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World Geography > Switzerland Info > Flashcards

Switzerland Info Flashcards

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1
Q

Human Geography

Describe government:

A
  • Formal name is a confederation but functions like a federal republic so it’s run like a democracy
  • 3 levels: federal, cantonal, communal
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2
Q

What do the three levels of government do?

A

-federal: foreign relations, armed forces, customs examinations, tariffs, taxes, communications w/ cantons

  • cantons: 26 cantons, each have own constitution, runs hospitals/universities
  • communes: public services (water supply, garbage, utilities)
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3
Q

Who’s the leader?

A

Johann N. Schneider-Ammann

Elected Sept 12 of 15

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4
Q

How often do the people vote?

A

Have more rights of participation than any other country
Rights vary from canton to canton

Parliamentary elections are every 4 years
Swiss get to vote on different issues 3-4 times a year

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5
Q

Federal level of government

A

2 Chamber Parliament

  • National Council (house of representatives)
  • Council of States (similar to us senate)
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6
Q

Any corruption in government?

A

1997 signed the OECD Anti-bribery document
2001 signed the Council of Europe’s Criminal Law Convention on Corruption
2003 signed the UN Convention Against Corruption

Have stayed true to no corruption because rich European have bank accounts in Swiss banks

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7
Q

Economy

Main industries?
Per capita income?
GDP?
Unemployment rate?
Poverty rate?
A
  • machinery, chemicals, textiles, tourism, banking, insurance
  • $59,300 vs US $56,300
  • worth $701.04 billion represents 1.13% of worlds economy
  • 3.3%
  • 7.6%
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8
Q

How has economy performed over past 5 years?

A

Per capita=increasing
Unemployment rate=increasing in both sides
Criminal activity=low
GDP=increasing

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9
Q

Do citizens pay taxes?

A

Yes, for married couple 5%-15%
Single person 12%-24%

Taxes range from circumstances and rank in society

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10
Q

Debt?

A

Yes
34% of GDP
$1.5 trillion compared to US $17 trillion

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11
Q

What part of economy is growing the most?

A

Growing # of exports

Gold, metal watches, famous chocolates

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12
Q

Culture

Major religions?
Cultural influences?

A
  • Roman Catholic, Protestant, Christian, Muslim, 20% have no religion
  • German, French, Italian, Romansh
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13
Q

Culture

Food?

A

Salt is not used, all natural ingredients

Famous meals=fondue, Swiss chocolate, Swiss cheese

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14
Q

Culture clothes

A

Traditional=boys=smocks, canvas jackets; girls=long sleeved jackets, silk aprons, ribbons around waist

Modern=layered clothing, follows western style, use natural fabrics, fancier clothing in cities

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15
Q

Cultural demographics

A

Pop.-Just over 8 million

Growth rate-.71%

Birth rate is higher than death rate

Life expectancy-82.5 years

Languages-German, French, Italian, Romansh

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16
Q

Daily Lives-Family

A

Average marriage age-29
Average # of children-2
Divorce rate 1/2
Multigenerational is common in rural areas

17
Q

Daily Lives-Work/gender roles

A

Average # of work hours/week-35
Average annual wage-$50,000
Men work outside home and provide for family
Women work inside home and take care of children

18
Q

Daily Lives-housing/cost

A

Cost of living is 50% than living in US
Average house is 100 sq meters
Apartment price=$1,073.80 vs US=$218.12

19
Q

What does culture value most?

A

Cleanliness, hard work, material possessions, proud of neutrality, promotion of world peace

20
Q

Acculturation

A

Women used to not work outside of home but now they are working in business field

Layered clothing, the Swiss are following western style.

21
Q

Assimilating

A

Strict house rules and etiquette enforced
(Hard to get used to all the rules)
Sloppy dress/poor posture are frowned upon

22
Q

Current issues

A 
Urbanization
Tourism impacting environment
Acid rain damaging forests
Water pollution
Air pollution 
Poverty increasing
23
Q

Physical Geography

Landforms?
Natural resources?
Where do people settle?
Issues caused?

A
  • ALPS MTNS, hills, plains, lakes
  • Hydro power from lakes, timber, salt
  • Around lakes, in valleys, plains, along rivers
  • water and air pollution

World Geography (14 decks)

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