Society & History

Immerse yourself in Switzerland’s society by learning about its rich history, its attitudes towards religion and diversity, and its most famous inventions.

Swiss flag with a dove and an olive branch.

Why is Switzerland a neutral country?

Everyone knows Switzerland is neutral. But what does that actually mean for the Swiss? Find out with our guide.

Diversity in Switzerland: looking at Swiss demographics

The Swiss nation generally loves foreigners – as long as they don’t infringe on Swiss culture, writes Mark Hay, who looks at the rising xenophobia spilling over into Swiss politics.

An overview of Swiss food and cuisine

Discover what culinary treats await you in Switzerland and learn about the country’s favorite dishes with our guide to Swiss cuisine.

Switzerland's Federal Palace in Bern, with waving Swiss flags on a semi-cloudy day.

The Swiss government: politics in Switzerland

With its multilingual, multicultural society, it’s not surprising that the Swiss government system is just as rich and complex.

A brief history of Switzerland

One of the oldest countries in the world with a rich history, Switzerland is home to a diverse set of fairly autonomous cantons.

Swiss culture: social etiquette in Switzerland

Nestled amidst larger neighbors, Switzerland is a melting pot of cultures and traditions, including when it comes to social etiquette.

5 things you should know about Swiss wrestling

Did you know that wrestling in Switzerland is actually a big deal? Well, get ready to ‘Schwing’ with our five facts about Swiss wrestling.

Popular sports in Switzerland

Skiing, wrestling, tennis, and beyond. We explore the most popular Swiss sports and share tips on where to catch the action.

Work-life balance in Switzerland

It might be known as a country of hard workers, but there’s actually a very strong work-life balance in Switzerland. This guide explains all.

Swiss National Day: what to do and where to celebrate

Celebrate the Swiss Confederation like a local with our guide to everything you need to know about Swiss National Day in the alpine nation.

A church and village in Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland.

Religion in Switzerland

The Swiss may not be very religious, but Switzerland’s religious landscape is nevertheless fairly varied.

Person reading the newspaper outside a large building in Zurich, Switzerland.

Where to get the news in Switzerland

From English-language newspapers to the latest Swiss news podcasts, here’s how expats can stay informed about current events in Switzerland.

Fasnacht: how the Swiss celebrate carnival

Fasnacht is when the Swiss let their hair down. Discover everything you need to know about Fasnacht with our guide to the Swiss carnival.

10 Christmas traditions in Switzerland

Discover the magic of Swiss Christmas traditions with this list of ways to celebrate the festive season in Switzerland.

Same-sex marriage in Switzerland

A complete guide to same-sex marriage in Switzerland, from current laws and requirements to public attitudes and LGBT+ organizations.