For more information see the Switzerland profile.

Switzerland is a small European nation located high in the Alps. It is famous for its beautiful mountain scenery and for its long tradition of neutrality in foreign affairs. The ethnic Swiss, though similar culturally, speak four different languages. Switzerland is extremely wealthy, with tourism and banking occupying places of importance in the economy.

Switzerland has been independent since 1291. For hundreds of years it has escaped the wars that have ravaged other nations by practicing a strict policy of isolation and neutrality. Even as most of Europe was embroiled in the World Wars, the Swiss remained isolated.

Switzerland enjoys religious freedom. Though over ninety percent of the population professes to be Christian, fewer than ten percent attend church. Eastern religions and the occult are growing, especially among the young.