Switzerland
Switzerland, a confederation since 1291, developed into a uniquely stable multilingual state. Permanent armed neutrality (declared 1815) allowed it to serve as a haven for diplomacy, banking, and international institutions including the Red Cross, League of Nations, and UN agencies. Its direct democracy and federalism have made it a model for confederal governance. Switzerland joined the UN in 2002.
- Existed: 1291 CE – present
- Type: Entity
- Government: Federal Direct Democracy
- Capital: Bern