Switzerland is a stable country. IMHO the people who run the country are quite intelligent as well and this article proves it. Switzerland will continue to be a stable country for many years to come. The intelligence of the Swiss was solidified for me when they did not join the EU from the beginning, that called for deep insight. As far as countries around the world Switzerland is definitely at the top of the list to live. While many are dying, Switzerland continues to blossom even through difficulties.
Even when it may look like they are losing they are winning. For example, I was a bit dismayed about the tax situation and the way Switzerland seemed to "bow down" to the Americans. However, in their usual passive-aggressive way the boomerang effect is starting to show. Americans are beginning to have a harder time living in Switzerland, and eventually everywhere else, which will eventually result in complaints back to the US congress, which will eventually have to result in some changes to the tax regulations. Switzerland is taking their investments to other countries a bit more like in Asia, and the US is not such a big player anymore as seen by the article.
Through all the turmoil surrounding Switzerland in Europe, Switzerland is affected but not to the brink of the country falling apart. However, all the walls around them seem to be caving in except for a few countries like Germany, Luxembourg, and Austria. We can say that the Swiss are dependent on these surrounding countries but their biggest trading partner Germany is doing quite well. In addition, the Swiss are well prepared. People may interpret the Swiss preparedness and caution as pessimism; however, they are quite adept at "seeing the forest inspite of the trees." If you think the Swiss are not working on "plan B" you have a lot to learn about Switzerland. Overall Switzerland, has just about got it right. OK, it needs a few tweaks here and there, but in this time of our earthly existence, Switzerland is a wonderful, secure, dependable country to live. Who could ask for more?
I never ate much chocolate in the States because I thought it was awful. Then I moved here. So if you don't eat the 10-ish kilo average, I am sure the rest of us can pick up the slack.
1) Quality of life (natural beauty of country, urban layout, pretty villages, safety, cleanness, salary/cost of living, free time, all small daily things that make life easier)
2) Quality of food (cheap cow milk, cheese from milk and not from powdered milk, chocolate from cocoa, high quality fresh meat, free range chickens! - the ones that look yellow because of the effect of sun on their fat!)
3) Quality of education (from Kindergarten to international schools, up to ETHZ/EPFL...)
For me - biggest advantage is everything that sorrounds me. It's so beautiful here.
Another advantage is - that everything seems to be well organised, tidy, clean, and in order.
I feel very safe in Switzerland - as a person (robbery, rapes or attacks aren't common). People are rather honest and respectful.
I feel safe as a citizen... when I can't say about the country I come from, where we are very worried about governments' actions, about our future, our retirement, and also about the present because of disrespectful and humiliating law in many areas of life...
Ahhhhhh someone help me! I just moved here from New York and yes its beautiful over here but i need people to talk too!! Im a 25 yr old female just looking for a good time
Ha Id chat to ya if I was lucky enough to get a job out there your lucky to have gotten a job in that beautiful country...being trying flat out last while and cant get a break...YET!! guess its all about getting out there joining clubs and reading local papers to see whats going on around your area...it takes a big effort to make friends in a new country..."effort" being the key word!! You'll craic it im sure just give it time
Thought of this post this morning as the smell wafted through my house. And tonight it has started to rain. Brilliant! I even e-mailed my hubby this morning with the prediction!
-How bike-friendly it is(In the UK I'd never ridden a bike, but here feels a lot safer(more designated bike lanes etc. and (IMO) drivers are more considerate)
And when I think about it, the first is the only "must have" on my list. If there were no foreigners/expats in Switzerland, I think I would leave, regardless of career prospects.
Sensible footwear, Jack Wolfskin, family friendly closing times, quiet neighbours who don't intrude, clear rules and regulations for every facit of life, availability of courses for all manner of useful things, Swiss German, Fastnacht........
Must confess I found it a very hard place to settle in at start. now, a few years later I see more and more the advantages. I'm not a very sporty type, but I like the fact that sport is such a big part of life here, that makes me move a bit more and it's a great thing for the kids: swimming, ski, bikes, hiking and so much more!
anyway we are here, we might look at the bright side...