Recently, I went to Switzerland, partly to see if it really is the best
country in the world. In this piece, I will argue that this reputation is
indeed well deserved.
The World Factbook says the following about Switzerland:
The Swiss Confederation was founded in 1291 as a defensive alliance among
three cantons. In subsequent years, other localities joined the original
three. The Swiss Confederation gained independence from the Holy Roman
Empire in 1499. A constitution of 1848, subsequently amended in 1874,
replaced the confederation with a centralized federal government.
Switzerland's sovereignty and neutrality have long been honored by the
major European powers, and the country did not participate in either of the
two world wars. The political and economic integration of Europe over the
last half century, as well as Switzerland's role in the UN and many
international organizations, has strengthened Switzerland's ties with its
neighbors. However, the country did not officially become a UN member until
2002. Switzerland remains active in many UN and international organizations
but retains a strong commitment to neutrality.
If you go on and look at specific dimensions, related to the economy,
politics, society and culture, at least 10 are worthy of consideration and
serve as proof of the nation's high quality.
1. The high average income and low taxes
The median gross monthly salary of incumbents at all levels of education,
is 5979 (about 6180 US dollars). Although the financial services and
related sectors such, constitute a large part of the working group,
blue-collar workers earn too much. Only Norway pays a service hour than
Switzerland.
Needless to say, the cost of living is also high in general, but as in
Norway, it is possible to find a situation in which a worker can save a lot
or have a good balance between savings and consumption.
For example, if a person earns 6,000 Swiss francs per month and rent a
spacious apartment in Zurich is 2,000 Swiss francs a month, and then a
large amount of money is still left since the tax burden in Switzerland is
one the world's lowest.
2. The low crime rate
Crime statistics are somewhat blurred and depends on various factors and
may differ from one category to another. It can also be argued that the
most advanced crime could be related to Switzerland's underground banking.
However, regarding both petty crime and violent crime, these two categories
that generally have the most importance to a person, Switzerland is indeed
a very safe country. For example, its largest city, Zurich, has almost no
forbidden areas.
3. A good balance between nationalism and internationalism
Switzerland is linked to several international institutions, such as NATO,
the U.N. and various globalist organizations like the World Economic Forum
in Davos. The customer-oriented banking system, although more in line with
general European and world standards in recent times, is yet another
element such doubtful. In addition, it has signed several important
bilateral agreements with the EU.
However, given that much of the Swiss are nationalists and national
conservative Swiss People's Party populist right is the country's largest
(29.4% in 2015), a good balance was created. Formed in 1971 as part of
urban entrepreneurs and farmers, First Vice President has become more
populist and radical led by wealthy businessman Christoph Blocher and Toni
Brunner farmer in the 2000s and before. It also has a strong youth section
and well-educated, please Junge, and that many whole lot more competent
other similar parties throughout Europe.
Taking advantage of direct democracy, senior vice president several
referendums succeeded anti-Islam and immigration restrictionist they
triggered by the collection of more than 100,000 petition signatures of
Swiss citizens. For example, after a referendum in 2009, are banned in
public minarets and EU migrants and non-EU migrants are limited by specific
quotas.
He is ethnically over 90% European. The largest ethnic groups are German
65%, 18% French and 10% Italian, and others as only 6% (mainly people of
the Balkans). Yet if one can contribute and integrate although it can move
non-European permanent and benefit from citizenship after 10 years without
social protection.
Economic policies, particularly those of the first vice-president, is a
mixture of classic and pragmatic liberalism conservatice policies with
strong protectionist element. Those in turn perfectly globalism balance
that is also a feature among the left, largely French-language segments in
Geneva and other cities in the country's western border. Rural and urban
workers farmers benefit from the system, which is a successful compromise:
it is open enough to avoid isolationism nationalist but enough to make it
self-sustaining, rich, and largely independent.
4. Social conservatism
This is linked to and largely overlaps the national conservatism of the
German- Swiss share of the population. Although an oriented state
secularism typically, Christianity, Catholicism (38%) and Protestant (26%),
are an integral part of the country's culture and there is much less
post-Marxism, feminism and warriors social justice, even if they are part
of the Liberals and social Democrats segments of the population.
However, as a modern Western country, it is at least a step towards full
liberalization of feminine forces. Women's suffrage was introduced after a
referendum in 1971. In 1991, the canton of Appenzell Inner Rhodes was the
last to allow women the vote on local issues. Yet social conservatives
elements in the right of the counter degeneration. As expected, divorce
rates are lower in more rural than urban areas. Another facet of social
conservatism is compulsory military service for men.
5. Regionalization of political influence
A bit like the US, Switzerland is based on the confederation of the 26
cantons with regional characteristics more or less distinctive and
preferences. Coupled with direct democracy mentioned above, the fertile
soil for self-determination is the case. A person with the intention to
move to Switzerland can permanently so choose one that conforms most to s
particular preferences.
6. Excellent infrastructure
Trains in Switzerland are among the best in the world, although can be
repellents price levels. For example, I paid 70 francs for a return ticket
between Zurich and Constance (Germany, right at the Swiss border near
Bodensee). Other aspects of infrastructure are also very high. Switzerland
is generally a high-tech country.
7. Beautiful nature
Switzerland has a temperate indoor climate with cold winters and wet enough
summers.Thirty to four degrees Celsius in August are not uncommon. Some
positive characteristics are the Alps, the picturesque villages, and many
high hills. The views are stunning, especially in the Alps and around
Bodensee. Also parts of Zurich, the Old Town, in particular, are very easy
on the eye.
8. A geographical location in Europe
The country is also located next to Austria, Liechtenstein, Germany, France
and Italy, not far from Slovenia and Croatia is, which makes her an
excellent position to a traveler. Eastern, Northern and Southern Europe are
also on hand.
9. high ownership rate of firearms
Although comparisons with the United States is misguided because it
distinguishes the ownership of firearms in non-criminals in the US
generally works, Switzerland has an ownership rate of firearms very high
yet very little violent crime. Every loving man masculine freedom should be
satisfied by this condition.
10. No Islamic terrorism (yet)
Muslims (nearly 5% of the Swiss population) are not allowed to behave as
they wish and the total number of Muslims is much lower relative terms
compared to neighboring Austria, France and Germany. This, combined with a
strong enough military capacity, makes them terrorist attacks less likely
to occur.
Yet it can of course happen and some claim only a matter of time before it
finally.
In summary
There are advantages and disadvantages with all countries, and Switzerland
is no exception. closely related phenomena, such as secularism (which often
goes hand in hand with the growing secularization), liberalism, Marxism and
post-globalization affected the nation and alp. However, in terms of
degree, there are palpable differences between Switzerland and many other
European countries. He managed to find a better balance between nationalism
and internationalism with a distinctive flavor conservative.
Given the low tax revenues and high standard of living, it is one of the
best countries to migrate and live permanently. An English-speaking person
should have no problem learning German in Switzerland and enforce the law
insofar as one is paid on time citizenship.
Read more: 4 Reasons Why You Should Visit Malta
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