https://feeds.thelocal.com/ Read the latest news and views from Switzerland in English en-us news@thelocal.com (TheLocal) webmaster@thelocal.com (TheLocal) TheLocal RSS Feed In a new book titled ‘Why Switzerland Became Rich: Facts and Myths of an Economic Miracle,’ its author, Swiss historian Markus Somm, outlines the factors that have contributed to the country’s impressive wealth. https://www.thelocal.ch/20260511/economic-miracle-new-book-explains-how-switzerland-became-so-rich Mon, 11 May 2026 16:50:11 +0200 economic-miracle-new-book-explains-how-switzerland-became-so-rich Switzerland has many rules (both written and not) about what is an acceptable and expected behaviour in all areas of life – including making and receiving calls. https://www.thelocal.ch/20260325/explained-the-right-and-wrong-way-to-answer-the-phone-in-switzerland Wed, 25 Mar 2026 13:28:07 +0100 explained-the-right-and-wrong-way-to-answer-the-phone-in-switzerland In a new study, the vast majority of respondents — 69 percent — described themselves as 'Swiss', with only 4 percent identifying as 'European.' So why is that? https://www.thelocal.ch/20250612/why-so-many-in-switzerland-identify-only-as-swiss-rather-than-european Thu, 12 Jun 2025 12:07:28 +0200 why-so-many-in-switzerland-identify-only-as-swiss-rather-than-european As we wrap up the Christmas period, you may be wondering how to dispose of your Christmas tree in Switzerland without getting stuck with a fine. Here’s how. https://www.thelocal.ch/20231227/explained-how-to-properly-dispose-of-a-christmas-tree-in-switzerland Wed, 27 Dec 2023 17:04:22 +0100 explained-how-to-properly-dispose-of-a-christmas-tree-in-switzerland Most Swiss cantons belong to German, French, or Italian linguistic regions. But there are also some where two national languages are spoken. Does that mean things can get complicated? https://www.thelocal.ch/20230720/what-you-should-know-about-living-in-switzerlands-bilingual-cantons Thu, 20 Jul 2023 13:12:57 +0200 what-you-should-know-about-living-in-switzerlands-bilingual-cantons If you have lived in the country a while, you know that things here change at a snail’s pace. There are several reasons why the Swiss like to take their sweet time — and it has nothing to do with watches. https://www.thelocal.ch/20230202/why-is-change-so-slow-to-take-root-in-switzerland Thu, 02 Feb 2023 16:20:41 +0100 why-is-change-so-slow-to-take-root-in-switzerland Nothing disturbs your peace more than loud noises made by your neighbours. But Swiss law provides for some specific rules in such situations. https://www.thelocal.ch/20220913/reader-question-what-can-residents-in-switzerland-do-about-noisy-neighbours Tue, 13 Sep 2022 14:10:16 +0200 reader-question-what-can-residents-in-switzerland-do-about-noisy-neighbours From dodgy bankers to cuckoo clocks, William Tell to Swiss soldiers, Switzerland is a country where myths and stereotypes abound. We separate the facts from the fiction. https://www.thelocal.ch/20220801/myth-busters-five-things-about-switzerland-you-should-not-believe Mon, 01 Aug 2022 14:05:37 +0200 myth-busters-five-things-about-switzerland-you-should-not-believe In some countries, neighbours don’t need an instruction manual on how to treat each other in a courteous and respectful way. But the Swiss have their own — written and unwritten — etiquette. https://www.thelocal.ch/20210503/eight-tips-on-how-to-get-along-with-your-swiss-neighbours Mon, 03 May 2021 16:44:53 +0200 eight-tips-on-how-to-get-along-with-your-swiss-neighbours Aside from chocolate, cheese, watches and army knives, Switzerland is often synonymous with wealth. But why exactly is this small country of only around 9 million people so rich? https://www.thelocal.ch/20210602/how-did-switzerland-get-so-wealthy Wed, 02 Jun 2021 16:56:12 +0200 how-did-switzerland-get-so-wealthy OK, so we all know about clocks, cheese and chocolate, but Switzerland has made a range of other essential contributions to the world. Here are 12 of the best. https://www.thelocal.ch/20211029/12-life-changing-inventions-you-didnt-know-were-swiss Fri, 29 Oct 2021 14:18:18 +0200 12-life-changing-inventions-you-didnt-know-were-swiss It may be unusual for a neutral nation to have a military presence abroad — even if it is partially ceremonial — but there is a historic reason why the Swiss are protecting the Pope. https://www.thelocal.ch/20211019/why-do-the-swiss-guard-the-vatican Tue, 19 Oct 2021 14:21:49 +0200 why-do-the-swiss-guard-the-vatican Shooting training is now mandatory in schools in Poland, a country which shares a border with Ukraine. Some in Switzerland also believe that Swiss students should follow suit. https://www.thelocal.ch/20250425/should-swiss-students-be-taught-shooting-skills-in-schools Fri, 25 Apr 2025 15:49:39 +0200 should-swiss-students-be-taught-shooting-skills-in-schools Many people living in Switzerland enjoy taking a trip to the countryside in the warmer months - but not everyone leaves forests how they found them and some even damage nature. https://www.thelocal.ch/20230417/explained-8-rules-nature-lovers-should-follow-in-the-swiss-countryside Mon, 17 Apr 2023 16:49:05 +0200 explained-8-rules-nature-lovers-should-follow-in-the-swiss-countryside Official figures show that the number of firearm permits granted to individuals in Switzerland increased in 2024. What has triggered this trend? https://www.thelocal.ch/20250404/explained-why-are-more-and-more-people-in-switzerland-buying-guns Fri, 04 Apr 2025 15:41:15 +0200 explained-why-are-more-and-more-people-in-switzerland-buying-guns The Swiss may not have a reputation for being funny but they actually have a great sense of humour. The Local compiled some jokes and funny quotes about Switzerland for our readers’ enjoyment. https://www.thelocal.ch/20210205/swiss-humour-yes-there-really-is-such-a-thing Fri, 05 Feb 2021 17:48:28 +0100 swiss-humour-yes-there-really-is-such-a-thing One of the mysteries about Switzerland is why the country uses CH for postal codes, stamps, car stickers, and internet addresses. Here is the answer. https://www.thelocal.ch/20210906/why-does-switzerland-use-ch-and-what-does-it-mean Mon, 06 Sep 2021 19:06:54 +0200 why-does-switzerland-use-ch-and-what-does-it-mean Small in size, Switzerland is big on diversity. Here are nine maps that help you understand this curious country. https://www.thelocal.ch/20200216/z-maps-that-help-explain-switzerland Sun, 16 Feb 2020 23:34:56 +0100 z-maps-that-help-explain-switzerland Setting off small fireworks in gardens is a big part of Swiss culture on at least two special occasions each year. But what are the rules around pyrotechnics? https://www.thelocal.ch/20231228/explained-can-i-set-off-fireworks-in-switzerland-on-new-years-eve Thu, 28 Dec 2023 15:36:52 +0100 explained-can-i-set-off-fireworks-in-switzerland-on-new-years-eve Switzerland has named a new president but do they actually have much say in running the country? If not then who does govern the country? https://www.thelocal.ch/20230308/explained-who-is-in-charge-of-running-switzerland Wed, 08 Mar 2023 14:27:53 +0100 explained-who-is-in-charge-of-running-switzerland