Living and working in Switzerland
Lifestyle
Switzerland offers an exceptional high quality of life in a first-world, safe, clean environment that boasts exceptional mountainous surroundings in the heart of Europe. In recent years, more and more expatriates have been joining the professional services sector in its main financial centres, in particular Zurich.
Climate
Some people imagine that Switzerland is as cold as somewhere like Alaska but this is not the case. In the plain, temperatures can rise to 30 degrees Centigrade (86 degrees Fahrenheit) and in the summer, even in the mountains, it is hot. In the winter, temperatures rarely drop below minus 5 degrees Centigrade.
The mountainous character of the country means there are differences in weather in different regions. It is very common, for example, to move from a cold, cloudy and rainy landscape to a beautiful, clear sky with hot sun in just a few minutes of travel.
Population
The population of Switzerland is approximately 7.6 million residents.
History
The Swiss Confederation was founded in 1291 as a defensive move amongst three cantons and, in succeeding years, other cantons joined. in 1499, the Swiss COnfederation became independent from the Holy Roman Empire.
A centralised federal government was first put in place in 1848. Switzerland joined the United Nations in 2002 and its political and economic security has enhanced its standing with its other European neighbours.
Economy
Switzerland is a peaceful, prosperous and stable modern economy with low unemployment and an extremely high per-capita income. Its economy benefits from a highly-developed financial services sector and a knowledge-driven, hi-tech sector.
Opportunities
Switzerland offers an excellent quality of life - particularly if you enjoy travelling to other nearby European countries (such as France, Italy and Germany) and activities such as skiing. There is usually a robust demand for qualified professionals to work either in assurance or directly in the thriving financial services sector.
Do you want to know more?
To find out more about Switzerland, click on the links below.
Swiss expat site
Switzerland
My Switzerland
About Switzerland
Zurich information site
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