The federal authorities

The federal State

Switzerland is a multi-ethnic, multilingual and multi-confessional nation shaped by the will of its people. It has been a federal State since 1848. Switzerland has a federal structure with three different political levels: the Confederation, the cantons and the communes.

Confederation

The Confederation is the name used in Switzerland for the state. In the Confederation, there are three powers: the executive (the Federal Council), the legislature (the Federal Assembly) and the judiciary (the Federal Supreme Court).

Copyright by: Bern Tourismus By-Line: swiss-image.ch/Terence du Fresne

Cantons

Switzerland is made up of 26 states known as cantons. They are the states that originally united in 1848 to form the Confederation, to which they each relinquished part of their sovereignty.

Communes

The communes are the lowest level of the state structure. All the cantons are divided up into political communes. In addition to the tasks that are allocated to them by their canton and also by the Confederation, the communes also have their own powers in various areas.

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Image: The new water display with a total of 26 fountains representing the cantons located right in front of the House of Parliament has proved particularly attractive. The Parliament square is in future to become a pulsating square in the heart of Bern. Events attract the public and bring visitors to the square. (Signature: Terence du Fresne Credit: Bern Tourismus)

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21/02/2012 20:12 Swiss tourism: a tale of two markets

In common with many other industries in Switzerland, the ailing tourism sector is being kept afloat by stable domestic consumption and strong growth in Asia.

20/02/2012 17:51 Party ends for easy corporate tax relief

The Federal Audit Office has denounced the generous tax breaks granted to companies up to 2007 under the pretext of aiding disadvantaged regions.

20/02/2012 11:00 Economic slump helps firms innovate

The impact of the strong Swiss franc has driven the government to offer companies a pot of gold to boost innovation. One firm is hoping it will also lead to profits.

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14.04.2011 | 10:12:27

Better access for goods from developing countries

Berne, 30.03.2011 - On 30 March 2011, the Swiss Federal Council (government) adopted a revised ordinance on origin rules for tariff preferences for developing countries. The revised ordinance will pave the way to an enhanced access to the Swiss market for goods from developing countries.

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Hans-Peter Egler, Head Trade Promotion SECO

28.02.2011 | 16:22:00

HSBC data theft: FINMA completes investigation

Following a comprehensive investigation into the large-scale theft of data from HSBC Private Bank (Suisse) SA, FINMA has reprimanded the bank for deficiencies in its internal organisation and IT controls. FINMA has also called on the bank to see through the measures it has already initiated to comply with the legal requirements. FINMA will ensure that these measures are implemented promptly.

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FINMA - Tobias Lux, Media Spokesperson,

21.02.2011 | 12:44:40

Forum for Swiss Foreign Trade and Investment.

All businesses wanting to export successfully should take note of an important date: 7 April 2011. On this day, you will be presented with a load of know-how at Osec's Swiss foreign trade forum.

Swiss exporters will explain how they have made it on new markets, and experts from all over the world will give you valuable practical tips en masse. You'll feel the pulse of the Swiss export industry during catchy speeches, exciting panel discussions, in-depth workshops and promising networking breaks. Be part of the action when the Osec Export Awards are presented for the best projects, chosen by a top-class jury. Get up close and personal with the superior export community, and take away as many valuable experiences and contacts from it as you can.