Switzerland's history spans 700 years — from the Confederation of 1291, through centuries of neutrality, to today's direct democracy.
Helvetii and Romans
Before Christ, today's Switzerland was inhabited by the Celtic Helvetii. In 58 BC Julius Caesar defeated them — Switzerland became the Roman province Helvetia. Hence today's Latin name: Confoederatio Helvetica (CH).
Federal Charter 1291 — Birth of the Confederation
On August 1, 1291, Uri, Schwyz, and Unterwalden concluded the Federal Charter on Rütli meadow — birth of the Swiss Confederation. The charter is kept today at the Federal Charter Museum in Schwyz. August 1 is the national holiday.
William Tell — Legend of Freedom
The legend of William Tell (apple shot) arose from resistance against Habsburg rule. Friedrich Schiller's drama (1804) made Tell the symbol of Swiss freedom. Battle of Morgarten 1315: Confederates defeated Habsburgs.
Reformation and Religious Wars (16th–17th c.)
Ulrich Zwingli reformed Zurich (1519), John Calvin Geneva (1536) — Switzerland became the centre of the Reformation. Religious tensions led to wars of faith, but the alliance system held together.
Helvetic Republic and Federal State (1798–1848)
In 1798 Napoleon marched in — founding of the Helvetic Republic. After Napoleon's fall in 1815, the Congress of Vienna guaranteed Swiss neutrality. In 1848 the modern Federal Constitution was adopted — beginning of Switzerland as a federal state.
Neutrality in both World Wars
Switzerland remained neutral in both world wars. Offered refuge to refugees, but banks also helped Nazi money laundering (controversial legacy worked through after 1995). International Red Cross (founded 1863 in Geneva) — Peace Nobel 1917, 1944, 1963.
Modern Switzerland
Switzerland joined the UN only in 2002, is not in the EU. 4 national languages (German, French, Italian, Romansh). Direct democracy — referendums 4× per year. One of the richest countries in the world: GDP per capita $96,000. UBS, Credit Suisse, Nestlé, Roche — global brands.