Switzerland shares its borders with Germany, France, Italy, Austria, and Liechtenstein, nearly all of which lie within the grandeur of the Alpine mountain range, comprised predominantly of lofty mountains and lakes. The towering Alps cut across central and southern Switzerland, accounting for 60 percent of the nation’s territory. Within these boundaries, Switzerland boasts around 100 peaks near or exceeding 13,000 feet in elevation. The country has abundant water, housing over 1,500 lakes that hold about 6 percent of Europe’s freshwater reserves, with lakes and glaciers covering 6 percent of the Swiss terrain. The snow season here is notably long, stretching from September until April or May of the following year.
The Swiss mercenaries
In such a rugged environment, one might wonder how the Swiss managed to survive. The answer lies in their early system of mercenary service. Swiss mercenaries were hired by various countries to fight their wars, a practice that was once the backbone of Switzerland’s economy. These mercenaries were known for their integrity, loyalty, and unwavering commitment to their clients, even at the cost of their own lives.
The Lion Monument
Swiss mercenaries were known for their reliability and honor. Paid to protect and serve, they were committed to their clients with utmost loyalty, even at the cost of their own lives. The Lion Monument in Lucerne, a memorial for the Swiss Guards who fell on August 10, 1792, during the French Revolution, embodies this spirit. The monument depicts a dying lion impaled by a spear, pain etched on its face as it guards a shield emblazoned with the Swiss coat of arms. Mark Twain hailed this sculpture as “the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world.”
Unwavering commitment to duty
This Swiss value of unflinching service, even to the point of sacrificing their lives, was also demonstrated in their dedication to the Bourbon monarchy, known for its decadence. Despite the monarchy’s flaws, the Swiss honored their contract and protected them to the death. Furthermore, Swiss mercenaries gained fame for their multiple defenses of the Pope. During the Sack of Rome on May 6, 1527, 147 out of 189 Swiss Guards valiantly died defending Pope Clement VII from the armies of Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor.
The shift to armed neutrality
Switzerland later adopted a stance of armed neutrality and has not been involved in international conflict since the Congress of Vienna in 1815. Only in 2002 did Switzerland become a full member of the United Nations. However, the nation has maintained an active foreign policy, frequently participating in global peacebuilding efforts. Switzerland is the birthplace of the International Committee of the Red Cross and hosts many international organizations, such as the United Nations Office at Geneva.
Banking on trust
Because of this legacy of loyalty, a third of the world’s elite now entrust their private savings to Swiss banks—services for which customers pay, despite not receiving interest, a testament to the banks’ safeguarding reputation. In essence, Swiss banks have positioned themselves as financial ‘mercenaries,’ safeguarding their clients’ wealth.
The value of loyalty
The world is not short of money, but it lacks loyal and reliable people. The nobler one’s character, the greater their value in the eyes of others. This principle is deeply ingrained in Swiss society.
From mercenaries to prosperity
The days of “earning money at the risk of life” are long gone for the Swiss. With only 3,500 soldiers, it is one of the world’s wealthiest countries in terms of GDP per capita. The Swiss also top the charts in terms of individual wealth, excluding Monaco.
In a recent referendum, the Swiss people rejected a proposal to provide each citizen with a monthly stipend equivalent to over US$2,100. The reason was simple: no matter how rich the country, it should not encourage laziness. This decision reflects the Swiss commitment to hard work and self-reliance, values that have shaped the nation’s history and will continue to guide its future.
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