Switzerland

finance / agriculture / machinery / chemicals

diplomacy, banking, linguistic diversity, direct democracy, cheese, chocolate, watches, public transportation, some amount of self-loathing about past and present failings

anything set in Geneva / Geneve, Luzern, Zurich, Bern, Basel, Lausanne, Lugano, Biel, Neuchatel, St. Gallen, Appenzell, Chur, Sion / Sierre, Fribourg, Solothurn, Schaffhausen or Aarau.

I'm a small western European country sandwiched
between Germany, France, Italy, Austria and
Lichtenstein. My beautiful countryside and bustling
cities are home to about 7.2 million people, many of
whom enjoy one of the highest standards of living in the
world. Of course, I also have my share of problems
and social ills, not least of which are issues related to
immgration, xenophobia and racial disharmony. Still,
thanks to a combination of fierce independence, civic
responsibility and national pride, I have become home
to a unique society with many benefits. My educational
system is excellent; citizens of all ages enjoy a vibrant
cultural and civic life; public transporation is
outstanding and the beauty of my natural environment
is unparalleled. Whether you enjoy window-shopping
in Zurich or hiking in the alps, you're sure to enjoy your
time visiting me!
If there's one thing I have to complain about, it's how
little attention is paid to me abroad. In the past few
months, I've experienced a profound political upheaval
-- but almost no one outside me has heard about it.
And I'm tired of being confused with Sweden. But
overall I've got it pretty good. If only I could decide
whether or not to join the European Union....

If you're interested in me or connected to me in any way,
become my friend! First name = Switzerland, Last
name = Helvetia.