Continuing the International Cultural Exchange Series, InterLOG is organizing another event in the international culture series. This time, it’s a Swiss cultural program filled with many fascinating experiences.
Switzerland is not only known for its stunning and magnificent natural landscapes but also for its exquisite watches, vibrant music festivals, delicious cheeses, and premium chocolates, all of which attract tourists from around the world. Switzerland also marks its place in history with many significant events and is home to the headquarters of many prestigious international organizations.
1. Distinctive Features of the Swiss Confederation
Switzerland, officially the Swiss Confederation, is a federal republic located in central Europe. The country is composed of 26 cantons, with the city of Bern as the seat of the federal government. Situated in Western-Central Europe, Switzerland shares borders with Italy to the south, France to the west, Germany to the north, and Austria and Liechtenstein to the east. Switzerland is a landlocked country with a total area of 41,285 km², featuring diverse terrain, including the Alps, the Swiss Plateau, and the Jura mountains. Although the Alps cover most of its territory, Switzerland's population of about 8 million people mainly lives on the plateau. The largest cities, including Zurich and Geneva, are also located on this plateau and serve as major economic and global hubs.
1.1 Unique Culture
Switzerland has four official languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh, which reflect the country's rich cultural diversity and contribute to its communication and literary wealth.
Famous for its culinary specialties like fondue (melted cheese served with bread), raclette (melted cheese with potatoes), and premium chocolates. Local wines and cheeses are also integral to Swiss cuisine.
Major cultural events such as the Montreux Jazz Festival, the Locarno Film Festival, Basel's Fasnacht, and Geneva's L'Escalade attract visitors from around the globe. Traditional customs such as yodeling and playing the alphorn are also well-known.
Switzerland is home to many museums, art galleries, and unique architectural works. Cities like Zurich and Geneva are major cultural centers, boasting renowned museums and theaters.
Switzerland has a strong tradition in winter sports, such as skiing and ice skating. Additionally, soccer and tennis are very popular, with world-renowned athletes like Roger Federer.
The Swiss are known for their healthy lifestyle, love of nature, and commitment to environmental protection. Hiking, mountain climbing, and swimming are popular outdoor activities.
The Swiss education system is highly regarded, promoting creativity and research. Swiss universities and research institutes are consistently ranked among the world's top, particularly in science and engineering.
Switzerland is also famous for its hardworking, precise, and efficient work ethic, with a strong emphasis on professionalism and quality in the workplace.
Switzerland is famous for its many music festivals that attract tourists from all over the world. Source: Collected
1.2 A Rich and Progressive Lifestyle Daily life in Switzerland often reflects a blend of modern and traditional living, with many noteworthy characteristics:
The Swiss are known for their punctuality and respect for time, placing great importance on being on time for all appointments and daily activities.
Outdoor activities like hiking, mountain climbing, skiing, and cycling are popular among the Swiss. With its breathtaking natural scenery, Switzerland is an ideal destination for outdoor sports and recreation.
The Swiss prioritize healthy eating, with meals often consisting of fresh, organic, and minimally processed foods. Traditional dishes like fondue, raclette, and rösti are widely enjoyed.
Family activities and participation in local community organizations are regular occurrences.
Switzerland's public transportation system is highly developed and efficient. Trains, buses, and trams are commonly used for daily commutes.
Environmental conservation is deeply ingrained in Swiss culture, with citizens practicing waste sorting, recycling, and using eco-friendly products.
Education is highly valued, and lifelong learning is encouraged. Schools and vocational training centers are prevalent and well-invested.
The people in the "land of watches" place great importance on punctuality. Source: Collected
2. Experience Swiss Culture
As part of the #Innovation4Culture international cultural exchange program, aimed at personal development and understanding the cultures of the world's happiest countries under the 2024 theme #Innovation4Happy, InterLOG is organizing a Swiss cultural exchange event. Activities include decorating Swiss Roll cakes, cultural trivia quizzes with prizes, and more. Additionally, the core value of #Happy_Happy is reflected in the birthday celebrations for August members with lucky envelopes and delicious cakes.
The Swiss Roll cake decorations created by various departments at InterLOGInterLOG members born in August were celebrated with birthday cakes and lucky red envelopes.
By embodying the spirit of "Innovator - Innovation4Culture," participating in these activities not only helps people better understand the cultures of the world's happiest countries but also honors the spirit of innovation and sustainable development. This initiative reflects InterLOG's effort to innovate from within the organization, starting with its members, and striving towards a sustainable ESG development model.
InterLOG members spread the Happy-Happy spirit through the Swiss cultural exchange program.
