Switzerland

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IntroductionPopulation:8.02 million

Capital: Bern

Languages spoken: German, French, Italian and Romansh

Government: federal directorial republic

Currency: Swiss franc

economyThe economy in Switzerland is divided into

three sectors:"Landwirtschaft" (agriculture)"Industrie" (industry)"Dienstleistungen" (services)

Places to visit in Switzerland

Chateau de Chillon,Montreux

The Jungfrau Region

Swiss National Park, ZernezGeneva

Places to visit in Switzerland

 The Matterhorn, Zermatt  St. Moritz

Mt. Pilatus   St. Gallen The Rhine Falls

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Nestlé

Rolex

Lindt

AMAG

UBS

TOP COMPANIES OF SWITZERLAND

ArtsAlphorn: The alphorn, or the alpenhorn, is a trumpet-like

musical instrument made of wood. It is thought to have the perfect form for a musical wind instrument. The use of the alphorn is seen mainly in mountainous regions.

Yodeling: Yodeling is a form of singing which involves

repeated changes of pitch during a single note. The singer quickly switches between the low-pitch and the high-pitch.

ArtsCarving: The most common form of woodcarving is chip carving.

Such carving is normally for the decoration of everyday objects, such as milk stools, neckbands for bells, wooden spoons, or walking sticks. Figure carving is also common, particularly of Nativity figures.

Embroidery: Embroidery is common on traditional clothing,

particularly women's clothing. Embroidery is often limited to prominent points, such as cuffs, hats and scarves

SportsWinter sports: Skiing and mountaineering are much practiced by

Swiss people and foreigners, the highest summits attract mountaineers from around the world.

Curling has been a very popular winter sport for

more than 30 years. • Ice hockey: Most Swiss people also follow ice hockey and

support one of the 12 clubs in the National League

sportsHornussen: This sport is a mixture of golf and hockey was

invented in the 17th century. In the rural regions this team sport is still very important. Usually there are matches between villages

FestivalsAugust 1: Swiss national day

November 11th-carnival

One day after Easter-six o’clock ringing

December 6th- santaclaus day

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First Sunday of december- the first advent day

25th december-christmas

31st december- Sylvester

Three kings day

Dressing StyleAll clothes for both men and

women should be subdued in appearance, and more subdued in the German north than in the French--and Italian--speaking regions.

Standard attire for men includes finely tailored woollen suits, white cotton Shirts  and plain silk ties, with highly polished black leather shoes.

BeliefsThe Swiss value cleanliness, honesty, hard work, and

material possessions.

Motto: "Unity, yes; Uniformity, no."

They are very proud of their environment and have a long tradition of freedom.

They are very proud of their neutrality and promotion of worldwide peace.

The Swiss have a deep-rooted respect for saving and the material wealth it brings.

Diversity of Swiss culture

Switzerland is amongst the world leaders in technology, trade and finance.

Most businesses are small to medium-sized, and although the Swiss company Nestlé is the world's biggest food company, 97% of its workforce resides outside of Switzerland.

New jobs are created every year, and remarkably Switzerland is internationally competitive

Swiss watchesSwitzerland was involved with watch making

from the start, and even earned a reputation for making fine watches as early as around the 16th Century, setting a standard for quality.

the first electronic quartz watches were developed in Switzerland in the 1960s

Many popular brands of watches are head quartered at Switzerland.

Swiss chocolatesThe Swiss first started making chocolate in the

1800's, at the time there was no abundant commodities of chocolate and sugar

 In the second half of the eighteenth century, natives of Yal Blenio in the Tessin were responsible for the popularity of chocolate in their country.

Food

Famous dishes are:Fondue(it is made up of melted cheese)Raclette(Hot cheese dribbled over potatoes, served

with small gherkins, pickled onions)Rosti(popular potato dish eaten for breakfast)Tarts(A tart is a baked dish consisting of a filling

over a pastry base with an open top not covered with pastry)

Quiches( open-faced pastry crust with a filling of savoury  custard with cheese, meat, seafood, or vegetables)

Carac(A Swiss short crust pastry with chocolate)

Dinning

Keep your hands on the table at all times during a meal -- not in your lap. However, keep your elbows off the table

Cut potatoes, soft foods and salads with a fork, not a knife

Break bread with your hands if possible. Do not use a knife

If salt and pepper are not on the table, don't ask for them.

When you are finished eating, place knife and fork side by side on the plate at the 5:25 position.

Etiquette

Respect for privacy and discretion are key values in social interaction.

In public spaces such as trains, strangers normally do not speak to each other.

Kindness and politeness in social interaction are expected.

Cultural differences between the linguistic regions include the more frequent use of titles and professional functions in the German-speaking region

The use of a kiss rather than a handshake in the French-speaking region.

Gifting

Gifts are normally not exchanged at business meetings, but small gifts may be appropriate at the successful conclusion of negotiations.

Be prepared to give a gift in case you are given one. A gift with your company logo is acceptable..

Do not bring large or expensive gifts. This is considered vulgar and makes receiver uncomfortable.

Don't give red roses or carnations (these imply romance)

Business Etiquette

Shake hands with everyone present men, women, and children at business or social meetings. Shake hands again when leaving.

Handshakes are firm with eye contact.

Allow the hosts to introduce you at parties.

Use last names and appropriate titles until specifically invited by your Swiss hosts or colleagues to use their first names. Academic and professional titles are used frequently.

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Business EtiquetteAttention to time keeping is very important.

Direct communication is expected and respected. Plain speaking is essential if the correct answer is to be found

Direct communication should not be confused with rudeness or aggression.

Food is important, so it is not always a good idea to talk business at mealtimes - be guided by your hosts on this.

Body languagePoor posture is frowned upon .do not slouch

or strech in public

Do not point index finger to your head.This is a insult.

Never put your hands in your pockets.

Never put your feet on desk, chair or table.

Hofstede model