Switzerland is situated in the Alps in Western Europe. It is a federate state of 26 cantons with a population of about 8 million people and its capital in Bern. The country is not a nation in terms of common ethnic and linguistic origins. There are four official languages of the state- French, German, Italian and Romansh. The country is united by common history and the ideas of a federate state and direct democracy. It is one of the richest countries in terms of per capita GDP. The country is considered as one of the best places to live in the world in terms of quality of life especially the cities of Geneva and Zurich.
Best Car Hire Switzerland is home to many international organizations such as the International Olympic Committee, FIFA, the World Trade Organization, the Red Cross, and the World Economic Forum. It is part of the European Free Trade Agreements and the Shengen Zone but not of the European Union and the European Economic Area.
The political system of Switzerland is characterized by direct democracy. The division between the different levels is as follows – federal level, canton, and commune. The civil rights of the citizens in the direct democracy is to start a constitutional initiative and referendum. In order to pass an adjustment they need to collect simple majority. By starting a federal referendum a law can be changed. A group of people can call for a national referendum after collecting 50,000 signatures in 100 days. To change the constitution the initiators must collect 100,000 votes in 18 months and then get to national level.
Switzerland has long-standing traditions in neutrality. The country has acted in a neutral way since 1515. The idea of neutrality is to abstain from participation in any military conflict, defensive pacts and support treaties. It the case of Switzerland it has had a profound importance for maintaining the country’s unity. In case of a war the different speaking cantons might want to support different countries and that can threaten the union of the federate republic.
The country’s neutrality was officially recognized during the Congress of Vienna after the defeat of Napoleon. Switzerland remained neutral during the most part of the 20th century and the world wars. There have been some accusations that they have taken sides. Allegedly, during the Second World War Switzerland helped Nazi authorities to sell and laundry the money and jewelry taken during the Holocaust against the Jews. They also helped the Allies by supplying them with materials for the war industry. In more recent history Switzerland became member of the United Nations in 2002 and has taken part of the peacekeeping mission in Kosovo. In order for that to happen there was a referendum to change the constitution. The two main points were to allow Swiss soldiers to be fully armed and to allow Swiss army to take part in international military trainings.
In case you are planning to travel in Switzerland you might want to rent a car. Companies that operate in the country are Avis, Europcar, Hertz, Sixt and Budget.

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