25 amazing facts about Switzerland that you probably didn't know about

Yes, you probably know that in Switzerland there are Alpine mountains, reliable banks and a lot of chocolate. But you probably didn't know other — sometimes strange and crazy — facts about this country. For example, that this is the only direct democracy in the world, that it has adopted the most liberal laws on weapons, and yes, that even palm trees grow in it! In general, let's get down to business and read the most incredible and amazing facts about one of the richest countries in the world.

1. You probably would never have thought that Switzerland has some of the most liberal laws on weapons (there are 2.3−4.5 million barrels for a population of 8 million).

2. This country also has one of the lowest crime rates in the world.

3. Foreigners make up 23% of the 8 million population of Switzerland.

4. There are not only mountains in Switzerland! In the south of the country, for example, there are palm trees-you will find them in the area of Lake Lugano.

5. Switzerland has 4 national languages-German, French, Italian and Romansh.

6.According to the Quality of Life Index developed by the Economist Intelligence Unit, Switzerland is the best place to be born. This index includes indicators of employment, crime rate, quality of life, health care system, feeling of life satisfaction, etc.

7. There are 208 mountains in the country with a height of more than 3000 meters and 24 with a height of more than 4000 meters.

8. The stereotypes were justified — chocolate is indeed the largest export product.

9. In the event of a nuclear war, the Swiss built bunkers capable of accommodating the entire population of the country.

10. Also, in case of war, they can easily turn their roads into landing strips by removing interchanges and intersections.

11. Back to chocolate ... the Swiss came up with an edible chocolate gold.

12. Swiss fines for speeding depend on the income of a citizen. Recently, a Swiss man who exceeded the speed limit in a Ferrari was fined almost a quarter of a million dollars, because he earned about a million dollars a year.

13. The Swiss live in the only country in the world with direct democracy. This means that any citizen can question any law and propose amendments to the constitution.

14. Have you ever wondered why the Swiss domain is designated by the letters CH? Well, let's reveal a secret: because the name of the country in Latin (which, by the way, is often used in other areas) sounds like this-Confoederatio Helvetica.

15. And again to chocolate… Every year, 7 million Toblerone chocolate bars are produced in Bern.

16. In 2010, the average annual salary of a Swiss teacher was $ 120,000, while teachers in the United States earn an average of 35,000 per year.

17. Military service for men is mandatory starting from the age of 18. Due to the fact that most of the adult male population is in the army reserve, all men should have weapons and the necessary ammunition at home to be ready for action at any moment. Did you think the Swiss were a bunch of pacifists?

18. In Bern, there is a 500-year-old statue of a man devouring babies from a bag. No one knows why they put up this creepy monument.

19. The Swiss army has prepared every potential mountain pass and tunnel for a possible explosion. What for? In the event of war, Switzerland will close all offensive routes to the enemy.

20.There is no head of state in Switzerland. Instead, there is a council of 7 people who does all the work.

21. The country also does not have a capital, because it is not specified in the constitution (Bern is the de facto capital).

22. In Geneva, there is a statue in the form of a huge chair on three legs, which symbolizes the condemnation of the use of anti-personnel mines.

23. In 1802, the Swiss started a war called the Stecklikrig. Do you know what the craziest thing is? They were armed only with sticks, because Napoleon had taken their weapons.

24. The only part of a Swiss knife that is not made in Switzerland is a corkscrew. It is made in Japan.

25. Again, we are here to destroy your opinion of Switzerland as a country of pacifists… The army has bunkers equipped with everything necessary, disguised as country houses, which are located in the most populated villages. It is better not to quarrel with Switzerland…