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

A Bosnia and Herzegovina fan before the World Cup group stage match between Switzerland and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 27, 2026

Scientists said in a study released Friday that climate change was "unequivocally" responsible for the heat that broke records in Britain, France, Spain and Switzerland, while the Netherlands issued its first-ever red alert over heat.

From Barron's • Jun. 26, 2026

Representatives from the two sides met in Switzerland last weekend for talks to end the war, which resulted in the US partially lifting sanctions on Iranian oil exports.

From BBC • Jun. 25, 2026

For American moviegoers, it feels refreshingly original, though the same story was previously filmed in Spain, Italy, Switzerland, France and South Korea.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 25, 2026

“It must be the smell of Switzerland, coming from Lordawoo’s study,” Alexander concluded, for he knew his geography from the North Pole all the way to the South.

From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood