Country Profile: Switzerland

Switzerland, a landlocked country in Central Europe, is known for its picturesque landscapes dominated by the Alps, a stable political environment, and a highly developed economy. With a population of approximately 8.9 million, the Swiss people enjoy a high standard of living, supported by a robust financial sector and a diverse export-oriented economy. The Swiss government operates as a federal republic, emphasizing direct democracy through extensive use of referendums, while the nation is renowned for its long-standing policy of neutrality.

Geography

Switzerland is located in Central Europe, bordered by France, Germany, Austria, Italy, and Liechtenstein. The country has a total area of 41,277 square kilometers, characterized predominantly by mountainous terrain, including the Alps and Jura mountains, interspersed with rolling hills and lakes.

1,770 km of land boundaries with neighboring countries.
32% of the land is covered by forests (2023).
37.8% of land is used for agricultural purposes (2023).
The highest point is 4,634 m at Dufourspitze, and the lowest is 195 m at Lake Maggiore.
Has no coastline as it is landlocked.

People and Society

The population of Switzerland is about 8.9 million, with a diversity of ethnic groups and languages. The Swiss are predominantly of Swiss descent, with significant communities of Germans, Italians, and other nationalities. The country is also noted for its high levels of urbanization and life expectancy.

74.2% of the population lives in urban areas (2023).
Life expectancy is 83.9 years (2024).
10.01 births per 1,000 population (2025).
4.48 physicians per 1,000 population (2022).
Swiss citizens enjoy universal suffrage from the age of 18.

Economy

Switzerland boasts a high-income economy with a strong focus on finance, pharmaceuticals, and precision manufacturing. Known for its banking prowess, the country ranks among the top ten globally in GDP per capita. The economy is characterized by low unemployment and inflation rates.

$936.564 billion GDP expected in 2024.
4.2% unemployment rate anticipated for 2024.
$82,000 GDP per capita (2024).
72% of the GDP comes from the services sector (2024).
$675.059 billion in exports is expected for 2024.

Government

Switzerland operates as a federal republic with a complex political structure that allows significant local governance through its 26 cantons. The country has a unique system of direct democracy, enabling citizens to vote on key issues through referenda.

Capital is Bern, with 26 cantons forming the administrative divisions.
The government type is a federal republic.
Latest constitution adopted on 1 January 2000.
Universal suffrage at the age of 18.
Highest court is the Federal Supreme Court, with 38 justices.

Military and Security

Switzerland maintains a policy of military neutrality and has a well-organized defense system. The Swiss Armed Forces ensure the country's defense while also participating in international peacekeeping missions when mandated.

Approximately 145,000 personnel in the Swiss Armed Forces (2024).
0.7% of GDP is allocated for military expenditures (2024).
Mandatory military service for men aged 18-30.
Engaged in 200 troops deployed in Kosovo (2025).
The military's main purpose is for territorial defense and civil support.

Energy

Switzerland's energy landscape is marked by a high reliance on renewable sources, especially hydroelectricity, and a commitment to achieving total electrification.

100% electrification of the population as of 2022.
53% of electricity comes from hydroelectric sources (2023).
Total electricity consumption expected to be 55.643 billion kWh (2023).
4 operational nuclear reactors contributing significantly to energy production.
99.578 million Btu is the average energy consumption per capita (2023).

Environment

Switzerland has made commitments towards environmental protection, but faces challenges such as air and water pollution. The country is a party to multiple international environmental agreements.

37.8% of land is used for agriculture (2023).
30.1% of municipal solid waste recycled (2022).
Carbon dioxide emissions estimated at 33.306 million metric tonnes (2023).
Significant efforts to manage air pollution from transportation and agriculture.
Participates in global agreements addressing climate change and biodiversity.

Transportation

Switzerland boasts an efficient and extensive transportation network, including electrified railways, numerous airports, and a well-managed public transport system.

Total railways span 5,296 km, all electrified.
66 airports operational as of 2025.
The merchant marine includes 17 vessels (2023).
High density of fixed and mobile telephone subscriptions.
4.33 million fixed broadband subscriptions (2023).

Communications

Switzerland's communication infrastructure is developed, with high internet penetration and a variety of broadcasting services available in multiple languages.

97% of the population uses the internet (2023).
11.6 million mobile cellular subscriptions (2024).
3.003 million fixed line telephone subscriptions (2023).
Public broadcasting includes 8 national TV networks.
49 fixed broadband subscriptions per 100 inhabitants (2023).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	8,925,741	Estimate for 2025
Area	41,277 sq km
GDP	$936.564 billion	Estimate for 2024
GDP per capita	$82,000	Estimate for 2024
Unemployment rate	4.2%	Estimate for 2024
Energy consumption per capita	99.578 million Btu/person	Estimate for 2023
Life expectancy at birth	83.9 years	Estimate for 2024
Urban population	74.2%	Total urban residents (2023)
Military expenditures	0.7% of GDP	Estimate for 2024
Total fertility rate	1.59 children/woman	Estimate for 2025