Governments

Switzerland, a member of the United Nations, functions according to a stable democratic system that separates the executive, legislative and judiciary powers.

The Swiss Confederation assembles 26 cantons which all profit from great political and administrative freedom of action. Each canton has its own constitution which is subordinated to the laws and to the federal constitution, established in 1848. Democracy is effective and each citizen can propose legal modifications via a referendum or a popular initiative.

Switzerland, although it is not part of the European Union, nevertheless assures its privileged ties thanks to solid bilateral agreements (150 in total). These agreements refer to the following areas:

• free circulation of people
• technical obstacles to business public markets
• air transport
• ground transport
• agriculture
• research