Switzerland continues to have the industrial world's lowest strike rate. On average, only one man-day is lost annually to strikes per 1,000 Swiss employees, as compared with 34 in Germany, 245 in the US, 588 in Canada and 842 in Italy.

Switzerland came in 3rd on the 2004 Foreign Policy Magazine/A.T. Kearny Globalization Index ranking 62 countries in 4 broad categories including economic integration, technological connectivity, personal contact, and political engagement.

Switzerland is a nation shaped by the resolve of its citizens: it is not an ethnic, linguistic or religious entity. Since 1848 it has been a federal state - one of 23 in the world and the second oldest after the United States of America.

Switzerland is governed by a liberal, pro business oriented Federal Council, a cabinet consisting of 7 ministers.

Read more