Switzerland: a country with surprising facts

 In this article we will tell you about five interesting facts about Switzerland that will surprise you.

Switzerland is one of the smallest but most attractive destinations in the world for tourists and businesses. The country is known as the land of mountains, chocolate, efficiency and breathtaking beauty, but there is so much more to this beautiful country. We've gathered five interesting facts about Switzerland.

Nuclear safe haven

If you live in Switzerland, you have a better chance of avoiding nuclear fallout. Why? Well, many people don't know that Switzerland has the largest nuclear shelter in the world. Apartment owners even need to prepare shelters, according to articles 45 and 46 of the Swiss Federal Civil Protection Act. These shelters protect 8.6 million people, which is 114 percent of Switzerland's population.

Many shelters have been built in private homes, hospitals and other institutions. In addition, there are more than 45 public shelters. And not surprisingly, the largest nuclear shelter in the world, the Sonnenberg Tunnel, is also located in Switzerland. There are laws, such as Articles 46 and XNUMX of the Swiss Federal Civil Protection Act, ensuring that every apartment has shelters prepared for nuclear Armageddon.

Lakes and low carbon emissions

Switzerland has more than 1,500 lakes. And the nation knows how to use them properly. It has one of the lowest carbon emissions there, and the lake helps a lot in that regard. How?

Well, according to publicly available data, Switzerland generates 56% of its national energy from hydroelectric power. And 39% from nuclear power plants. This means that the country's fossil fuel consumption is extremely low. The dependence on hydroelectric and nuclear power plants makes Switzerland one of the most environmentally friendly countries in the world.

Food and watches are not the main exports

The country is famous for watches, jewelry and chocolate. They definitely earn foreign exchange and help boost its reputation. However, exporting fine watches or delicious food are not the country's main exports, nor are they the most interesting facts about Switzerland.

Switzerland's most valuable asset that earns the most foreign currency is the chemical industry. Chemicals alone account for 40.2% of Switzerland's exports. And EU countries are Switzerland's largest trading partner. More than 56% of the country's exports come from the European Union.

Speeding fines

Switzerland introduced a speed limit of 50 km/h in urban areas in 1984 and 120 km/h on expressways in 1985. Switzerland is known for having the highest speeding fines in the world. For example, a case where a local driver received a €650,000 fine for driving at 180 mph (289+ km). But this is not your average fine. The penalty for speeding offenses depends on the drivers income. If the judge thinks a driver can pay more depending on their income, the judge can set a higher fine.

The world's most expensive speeding fine was issued to a diplomat from the Republic of Guinea-Bissau for speeding in Eastern Switzerland. The diplomat's Ferrari was traveling at 137 km/h and the maximum speed limit was 50 km/h. The fine amounted to 24 million Swiss francs. So if you are in Switzerland and want to drive, make sure you know the rules and follow them.

High level of recycling

Along with the highest air quality and low carbon emissions, the country has reached a milestone in recycling. Waste management works in Switzerland in a very unusual way and the recycling rate of all recyclables here is higher than in other developed countries.

Switzerland is a country with many other surprising facts. The government always has something to surprise you, from the flag to one of the top Nobel Prize winners. Switzerland is truly a wonderland.

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