Switzerland is home to some of the world’s leading multi-nationals crossing a variety of business sectors.
The country enjoys a global reputation as one of the most stable economies worldwide. Its policy of long-term monetary security and bank secrecy has catapulted Switzerland into the world’s largest offshore financial center, offering a safe haven for investors and creating an economy that is increasingly dependent on a steady tide of foreign investment. Because of the country’s small size and high labour specialisation, industry and trade are the keys to Switzerland’s economic livelihood.
Switzerland has achieved one of the highest per capita incomes in the world with low unemployment rates and a low budget deficit as a result of its varied industries.
Switzerland is one of the richest countries in the world by per capita GDP. In 2010, Switzerland had the highest wealth per adult of any country in the world. Zurich and Geneva have respectively been ranked as the cities with the second and third highest quality of life in the world. In 2010 the World Economic Forum ranked Switzerland as the most competitive country in the world, while ranked by the EU as Europe’s most innovative country by far.
- Switzerland’s long-standing reputation for high quality watchmaking makes it a worldwide leader in watch exports. In terms of value, approximately 95% of Switzerland’s watch production is exported, making the watch industry the country’s third biggest export following chemical and engineering.
- Approximately 60% of total Swiss chocolate production is exported to 140 countries with Germany, France, United Kingdom, USA and Canada ranked as the top five consumers.
- World-class research and educational facilities combined with a highly educated work force reinforce Switzerland’s status as a leader in the fields of biotechnology, nanotechnology, microtechnology, climate change and computer sciences.
- Switzerland is home to several international pharmaceutical and specialty medical product companies including Novartis and Roche, ranked 7th and 10th largest worldwide.
- Over 450 varieties of cheese are produced in Switzerland representing the country’s top agricultural export at 60%.