Switzerland

American  

[swit-ser-luhnd] / ˈswɪt sər lənd /

noun

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

---

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)

---

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.

---

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

But Switzerland and its safe-haven status are part of the UBS special sauce, some analysts say, and it might not have the same allure with customers if it became a U.S.-based bank.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026

Switzerland have played at 12 previous editions of the World Cup, reaching the quarter-finals in 1934, 1938 and 1954.

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

Switzerland revamped its regulations after it bailed out UBS in the 2008 financial crisis.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026

During a recent Zoom interview from his studio in Switzerland, Peter Zumthor offered a candid look at the making of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art’s new David Geffen Galleries.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2026

And now Mr. Pomodoro says he is opening an international school right here, in Switzerland, and she thinks the whole world is looloo.

From "The Unfinished Angel" by Sharon Creech