Swiss Neutrality has always remained controversial when talking about the alpine country. The primary reason for this is because while the country's status as a neutral country has been in existence since around 1515, the country has come under criticism for some of the roles it has played in some instances where a neutral country would have otherwise steered clear of.
However, there is no denying just how renowned the country's Neutrality is across Europe.
So why is Switzerland's decision to avoid further war and conflict with other nations, off the back of losing to the French in 1516, this popular and controversial?
1. Switzerland's declaration of perpetual Neutrality was signed during the Congress of Vienna in 1815. This makes the country the oldest neutral country in its region.
Since the declaration, Switzerland has made significant impacts in international affairs but fiercely remains neutral regarding military affairs
Fun FACT
The United Nations is the only international body Switzerland has joined since1815. Switzerland is not part of the Europen Union or NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization).
2. In 1934, Switzerland's fierce adherenceto Neutrality prompted the creation of multiple bank accounts for individuals worldwide looking to hide their cash or valuable items anonymously.
3. Despite the country's independence and neutrality, Switzerland traded with Nazi Germany during World War II, which later became controversial among European powersafter the war ended.
4. The League of Nations and the International Committee of the Red Crossheadquarters are located in Geneva, Switzerland, to recognize Neutrality.
Fun FACT
· The League of Nations was founded in 1919, and primary goals include:
· preventing international war using collective security
· investigating and settling member country disputes
· disarmament and improving global diplomacy and welfare
· Geneva is home to about 200 different international organizations that perform various diplomatic missions in over 170 countries.
5. The total effect of Swiss Neutrality is visually present for anyone who visits the country to see. The country's landscape and the scenery look original without any signs of war damage.
A walk down any old town in the city would treat you to views of unique and historic arcades, buildings, and sandstone fountains, many of which were built in the 15th century. This has given travelers enough evidence to believe the country has been peaceful even without knowing the country's neutral stands.
6. Despite centuries of Neutrality,Switzerland is one of the few countries in the world that still enforces amandatory part-time military service for all males (18 and 34 years of age).
This is done to maintain the country's army should need to defend the country's peace arise.
Fun FACT
· Switzerland has enough underground bunkers that can house the entirecountry's population in case of a major world war or disaster!
· Switzerland is also home to the largest Civilian nuclear falloutshelter in the world
7. During World War I, the Swiss Army was placed at all the countries' borders due to Switzerland's proximity to the main warring countries (Germany, France, Italy, and Austria).
This decision made Switzerland the most sought-outdestination by refugees and anyone who sought to escape the mysteries of the war.
8. Switzerland runs a direct democracy system and culturally recognizes four different official languages – Italian, German,French, and Romansh.
9. Although the country maintains strict Neutrality in its dealings withother international countries, Switzerland is one of the world's biggest exporters of arms and ammunition.
10. While Swiss Neutrality is undeniably true, it remains controversial and famous because the country's decisions and roles in recent times have left room for questions to be asked.
For instance, the role played by the Swiss during World War II will always remain controversial whenever world history is being discussed, thus leading to talks about the truthfulness of the country's neutral stand.
Several controversial cases in recent times continue to force questions being asked about Switzerland's neutral policy.
