Table of Contents
Map of Switzerland 7
Introduction 8
Key Facts 10
1 Land and people 13
Climate 15
Geographical Snapshot 16
Languages 21
A Brief History 25
Government 39
Foreign Policy 41
The Swiss People Today 44
Cities 45
2 Values and Attitudes 51
Utity Not Uniformity 51
Responsible Citizens 52
Social Control 53
A Self-Policing Society 55
Klartext (Clarity) 58
Transparency and Secrecy 59
Language and Identity 62
Work Ethic 67
3 Customs and Traditions 71
Festivals and Celebrations 71
Remembering History 77
Public Holidays 78
Religious Landscape 84
4 Making Friends 87
Distance and Small Talk 87
Greetings 88
Kissing 90
Doing "Duzis" 92
The Expatriate Community 93
Attitudes Toward Foreigners 94
Invitations Home 96
The Apéro 97
Coffee Culture 98
Neighborly Behavior 99
Take the Opportunity 101
5 The Swiss at Home 105
Heimatort 105
Living Space 107
The Laundry Room 109
Living Conditions 111
Daily Life 113
Education 116
Military Service 121
6 Time Out 125
Clubs and Associations 125
Restaurants 127
Café Society 132
Retail Therapy 132
Banking Hours 133
Art, Music, and Popular Culture 134
Outdoor Pursuits 139
7 Travel, Health, and Safety 143
Visas 143
Driving 144
Trains 147
Other Ways to Get Around 150
Where to Stay 152
Ski Resorts 153
Health and Safety 154
8 Business Briefing 157
The Swiss Economy 157
Labor Relations 158
Presentation and Listening Styles 159
Etiquette and Protocol 162
Negotiating Style 166
Teamwork 167
Decision Making 168
Promise and Fulfillment 169
Management Style 169
Differences Between Swiss and Germans 171
Women in the Workplace 171
9 Communicating 175
Face-to-Face 175
Television, Radio, and Electronic Media 182
Newspapers and Magazines 183
Services 184
Conclusion 188
Appendix 1 Ski Resorts 190
Appendix 2 Some Famous Swiss People 192
Useful Apps 195
Further Reading 196
Picture Credits 197
Index 198
