COUNTRY PROFILE

Located in the geographical heart of Europe, Switzerland's long-standing neutral status has given it a political stability that has helped it become one of the world's wealthiest countries. A strong and wealthy industrial state, Switzerland has been independent since 1291. Both tourism and banking are important foreign exchange earners. Switzerland has a policy of non-involvement in world politics likely to be retained because of the fears of uncontrolled immigration. The federal constitution guarantees religious freedom, but relationships between cantonal governments and the churches are decided locally. The post-Reformation confrontations between Catholics and Protestants helped determine the majority religion of each canton. The great reformers, Calvin and Zwingli, expounded the great truths of Scripture in this land, but few today have any interest or understanding of what real Christianity is. Wealth, comfort, indifference and a vague religiosity have become the norm. 

OVERVIEW

Although having declined both UN and NATO membership, Switzerland is a global financial center and home to many international bodies, including the International Committee of the Red Cross and the World Trade Organization. The same four-party coalition has been in power for decades, but there have been recent rises in support for right-wing and green minority parties. Uniquely in Europe, important decisions often rest on the results of national referenda. Although the country was not directly involved in World Wars I or II, Swiss banks have been under fire for failing to help return deposited funds to the relatives of victims of the Nazi Holocaust. 

FACTS

Population: 7 million 
Capital: Bern 
Major languages: German, French, Italian 
Major religion: Christianity 
Form of government: Multiparty republic 
Monetary unit: 1 Swiss Franc = 100 centimes 
Main exports: Machinery and electronics, chemicals, precision instruments, watches 
Internet domain: .ch
Time zone: GMT+1
International dialing code: +41

LEADERS


President: 
Moritz Leuenberger 

Under Switzerland's rotating presidency system, Moritz Leuenberger holds the post in 2001. Born in 1946, he studied law at the University of Zrich and ran his own legal practice from 1972 to 1991. Leuenberger joined the Social Democratic Party (SP) in 1969. In May 1991 he was elected to the Cantonal Council of Zurich, where he was director of justice and internal affairs until he resigned at the end of October 1995. Foreign Minister: Joseph Deiss; Interior Minister: Ruth Dreifuss; Finance Minister: Kaspar Villiger. 

MEDIA

Switzerland's press has full editorial freedom and mainly operates along regional lines that reflect the country's linguistic divisions. There is a large overspill of foreign broadcasts available, giving the average Swiss household more than 20 TV channels. The broadcasting market is dominated by the public service Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SBC), but many private radio and television stations operate at regional level. 

The Press
Neue Zorcher Zeitung Tages-Anzeiger

Television
Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SF-DRS - in German
RTSI - in Italian
TSR - in French

Radio
Swiss Radio International

News Agency
Swiss News Agency 

OBSTACLES TO MINISTRY

• Many younger generations are exploring the occult and eastern religions.
• Lack of clergy in the Catholic Church and widespread espousal of liberal and neo-orthodox theology in many of the Cantonal Reformed Churches have sapped the spirituality of many congregations.

SPIRITUAL POWER POINTS

• Falling away from churches has gained momentum.
• Switzerland has the highest proportion of foreign residents and guest workers of any major state in Europe, which is generating fear and resentment.

Special thanks to Patrick Johnstone's, "Operation World" publisher, ISBN# 0-310-40031-7; and country profiles by the BBC