Switzerland

American  

[swit-ser-luhnd] / ˈswɪt sər lənd /

noun

1. a republic in central Europe. 15,944 sq. mi. (41,294 sq. km). Bern.

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Switzerland British  

/ ˈswɪtsələnd /

noun

1. Latin name: Helvetia.  German name: Schweiz.  Italian name: Svizzera.  French name: Suisse.  a federal republic in W central Europe: the cantons of Schwyz, Uri, and Unterwalden formed a defensive league against the Hapsburgs in 1291, later joined by other cantons; gained independence in 1499; adopted a policy of permanent neutrality from 1516; a leading centre of the Reformation in the 16th century. It lies in the Jura Mountains and the Alps, with a plateau between the two ranges. Official languages: German, French, and Italian; Romansch minority. Religion: mostly Protestant and Roman Catholic. Currency: Swiss franc. Capital: Bern. Pop: 7 996 026 (2013 est). Area: 41 288 sq km (15 941 sq miles)

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Switzerland Cultural  

1. Republic in central Europe, bordered by France to the west, Germany to the north, Liechtenstein and Austria to the east, and Italy to the east and south. Its capital is Bern, and its largest city is Zurich.

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Discover More

It is famous for its watchmaking industry and its milk chocolate.

Known for its strict neutrality, Switzerland maintained armed neutrality in both World War I and World War II.

Swiss banks allow depositors to be identified by a number known only to the depositor and a few bank officials; private fortunes can therefore be kept secret.

Example Sentences

The U.S. could add a more traditional mediator such as Switzerland to the mix.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 20, 2026

“We take pride in calling ourselves kind of the Switzerland of connectivity,” Mohan said.

From Barron's • May 20, 2026

This year's contest was held in Vienna, Austria, after 25-year-old JJ lifted last year's trophy in Basel, Switzerland, with his song Wasted Love.

From BBC • May 17, 2026

Some 166 million viewers watched the contest on television last year when it was hosted in Switzerland.

From Barron's • May 16, 2026

The stolen painting was probably in Switzerland or Brazil or Japan.

From "Chasing Vermeer" by Blue Balliett