世界各国

Switzerland

Introduction to 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. The political and economic integration of Europe over the past half century, as well as Switzerland's role in many UN and 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.

Government

Capital:

Bern 

Independence:

1 August 1291 (Founding of the Swiss Confederation) 

National holiday:

Founding of the Swiss Confederation, 1 August (1291) 

Economy

Economy overview:

Switzerland is a prosperous and stable modern market economy with low unemployment, a highly skilled labor force, and a per capita GDP larger than that of the big Western European economies. The Swiss in recent years have brought their economic practices largely into conformity with the EU's to enhance their international competitiveness. Switzerland remains a safe haven for investors, because it has maintained a degree of bank secrecy and has kept up the franc's long-term external value. Reflecting the anemic economic conditions of Europe, GDP growth dropped in 2001 to about 0.8%, to 0.2% in 2002, and to -0.3% in 2003. 

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $239.3 billion (2004 est.) 

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 1.5%
industry: 34%
services: 64.5% (2003 est.)

Agriculture products:

grains, fruits, vegetables; meat, eggs 

Industries:

machinery, chemicals, watches, textiles, precision instruments 

Transportation

Waterways:

65 km
note: Rhine River between Basel-Rheinfelden and Schaffhausen-Bodensee, some canals, and 12 navigable lakes (2003)

Pipelines:

gas 1,831 km; oil 212 km; refined products 7 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Basel

Merchant marine:

total: 30 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 604,843 GRT/1,050,914 DWT
registered in other countries: 182 (2003 est.)
by type: bulk 15, cargo 6, chemical tanker 3, container 3, petroleum tanker 2, specialized tanker 1
foreign-owned: Belgium 1, Netherlands 1, United Kingdom 6, United States 1

Airports:

65 (2003 est.)