The Most Competitive European Country
Switzerland provides an unsurpassed infrastructure for companies operating in the greater European area. An annual study of country competitiveness consistently ranks Switzerland among the top 10 countries in the world.

Switzerland ranks number one globally in terms of productivity, and among the top five in terms of management efficiency and cost of capital/rate of return.

Population
7 million

Four national languages: German (64%), French (19%), Italian (8%), Rhaeto-Romansh (1%)
English is widely spoken.

Government
Switzerland ranks among the global leaders in terms of government efficiency and in terms of social and political stability. Authorities are accessible and reasonable when asked to respond to needs.

The Government is headed by a seven-person Federal Council elected by the Federal Parliament. Federal Councilors have equal power and represent a coalition of the leading parties.

The Parliament is composed of a Council of States and a 200-member National Council.

Economic Data - Outlook
Switzerland ranks fifth in terms of business environment expectations for the period 1999 – 2003, according to a survey by the Economist Intelligence Unit.

Switzerland traditionally reports a small trade surplus, and a significantly positive balance of payments.

GDP per capita CHF 52,862 or USD 36,494 – among the highest in the world.

Switzerland has one of the highest saving rates in the world, and inflation is low.

Currency
The Swiss franc is one of the world’s strongest currencies.
The country’s Central Bank is independent and committed to keeping prices stable.

Business Environment and Taxes
The regulatory environment is reasonable and business-friendly. Tax rates compare favorably with those in other European countries. Tax incentives are available for headquarters activities and new investments. An extensive tax treaty network makes Switzerland an ideal center for financial holdings.

Finance
Switzerland is one of the world’s major financial centers. Its banking system is internationally recognized for the quality of its services. The Stock Market is the third largest in Europe, based on the value of equity trading.

R&D
Switzerland is among the top five countries globally in R&D spending. It has the highest number of patent registrations per capita in the world.

International Relations

Worldwide
Due to the small size of its home market, Swiss business has always been international, resulting in an extensive network of commercial and tax treaties.

Switzerland ranks among the global leaders in terms of foreign direct investments and international or regional headquarters companies.

Human Resources

Quality
Swiss quality enjoys worldwide recognition. It is the result of a good educational system, a strong work ethic and co-operative industrial relations.

Educational System
Switzerland ranks among the top five globally in terms of educational structures. The country enjoys high standards of education at all levels. Universities offer well regarded advanced degrees and polytechnic universities are world known for their research. Many business leaders have advanced degrees from U.S. universities.

Industrial Relations
Switzerland’s labor laws provide much greater flexibility than in other European countries.

Trade unions are reasonable. Strikes and other business disruptions are almost non-existent.

Work Ethic
Swiss employees average a 40-plus hours work-week and are known for their dedication. Switzerland ranks among the top ten countries world-wide in terms of the attitude of its workforce.

Work Permits
Work permits are available for executives and qualified personnel.

The Bilateral Agreement with the EU (awaiting ratification) stipulates free movement of labor.

Infrastructure

Transportation
Airports in Zurich, Geneva and Basel are efficient, easily accessible and offer direct daily flights to all major European cities in less than two hours.

A reliable rail network links cities and towns throughout the country.

Switzerland also offers excellent freight handling capabilities with freeport facilities.

Commutes in Switzerland are short, seldom exceeding 30 minutes door-to-door.

Mail and Telecommunications
Switzerland has efficient postal service and high quality telecommunication systems, including both governmental and private providers. Services are comprehensive and rates are internationally competitive.

Quality of Life

Leisure
Switzerland’s natural beauty and wide variety of sports and cultural activities assure a quality of life difficult to match elsewhere in Europe. Swiss cities offer excellent dining and accommodation opportunities, shopping and a stimulating international living environment.

Schools
In addition to the excellent Swiss school system, American and international curricula are available in most commercial centers.

Personal Safety
Switzerland is one of the safest countries to live in. A recent survey also ranked the country among those with the lowest level of corruption in the world.