Culture of Switzerland

The culture of Switzerland is characterised by the diversity of its geography, its languages and its religious affiliation. This is reflected in the variety of its literature, art, architecture, music, and customs.

The culture of the mountains of Switzerland is not the same as that in the plateau, there are significant differences between the language areas, and between the mainly Roman Catholic and the mainly Protestant regions.
The Swiss sometimes wonder what keeps Switzerland together.

The culture of Switzerland is influenced by its neighbours, but over the years a distinctive culture with strong regional differences has developed. Traditionally Switzerland is not considered one of the centres of European culture, but this perception might be deceptive.

A number of culturally active Swiss have chosen to move abroad, in the past mainly seeking better economic prospects, in modern times as the country is small and also as some wish to seek the excitement and adventure they feel is present outside their homeland. Certain professions, such as architecture, seem to be more promising outside Switzerland, whereas in the medical, watchmaking, and finance fields Switzerland is now importing many of its workers.
At the same time, the neutrality of Switzerland has attracted many creative people from all over the world. In war times the tradition of political asylum helped to attract artists. Recently low taxes, a highly developed infrastructure, a reputation for safety and security, good economic prospects, and beautiful scenery seem predominant in attracting immigrants whether legal or illegal.

Strong regionalism in Switzerland makes it difficult to speak of a homogeneous Swiss culture. The influence of German, French and Italian culture on their neighbouring parts cannot be denied. The Rhaeto-Romanic culture in the eastern mountains of Switzerland is robust.
The Alpine folk culture is characterized by very expressive dances. The Schuplattler is one example of such an expressive dance. Its rapid sequence of jumping and hopping make it visually attractive. Small musical ensembles can be found in the more mountainous areas, particularly in the French speaking part of Switzerland.

No less than four languages are spoken in Switzerland: German, French, Italian and Rhaeto-Romanic. Swiss people working in tourism usually speak English as well. German spoken in Switzerland in also being called 'Schwitzerdütsch'. It sounds totally different than 'standard' German. This language has its own words and a different pronunciation.