12 Amazing Facts About Switzerland – Heaven On Earth

Here are some interesting facts about Switzerland!

1. In 2018, Switzerland ranked first for the eighth consecutive year, as the most innovative country in the world in The Global Innovation Index.

2. Switzerland is a good country to live in for a fit life. According to the World Health Organization, the Swiss country is the least obese European country with only 17.5% of the population being obese. Did you know who funds the WHO?

3. Switzerland is home to numerous mountains which are 3,000 meters high.  It has more high peaks, than any other country in Europe with 48, that are above 4000 meters.

4. Switzerland’s flag being the only square flag among all, has a resemblance with The Red Cross. Well, it is not a coincidence. Its flag is simply a color-switching of the Flag of Switzerland, showing proud Swiss roots. The Red Cross has 97 million volunteers, and was founded in 1863 in Geneva, Switzerland where its headquarters still remain today.

5. Jean-Henri Dunant, a Swiss businessman and the founder of the International Committee of the Red Cross, received the very first Nobel Peace Prize in 1901.

6. Switzerland’s Gotthard tunnel is the longest in the world measuring 57km, making it 7km longer than the Channel Tunnel between England and France. It took 17 years to complete it.

7. Albert Einstein developed his famous formula for Mass–energy equivalence E=MC2 in Switzerland. He developed his theory of relativity while studying and living in Bern, after renouncing his German citizenship to avoid military duty.

8. Jungfraujoch, Bernese Alps, Switzerland is the highest railway station in Europe at 3454 meters.

9. Niesenbahn Funicular Railway, Spiez, Switzerland has this staircase with11,674 steps and a height of 1,669 m (5,476 ft) which makes it the world’s longest stairs. It is not open to the public, but there is a public run once a year to enjoy this sight.

10. With a height of 285m and with a total weight of 15 million tonnes, The Grande Dixence is the world’s highest gravity dam. It collects melting water from the surrounding glaciers and can hold up to 400 billion liters of water.

11. More than half of Swiss domestic electricity is produced by 556 hydroelectric power plants. Some 19 million gigawatt hours a year, with hydro power the country’s most important renewable energy.

12. Switzerland’s Aarau railway station holds Europe’s second largest clock face. Measuring 9m in diameter, only the railway station clock in Cergy, France is larger than that measuring, 10m.

So that was all for Switzerland. Do let us know how did you find these facts in the comments section below!

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