Switzerland
Switzerland's independence and neutrality have long been honored by the major European powers and Switzerland was not involved in either of the two World Wars. Its long-standing neutral status has given it political stability that has helped it become one of the world's wealthiest countries where banking is a key industry. The political and economic integration of Europe over the past half century, however, as well as Switzerland's role in many UN and international organizations, may be rendering obsolete the country's concern for neutrality.
Although it is situated close to the geographical centre of Europe the country is not an EU member. In a referendum in 2001, voter opposed opening talks on joining the EU and the European Economic Area; Swiss-EU relations are now based on an extensive range of bilateral agreements. Ties became closer in 2005 when a referendum backed membership of the EU Schengen and Dublin agreements, bringing Switzerland into Europe's passport-free zone and increasing cooperation on crime and asylum issues.
A European cultural and linguistic crossroads, about two-thirds of the population speak German, around one-fifth French and about 7% Italian. Rumansch, the country's fourth national language, is spoken by less than 1% of the population.
Important policy decisions often rest on the results of national referenda. A referendum can be initiated by any citizen able to muster 100,000 voters' signatures in support of holding one on a given issue. In practice, it is relatively rare for initiatives without government backing to win support when it comes to the vote.
Under Switzerland's system of a rotating, non-executive presidency, heads of state are drawn annually from among the seven federal ministers. Under the constitution the make-up of the government is not determined by parliamentary majority but in accordance with a four-party power-sharing agreement.
There are currently no known threats to expatriate personnel in Switzerland.
Disruptions do occur from time to time at the numerous international meetings held in Switzerland, including the annual World Economic Forum meeting at Davos.
