country year regional budgets budgets municipalities counted federal budget total rate government spending closer main sources income federal government value added tax direct federal tax main expenditure located areas social welfare finance tax expenditures swiss confederation growing sectors social welfare finance tax growing significant reduction expenditures occurring sectors agriculture national defense year agricultural rare exception switzerland free trade policies contributed high food prices product market countries according domestic purchasing power best world apart agriculture economic trade barriers european_union switzerland minimal switzerland free trade agreements worldwide switzerland member european free trade association education science education switzerland diverse constitution switzerland delegates authority school system public private schools including private international schools minimum age primary school years provide free children school starting years old primary school continues grade depending school traditionally foreign language school national languages recently english introduced end primary school beginning secondary school pupils separated according capacities sections fastest taught advanced classes prepared studies students little slowly receive education adapted needs universities switzerland maintained level usually offer range non technical subjects university switzerland founded faculty medicine tradition chemical medical research switzerland largest university switzerland university nearly students swiss federal institute technology university listed 20th 54th respectively academic ranking world universities addition consistently ranks university continental europe university ranked world universities sponsored federal government swiss federal institute technology founded founded institute associated university addition universities applied sciences business management studies university ranked world according world university rankings international institute management development ranked open programs worldwide financial times switzerland second highest rate foreign students education australia slightly country plays home international organizations graduate institute international development studies located geneva continental europe oldest graduate school international development studies widely believed prestigious nobel prize swiss scientists include world famous physicist albert field physics developed special working recently richard fischer kurt received nobel prizes sciences total nobel prize winners fields stand relation switzerland nobel peace prize awarded times organisations residing switzerland geneva nearby french department ain host world largest laboratory dedicated particle physics research important research center paul institute notable include acid scanning microscope nobel prize technologies enabled exploration new worlds balloon permitted reach deepest point world oceans switzerland space agency swiss space office involved space technologies programs addition founders european space agency seventh largest contributor budget private sector companies implicated space industry space motors provide spacecraft structures switzerland european_union switzerland voted membership european economic area referendum december maintained developed relationships european_union european countries agreements march swiss people refused popular vote start accession negotiations recent years swiss brought economic practices largely ways effort enhance international economy grew membership long term objective swiss government considerable popular sentiment supported conservative party western french speaking areas urban regions rest country tend pro far significant share population government established integration office department foreign affairs department economic affairs negative consequences switzerland isolation rest europe brussels signed seven agreements trade ties agreements signed took effect series agreements included free movement persons second series covering areas signed ratified includes treaty dublin convention continue discuss areas cooperation switzerland approved billion supportive investment poorer southern central european countries support cooperation positive ties referendum needed approve million support romania bulgaria recent admission swiss international pressure reduce banking secrecy raise tax rates preparatory discussions opened new areas opening electricity market participation european project european centre disease prevention recognising certificates origin food products november interior justice ministers european_union brussels announced switzerland accession passport free zone december land border remain place goods movements run controls people people entering country checked march originated nation february swiss voters narrowly approved ballot initiative launched national conservative swiss people party restrict immigration system influx foreigners initiative backed rural suburban isolated cities switzerland strong majority approval metropolitan centres rejection french speaking rejection switzerland rejected news commentators claim proposal facto agreements free movement persons respective countries energy infrastructure environment electricity generated switzerland nuclear power resulting nearly free electricity generating network anti nuclear initiatives turned plus aimed forbidding building new nuclear power plants supported opposed electricity nuclear supported opposed year construction new nuclear power plants result citizens initiative voted passed yes votes plans new nuclear plant hold accident power plant swiss federal office energy office responsible questions relating energy supply energy use federal department environment transport energy communications agency supporting society initiative cut nation energy use half year swiss government announced plans end use nuclear energy decades government voted want ensure secure autonomous supply energy energy minister said day press conference showed risk nuclear power high turn increased costs energy form reportedly taken parliament discuss plan june referendum dense rail network europe carries million passengers annually swiss citizen travelled average rail makes rail users network administered mainly federal railways narrow gauge railway operated railways includes world heritage lines building new railway base tunnels alps way reduce time travel north south project swiss private public managed road network funded road tolls vehicle taxes swiss system requires purchase toll costs swiss calendar year order use roadways passenger cars trucks swiss network total length area km2 highest motorway world airport switzerland largest international flight gateway handled million passengers international airports geneva airport million passengers located france airport airport airport airport swiss international air lines flag carrier switzerland main hub switzerland best environmental records nations developed world countries sign protocol ratified mexico republic korea forms environmental integrity group country heavily active recycling anti regulations world materials recycled depending area country global green economy index ranked switzerland green economies world places switzerland household rubbish disposal charged rubbish dangerous items batteries etc collected bags payment attached official bags paid time purchase gives financial incentive possible recycling free illegal disposal garbage tolerated usually enforcement laws limited violations involve unlawful disposal larger volumes traffic intersections public areas fines paying disposal fee range switzerland internationally efficient system old newspapers cardboard materials publicly organised collection volunteers economical railway transport logistics started early leadership notable industrialist modern swiss paper manufacturing plant built demographics switzerland population slightly exceeded million common developed countries swiss population increased rapidly industrial era growth stabilized like europe switzerland faces aging population albeit consistent annual growth projected immigration fertility rate close replacement level resident foreigners population largest proportions developed world european_union countries italians largest single group foreigners total foreign population followed closely germans immigrants portugal france serbia turkey spain austria immigrants sri_lanka tamil refugees largest group people asian origin additionally figures permanent resident population aged switzerland million immigrant background population held swiss citizenship persons immigration background immigrants generation foreigners native born swiss citizens fifth born switzerland second generation foreigners native born swiss citizens 2000s domestic international institutions expressed concern perceived increase particularly political campaigns reply critical report federal council noted racism unfortunately present switzerland stated high proportion foreign citizens country generally integration foreigners switzerland languages switzerland official languages principally german spoken population french west italian south fourth official language romance language spoken locally southeastern designated article federal constitution national language german french italian article official language authorities communicate persons speak federal laws official acts need decreed languages spoken home permanent residents aged older swiss german french standard german italian permanent resident population indicated speaking language regularly languages spoken home included english portuguese serbian croatian spanish turkish federal government obliged communicate official languages federal parliament simultaneous translation provided german french italian aside official forms respective languages linguistic regions switzerland local forms role played linguistic region varies dramatically german speaking regions swiss german prevalent second half 20th century especially media radio television everyday language swiss variety standard german instead dialect written communication usage language conversely french speaking regions local disappeared population spoke end 20th century italian speaking regions limited family settings casual conversation principal official languages german french italian terms outside switzerland known german roughly speaking large group words typical swiss standard german appear standard german german include terms switzerland surrounding language cultures german french similar term language italian act german french spoken switzerland similar terms equally known frequent characteristics vocabulary phrases pronunciation certain denote special likewise sources standard german aware current french include learning national languages school compulsory swiss pupils swiss supposed bilingual especially belonging linguistic minority groups health swiss citizens universally required buy health insurance private insurance companies turn required accept cost system highest compares european countries terms health outcomes patients citizens reported general highly satisfied life birth years men years women highest world spending health particularly high par germany france european countries notably spending usa steady increase observed reflecting high costs services provided population new healthcare technologies health spending likely continue rise thirds quarters population live urban areas switzerland gone largely rural country urban years urban development claimed swiss landscape previous years urban affect plateau alpine foothills growing concerns land use beginning 21st century population growth urban areas higher countryside switzerland dense network cities large medium small cities plateau densely populated people km2 landscape continually shows signs human presence weight largest metropolitan areas geneva tend increase international comparison importance urban areas stronger number inhabitants suggests addition main centers geneva recognized particularly great quality life religion switzerland official state religion geneva recognize official churches catholic_church protestant swiss reformed church churches old catholic_church jewish congregations financed official taxation adherents christianity predominant religion switzerland resident population swiss citizens divided catholic_church population swiss reformed church protestant churches christian denominations recent rise immigration established islam eastern minority religions according poll international swiss people self identified convinced census christian minority communities included neo incorporated new church witnesses protestant denominations old catholic_church christian denominations non christian religions buddhism judaism statement declared affiliated church religious body related official religion country historically evenly balanced catholic protestant complex country geneva converted john arrived officially divided catholic protestant sections larger cities geneva predominantly protestant central switzerland traditionally catholic swiss constitution recent impression clashes catholic protestant culminated consciously defines state allowing peaceful existence catholics initiative calling complete separation church state rejected voters traditionally protestant cities slight catholic majority growing members contrary steadily growing minority affiliated church religious body switzerland especially traditionally protestant regions city geneva city city culture europe major languages official switzerland swiss culture characterised diversity reflected wide range traditional customs region ways strongly culturally connected neighbouring country shares language country rooted western european culture isolated culture eastern switzerland constitutes exception survives upper valleys rhine inn maintain rare linguistic tradition switzerland home notable contributors literature art architecture music sciences addition country attracted number creative persons time unrest war europe museums distributed country number important cultural performances held annually festival festival jazz festival international film festival art alpine symbolism played essential role shaping history country swiss national identity concentrated mountain areas strong highly energetic ski resort culture winter hiking das mountain culture summer areas year recreational culture tourism seasons spring autumn fewer visitors traditional farmer culture areas small farms outside cities folk art kept alive organisations country switzerland expressed music dance poetry wood carving trumpet like musical instrument wood alongside traditional swiss music literature confederation foundation exclusively composed german speaking regions earliest forms literature german 18th century french fashionable language influence french speaking allies subject lands marked classics swiss german literature undisputed giants 20th century swiss literature max friedrich repertoire includes die das pledge released hollywood film prominent french speaking writers jean recent authors include charles ferdinand novels describe lives peasants mountain set harsh environment born italian speaking authors contributed modest way given small number probably famous swiss literary creation story orphan girl lives grandfather alps popular children books come symbol switzerland creator wrote number books similar themes media freedom press right free expression guaranteed federal constitution switzerland swiss news agency broadcasts information clock national languages politics economics society culture supplies swiss media couple dozen foreign media services news switzerland historically boasted greatest number newspaper titles published proportion population size influential newspapers german language french language city local newspaper cultural diversity accounts large number newspapers government greater control broadcast media print media especially finance licensing swiss broadcasting corporation recently changed charged production broadcast radio television programs studios distributed language regions radio content produced central regional studios television programs produced geneva extensive cable network allows swiss access programs neighboring countries sports skiing popular sports switzerland nature country particularly suited activities winter sports practiced natives tourists second half 19th century invention world ski championships held town hosted second winter olympic games fifth edition successful world champions prominently watched sport events switzerland football ice hockey skiing tennis headquarters international football ice hockey governing bodies international federation association football international ice hockey federation located actually headquarters international sports found switzerland example international olympic committee olympic museum court arbitration sport located switzerland hosted world cup joint host austria euro tournament swiss super league nation professional football club league europe highest football pitch metres sea level located switzerland named stadium swiss follow ice hockey support clubs league attended league europe switzerland hosted world championship 10th time world vice champion numerous lakes switzerland attractive place sailing largest lake geneva home sailing team european team win america cup successfully defended title tennis increasingly popular sport swiss players roger recently won multiple grand swiss professional wrestler currently signed wwe united_states champion events banned switzerland following disaster exception events period country produced successful racing drivers clay successful world touring car championship driver menu hours winner hours winner switzerland won world cup driver swiss motorcycle thomas won world championship category june swiss national council house federal assembly switzerland voted ban house swiss council states rejected change ban remains place traditional sports include swiss wrestling old tradition rural central considered national sport indigenous swiss sport like cross baseball golf swiss variant stone competition throwing heavy stone practiced alpine population prehistoric times recorded taken place 13th century central held symbol stone named cuisine cuisine switzerland dishes country region developed according differences climate languages traditional swiss cuisine uses ingredients similar european countries unique dairy products produced valleys number fine dining establishments high particularly western switzerland chocolate switzerland 18th century gained reputation end 19th century invention modern techniques enabled production high quality level breakthrough invention solid milk chocolate daniel peter swiss world largest consumers chocolate processed foods end 19th century swiss health food pioneer created nutrition based therapy form known rolled dish called popular alcoholic drink switzerland wine switzerland notable variety grown large variations specific mixes soil air altitude light swiss wine produced mainly geneva small majority white cultivated switzerland roman era certain traces found ancient origin widespread varieties called noir main variety produced