Switzerland is not just one of the world’s most beautiful countries, but also one of the cleanest and greenest. You literally never find littered streets in Switzerland, unlike in England.
Not only is the just not the culture to drop litter, but Swiss recycling is almost a national pastime, like a badge of honour. If you dropped so much as a sweet wrapper in Switzerland, the police would be after you. And you would never have rivers choked with litter, like we do here.
Animal Welfare: The Swiss Approach
Swiss animal laws are some of the most strict on earth. Pet guardians have to take a short course before adopting, and it’s the law (like Germany) that dogs have to have regular walks. Livestock are more humanely treated too.
There are strict animal welfare laws. In fact, often there are few animal shelters (due to good spay/neuter programs). In some areas, people have to go over the border to another country, to adopt pets.
Fair Politics: A Model for Participation
Unlike England (and the US) which tends to become obsessed by leaders, Swiss politics is very different. Instead of one Prime Minister, there is a panel of leaders, and most big decisions are taken to the country, with regular referendums. Politics is based on horse mentality, where there are no pack leaders, just sociable beings who can mingle in to get the job done.
Swiss people are Happy & Safe
Obviously it’s not utopia (there was once a mass shooting, back in 2001). But overall Switzerland is one of the world’s safest countries and (along with Finland and Denmark) one of the happiest. The average murder rate is about 45 people a year. The England/Wales murder rate by comparison is around 600.
It’s proven that quiet relaxing areas with lots of trees and nature contribute to lower crime rates. Also remember that Switzerland is neutral, so does not bang on about war, as if it’s something to be celebrated or made glamorous.
Good Manners (the norm in Switzerland)
In Switzerland, you won’t find people trampling flowerbeds or littering parks. It’s frowned upon, akin to talking loudly in a library. The land is as sacred as your home – look after it.
People relax on Sundays. This is a no-brainer. Obviously we need emergency services and some shops open for essentials. But overall everything shuts down on Sundays. People don’t work unless they have to (say a doctor) and use the time to be quiet, read books, be a bit lazy and not bother seeing anyone.
People respectfully don’t mow their lawns (they would do this on a Saturday!) or use hammers and drills, as it’s frowned on to disturb the peace of their neighbours on the ‘quiet day’.
Swiss People Can’t Give Children Silly Names
It’s illegal in Switzerland to name your child something silly, like after a football team. This is due to believing it could harm the child later on.
The laws are not that strict, but you’re not allowed to name children after designer brands or where they were conceived. You’re also not allowed to use one-letter names nor name after bad people from the Bible!
The Lake District: A Model of Sustainable Tourism
The amount of lakes in Switzerland dwarfs say our Lake District. But the water is so clean, that usually you can drink from it. Compare this to recent campaigns in Windermere, where comedians have been visiting to join in protests, as the water companies are giving millions in dividends, then spewing out untreated water that could harm swimmers and dogs.