1. Introduction
a. History and background
In the 13th century, the cantons of Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden
concluded the Federal Charter of 1291 and founded the
first Swiss Confederation. It achieved full self-governance in
1499. More cantons joined this federation over time. In 1848, this
federation of autonomous cantons was replaced by a proper
constitutional democracy with a federal structure and an
independent judiciary. The Federal Constitution was amended in 1874
and 2000. It guarantees the basic rights of the people and
participation of the public and allocates functions between the
Confederation and the cantons, defining responsibilities of the
various levels of authorities.
Switzerland is not a member state of the European Union (EU).
Nonetheless, in 1999, bilateral agreements between Switzerland and
the EU were signed. They came into force in 2002.
The capital city is Bern. Total Swiss population is
approximately 7.5 million. Official languages are German, French,
Italian and Romanch. English is widely spoken, especially in the
financial services industry. Switzerland’s land area is 41,285
square kilometres.
The currency is the Swiss franc (CHF).
b. Legal system
Switzerland has a civil law system. Statutes are the most
important sources of law, the Federal Constitution being the
cornerstone. The Federal Constitution leaves all law-making power
to the cantons, unless expressed otherwise.
All legislative acts are subject to judicial review. The civil,
criminal and administrative courts at the trial level and the
intermediate appellate level fall into the cantonal jurisdiction.
The highest court is the Federal Supreme Court, the court of last
resort on Federal constitutional matters.
c. Resources
Executive Authority/Swiss Confederation Authorities www.admin.ch
Legislative Authority www.parlament.ch
Judicial Authority www.bger.ch
European Union agreements www.europa.admin.ch/themen/00500/00506/index.html?lang=en
General information www.bfs.admin.ch
Swiss Association of Trust Companies www.satc.ch