The People

The Swiss are the descendants of Celtic, Italian, and Germanic peoples.

Four national languages are recognized. German is spoken by about 65 per cent of the population; French, by about 20 per cent; Italian, by more than 10 per cent; and Romansh, a form of Latin, by a small group in the southeast. English is widely used.

Freedom of religion is guaranteed; there is no official religion. Approximately 35 per cent of the population is Roman Catholic and 40 per cent is Protestant. There is a small Jewish community.

Education is administered by the cantons. It is free and compulsory for nine years in most cantons. Following primary schooling, students may continue their general education or begin vocational training at one of several types of secondary school. There is almost no illiteracy.

Swiss universities are public and are administered solely by the cantons. The oldest, at Basel, was founded in 1460. The federal government maintains technical institutes in Zürich and Lausanne.

Skiing is the most popular sport, and many Swiss ski resorts are world famous. Ice skating and mountain climbing are also popular.

Numerous festivals and fairs are held throughout the country. In April or May, the return of the herds and flocks to mountain pastures is celebrated in valley hamlets. The William Tell Festival at Interlaken, held in July and August, recalls the legendary exploits of the Swiss folk hero. August 1 is celebrated as Swiss National Day.

Switzerland has been the adopted home of many European writers, including Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Hermann Hesse. In the 20th century several native Swiss have gained international recognition in the arts, including Carl Spitteler (literature), Max Frisch and Friedrich Dürrenmatt (drama and literature), and Alberto Giacometti (sculpture and painting). The Swiss National Museum, with exhibits on Swiss history and culture, is in Zürich.