25 amazing facts about Switzerland, about which you, probably, did not know

Yes, you probably know that in Switzerland there are Alpine mountains, secure banks and a lot of chocolate. But you probably didn't know the other — sometimes strange and crazy facts about this country. For example, it is the only direct democracy in the world, it adopted the most liberal gun laws and, Yes, that it even grow palm trees! 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 never would have thought that Switzerland has one of the most liberal gun laws (for a population of 8 million is 2.3-4.5 million barrels).

2. Also in this country one of the lowest crime rates in the world.

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

4. In Switzerland there are not only mountains! In the South, for example, palm trees — you'll find them in the area of lake Lugano.

5. In Switzerland's 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 in which to be born. This index includes indicators of employment, level of crime, quality of life, health, a sense of satisfaction with life, etc.

7. In the country 208 mountains over 3,000 meters and 24 with a height more than 4000 meters.

8. Stereotypes come true — chocolate really is the largest export commodity.

9. In the event of nuclear war the Swiss have bunkers built, able to accommodate the entire population of the country.

10. Also in case of war they can easily turn their roads into a runway, removing junction and crossing.

11. Back to the chocolate... the Swiss have come up with edible chocolate gold.

12. Swiss fines for speeding depend on the income of a citizen. Recently, one Swiss, exceeded the speed on the Ferrari were fined nearly a quarter of a million dollars because he earned 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 to propose changes to the Constitution.

14. Have you ever wondered why the Swiss domain is indicated by the letters SN? Well, reveal the secret: because the country's name in Latin (which, incidentally, is often used in other areas) sounds like — Confoederatio Helvetica.

15. And again to chocolate... Every year in Bern is 7 million bars of Toblerone chocolate.

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

17. Military service is compulsory for men since 18 years. Due to the fact that most of the adult male population is in the army reserve, all men should have guns in the home and the necessary gear to be ready for action at any moment. And you thought the Swiss are a bunch of pacifists?

18. In Bern there is a 500-year-old statue of a man eating babies from the bag. No one knows why I put this eerie monument.

19. The Swiss army has prepared every potential mountain pass and tunnel to the possible detonation. Why? In case of war Switzerland will close all the way offensive to the enemy.

20. In Switzerland there is no head of state. Instead have a Council of 7 people, which does all the work.

21. The country also has no capital, because in the Constitution it is not specified (Bern is the capital de facto).

22. In Geneva there is a statue in the form of a huge chair on three legs, symbolizing the condemnation of the use of landmines.

23. In 1802 the Swiss started the war called Stacklike. You know what's crazy? They were armed only with sticks, because Napoleon took away their weapons.

24. The only part Swiss army knife, which is made not in Switzerland — it's 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 equipped the bunkers disguised as country houses, which are the most populated towns. Switzerland is better not to quarrel...