A Global Perspective

Chapter 23: Negotiable Intstuments

Switzerland

Switzerland is located in Central Europe, east of France and north of Italy. It is one of the most mountainous countries of Europe, with more than 70 percent of its area covered by the Alps in the central and southern sections, and the Jura, in the northwest. Switzerland is slightly less than twice the size of New Jersey. It has three official languages: German, French, and Italian. Switzerland's independence and neutrality are well-known among the European powers and around the world. Switzerland stayed neutral during both world wars. Ninety-nine percent of the population is literate.

The Swiss government is a federal republic. The president is both the chief of state and the head of government and is elected by the Federal Assembly from among the members of the Federal Council for a one-year term. The cabinet is elected by the Federal Assembly from among its own members for a four-year term. The Federal Assembly consists of the Council of States which is made up of 46 seats and the National Council with 200 seats elected by popular vote on a basis of proportional representation. The National Council members also serve a four-year term.

The legal system is a civil law system influenced by customary law. Switzerland has a Federal Supreme court made up of judges elected for a six-year term by the Federal Assembly.