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

While Switzerland is in a better position to navigate the energy shock than other major economies given its more diverse energy mix, imported oil-and-gas price increases are expected to raise inflation in the coming year.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026

The exception is a 15% tax rate on drugs coming from the European Union, Japan, South Korea, and Switzerland and Liechtenstein.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

The ministry noted that Washington had said it would inform Switzerland in the coming weeks about the next steps in the operation, delivery schedules and the costs and consequences of a potential interruption.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

The competition has supercharged the careers of some of the world's most famous acts, such as Swedish pop group Abba and Canadian singer Celine Dion, who represented Switzerland in 1988.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

Sometimes it was like she was out in Switzerland and all the mountains were covered with snow and she was skating on cold, greenish-colored ice.

From "The Heart is a Lonely Hunter" by Carson McCullers