Entry Into Confederation
Switzerland is called “Confederation but it is in fact a federal state. Each of the twenty-six cantons has its own government, parliament, constitution and courts, but all are united around a central power which also has a constitution, government, parliament and courts!
A UNIQUE DEMOCRACY
Switzerland has direct democracy: the people exercise power without going through a representative! Thus, an adult citizen (from 18 years old) can propose a news – this is called an initiative – or oppose a law passed by the Parliament (referendum).RELIGIONS IN SWITZERLAND
There is no state religion in Switzerland. Everyone has the right to have their own beliefs everywhere without being bothered. However, twenty-four cantons claim to be either Catholic or Protestant. Neuchâtel and Geneva are secular.OFFICIAL LANGUAGES
Switzerland has four official languages and many dialects! In the German-speaking cantons, German is used in writing, but Swiss German is spoken on a daily basis. And everyone has their own Schwyzerdütsch!