Swiss customs, history, culture, lifestyle, and living

This book is part of the Swiss edition of the World Cultural Travel series and covers the overall aspects of Swiss customs, history, culture, lifestyle, and life.
Whether you're visiting Switzerland for business or simply for pleasure, we'll help you make your time there even more enriching and memorable.
This book contains information on Swiss local customs and traditions, history, religion, and politics, as well as Swiss families, work, leisure, food, clothing, and shelter, and communication.

From a geographical point of view, Switzerland can be divided into three regions: the Jura Mountains, the Central Highlands, and the Alps.
The Jura Mountains (Celtic for "forest") are a limestone mountain range that stretches from Lake Geneva to the Rhine River, reaching eastern France and southern Germany.
This subalpine region covers about 10% of Switzerland's total land area.
The average elevation above sea level in this area is 700 m.
The Jura Mountains are a picturesque highland with valleys of several rivers.
---From "Chapter 1 Territory and People"

A sense of duty, even seen among our German neighbors, is a value deeply ingrained in Swiss culture.
In Switzerland, you should try to behave properly.
Even if there don't seem to be many police officers, it's difficult to act recklessly.
Swiss people will be quick to point out where you, as a foreigner, have done something wrong.
Whether you're cramming your van into a tight parking space or evading taxes, the Swiss who witness it won't let it go unnoticed.
---From "Chapter 2: Values ​​and Way of Thinking"

Christmas in Switzerland is becoming increasingly commercialized.
Store shelves begin to take on a Christmas atmosphere before the end of October.
Come December, holiday markets burst into tradition, and visitors stroll leisurely through the narrow, beautifully decorated streets of rural villages and the "historic districts" of city centers, browsing the wares.
You can drink Glühwein, a warm wine, eat chestnuts, and buy special Christmas cakes.
Children eagerly await the moment when they are old enough to make kerche (candles) with sweet-smelling beeswax.
---From "Chapter 3 Customs and Traditions"

The point at which a handshake transitions into a kiss isn't always clear, but the Swiss see it as the beginning of a genuine friendship.
A Swiss person you know might feel uncomfortable if you kiss them too early.
Likewise, Swiss people will opt for a handshake if they think a foreigner would find kissing uncomfortable.
If you are married to a Swiss person or are in a serious relationship, his or her friends will kiss you as soon as they meet you.
---From "Chapter 4: Becoming Friends with the Swiss"

It is not easy to enter university in Switzerland.
Although it varies by state, to enter a preparatory class, students must demonstrate academic ability by the age of 12 or 13.
Students in the preparatory course take the university entrance exam (called “Matura” in German) when they turn 18 or 19.
Students who pass the exam receive a diploma, which is a qualification that allows them to choose the university of their choice.
Switzerland's university enrollment rate is less than 30%, which is lower than that of neighboring countries.
This is because students must demonstrate academic achievement at a young age, and also because students in technical fields receive higher education at specialized institutions comparable to universities in other countries.
---From "Chapter 5 Family Life"

The cuisine served in restaurants in each language region is influenced by neighboring countries.
German Swiss enjoy pork and veal dishes with cabbage and potatoes, and thin soups.
Rösti is a dish made with finely chopped potatoes and can be eaten any time of the day.
The uniquely flavored, rich seasonings and desserts are also attractive.
---From "Chapter 6 Leisure Life"

Shopping Zurich is home to the world-famous Bahnhofstrasse.
This street is lined with large department stores, small clothing stores, and various specialty shops, where you can purchase a variety of products, including Swiss Army knives, at reasonable prices.
Less famous, but comparable to Bahnhofstrasse, is Geneva's shopping street, the Rhone.
Tourists who are wealthy enough to afford exorbitant hotel stays usually flock to this street to stock up on luxury items like high-end Swiss watches and designer clothing.
---From Chapter 7: Travel, Health, and Safety

The Swiss, who are very accustomed to doing business and dealing with foreigners, are very friendly to them and tend to overlook foreigners' mistakes related to formality (for example, addressing someone by their first name during a business meeting).
However, foreigners working in Switzerland need to understand the unique Swiss way of doing things to avoid obstacles in productive business relationships.
---From "Chapter 8 Business Status"

Swiss people value respect more than likeability.
This tendency is reflected in their communication style.
For example, unlike Americans, who may seem too personal, Swiss people can come across as cold and aloof when talking to people.
This difference stems from differences in perspectives on politeness.
As we have seen, the level of private involvement among the Swiss increases over time.
It's not just a question of trust, it's also a question of appropriateness.
When communicating in public settings, they tend not to invade each other's space to obtain additional private information.

---From Chapter 9: Communication