Embracing the fine Swiss life

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Across many indices, surveys and reports, Switzerland consistently ranks as one of the best countries to live in.

The 2023 Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) report on the most livable cities, for example, ranked Zurich and Geneva in Switzerland as the sixth and seventh most livable among 173 cities, respectively, based on 30 qualitative and quantitative factors across five aspects namely stability, health care, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure.

So what exactly makes Switzerland one of the best places to live in?

High quality of life

Switzerland consistently ranks as one of the best countries to live in. (HTTPS://WWW.WANDERLUSTSTORYTELLERS.COM)

A report by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) showed that Switzerland has an average life expectancy of 84 years and a median salary of US$66,000. Its people benefit from better services from the government, high standard of healthcare system, healthy work-life balance practices, and better quality of education—factors that allowed it to rank highest among other countries in terms of quality of life.

Zermatt at night (MAKSIM ZABAROVSKII VIA DREAMSTIME)

Switzerland is also one of the most stable countries in the world, politically and economically. Trust in the government, the courts and the police is high in Switzerland. According to a 2023 study by the Centre for Security Studies at the federal technology institute ETH Zurich, even during the pandemic when governments around the world were scrambling and losing their people’s trust, the trust of Swiss people to their government even got a small boost.

Low crime rate

Switzerland is one of the countries with the lowest crime rates. Countries with low crime rates usually have effective law enforcement. In the annual ETH security study, the police would regularly achieve first place in the trust ranking, despite criticisms aimed at the institution, such as accusations of racial profiling or on the proportionality of police actions during political demonstrations.

Trust in the government, the courts and the police is high in Switzerland. (AXEL TSCHENTSCHER VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS)

Job opportunities

The combination of political and economic stability, low crime rates, and well-managed cities has made Switzerland so attractive to businesses, such that many major corporations have their headquarters in this country. Zurich, for example, is recognized as a global center of finance, and a hub for insurance and asset management agencies.

This now translates to numerous quality job opportunities and business possibilities. Switzerland thus has a low unemployment rate, averaging about 3 percent over the last decade.

Efficient transport system

Switzerland has one of the largest and most extensive rail networks in Europe, and most of the lines are operated by the Swiss Federal Railways. (HTTPS://STUDYINGINSWITZERLAND.COM)

Because of its mountainous landscape, ensuring that transportation here is efficient is a huge project. But the Swiss have built enough infrastructure and road systems that almost any part of the country can be reached by bus or by train—even the remote mountain areas.

Currently, Switzerland has one of the best developed and most efficient public transport networks in the world. It has one of the largest and most extensive rail networks in Europe, and most of the lines are operated by the Swiss Federal Railways. These trains are known for their safe, frequent, and punctual service.

Switzerland has one of the best developed and most efficient public transport networks in the world. (HTTPS://STUDYINGINSWITZERLAND.COM)

Buses are also part of the Swiss transport system. In urban areas, regional bus networks complement the rail service while postal buses run to remote Alpine and rural areas that are not served by rail. Switzerland likewise has three international airports in Zurich, in Geneva and in Basel. Smaller regional airports similarly offer national and international flights.

Amazing landscapes

Switzerland is known for its beautiful sceneries and exceptional attractions. The breathtaking Swiss Alps mountain range, which makes up 60 percent of the country’s area, is part of Switzerland’s identity and is of great historical and geopolitical importance. The Alps also contribute to the national economy as these have become a major tourist destination.

Murren landscapes (JOJJIK VIA DREAMSTIME)

Switzerland has likewise preserved the beauty and charm of its old cities. An example would be the city of Bern, recognized as a Unesco World Heritage treat. Framed by wooded hills and split in two by the turquoise Aare River, this city has retained its medieval air with its many fountains, sandstone facades, narrow streets and historic towers. The boutiques, bars and cabaret stages of the old town, some of which are located in vaulted cellars, and the small street cafes attract both the locals and the tourists.

Sources: undp.org, swissinfo.ch, fus.edu, eda.admin.ch, lonelyplanet.com, myswitzerland.com